All USA
鈥楾he best reporting assignment of my year.鈥� A journalist finds joy in Japan.Education reporter Ira Porter covered a range of issues in 2025 鈥� a year that saw U.S. colleges and universities go head-to-head with the government over funding. His favorite assignment? One that took him to Japan, to explore the influence of studying abroad on Black men.
With 鈥榖lockade鈥� against tankers, Trump escalates Venezuela standoffEfforts to stop Venezuela鈥檚 oil exports signal that U.S. goals go beyond the narcotics trade to include pressure on the Maduro regime.
First LookWhat comes after Trump? Turning Point USA endorses Vance amid party discord.Erika Kirk, leader of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, endorsed Vice President JD Vance as the Republican nominee for the 2028 presidential election during the group's annual AmericaFest convention. Talk of future campaigns is complicated by President Donald Trump's occasional musings about seeking a third term.
How the Lumbee Tribe earned federal recognition after a decadeslong effortThe Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, with more than 55,000 members, earned federal recognition from Congress after decades of attempts. The status will open more government benefits for tribal members and fulfills a campaign promise by President Donald Trump.
Foiled LA terror plot highlights 鈥榤ishmash鈥� of beliefs that can fuel violenceExperts say a thwarted New Year鈥檚 Eve attack in the Los Angeles area shows politically-motivated violence isn鈥檛 confined to a 鈥減ure ideology.鈥�
The next step was citizenship. Then these immigrants were pulled out of line.In Boston and other cities, some lawful permanent residents are having their naturalization ceremonies canceled, amid a Trump administration review of applicants from 19 countries identified as posing high security risks.
After strike on American troops, what鈥檚 next for the US in Syria?After three Americans were killed, President Donald Trump threatened retaliation. How a U.S. response might impact the new U.S.-Syria partnership.
Many in Cuban diaspora find anti-Castro soulmate in Marco RubioUnder President Trump, U.S. policy in Latin America has shifted toward more military action. The move is welcomed by many in the Cuban diaspora.
Most schools are wary of AI. This one is embracing it.Teachers are grappling with how to incorporate artificial intelligence into education. A handful of schools are structuring their programs around the new technology, including a charter school in Hawaii聽which offers a paradigm shift around AI鈥檚 role.
For California, a first: Formal role for public in fire-recovery policymakingParticipants in California's deliberative democracy model prioritized permitting, resilience and financial support as foundations of fire recovery.
No one has faced trial for 2020 鈥榝ake electors鈥� plan. In Wisconsin, it might happen.Criminal cases over a 鈥渇ake elector鈥� scheme to keep Donald Trump in office after his 2020 election loss have mostly run aground. In Wisconsin,聽a case involving three key figures in the effort might be headed for trial.
As inflation weighs on voters, Trump is paying a high price, tooWith his approval rating for economic leadership dropping in polls, President Trump has tried to downplay voters鈥� concerns about affordability. The same problem that tripped up Joe Biden is now dogging Mr. Trump.
Texas Senate race sets up moderates vs. fighters 鈥� in both partiesIt鈥檚 been a big month for politics in Texas, after the Supreme Court approved redistricted congressional maps and top candidates solidified running plans. The Senate race emerged as a marquee race with distinct choices in both the Democratic and GOP primaries.
Only 2% of US students who study abroad are Black men. Meet Tremaine Collins, of Tokyo.Study abroad benefits can be life-changing, in terms of retention, economic capital, and upward mobility. So why do so few Black men get that opportunity?聽
Tracking pandemic aid fraud: Five years on, the toll continues to growA high-profile fraud case in Minnesota has spotlighted the lack of safeguards during the COVID-19 pandemic surrounding funds intended to prop up vulnerable Americans. The looting of taxpayer dollars holds lessons about the social safety net and the federal bureaucracy that oversees it.
The ExplainerCongress considers ban on member stock trades, going beyond transparencySome in Congress want to ban members from trading in stocks to counter possible insider trading. At present, the rules mostly cover disclosure issues.
How Trump鈥檚 use of pardon power is breaking the moldPresident Trump has expanded the use of pardons in his second term. Critics say some of his clemency grants could amount to a threat to democracy.
Why US mass killings have dropped to a 20-year low, though violence persistsThe U.S. is on track to record the lowest level of mass killings, including deadly shootings, in two decades. Causes of violence are complex, but prevention programs and community health may play a role in the shift.
The ExplainerSalute or push back? When a military order鈥檚 legality is in question.With military leaders in the spotlight over drug boat attacks, how do troops know when to follow orders and when to push back?
90 years ago, the Supreme Court limited whom presidents can fire. Trump wants to reverse that.For nearly a century, U.S. Supreme Court precedent has restricted the president鈥檚 ability to fire heads of independent federal agencies. That precedent could soon be overturned.