Law
Some immigrant families fear filing for financial aid
Some undocumented parents and students at schools in California and around the country worry that filling out the federal financial aid form, known as FAFSA, will tip off the government to their immigration status. That information isn’t supposed to be shared with other government agencies. But, some say, the new administration means they’re in uncharted waters.
Hong Kong national security law to take effect; Iran sentences journalist to death; Koalas could be extinct by 2050 in New South Wales
A controversial national security law for Hong Kong is set to take effect, as pro-democracy advocates warn of eroding freedoms in the semi-autonomous region. New reports say US President Donald Trump was briefed in February about suspected Russian bounties on US soldiers, contradicting the president’s claims. An Iranian journalist has been sentenced to death. An Australian inquiry shows koalas in NSW could become extinct by 2050.
Laws are chipping away at democracy around the world
New research shows how recent laws have slowly eroded the role of nongovernmental agencies all over the world . Experts have said that these actions threaten democracy in countries where institutions have already become weak. See where and how laws like these have had their biggest impact.
Supreme Court polarization is not inevitable — just look at Europe
A politically polarizing court is not inevitable. In some European countries, the judicial appointment process is actually designed to ensure the court’s ideological balance, and justices work together to render consensus-based decisions.
