By Boaz DvirAssociate Professor of Journalism, Penn State UniversityIt’s a scene that’s played out in K-12 schools around the country in recent years. Unprompted, a student expresses her thoughts or feelings about a difficult issue, such as the Iran war. A murmur spreads through the classroom.

Paris Barraza ,  James Ward   USA TODAY NETWORK Show Caption The United Farm Workers says it will not participate in Cesar Chavez Day events this year, citing what it called “deeply troubling” allegations involving one of the union’s co-founders. In a statement released Tuesday, March 17...

The Writer’s Way The City Where Coetzee Is GodSearching for the Nobel laureate in Cape Town, the city he left behindBy Gary Shteyngart Photographs by Kent Andreasen Scroll down to Travel Notes March 17, 2026 Listen1.0xSeek0:0030:21 When I arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, in October, at the ...

Amid recent immigration raids in Chicago, families, children, and teachers face trauma and fear. Children as young as two experience distress through tear gas exposure and witness frightening interactions, impacting their mental health. Community members express concern over the ongoing threat of deportation, racial targeting, and the broader implications for their safety and future in the U.S. Educators and residents are pushing back, advocating for protection and safe environments for all children, amid pervasive anxiety and uncertainty.

John Bolton becomes the third Trump foe to be indicted by a federal grand jury, with one difference. Hamas clashes with rival factions in Gaza, calling into question a key clause in the peace deal. And NASA’s relationship with SpaceX could be giving China a lead in the space race.Here's what to...

The first phase of the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal began to move forward this week as Israeli and Palestinian hostages have been released and aid trickles in. “The crossings were partially reopened, so some aid is coming in — food, water, and medicine — but only a small amount compar...

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday proposed a $16.6 billion budget for next year that reinstates Chicago’s corporate head tax while scaling back an extra pension payment, kicking off what could be the freshman executive’s most grueling budget process yet.The recommendation is a mishmash of fix...

Detroit Free Press Editorial Board  |  Detroit Free Press Show Caption In the Nov. 4 general election, Detroiters will elect or return candidates to the Detroit City Council in races for two at-large and five district seats. The Detroit Free Press Editorial Board endorsed candidates in competi...

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York State Assembly member, is emerging as a prominent mayoral candidate known for his progressive stance on housing, immigrant rights, and social justice. His grassroots approach and background rooted in diverse immigrant communities propel his bid, despite facing significant political and media challenges. His campaign emphasizes rent freezes, community safety, and social equity, positioning him as a transformative figure with widespread support and notable endorsements.