All Society
First LookOne polarized town finds face-to-face civility in a local cafeIn one small Virginia town, neighborly ways and social ties persist. Trump supporters, radical lefties, and “ordinary people” are creating community inside a local cafe where they can have conversations about their differences without raising their voices.
A year of resilience: Monitor photographers reflect on 2021When Monitor photographers returned to the field in 2021, they found a society eager to come back together – and a newfound joy of their own.
Why the ’70s are a blueprint – but not a destiny – for the 2020sThe ’70s were infused with a feeling that the United States was on the wrong track. So it goes today. Can leaders handle things better this time around?
First LookBiden shifts US plan to address surge in COVID-19 casesPresident Joe Biden on Tuesday announced plans to purchase and distribute for free 500 million coronavirus rapid tests starting in January, and to help staff hospitals.
Remembering bell hooks, a beacon of light – for Black women and beyondBy imploring feminism to be something other than thin and white, she forced America to take a look in the mirror at how it treats the most vulnerable part of its population.
First LookFull belly laughs: How a comedy influencer is feeding thousandsOne of YouTube’s most popular influencers, Jimmy Donaldson, is using his fame to help fight hunger – and millions of people are watching. So far, through his Beast Philanthropy channel, Mr. Donaldson has distributed over 1.1 million pounds of food.
First Look'You can persevere': Young Americans most optimistic about futureThe majority of younger Americans, especially those between the ages of 13 and 24, are highly motivated to make positive change and are optimistic about the future, despite the economic and social problems they face, says a new Associated Press poll.
A lesson in tornadoes’ wake: Warnings work, but human response is keyRare and unusually strong December tornadoes in Kentucky have put a focus on safety – how warning systems have improved and what more can be done.
FocusParty of one: Why record numbers of Americans are going it aloneLaws, finances, even dinner parties are still stacked in favor of couples, but nearly half of U.S. adults are now single – a revolution in modern life.
First LookMississippi quilting display remembers victims of racial violenceQuilting has often been a powerful form of activism, especially for Black women in the U.S. The Stitch Their Names Memorial Project, on display at Jackson State University in Mississippi, continues that legacy by honoring the lives of those lost to racial violence.
Cover StoryFrom activism to electoral politics: Five Navajo women on the riseHow five Navajo women are making a mark on and off America’s largest reservation – on issues from energy policy to education.
Retire on campus? Colleges find community with intergenerational living.This senior living residence on a university campus may have found a way to tackle ageism: housing different generations in close proximity.
After defeat: Lessons learned coaching high school footballHow do you give your all in the face of certain defeat? This high school football coach found inspiration in his players, and comfort in routine.
Can neighborliness fight off pandemic polarization? Vermont says yes.Vermont’s long-standing culture of neighborliness may help explain why the state is weathering the pandemic pretty peacefully.
First LookPenobscots use film to retell history of Indigenous killingsIn a new film, “Bounty,” members of the Penobscot Nation in Maine present the difficult history of government-endorsed scalping of Indigenous people. They say the movie is not meant to place blame but to tell an accurate story that guides the country forward.
First LookString of teen shootings near Denver drives efforts for reformA series of shootings involving teenagers is bringing renewed attention to a long-standing gun violence problem in Aurora, just outside Denver. Activists and officials point to gun accessibility and mental health issues worsened by the pandemic as key concerns.
First LookFamily loyalty over media ethics? Why CNN fired Chris CuomoCNN fired anchor Chris Cuomo on Saturday after new details emerged about how he assisted his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as he faced sexual harassment allegations.
First Look‘Taking back our culture’: Ojibwe values spur animal welfareFor the Ojibwe people, animal welfare is a core value. On the Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota, the community has banded together over the past year to make animal care more accessible, despite high levels of poverty.
‘I’m thankful’: A centenarian’s approach to lifeThis centenarian counts gratitude as a key contributor to her long, happy life, one that included growing up with Nat King Cole and Gwendolyn Brooks.
Cover StoryCooking for 15,000: How Fort Bragg pulls off ThanksgivingChef Princido Texidor’s career has focused on bringing sophistication to military mess hall “slop.” For 15,000 Thanksgiving guests, he goes all out.
