All USA
First LookRail strike averted: Good for the economy, hard on unionsCongress has voted to avoid a national rail strike with a strong majority in both the House and the Senate. Unions are unhappy with the settlement that the vote will put in place, but a strike could have serious implications on supply chains and travel.
First LookMidterm results reflect growing range of pro-choice votersAfter a series of wins in November’s midterms, abortion rights groups are looking for new ways forward in state legislatures while some Republican strategists say the GOP should move away from supporting strict prohibitions.
First LookBeyond ‘check the box’: Native tribes receive funds, representationPresident Joe Biden announced a series of pledges to strengthen Native American influence in federal policy. The pledges include funding tribes’ relocation, making a sacred mountain a national monument, and finalizing a plan to revive Native languages.
Reassessing US democracy: Stronger, but not out of the woodsAfter relatively smooth fall elections, America seems less vulnerable to a crisis of legitimacy. But experts still warn of anti-democratic trends.
First LookHolocaust survivors use DNA clues to find family links to pastThe New York-based Center for Jewish History is providing DNA testing kits for free to Holocaust survivors and their children to help reunite them with family. “There are cases that simply cannot be solved without DNA,” said genealogist Adina Newman.
First LookOath Keepers founder convicted of sedition for insurrection plotTwo leaders of the antigovernment militia Oath Keepers have been found guilty of sedition for efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The verdict marks a significant milestone for the Justice Department in its Jan. 6 investigation.
First LookElection certification stumbles in rural Arizona countiesWhile election results have largely been certified without issue in jurisdictions across the country, that’s not the case in Arizona. The state was long a GOP stronghold, but Democrats won most of the highest profile races against controversial Republicans.
First Look‘Show our support’: US soccer erases emblem from Iran flag on postsIn a show of support for women in Iran, the U.S. Soccer Federation removed the Islamic Republic emblem from the Iranian flag on social media for a short period of time. The two teams prepare to face off on Tuesday in the World Cup.
First LookTrump draws ire for dining with Holocaust denierMr. Trump denied that he knew Nick Fuentes, saying he showed up to Mar-a-Lago as part of a larger group with the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.
First LookWalmart shooting: Manager opens fire on employees in VirginiaWalmart employees in Chesapeake, Virginia, were caught by surprise Tuesday when a store manager walked into the break room and opened fire, killing six and injuring four others. The gunman apparently killed himself, according to police.
First LookNative American tribes restore historic connections to bisonNative American tribes have been steadily rebuilding the bison population, with 82 tribes taking care of more than 20,000 animals. Their success reflects a desire to bring back the herds that played a significant role in their ancestors’ lives.
Cover StoryLove and connection: The transforming power of a thank-you noteAmid daily routines, giving thanks can come as an afterthought. For these regular practitioners of gratitude, however, Thanksgiving comes every day.
Abortion politics, post-Roe, already loom over 2024Democrats campaigned on abortion rights in the midterms – and it worked, helping the party beat expectations. That focus will likely continue in 2024.
First LookAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey calls for pause in executions after failuresAlabama is one of 27 states that still use the death penalty as a form of punishment. After three failed lethal injections, Gov. Kay Ivey called for a stay of executions “for the sake of the victims and their families.”
First Look‘A perfect alignment’: Michigan citizens draw fair electoral mapAfter a decade of government-drawn maps, citizens in Michigan were in charge of the electoral map for the state’s 2022 midterm elections. The result was that the elected legislature almost exactly reflects the votes, a change from past elections.
How a US camp helps Russian-speaking kids in time of warA Russian language camp in Minnesota that welcomes children through the fall wasn’t sure how it would fare this year because of the war in Ukraine. Organizers found that unity and hope prevailed.
- How a US camp helps Russian-speaking kids in time of war
A Russian language camp in Minnesota that welcomes children through the fall wasn’t sure how it would fare this year because of the war in Ukraine. Organizers found that unity and hope prevailed.
First LookRideshare gospel: Mobile preachers drive home a message of loveIn an era filled with impersonal and automated interactions, two Christian Lyft drivers in the Northeast are using their unique access to strangers to help spread the gospel. They keep their sermons accessible and within the length of a typical commute.
First Look'An incredible act of heroism': Colorado gunman tackled by patronA quick thinking club patron at Club Q, a LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado, intervened during a shooting on Saturday night that killed five and injured 25. The club has long been a cherished safe spot for the LGBTQ community in Colorado Springs.
First LookDOJ names special counsel for Trump investigationsAttorney General Merrick Garland appointed prosecutor Jack Smith as special counsel in the Justice Department’s two-part investigation of Donald Trump. Mr. Garland said that Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden likely running for president again influenced his decision.
