Issues

In praise of the humble recorder — a gateway instrument for millions of schoolchildren

The small plastic instrument has long been the go-to instrument in elementary schools. But it is capable of so much more than "Hot Cross Buns."

Americans’ medical debt can stay in credit reports, judge rules. What does that mean?

The judge's decision vacated a rule imposed by the Biden administration earlier this year to keep medical debt from affecting credit scores.

Texas flash flood recovery effort turns its focus to lakes

With 101 people still missing after the July 4 flash flood, the focus turns to local lakes, and what may be buried in them.

Lawyer says an Alabama teen who was killed by police was shot in the back

Authorities have not released police body camera video of the June 23 encounter or disclosed the name of the officer who shot 18-year-old Jabari Peoples in the parking lot of a soccer field in the affluent Birmingham suburb of Homewood. They also haven't released the findings of the county's official autopsy.

The White House took down the nation’s top climate report. You can still find it here

The National Climate Assessment is the most influential source of information about climate change in the United States.

Floods are getting more dangerous around the country

New York, North Carolina, New Mexico and Texas have all suffered serious flooding this month. Climate change is causing even more rain to fall during the heaviest storms.

In Britain, hopes are mounting to finally clean up sewage-polluted waterways

After years of polluting by the water industry, a report planned for release in the coming days could lead to tightened regulation while also prompting an expensive modernization drive.

Inflation heats up in June as President Trump’s tariffs start to bite

Consumer prices were up 2.7% from a year ago — a larger annual increase than the month before.

Inflation heats up as President Trump’s tariffs start to bite

Consumer prices were up 2.7% from a year ago — a larger annual increase than the month before.

Power prices are expected to soar under new tax cut and spending law

In states without policies to drive renewable energy, power prices could surge as federal tax incentives for clean energy disappear, according to Energy Innovation, a think tank.

Why the Federal Reserve’s building renovations are attracting the White House’s ire

The Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation is attracting mounting criticism from the Trump administration, which had been already attacking the central bank for not cutting interest rates.

Supreme Court says Trump’s efforts to close the Education Department can continue

The Trump administration had appealed a decision that had directed it to stop gutting the U.S. Education Department and to reinstate many of the workers the government had laid off.

24 states sue Trump admin to unfreeze more than $6 billion in education grants

The lawsuit comes two weeks after the Trump administration first notified states it was withholding previously approved funds for migrant education, before- and after- school programs and more.

Flood risk is widespread in the U.S. Few people have insurance for it

Climate change is increasing the risk of dangerous floods. But people often balk at the cost of flood insurance, especially since many doubt they need protection.

Trump marks anniversary of assassination attempt at the FIFA Club World Cup final

The president joined the players on the field after the match to present PSG players with their runner-up medals and hand Chelsea their championship trophy.

Jannik Sinner wins Wimbledon, Italy’s first singles champion

Italy's Jannik Sinner defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Wimbledon title. Sinner is the first Italian to win the tournament.

Los Angeles houses of worship plan for possible ICE Raids

Churches in Los Angeles put contingency plans in place after the Trump administration rescinds long-standing guidance advising immigration agents to avoid houses of worship.

‘Panicking’: Why recent college grads are struggling to find jobs

Recent college graduates are facing one of the most challenging job markets in years — with the exception of the pandemic period — even as the overall unemployment rate remains low.

Poland’s Iga Świątek thrashes American Amanda Anisimova in Wimbledon women’s final

The Polish player emerged victorious after less than an hour of gameplay.

2 years ago, Amanda Anisimova put down her racket. Now she’s in the Wimbledon final

Anisimova was a teenage tennis prodigy. But by 2023, tournaments had become "unbearable" for her mental health, and she stepped away. Now, she is a win away from her first Grand Slam title.

Judges to weigh request to put Alabama under preclearance for a future congressional map

Black voters and civil rights organizations, who successfully challenged Alabama’s congressional map, are asking a three-judge panel to require any new congressional maps drawn by state lawmakers to go through federal review before being implemented. The Alabama attorney general and the U.S. Department of Justice oppose the request.

How 3 Muslim sisters helped change the rules of American women’s wrestling

Jamilah, Zaynah and Latifah McBryde grew up wrestling one another in Buffalo, N.Y. Coaches recognized their talent, but they couldn't wear the required wrestling singlet due to their faith.

How flood sirens could have saved lives in Texas

In the wake of the deadly flash floods in Texas, state leaders are exploring whether to install more flood warning sirens. Such sirens can save lives if they're part of a larger warning system.

Since COVID, threats to local school officials have nearly tripled, research finds

Researchers at Princeton University say some instances corresponded with national attacks on DEI initiatives as well as on LGBTQ+ policies and that the targets held a variety of political views.

A dive into mermaid camp

Mermaids may not be real, but that hasn’t stopped people from turning it into a career.  Mermaiding isn’t just about fantasy. It’s about building real confidence and skills that carry over into other water sports.

Welcome to the Queue, where waiting for Wimbledon tickets rivals the tennis

Tennis lovers don costumes, throw Pimm's parties and camp overnight in line for day-of Wimbledon tickets. Some say waiting in the Queue is more fun than the actual tennis.

Alabama utility commission allowed to hike prices behind closed doors, judge rules

The decision on Monday rejected a lawsuit filed by Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of Energy Alabama, a nonprofit that advocates for renewable energy sources.

In ‘The Jailhouse Lawyer,’ Calvin Duncan fights wrongful convictions behind the razor wire

While incarcerated at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, Duncan would help hundreds of prisoners file appeals for their cases and motions for improved treatment.

Diocese of San Bernardino issues dispensation saying Catholics who fear ICE don’t have to attend Mass

The diocese is the first in the U.S. to issue a special dispensation because of fears over immigration detentions.

Jabari Peoples’ family, community, pushes for release of police body cam footage

Pressure is mounting on Homewood and state officials over the shooting death of Jabari Peoples by a Homewood police officer last month. Protestors took to city hall on Tuesday evening to demand officials release body-camera footage from the shooting that killed the Black 18-year-old.

Baseline knowledge: Where tennis comes from and how the game has changed

Recent years have seen an upswing in people playing tennis (or at least dressing like it). But it's not just a phase. The sport — at least some version of it — has been around since medieval times.

Confused about where things stand with Trump’s tariffs? Here’s a handy primer

President Trump has announced — but postponed the effective date for — higher tariffs once again. Here's what to know about the latest on his tariff policy.