Politics May 23 Economist Mark Zandi on the potential impacts of the U.S. defaulting on its debt The impact of the U.S. defaulting on its debt would be felt by many Americans. It could include suspension of Social Security checks or a loss of food stamp benefits, to name just a few. Many economists argue it would…
World May 23 Tenuous ceasefire in Sudan offers some needed relief after weeks of brutal fighting After weeks of brutal fighting, a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia was signed by leaders of the two factions at war for control of Sudan. The conflict has killed hundreds, injured more than 5,000, and sent nearly…
Nation May 22 What the Colorado River water use agreement will mean for western states The Biden administration reached a landmark deal with several western states to stave off an immediate crisis with the Colorado River and the communities that are dependent on it. Under the agreement, California, Arizona and Nevada will take less water…
Education May 18 How homeschooling’s rise during the pandemic has impacted traditional school enrollment Since the start of the pandemic, homeschooling has been on the rise with an estimated 30% increase in enrollment since the beginning of the 2019 school year. While the total number of homeschooled families remains relatively modest, its rise has…
Economy May 16 Biden and GOP leaders meet but make little progress on debt ceiling deal Republican and Democratic leaders from both the House and the Senate met with President Biden in the Oval Office Tuesday to discuss the debt ceiling. Shortly after, Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy both acknowledged the two parties…
Science May 16 Why artificial intelligence developers say regulation is needed to keep AI in check Artificial intelligence was a focus on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Many believe AI could revolutionize, and perhaps upend, considerable aspects of our lives. At a Senate hearing, some said AI could be as momentous as the industrial revolution and others warned…
Politics May 15 Durham report criticizes FBI investigation into Trump campaign’s possible ties to Russia Special counsel John Durham's report of the FBI’s probe into the 2016 Donald Trump campaign was released to the public Monday. Durham was appointed by former Attorney General William Barr to look into what many on the right saw as…
Politics May 15 A look at primary elections and battles over abortion rights at the state level There are political battles on the state level this week with a handful of primary races heating up and action on abortion laws. We check in with reporters Colin Campbell of North Carolina, Ryland Barton of Kentucky and Katie Meyer…
Nation May 13 What’s behind a severe decline in Florida’s citrus harvest Oranges have long been synonymous with Florida, as a key element of the state’s economy. But this year, Florida projects the worst citrus harvest since the Great Depression, threatening a way of life for many. William Brangham reports on what’s…
Health May 12 Public health questions remain as COVID emergency ends After more than three years, the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended. Thanks to vaccines, testing and treatment, we are in a much better place and deaths are at their lowest level since March 2020. But concerns over how the…