All USA
- 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 life
In 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 out
President 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 vote
Republican 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 air
The 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 questions
On 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 politics
Some 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 scandal
Rick 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 McCarthy
The 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 wall
After 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 day
The 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 congresswoman
Ohio 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.
- First LookTitle 42 to remain in place at US border as Supreme Court takes up case
Put in place in 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19, Title 42 lets the government deport migrants before they can lodge an asylum claim.
- First LookJan. 6 committee withdraws Trump subpoena, prepares to dissolve
As it prepares to dissolve next week, the House Jan. 6 committee withdrew its subpoena against former President Donald Trump. The committee released its final report without Mr. Trump's testimony.
- First LookSouthwest cancellations continue, surpassing other airlines
Southwest Airlines canceled another wave of flights Wednesday, telling customers it may take until next week for flights to return to normal.
- First LookGood year for women's sports: Viewership, sponsorships increase
Women's sports have grown in popularity for years, but 2022 saw a pivotal increase in prime-time coverage and viewership.
- First Look‘Horse wisdom’: New Mexico equine therapy center aids those in need
My Little Horse Listener, an equine therapy facility in Los Cerillos, New Mexico, uses horses to help people strengthen relationships. Students from the New Mexico School for the Deaf recently visited to practice reading books to the horses.
- Christmas without commerce: Celebrating without shopping
Like the Grinch, these revelers have realized Christmas doesn’t come from a store. How they make the day mean just that little bit more.