July 9, 2025

Trump administration sues California over transgender athlete policies

The Justice Department has sued California for allowing transgender athletes to compete in female sports. The Trump administration argues that California violated Title IX, after both the state’s Department of Education and California’s Interscholastic Federation refused to sign a resolution agreement on the issue.  Investigation finds policy violates Title IX The U.S. Department of Education […]

July 9, 2025

Trump officials pursued 2 Venezuelan prisoner swaps, both failed: Report

What was meant to be a strategic deal to bring Americans home from Venezuelan prisons was derailed by competing diplomatic efforts within the Trump administration, according to The New York Times. The two separate sets of negotiations with Venezuela reportedly led to confusion and no deal being made, according to the report. Secretary of State […]

July 9, 2025

Japan clears military to shoot down drones entering its airspace

Japan is taking a tougher stance against foreign drones as tensions escalate in East Asia’s skies. With Chinese unmanned aircraft operating more frequently near its southwestern islands, the Japanese government has authorized its military to shoot down drones that enter national airspace. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba approved the policy in late June. Under the new […]

July 9, 2025

More than 60% of US beaches saw fecal contamination in 2024

Nearly two-thirds of America’s beaches experienced potentially dangerous contamination in 2024, with a notable increase in the number two. A new report from Environment America showed 61% of beaches tested experienced at least one day where indicators of fecal contamination exceeded federal safety levels. Beach bummer More than 1,900 beaches surpassed the Environmental Protection Agency’s […]

July 9, 2025

Here’s why beef prices are at record high

At Au Cheval in New York, the “classic” double cheeseburger goes for $25.99. In Omaha, Everett’s offers a mushroom Swiss burger for $12.25. In Los Angeles, the double-double combo at some In-N-Out locations runs as high as $11.44. These prices reflect a harsh reality for fans of one of America’s favorite meals: the cost of […]

July 9, 2025

Texas floods may trigger wave of giving, but not all help is actually helpful

As emergency crews continue search-and-rescue efforts in Central Texas, where at least 119 people have died as a result of catastrophic flooding, local officials are asking people to pause before they pitch in to help. The holiday weekend floods have brought the nation’s attention to the banks of the Guadalupe River, known and loved by generations […]

July 9, 2025

Mexican volunteers help Texas with rescue efforts in wake of deadly flooding

First responders from Mexico are helping Texas in the wake of flooding that killed dozens of people over the Independence Day weekend. In a social media post on Tuesday, July 8, a spokesperson for the city of Acuña in Mexico, located approximately 140 miles from the hardest-hit areas of Texas, stated that the town dispatched […]

July 9, 2025

MLB Power Rankings: Astros, Jays shoot up the list as All-Star break nears 

The fourth edition of the Straight Arrow News Major League Baseball power rankings comes just ahead of the four-day All-Star break. For a couple of clubs riding amazing winning streaks, things have really changed in just one month’s time. As for the rest, most could use a few days off to get right. This subjective […]

July 9, 2025

Democrats want to hire an inspector general for the president’s office

Congressional Democrats introduced a bill to create an inspector general (IG) for the Executive Office of the President. There is currently no inspector general in the White House, but there is for nearly every other department and agency within the executive branch. “That should change, regardless of who is in office,” Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., […]

July 9, 2025

New Jersey lawmakers propose tighter oversight for homeschooling

The New Jersey Legislature is reviewing several proposed bills that would place more rules and limitations on homeschooling in the state. Although homeschooling is very beneficial for many children, there is a smaller group of homeschooled children who could face risks, such as lack of academic support, social isolation or even neglect, depending on their […]