All Society
90-year-old Florida man faces jail for feeding the homelessFort Lauderdale, Fla., recently joined more than 30 cities that have restricted or are taking steps to restrict sharing food with the homeless. But Arnold Abbott says he plans to keep breaking the law by feeding the homeless.
How Brittany Maynard renewed debate on ethics of right to die movementThe California newlywed, who ended her life Sunday, was credited with being an articulate and effective spokesperson for individual rights. But ethicists worry momentum could overshadow the complex social issues involved.
Did Mary Landrieu just insult the entire South? Actually, kinda.Three-term Sen. Mary Landrieu's comment that 'the South has not always been the friendliest place for African-Americans' is a common refrain among Southerners. But it could be an explosive claim to use as an excuse for not doing better at the polls.
How a guerilla artist is transforming Chicago's potholesUsing techniques developed in Ancient Rome, Illinois artist Jim Bachor has taken it upon himself to improve an iconic and ubiquitous feature of Chicago's streets.
Why did San Francisco's World Series celebration turn ugly?After the Giants won the World Series, San Francisco fans took to the streets, setting bonfires and smashing bus windows – and taking pictures of the mayhem to post on social media.
Fort Lauderdale joins urban movement to restrict feeding the homelessThirty-one US cities have restricted – or are moving to restrict – feeding the homeless outside, says a new report. Why Fort Lauderdale, Fla, just passed a new ordinance this week.
Will this shocking atheist pamphlet be handed out in some Florida schools?An atheist group's plan to distribute a sexually explicit pamphlet, invoking the Bible, at some Florida high schools is at the center of a dispute pitting school officials against the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which uses the First Amendment to defend its actions.
'Death of Klinghoffer' protests: Does opera promote humanity or obscenity?Protesters say the Metropolitan Opera's 'The Death of Klinghoffer' rewrites history and glorifies terrorism, but others say art can help people see humanity in their enemies.
'Breaking Bad' crystal meth action figure: Good idea for Toys 'R' Us?A Florida mother has started a petition against Toys 'R' Us selling 'Breaking Bad' action figures. They're in the adult section, but critics say they shouldn't be there at all.
How much film violence for kids? Parents losing their compass, study says.A new study shows that the more parents watch violence and sex in TV shows and movies, the more permissive they are of what their kids can watch. The results were 'stunning,' one researcher said.
Cover StoryTo spank or not to spank: Corporal punishment in the USA pro football player uses a switch on his child, and an American cultural divide between races, regions, and religions is exposed.
How Catholic synod on gays made history, even with 'disappointing' endCatholic gay-rights groups said, in the end, a synod of bishops convened to reconsider the church's attitude toward homosexuals failed to live up to expectations. But some observers say the meeting was still a 'huge achievement.'
First HBO, then CBS offer streaming. Is this the end of the cable bundle?HBO’s and CBS’s announcements this week that the networks will begin their own Internet streaming services is being seen as a major sea-change in the history of television programming delivery.
Apple offers to freeze employees' eggs: Empowering women or warning to moms?Facebook and Apple will pay for female employees to freeze their eggs. Some compared the development to the birth control pill in terms of liberating women from a biological clock. Others say it tells women that they need to delay having children if they want to be taken seriously as professionals.
Conservative Catholic bishops push back on Pope Francis' tone on gaysA mid-meeting report of a gathering of bishops has caused a sensation for its tone about the nature of gay relationships and other matters. Pope Francis called the meeting to discuss the Catholic Church’s response to cultural shifts in family life.
- N.C. magistrate refuses to perform same-sex marriage: How often does this happen?
Citing religious grounds, a North Carolina magistrate refused to marry same-sex couple. Is this civil disobedience or discrimination?
- With new bill, New York City aims to be model for transgender rights
A bill introduced to the New York City Council Wednesday would set a new, easier standard for transgender residents to change their birth certificates.
Soda-tax showdown heads for ballot in San Francisco, BerkeleySan Francisco and another California city have put soda taxes on their ballots, despite similar efforts’ notable failure in other cities, such as New York.
Cover StoryThe rise of 'redneck TV'Why TV's plunge into backwoods family, danger, and colloquial wisdom transfixes America (and the world). Do the shows depict caricatures or gritty authenticity?
How Elizabeth Smart survived her abduction and rapeElizabeth Smart YMCA luncheon: Elizabeth Smart says her mother's love was one of the keys to her survival. As for her captors, Smart's mother said: "the best punishment you could ever give them is to be happy."
