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Hurricanes may be getting bigger, but death toll is shrinkingThe relatively low loss of life in both Texas and Florida underscores advances in prediction technology and citizen preparedness. But property destruction is growing, experts say, as the US places more people and more wealth in vulnerable areas.
For those fleeing Irma, relief, gratitude, and sometimes guiltMore than 6 million Floridians and Georgians fled hurricane Irma – one of the largest evacuations in US history. Those who can't find a hotel room or place to stay are braving Irma on the highways, bringing whole kennels, horses, the elderly, and babies.
Amid Harvey recovery, small businesses roll up sleeves and get back to workAs the nation gears up for another major storm bearing down on Florida, and continues to assess the damage from Harvey, small businesses are helping lead the city’s recovery – providing not only helping hands in the rebuilding effort, but a precious sense of normality.
Why are we so mad about football?A year characterized by polarization has thrown the contradictions in America’s biggest sport into even sharper relief.
Canada puts out the welcome mat for refugees from the USA Vancouver support center has seen the number of refugees seeking asylum increase since the election of President Trump. Immigrants say it's worth risking a border crossing to have the opportunity for a more stable life.
First LookOfficials expect to find fraud in Harvey's wakeTexas and Louisiana authorities, along with a Justice Department task force, are already pursuing investigations of storm-related scams, contract corruption, document fraud, identify theft and other crimes.
Ground zero for America's Confederate monument debateAs the former capital of the Confederacy, Richmond, Va., has five towering monuments. But for many in the majority black city, the civil rights battles of today are so much bigger than bronze statues.
The Idaho town that stared down hate – and wonFor more than two decades, the Coeur d'Alene community came together, rejecting the vision of white supremacist Richard Butler's small band and organizing a tenacious effort to drive them out without the dangerous confrontation seen recently in Virginia.
In all-hands-on-deck response to Harvey, lessons learned from earlier stormsThe all-of-the-above aid response – from the National Guard to the Cajun Navy – exemplifies a post-Katrina template for what the nation's top emergency managers call a 'whole-community' response.
A county fair offers pie – and a window on the rural-urban divideAgainst a patriotic backdrop, Colorado fairgoers learn a thing or two about roping, rabbits, and responsibility. Also on display: America's cultural split.
Why the sole resident of a Nebraska town is staying put – but is in good companyElsie Eiler is the mayor and entire population of Monowi, Neb. Ms. Eiler says she's not lonely: People from down the road – and around the world – come to visit her all the time.
Why it's becoming cool to live in your car – or a 150-sq. ft. apartmentHigh housing costs have prompted some in the middle and upper classes to rethink what they value – and be willing to give up the rest.
In cities that vote blue, no immunity from racismPortland, Ore., is an example of a city that is focusing new economic development efforts on the black community and rethinking its housing policy, but the efforts are still a work in progress.
Why there's been a big drop in women coaches under Title IXSince the gender equity law was passed 45 years ago this summer, the number of female athletes has grown sixfold. But as women's sports became more competitive, the coaching ranks were increasingly filled with men.
FocusMeet the Raging Grannies, Portland's not-so-secret warriors for civilityThe model of peaceful protest that's largely held since the civil rights era is being challenged, with roiling violence in American cities from Charlottesville, Va., to Portland, Ore. The Grannies, who use humor to defuse tense situations, are among those trying to calm the streets.
How a colorful Iowa newspaperman is taking on big interestsArt Cullen, who runs a tiny paper along with his brother, wife, and son, won a Pulitzer Prize this spring for his bold editorials.
Libraries obsolete? No way, say Millennials.Young people like the library for its meeting spaces and programming, but bookies from all generations are taking advantage of changes in the public institution first envisioned by Ben Franklin.
Will Charlottesville mark a tipping point for the United States?Three people were killed and more than 35 injured Saturday during the largest white supremacist rally the country has seen in generations.
Cover StoryCan you please talk, not text? Parenting the Instagram generationCan kids be encouraged to let go of the virtual world – occasionally – and engage in the real one? Can they stop posting selfies long enough to think of someone else? The answer is yes. But there are bound to be some anxious moments for parents along the way.
Coming home again: What brings people back to a dying town?Visitors passing through the town of Peru, Ind., might interpret the silence of empty storefronts as the sound of a town dying. But to many residents returning home after years away, it is the sound of opportunity.
