All USA
First LookMore Somali Americans, seeking seat at the table, run for officeSomali Americans are an increasing presence in U.S. politics, with 11 running for legislative seats across the country. They are part of a legacy of immigrants testing the waters of the U.S. political process in places they now call home.
In Alabama, a teaching experiment aims to help English learners succeedAn Alabama district is using pandemic funds to hire temporary staff to support English learners – and to show state legislators that with the right support, learning gains are possible.
Durham and the Danchenko verdict: Three questionsSpecial counsel John Durham’s investigation appears to be nearing an end, after losing twice in court. But it unearthed information about the FBI that could spark future congressional inquiries.
Yellowstone at 150: ‘It’s never dull’After 150 years, Yellowstone National Park continues to inspire. A park ranger reflects on the responsibility of long-term stewardship.
First LookAs faith in democracy falters, Americans highly focused on midtermsA majority of American voters believe the future of the country will be at stake when they cast their votes in the upcoming midterm elections, a new AP poll reveals. Both Democrats and Republicans feel the country is regressing.
First LookMidterm strategy or winter prep? Biden to release more oil reserves.In response to the recent reduction in supply from OPEC+ countries, President Joe Biden plans to release an additional 15 million barrels of oil from U.S. strategic reserves. More drawdowns could come this winter in an effort to manage prices.
With midterms looming, Democrats play defense on crimeRepublicans running on crime is nothing new. But as many cities struggle with elevated violence and disorder, the message seems to be resonating.
Evacuation orders, safety, and Florida’s hurricane cultureCould more have been done to save lives during Hurricane Ian? The answer hinges partly on evacuation orders, but also on people heeding them.
First LookChurches and sororities educate to target election law confusionVoters in some states will face new restrictive rules around casting ballots during this year’s midterm elections. Sorority sisters, Black church leaders, and other voting rights groups are organizing to ensure no voter gets left behind in the confusion.
First LookIn abrupt turn, Biden uses Trump-era rule to deny Venezuelans asylumWith a surge of Venezuelan migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, President Joe Biden is evoking Title 42, a rule first deployed during the pandemic to deny the request of asylum at the border. The move is drawing swift criticism from immigrant advocates.
Outrage in LA: Can reforms help heal wounds left by City Council racism?After a secret recording in Los Angeles exposed blunt racism among leaders, a state investigation is hoping to restore trust in leadership.
First LookUncertified teacher numbers spike as schools work to stem shortagesAs districts in the South and elsewhere face staff shortages, many are looking to ease job requirements. Schools are often left with the choice between uncertified candidates or crowded classrooms.
Jan. 6 shook US democracy. Has Jan. 6 committee helped shore it up?The final meeting of the Jan. 6 committee resulted in a historic decision to subpoena a former president. As the committee nears the end of its work, we look at what it has – and hasn’t – changed, and what could lie ahead.
First LookWho knows the truth? Americans alert for misinformation, poll finds.More than 90% of adults say the spread of misinformation is a problem, leading to more extreme political views and behaviors. Most Americans are trying to take steps to avoid spreading false views, such as refraining from reposting on social media.
First LookCost of Sandy Hook lies: Jury orders Alex Jones to pay $965 millionConspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $965 million to parents and an FBI agent who suffered from his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 shooting was a hoax.
‘Pretty remarkable’: How Florida got power back for 2 million after IanAs powerful storms like Hurricane Ian strain power grids, Florida’s investments in resilience seem to be paying off.
First LookIn bid to control curriculums, conservatives fund school board racesOften-ignored school board elections are in the spotlight in the run-up to midterm elections as conservative groups spend millions on the races. Their aim is to scale back teachings on race and sexuality.
First LookBuilt-in resilience: Hope for historic homes after floodingResearchers Paige Pollard and Kerry Shackelford are part of a growing effort to demonstrate the built-in resilience of historic homes, as more fall under the threat of intensifying storms.
On docks in Fort Myers, tough choices ahead for houseboat dwellersHurricane Ian struck directly in one of Florida’s havens of houseboat culture. For boat owners, gratitude for their own survival blends with rising challenges to a distinctive lifestyle.
First LookTo avoid war, two Russians cross Bering Sea for safety of AlaskaTwo Russian men are seeking asylum in Alaska to avoid Vladimir Putin’s conscript for the war in Ukraine. While it’s uncommon for Russians to enter the U.S. this way, Alaska senators predict the state will play a greater role in U.S. national security.
