All Society
- Has Orlando changed us?
Rather than a portrait of a people unified in the wake of a tragedy, the responses to the Orlando shooting present a mosaic of frustration and resignation, with a kernel of hope that maybe this time things might be different.
- Boy Scouts 100 years ago vs. now: What's changed?
Boy Scout membership rates have steadily declined in recent years, as the organization struggles to adapt to a changing cultural climate.
- First LookWhy Southern Baptists resolved to lower Confederate battle flag
The Southern Baptist Convention approved a resolution to stop flying the Confederate battle flag on Tuesday as part of a movement by its leadership to promote racial unity.
- First LookAre we doing enough to prevent elder abuse?
A new study on home caregivers of elders finds a too-high prevalence of abusive behaviors, which suggests a need to look to family situations in preventing abuse of the elderly.
- Orlando attack: How to talk to kids about terrorism
Parents and teachers can help young people deal with terrorism or national tragedies by starting a conversation – and helping them find ways to help others.
- First LookNational Aquarium announces dolphin retirement amid national sea change
The Baltimore Aquarium is heeding pressure on zoos and entertainment centers across the country to more humanely care for captive animals.
- For gay community, Orlando a sign threats remain amid growing tolerance
The past decade has seen America make a significant shift toward public acceptance of the LGBT community. Yet currents of hate remain, and a mass shooting in Orlando has become the most tragic example.
- History-making Tony Awards torn between sadness and celebration
On a night dedicated to the victims of the Orlando shooting, the Tonys for the first time awarded all the musical acting prizes to actors of color. Hip-hop phenomenon 'Hamilton' won 11 out of 16 awards.
- Think you know first responders? Take our quiz!
- Twilight of the Old South?
Rural Southerners are fighting to save the values that have long defined the region. But they worry they are losing ground.
- Southern Baptists face a familiar trend: emptier pews
The Southern Baptist Convention has announced a decline in membership, mirroring trends seen in churches throughout the United States and Europe.
- First LookCan Southern Baptists turn a new page on race relations?
The Southern Baptist Convention, which was founded following a rift with northern Baptists over slavery, plans to hold a denomination-wide discussion of racism during its annual meeting next Tuesday.
- The religious journey of Muhammad Ali, 'ambassador' of Islam
Muhammad Ali had an extraordinary life, but many American Muslims can relate to his evolution within Islam, and some are concerned about the impact of losing him in a time of heightened Islamophobia.
- First LookShould native American families have precedence in foster placement?
A new regulation bolsters the highly contested 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, which states that native American children who are removed from their families should be placed with relatives or other native American families.
- First LookIs there another side to the payday lending debate?
As government regulators move to restrict payday loans, advocates say the stricter regulations could harm the people they are trying to help.
- First LookAfter 21 years, California mom's emotional reunion with lost son
The San Bernadino County's Child Abduction Unit located the missing toddler, now 22 years old, in Mexico.
- California raises smoking age to 21, other states set to follow
California became the second state to raise the minimum legal age to buy tobacco to 21, showing the continuing momentum for laws that target youth smoking.
- First LookTexas valedictorian faces backlash when she tweets she is undocumented
Mayte Lara Ibarra hoped to alter American's view of undocumented immigrants when she tweeted about her educational success. She did not expect the response she received.
- Muhammad Ali's Muslim prayer service draws 14,000 for "a teaching moment"
More than 14,000 mourners joined Muhammad Ali's family in Louisville for the boxing legend's Jenazah, a Muslim funeral service.
- First LookMedical marijuana is now legal in half of US states
The US reached a milestone as Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) signed legislation Wednesday paving the way for a medical marijuana program: half the states now permit pot for medicinal purposes.