All USA
The ExplainerThe Supreme Court case that could reshape US electionsWhat鈥檚 the best way to run free and fair elections? Proponents of one legal theory say state legislatures should have that power, unchecked by courts, governors, or state constitutions. Critics say there is no historical precedent and it could damage the vote.
First LookMassachusetts women on track to make electoral history this fallIn Massachusetts,聽a state which has lagged in electing female candidates, women lead races for governor and attorney general. This fall could shape up to be a historic year in the state, with five of six statewide electoral primaries won by women.
First Look鈥楢 new chapter鈥�: American and Taliban member released in swapThe family of U.S. veteran and contractor, Mark Frerichs, said he has been freed by the Taliban after over two years of imprisonment. His release appeared to be part of聽one of the most significant prisoner swaps to take place under the Biden administration.
First LookRefugee-welcoming 鈥榮ponsor circles鈥� to be a formal part of US policyAfter budget cuts weakened U.S. refugee resettlement agencies, thousands of American families offered to host Afghans fleeing the Taliban. Encouraged by displays of compassion, the government is turning this volunteer hospitality into an official program.
First LookYeshiva University halts school clubs after high court LGBTQ rulingYeshiva University has abruptly suspended student club activity in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that ordered the school to recognize for now an LGBTQ student group.
First LookUS Southern Republican governors transport more migrants northRepublican governors have been sending migrants to cities such as Washington D.C., New York, and Chicago to show their opposition to Biden administration border policies.聽Two flights arrived in Martha鈥檚 Vineyard on Sept. 14, paid for by Florida鈥檚 governor.聽
Behind a coal mine strike: Who cares for workers in a fading industry?Coal miners have been on strike for 18 months in Alabama. Their struggle points to the wider search for a 鈥渏ust transition鈥� for an industry squeezed by energy trends and the fight against climate change.
FocusHow Arizona became America鈥檚 school choice labWhat does freedom look like when it comes to education? As school choice discussions ramp up, thanks in part to a new law in Arizona, so do questions about what best serves students.聽
First LookWin for Wisconsin voters with disabilities, other states persistA federal judge in Wisconsin ruled that voters with disabilities may receive support in returning their mail-in ballots. In other states, obtaining adequate protection聽for these voters is still an issue, but advocacy groups are working to change that.
First LookRailway labor strike averted with tentative deal made by BidenAmtrak is rescheduling canceled trains after railroad workers reached a tentative union deal that would ensure better benefits and working conditions. President Joe Biden announced the deal Sept. 15, saying it will keep the 鈥渃ritical rail system鈥� working.
First LookNew fuel in abortion debate: Graham introduces nationwide banRepublican senator Lindsey Graham has introduced a bill that would ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks of pregnancy, alarming Democrats. The bill, which is unlikely to pass, underscores Republican preferences for abortion restrictions, say lawmakers.聽
First LookMore gridlock ahead? US House moderates head for the exit.After recent redistricting, moderates in the U.S. House of Representatives are leaving office at an unusually high rate. This could accelerate a decades-long trend that has seen the House grow increasingly polarized.
First LookWhat鈥檚 next for Jan. 6 panel? A subpoena-filled sprint to the end.The Jan. 6 committee isn鈥檛 finished. Eyeing the year鈥檚 end as its tentative deadline, the committee is issuing a slew of new subpoenas and working toward a final written report as it continues its investigation into the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
First LookUS teacher shortages stem from low unemployment, stiff competitionTeacher shortages in the U.S. are related more to hiring,聽especially for non-teaching staff positions, than a shortage of educators. As kids return to school, newly created positions are left vacant due to聽low unemployment and stiff competition.
How the 1954 Brown decision still influences today鈥檚 teaching ranksWhat historical patterns have influenced the need for diverse teachers today? The author of a recent book addresses myths and solutions.
Monitor BreakfastSecretary Cardona鈥檚 ABCs of building respect for teachersAt a Monitor Breakfast, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona called on local governments to respect teachers, from granting more agency to providing better working conditions and competitive pay.
First LookShifting demographics in suburban Atlanta prompt GOP to head northGeorgia鈥檚 Republican Party is relying on voters in the state鈥檚 northern mountain region as Atlanta suburbs become more diversified. Northern Georgia, which voted聽Andrew Clyde and Marjorie Taylor Greene into Congress, remains majority聽Republican.聽聽
Monitor BreakfastLabor unions and workers鈥� deeper quest for respectAFL-CIO President Liz聽Shuler聽says she hears common themes from workers around the U.S.聽Those issues have implications beyond economics.
As Putin seeks a larger army, some see echoes of US in VietnamVladimir Putin aims to expand Russia鈥檚聽armed forces by 137,000. But hitting that target won鈥檛 be easy. The U.S. experience in Vietnam hints at the challenges.
First LookJudge overrules 1931 Michigan abortion ban, November vote loomsA Michigan judge has struck down a long-dormant law that criminalized abortion. The Michigan Supreme Court will decide this week whether to add a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights to the Nov. 8 ballot.聽
