All Society
The pandemic roar subsided, but mask wars rumble onSome states are passing antimask laws, citing public safety concerns. Critics see a threat to privacy and to the ability to protest anonymously.
Millions in rural America lack reliable internet. How Massachusetts towns got online.Millions of Americans in rural areas lack access to fast, reliable broadband internet. It's an equity problem that communities are starting to solve.
‘Elderly’ or ‘older’? Advocates and a dictionary address language on aging.Experts on aging want to change how we talk about people who are growing older. They’ve gotten the Oxford English Dictionary to agree.
Cover StoryWomen in construction find solidarity as ‘sisters in the brotherhood’As more women enter skilled construction trades, they are laying a foundation to succeed in a rough-and-tumble world of labor union brotherhoods.
‘Circling the drain.’ How one Georgia veteran fought off homelessness.As the U.S. struggles with housing shortages, veterans are seeing a drop in homelessness. The story of Thomas Hilado shows how a “One Team” Veterans Affairs program is supporting progress.
Who’s the real loser in the 2024 election? Mainstream media.Presidential campaigns no longer hunt for blocs of persuadable voters through mainstream media, but turn to podcasters and influencers.
How Harris and Trump both put family issues front and center, from IVF to schoolsFrom IVF and child tax credits to schools and paid family leave, Harris and Trump tout how they would mold and fund the American family.
Focus‘Salaam. Shalom. Peace.’ How US interfaith groups work for peace in a time of war.At a time when many people default to demonizing those who believe differently than they do, U.S. interfaith groups are working to acknowledge shared humanity and ask, What can we learn from one another?
Apology but no cash payments: California reparations for slavery start incrementallyA $12 million legislative package of reparations for slavery’s effects is an incremental first step by California, and considered a national model.
First LookGeorgia judge strikes down state’s abortion ban as unconstitutional. Will it last?The state’s abortion law, which took effect in 2022, was deemed in violation of Georgia’s constitution. Judge Robert McBurney wrote in his order “liberty in Georgia includes ... the power of a woman to control her own body.”
FocusBiden vowed to revive US refugee program. Everyday Americans are helping.Under the U.S. Welcome Corps program, American citizens can apply to sponsor refugees directly. Here’s how the Biden initiative is going, after reversing cutbacks to the country’s refugee admissions program under Donald Trump.
‘Dumbphones’ a smart move? Some young people seeking free time and friends say yes.Smartphones may still be ascendant, but trends suggest some young people may be freeing up time by putting their high-tech phones down.
Backdrop for Georgia mass shooting: Both gaps and progress on school safetyA school shooting in Georgia has left four people dead. It also highlights how efforts to prevent and respond to threats are improving but incomplete.
Parent stress is a national health issue: Asking for help is a strong first stepStress is now considered a major health risk for parents. The U.S. surgeon general says asking for help is the first line of defense.
The job market needs workers. The newest ones are over age 75.This Labor Day, the fastest-growing part of the workforce is also the oldest – people well past “retirement age” seeking both income and activity.
Cover StoryFlorida woman kills wild boar with mango. (This is not a meme.)Some of Florida’s liberty-seeking transplants seek out the state’s wildness. Others seeking freedom are finding politics stifling.
Biden says he’s ‘too old to stay as president.’ It shows the pull of ageism.Intense scrutiny of veteran politicians has prodded America toward greater awareness of how unchallenged ageism affects everyone, not just presidents.
High-rent New York needs affordable housing. Can the mayor deliver?New York Mayor Eric Adams proposes broad rezoning that could make the city more affordable for the middle-class workers who keep it running.
After Supreme Court ruling, California strengthens homeless camp enforcementCalifornia, which has America’s largest homeless population, is taking a harder tack on enforcement – but some cities are pairing that with more support.
Iran hacking Trump? AI deepfakes? Cyber side of 2024 election heats up.Recent days have seen false allegations of AI meddling, actual AI meddling, and reports of old-style hacking all involving the election campaign. From Iran to artificial intelligence, how big a risk is cyber chaos for the Trump-Harris race?
