USA - The Christian Science Monitor

Can decriminalizing marijuana improve public safety in Houston?

The city announced on Thursday that it would allow many offenders to bypass court appearances and jail time in an effort to divert resources to other issues. Though the approach has potential, it will likely face challenges.

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First Look WA Supreme Court: By refusing same-sex wedding, florist violated anti-discrimination law

Ms. Stutzman refused to create flower arrangements for Rob Ingersoll and Curt Freed's wedding, saying it would violate her religious beliefs to participate in a same-sex wedding.

Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch and the rise of originalism

Judge Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court could highlight how a traditionally conservative judicial policy has become mainstream and, arguably, bipartisan.
The 'Day Without Immigrants' protest returns a decade later. Will it be effective?

Mirroring efforts from 2006, immigrants launched a nationwide strike Thursday. This time, many have seen widespread support from employers.
First Look Mattis: US 'not in a position to collaborate' with Russian military

Mattis's remarks may come as a blow to hopes of increased cooperation between the two powers following the election of President Donald Trump to the White House.
What's next for Joe Biden?

The popular former vice president is following in the footsteps of former presidents by accepting the chair of the nonpartisan National Constitution Center’s board of trustees. Does that mean we could see him again in other high-profile political roles?
First Look 'A day without immigrants' arrives: Can a strike move immigrants' concerns forward?

By walking off their jobs and away from stores, immigrants hope to illustrate their importance to the US economy.

First Look Lincoln is still No. 1 but Obama debuts high on historians’ 2017 presidential ranking list

Former President Barack Obama has an impressive first showing in C-SPAN's 2017 Presidential Historians Survey.
Many presidents have first year troubles. Trump is the same – and different.

Historians look at President Trump's first weeks and see a rough start. That can be overcome, they say. But Mr. Trump might judge success differently from any president in modern history.
First Look Harward turns down national security adviser job. Who else is there?

Vice Admiral Robert Harward has turned down the job. As the administration scrambles to fill the role, President Trump has indicated he has four other names on his list.
Arrest of abused immigrant unleashes debate: Where should line be drawn?

'This is not who we are,' an El Paso County Judge said after federal agents surrounded a courtroom to detain an undocumented woman seeking help from her abusive boyfriend. But others say rule of law must come first.
Trump seeks pause in legal fight with revised travel ban

President Trump has said a new order would come next week, but even a revised order would face legal hurdles and likely end up in court, experts say.
USA Update 'I'm not ranting and raving.' Trump on defensive in first solo news conference

After a turbulent start to his presidency, Trump said he had inherited a "mess" from former President Barack Obama, and accused the media of being "out of control" and "dishonest."
How to combat the rise of 'intellectual' hate groups in the US

The rise of a less overt brand of white supremacy, favoring an 'intellectual' approach over white robes and Nazi symbols, poses new challenges to those combating the spread of hateful ideology.