All USA
FocusPost-Roe, is adoption a realistic alternative to abortion?Infant adoption in the U.S. has seen significant progress in dismantling legacies of secrecy. Is that enough to make adoption a first-choice alternative to abortion?
First LookUnprecedented system crash grounds thousands of flightsThousands of flights across the U.S. were grounded or delayed due to an outage in a federal government system. The White House has said there was no evidence of foul play, and President Biden has directed the Department of Transportation to investigate.
First LookAs GOP continues to fracture, Democrats champion a growing unityA year ago infighting was the norm for House Democrats on Capitol Hill. But remarkable unity was displayed with the recent unanimous support of Hakeem Jeffries for speakership. “It’s a very powerful feeling,” says New Hampshire Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster.
Robot pals and AI tools: What’s ahead for tech in the classroom?The Monitor’s K-12 education reporter visited the recent CES show in Las Vegas to see how the technology on display and educator needs match up.
First LookWhite House proposes ‘generous’ student debt repayment planThe Biden administration unveiled a new student loan repayment plan on Tuesday that would prevent borrowers from getting overloaded with student debt. A proposal for a one-time student debt cancellation faces an uncertain fate before the Supreme Court.
First Look‘More crucial than ever’: Mental health call centers reach new groupsThe 988 mental health helpline launched last summer, with its easy-to-remember number, has resulted in more people seeking and finding help. Now the program is expanding lines and services for callers from different cultures and LGBTQ youth.
After speaker fight, will McCarthy’s House be more democratic?Some House Republicans contend that a weak speaker is a good thing – giving members more say on legislation. But there’s a fine line between a more democratic process and dysfunction.
The (in)credible Mr. Santos: A test of integrity in public lifeIn addition to personal integrity, there is also what might be called systematic integrity. In the case of George Santos, there are questions about why the traditional layers of political vetting didn’t identify an apparent fabulist.
First LookBiden visits US-Mexico border as new migrant policy rolls outPresident Joe Biden is touring the U.S.-Mexico border for the first time since taking office two years ago. The president’s new policy aimed at reducing illegal migration has been criticized by migrant advocates for limiting asylum access.
First LookKevin McCarthy elected House speaker after rowdy, late-night voteRepublican Kevin McCarthy from California was elected House speaker on the 15th ballot. Among the concessions he made to win was the reinstatement of a House rule allowing any member to call a vote to oust the speaker from office.
Biden in Mexico: Crises on the agenda, but opportunity is in the airThe three North American leaders meeting in Mexico next week are well positioned to take advantage of shifts in global trade. But they have pressing short-term crises to overcome first.
FocusJan. 6 was a security failure. Have the problems been fixed?Capitol Police has implemented dozens of recommendations since the 2021 attack. But some say more is needed to protect the complex.
The ExplainerJan. 6 riot prosecutions: Three questionsOn the second anniversary of the storming of the Capitol, the legal landscape is reaching a new, more intense level. Here’s a snapshot.
Cover Story‘We’re all on the same team’: Inside the Alaska model for US politicsSome 71% of Americans want Democrats and Republicans to work together. Could “the Alaska way” offer a path back toward moderation?
First LookRick Singer receives longest sentence yet in college bribe scandalRick Singer, the founder of Edge College & Career Network, has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison. He coordinated the sprawling bribery scheme that put a spotlight on the secretive admissions system already seen as rigged in favor of the rich.
Why speaker fight is about more than McCarthyThe chaotic speakership election offers a mirror into the GOP’s ability to bridge its own increasingly sharp divisions. And, for whoever takes up the gavel, what managing the 118th Congress might be like.
It took decades: Now there’s a photo for each name on Vietnam wallAfter years of volunteer effort, an online “Wall of Faces” has photos of every U.S. military service member killed in Vietnam, bringing their humanity home to current and future generations.
Congress gets a new class of lawmakers – on a wild first dayThe 118th Congress will have to work around divided control between chambers, and is already showing internal party rifts. But the Hill’s fresh-faced newcomers are just eager to get sworn in and get started.
Citizen problem-solvers: Advice to the new Congress on gridlock“Sully” the hero pilot, a Washington plumber, and a former bookkeeper who talked down a school shooter offer advice to Congress.
First LookPerspective: Ohio Democrat becomes longest-serving congresswomanOhio Democrat Marcy Kaptur, who has served in Congress since 1982, continues to champion the interests of America’s Midwestern working class. “We here in the big middle of the country are not well understood,” she said.
