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First Look'Academically malnourished': Freshman class begins college behindAs a new group of incoming college freshmen gears up for orientation, the cost of two years of online learning during the pandemic has become apparent in their academic experience and readiness, education experts say.
First LookIn an unprecedented move, FBI raids Trump's Mar-a-Lago homeThe FBI searched former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home for possible records that should have been turned over to the National Archives the day he left office. The raid, the first of its kind on a U.S. president, has raised strong objections among Republicans.
First LookFederal judge: Ahmaud Arbery's killers get a second life sentenceTravis McMichael and Greg McMichael were sentenced by a U.S. District Court judge to a life sentence Monday for chasing down and killing Ahmaud Arbery whom they wrongfully suspected of burglary. William Bryan, who recorded a video of the event, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
FocusPurdue’s tuition freeze at year 10: Most students graduate debt-freeStudent loan debt has been reduced dramatically at Purdue University, which 10 years ago instituted a price freeze on tuition and other costs.
First LookCompassion test: Can NYC’s shelters take migrants bussed from Texas?Texas authorities are bussing migrants to New York City to spread the burden of responsibility and test a city that has proclaimed its willingness to welcome and care for all. The new arrivals will likely strain NYC’s shelter capacity and Mayor Eric Adams is crying foul.
First LookIn his second year, Biden becomes more president, less senatorPresident Joe Biden has a long political history of working across the aisle and negotiating in the Senate. Over the past months, however, he has embraced more of a facilitating role – a move welcome by experts and politicians alike.
First LookDemocrats' unity tested but $740 billion bill passes US SenateIn a mid-term election year, Democrats are on track to pass a bill intended to slow global warming, moderate pharmaceutical costs, and tax big corporations. The House is expected to vote on the bill Friday.
What a US military base in Poland may signal for NATOThe United States plans a military base in Poland, its first in Eastern Europe, while holding the door open to future repair of relations with Russia.
What has a split Congress accomplished? A surprising amount.An institution that has been written off as largely dysfunctional has passed a series of bipartisan bills, and is poised to ink climate legislation. Is Congress working again?
All aboard: Why rail travel is making a comebackWith airports tangled and gas prices sky-high, train travel is proving a comfortable, affordable, and even joyous bright spot for summer vacationers.
First LookPhoto IDs for immigrants in deportation: Reckless or helpful aid?The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency announced the launch of a pilot program to issue photo ID cards to immigrants awaiting deportation proceedings in the US. As long as immigrants’ privacy is protected, the card could be helpful, says one immigration lawyer.
First LookJury tells Alex Jones to pay Sandy Hook victim's family $4M+A jury ordered conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to pay more than $4 million to parents who lost their child in the Sandy Hook shooting. The award is far less than what the parents sought, but Mr. Jones may still pay millions more in punitive damages and in other lawsuits.
First LookPressure mounts on NCAA to pay women referees equallyLast year, the NCAA agreed to pay referees at its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments equally. Now regular season games are under scrutiny. Data obtained by the AP shows veteran referees were 22% more per game to ref men’s basketball games in 2021-22.
First LookJustice for Breonna? Louisville police officers charged by DOJ.The U.S. Justice Department has charged four Louisville, Kentucky, police officers involved in the deadly Breonna Taylor raid with civil rights violations. Ms. Taylor was shot to death by Louisville officers who had knocked down her door while executing a search warrant.
First LookA reckoning for truth: Alex Jones revokes conspiracy theory in trialParents of a Sandy Hook shooting victim are seeking $150 million in compensation from from far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones who claimed the shooting was a hoax. Mr. Jones now admits the attack was real. The jury began deliberations on Wednesday.
First LookRepublicans and Democrats unite to back Scandinavian NATO bidsIn a rare moment of unity, the U.S. Senate came together to welcome Finland and Sweden’s bid for NATO membership in a 95-1 vote. The vote shows Democrats’ and Republicans’ renewed commitment to strengthening NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Supreme Court is US ‘decider.’ Here’s how other nations check judiciary.By default, the Supreme Court has become the decider of many U.S. issues. Other nations have different systems that lessen the friction a high court decision can cause.
First LookDepartment of Justice challenges Idaho anti-abortion lawsThe US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Idaho claiming the state’s anti-abortion laws conflict with a federal law requiring doctors to provide pregnant women with medically necessary treatment that could include abortion.
First LookFewer new shoes and backpacks: Families feel the inflation pinchBack-to-school season is fast approaching but lower- and middle-income U.S. families are focusing their budgets on food and gas instead of school supplies. It’s a sharp contrast from last year, when parents had more disposable income from increased wages and stimulus checks.
First LookVin Scully, Dodgers broadcaster, remembered as MLB’s best loved voiceVin Scully narrated some of baseball’s greatest moments with grace and beauty. The Dodgers broadcaster, who died Tuesday, called 25 World Series and narrated the careers of players from Jackie Robinson to Clayton Kershaw, creating treasured memories for countless Americans.
