United States

Years of slipping test results: What’s dragging down US students?

National assessment data show sustained declines in math and reading since 2012, with pandemic learning loss, chronic absenteeism, and staffing shortages identified as major factors.

A student taking an exam
An Emirati F-16E fighter jet; illustrative.

Trump admin. urging UAE to seize Iran's Lavan Island, take greater role in war - report

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) returns to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, after record deployment. May 16, 2026.

Pete Hegseth welcomes USS Gerald R. Ford home after record deployment

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attends a meeting in Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2016.

Iran regime 'incapable of change' post-war, expert says


US arrests Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah commander wanted for plots against Jews, US interests

On May 15, the US Justice Department announced “the arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kataib Hezbollah,” the department said.

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi pictured with Qasem Soleimani in a photo from Saadi’s social media.

US considering asking Israel to redirect PA tax funds to Gaza plan

The US is considering asking Israel to redirect some withheld Palestinian Authority tax funds toward President Donald Trump’s postwar Gaza plan, sources said.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks at a 'Rose Garden Club' dinner for National Police Week in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 11, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Trump 'not going to be much more patient,' says Iran can make deal or 'get annihilated'

After talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump asserted that the two leaders agreed that Iran should not have nuclear weapons.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) on the sidelines of a visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing, China, May 15, 2026.

Judge bars Kars4Kids from advertising, saying it misled donors about Orthodox Jewish mission

A California Superior Court judge ruled that Kars4Kids had violated the state’s false advertising and unfair competition laws by failing to disclose where it allocated funds from its donations.

Screenshot from an ad for Kars4Kids.

US House narrowly rejects bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers

The House voted 212 to 212 on the war powers resolution, meaning it failed because it needed a majority to pass, despite more Republicans backing the effort.

A member of the US Capitol police patrols following a vote in the US House of Representatives on a bipartisan war powers resolution aiming to stop Operation Epic Fury against Iran, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, US, March 5, 2026.

Third round of Israel-Lebanon peace talks 'productive, positive' so far, US official says

Before Thursday’s negotiations, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that the talks aim “to discuss a framework for an agreement in greater depth.” 

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa holds an "America is back" hat signed by US President Donald Trump next to Lebanon Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington DC, April 23, 2026.

US pledges new humanitarian aid to UN, says it must align with Trump's interests

The new funding pledge came on top of $2 billion in funding the US announced in December under a new mechanism designed to make aid funding and delivery more efficient and increase accountability.

People arrive at the United Nations headquarters before a meeting on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at the UN, in New York City, US, April 27, 2026.

Fight for Second Intifada victims reopens with $655 million judgment against PA - interview

A federal appeals court has reinstated a $655.5 million judgment against the Palestinian Authority and PLO, more than two decades after American families sued over attacks from the Second Intifada.

A gaping hole is left in the shop front of the Sbarro pizzeria after a suicide bombing, August 9, 2001

Trump-Xi Beijing summit tests leverage on trade, Taiwan, Iran - analysis

Temporary deals on tariffs, rare earths, and diplomatic language may give both leaders short-term wins while leaving deeper conflicts untouched.

US President Donald Trump inspects an honour guard during a welcome ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 14, 2026.

Can Israel actually sue 'The New York Times' over 'dog rape' column? - explainer

Should the process move forward, the procedure - and the chances of success - would depend largely on where the suit is filed.

Illustration of The New York Times application displayed on a smartphone held in hand in Corsica France April 18, 2026.