united states

In our news wrap Monday, a cease-fire in Syria, negotiated by the United States and Russia, took effect at sunset, despite government attacks in Aleppo. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appeared in a recaptured Damascus suburb to say that he means to control the country again. Also, China rejected U.S. requests that it do more to intervene in North Korea after its latest nuclear test. Continue reading →

The U.S. and Russia have embarked on a new plan to end Syria’s civil war that calls for a ceasefire in the country that will take effect Monday. If the truce lasts for a week, the U.S. and Russia will join forces to attack terrorist organizations including the Islamic State. David Sanger, a New York Times national security correspondent who just returned from Geneva, joins Alison Stewart to discuss. Continue reading →

The United States dropped 270 million bombs on Laos between 1964 and 1973. On Tuesday, President Obama became the first U.S. president to visit the country, promising to provide the Laotian people to remove the unexploded bombs that remain. Special correspondent Mike Cerre offers a glimpse of life in Laos today and the mission to end the deadly legacy of the Vietnam War. Continue reading →

The demographic makeup of America is undergoing a visible change, and with it, America’s culture — dominated by white Christian culture — and American power structures are shifting, too. That’s the premise of Robert Jones’ new book, “The End of White Christian America.” Judy Woodruff speaks with Jones for more. Continue reading →

Usain Bolt dashed to the finish of the 4×100 meter relay on Friday, out-striding his competition to complete his third Olympic sweep of the 100 and 200 meter springs and the 4×100 meter relay. Continue reading →

Iran’s release of Americans prisoners puts Republicans vowing to isolate Tehran in a tough spot, removing an argument that the U.S. should not lift sanctions while Americans are being held. Continue reading →

Congress has given the U.S. military more control over drone strikes in Iraq and Syria that could lead to an increase in civilian casualties, activists say. Many details of the strikes remain secret. Continue reading →

It will be the second face-to-face meeting between Obama and Castro since the U.S. and Cuba restored diplomatic relations late last year. Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ visit to Cuba and the Eastern United States took up much of the week. See how much you know about the Holy Father in our five-minute quiz. Continue reading →

President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro had a rare phone call Friday ahead of Pope Francis’ impending visit to both their nations. Continue reading →