Issues
Federal investigation finds Harvard violated civil rights law
The Trump administration has issued a notice of violation accusing Harvard University of "deliberate indifference" toward Jewish and Israeli students.
The WNBA is expanding again, adding 3 new cities for a record 18 teams
The WNBA is adding three new teams: Cleveland will join in 2028, Detroit begins play in 2029 and Philadelphia will be added to the roster in 2030. This will bring the league to a record 18 teams.
Canadian prime minister says U.S. trade talks resume after Canada rescinded tech tax
President Trump said Friday that he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue with its tax on technology firms, which he called "a direct and blatant attack on our country."
Say ‘maybe’ to the dress? Tariffs are crashing the wedding planning party
How much extra would you pay to see your dream come true? It's always a big question for wedding-planning couples. Now, there's a new twist courtesy of U.S. trade policy.
Defense Department will stop providing crucial satellite weather data
Hurricane forecasters rely on weather data collected and processed by Department of Defense satellites. That data will no longer be available as of Monday, June 30.
Looking forward to July 4 fireworks? Tariffs may take the spark out of your fun
Fans of fireworks may face higher prices this Fourth of July. That's because most fireworks are made in China and importers now have to pay tariffs of at least 30%.
Supreme Court upholds key Obamacare measure on preventive care
Siding with the government on Friday, the court upheld the Affordable Care Act, allowing the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to continue determining which services will be available free of cost to Americans covered by the Affordable Care Act.
Caroleene Dobson to run for Alabama secretary of state
The secretary of state serves as Alabama’s chief elections official. The office also maintains business records and government records for the state.
Federal judge weighs whether Alabama’s anti-DEI law threatens First Amendment
The new state law, SB129, followed a slew of proposals from Republican lawmakers across the country taking aim at DEI programs on college campuses. Universities across the country have shuttered or rebranded student affinity groups and DEI offices.
Solar manufacturing is booming. Advocates say it could go bust without incentives
Abruptly ending tax incentives that encourage solar developers to buy American could upend a booming manufacturing sector.
Trump says the U.S. has signed a deal with China on trade, without giving details
The U.S. and China have signed an agreement on trade, President Donald Trump said, adding he expects to soon have a deal with India.
What’s that in the sky? We’re not sure, but the fireball was very bright
The object was likely either a meteor or space junk, with most sightings of the streak of light and fireball coming from Georgia and South Carolina, the National Weather Service said.
Faith Kipyegon attempts to make history by smashing the 4-minute mile for women
The three-time Olympic champion will need to shave more than 7 seconds off her personal best, a record she set in 2023. But if she succeeds, the Kenyan runner won't make the official record books yet.
Medicaid changes don’t meet Senate rules in ‘big, beautiful bill’ says parliamentarian
The nonpartisan Senate official whose office determines if legislation fits within the rules of the chamber dealt Senate Republicans a blow on proposed changes to Medicaid.
Supreme Court upholds South Carolina’s ban on Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood
The Supreme Court allowed South Carolina to remove Planned Parenthood clinics from its state Medicaid program, even though Medicaid funds cannot generally be used to fund abortions.
The paperwork trap: A sneaky way to cut Medicaid in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’?
Republicans want to add work requirements for Americans to get Medicaid. Is that a necessary step to fight "waste, fraud, and abuse" or a sneaky way of cutting the social safety net?
The Trump administration says it wants to eliminate FEMA. Here’s what we know
Every year, millions of Americans rely on FEMA assistance after hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and other disasters. The president says state governments should do more.
What the Class of 2025 has to say about the state of higher education
Three graduating college seniors reflect on how their final semester, during the Trump presidency, has changed how they think about higher education.
Alabama environmental groups secure rare win in fight to update water toxicity standards
The new standards will reduce amounts of 12 toxic or cancer-linked pollutants in Alabama waterways, according to clean water advocacy groups that petitioned for the changes.
An AI video ad is making a splash. Is it the future of advertising?
The over-the-top ad combines the energy of Grand Theft Auto with the drama of the NBA Finals — all created by AI. Is it a sign of things to come?
‘It’s such a dream’: Top high school performers step out on Broadway
With a billboard in Times Square and a night on Broadway, the year's top high school performers are ready for their big moment at the Jimmy Awards.
After a thrilling 7-game series, the Oklahoma City Thunder are finally NBA champions
Led by point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league's Most Valuable Player, the Thunder outlasted the Indiana Pacers for the team's first title since moving to Oklahoma in 2008.
What separates the ultrarich from the just-plain-rich? The gigayacht.
A new collection of essays by New Yorker writer Evan Osnos, The Haves and Have-Yachts, provides rich research and material for the conversation about extreme wealth in America today.
LA Dodgers pledge $1 million in support of immigrants amid ICE raids
The pledge comes amid ongoing federal immigration raids targeting migrants in the area, and calls from the Dodgers' fanbase for the organization to speak out against them.
Court blocks Louisiana law requiring schools to post Ten Commandments in classrooms
The ruling marked a win for civil liberties groups who say the mandate violates the separation of church and state, and that displays would isolate students — especially those who are not Christian.
Trump says he’s close to ‘a Deal’ with Harvard, as judge grants injunction
Trump's Truth Social comments came as a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction that would continue blocking the president's efforts to bar international students from attending Harvard.
What children in poverty could lose from the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Republicans want to change or reduce key social safety net programs that provide healthcare, food benefits and financial assistance for millions of children.
Bessemer recommends changing its laws to accommodate one of the country’s largest proposed data centers
Despite overwhelming public opposition, officials in Bessemer voted to recommend changes to city zoning ordinances to allow the massive development. Its operation could strain the state’s water and power supplies and leave an already imperiled fish species at risk of extinction.
Birmingham’s poet laureate releases ‘The Other Revival’ book for Juneteenth
Birmingham’s first poet laureate Salaam Green released a new book this week to coincide with the Juneteenth holiday. The Other Revival features poems inspired by descendants of Black enslaved people and white descendants of a central Alabama plantation.
U.S. resumes visas for foreign students but demands access to social media accounts
The U.S. State Department said it is restarting the process for foreigners applying for student visas but all applicants will now be required to unlock their social media accounts for review.
‘I literally grew up in prison’: Juvenile lifers share struggles, pleasures of coming home
Accounts of reentry are notable as juvenile cases continue to undergo review. Attorneys and advocates say progress on reviews is halting in some states.
Social Security benefits face big cuts in 2033, unless Congress acts
Trustees of the Social Security trust fund predict the fund will be exhausted in eight years. Unless Congress acts, Social Security payments will automatically drop by 23% at that time.
