Political insiders are targeting the two-party system’s grip on America
It’s no revelation that America has a two-party political system. But as more Americans continue to believe neither party truly represents them, cracks are beginning to emerge inside American politics. In the same week, prominent voices on opposite sides of the political spectrum have discussed moving away from America’s political duopoly. On the right, former […]
With Trump accounts, the new retirement bet starts at birth
More than 1.4 million American newborns are signed up to receive a $1,000 federally funded seed investment in their future when Trump accounts open for contributions on July 4. The investment accounts track the stock market performance of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. As Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent put it, the […]
More pets go missing on July 4 than any other day. AI might be able to help
When Kamala walked into her Philadelphia home, she noticed something was wrong. Her 4-year-old dog, Max, wasn’t greeting her and after taking a closer look, she noticed he wasn’t home at all. According to Petco, one of Kamala’s landscapers had left the backyard gate unlatched, and Max had run off. She drove to the animal […]
Social Security was supposed to be a safety net. To young Americans, it’s a broken promise
As the United States marks its 250th birthday, Straight Arrow is taking a fresh look at the institutions, systems and social contracts that shaped modern America — and the pressures now testing them. Nearly a century ago, in the darkest hours of the Great Depression, America made a promise to its citizens. Social Security, one of the […]
Iran preps for supreme leader’s funeral; Olympian charged with Reflecting Pool vandalism
Technical talks between the U.S. and Iran have been put on hold as the country prepares to hold a multi-day funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Events officially begin on Saturday, making a statement as it’s the same day America will celebrate 250 years of independence. Plus, a former Olympian is now facing […]
Fireworks shows go off with a bang, powered by precise code and choreography
Long before fireworks light up the sky each Fourth of July, the work behind the spectacle begins months — even years — in advance. Designing a major fireworks show is a detailed process that blends art, engineering and strict safety standards. Pyrotechnic designers choreograph each display to music, selecting effects and determining how to “paint […]
California trades fireworks for drones as wildfire fears reshape Fourth of July
The Fourth of July means baseball, hot dogs, and, of course, fireworks. While America’s game and tube-tied meat remain greats, our overhead pyrotechnics seem to be changing a bit, especially in California. The state has pushed back against fireworks shows, mainly due to wildfire dangers. Instead, some of those firework shows have been replaced by […]
Critics mocked Mamdani’s AC request. Republicans made the same ask
As New Yorkers sweltered in a holiday heat wave that could feel as high as 115 degrees, Mayor Zohran Mamdani turned his attention to the strained energy grid and made a request of those living in the nation’s most-populated city: Set your air conditioning unit to 78 degrees. “Welcome to socialism,” former South Carolina governor […]
Olympian indicted for alleged vandalism to reflecting pool
A grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted a three-time Olympian for allegedly vandalizing the refurbished Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to The Washington Post. The grand jury indicted Olympian David Hearn on one count of destruction of property, a felony charge that can carry up to 10 years in prison. Hearn told NBC News that […]
