All Society
First LookWorld Cup openers draw record crowds, even as NZ stunned by shootingDespite a shooting in Aukland, New Zealand, early Thursday, 2023 Women’s World Cup hosts Australia and New Zealand both drew record crowds to their stadiums for their opening matches. The tournament runs through Aug. 20.
First LookA sea of pink: ‘Barbiemania’ takes commercial world by stormThe hype for the upcoming “Barbie” movie has come alongside a massive marketing blitz. Pink can be found everywhere – from burger sauce to luxury leggings – as experts are divided on how the excitement will play for Barbie’s parent company, Mattel.
Cover StoryFighting wildfires: A family traditionExcitement is a big draw for wildland firefighters, but a commitment to each other – and, in some cases, to their families – keeps them battling fires.
In Pictures: The smokejumpers of McCall, IdahoSmokejumpers fight fires in remote areas that are only accessible by air. The typical smokejumper is a combination of a special ops soldier, a tailor, and a ski bum.
First LookAdrift for months, Australian and his dog lived off raw fish and hopeAn Australian sailor and his dog, who were stranded at sea for three months, were rescued by a Mexican tuna boat in the Pacific. Tim Sheddock was in good physical shape and expressed his gratitude to the captain and fishing company for saving his life.
Can Threads, the ‘friendly’ Twitter, make social media nicer?Threads, the most rapidly downloaded internet app, calls itself a “friendly” social media space, but like Twitter, it faces questions about how to handle misinformation and censorship claims.
Computer-generated prayer? How AI is changing faith.Are AI-generated sermons the future of faith? With religious attendance falling, faith groups are turning to new technologies to attract members.
Busting homeless myths: Q&A with a California researcherCalifornia harbors 30% of the nation’s homeless population. Margot Kushel, the lead researcher of a landmark study on who is homeless in the state, and why, shares possible solutions.
First LookAt Homeless World Cup, competitors score self-esteemA global tournament for soccer players who have experienced homelessness is making its U.S. debut in California. Competitors in the Homeless World Cup say the tournament has transformed their lives.
First LookSemenya wins landmark case: What does it mean for women’s sports?The European Court of Human Rights ruled that runner Caster Semenya, barred from competitions because of her natural testosterone level beyond the limits, was discriminated against. The case won’t affect the hormonal regulations for female competitions.
FocusAs Americans bet billions on sports, society wrestles with rapid growthWith the growth of sports betting, what responsibility do governments – and society – have in addressing regulation and addiction?
First LookMethodist exodus: 6,000 members leave over LGBTQ issuesOne fifth of the United Methodist congregations in the United States have left the denomination over the Church’s growing openness toward LGBTQ members. Conservative congregations have launched a new denomination called the Global Methodist Church.
First Look10 million users join Threads. Could it trigger the end for Twitter?Meta launched Threads, a text-based app mirroring Twitter, and drew 10 million users in its first seven hours. Although Threads is now live in over 100 countries, data privacy concerns will prevent a launch across the European Union.
First LookWhat to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditionsThe Fourth of July is, for many Americans, an opportunity for parades, cookouts, and fireworks – but have you ever wondered about the holiday’s origins and traditions? Here’s what to know about the United States’ Independence Day.
In Pictures: A day for a bigger ‘us’ – and a bigger USCan a nation that reflects the world in all its diversity cohere? Can it thrive and remain free and grow?
Maine town debates high-flying proposal for world’s largest flagpoleWhen Morrill Worcester unfurled his plan to unite all Americans in Columbia Falls, Maine, the town was instantly divided. Some see his vision for the world’s largest flag pole as an atrocity and tourist trap. Others hail him as the ultimate patriot.
First LookMeta implements new parental privacy features. Are they enough?Instagram and Facebook are implementing new parental supervision tools and privacy features. Yet critics argue these measures fall short because they require families to opt in to using them.
When $1 billion isn’t enough. Why the Sioux won’t put a price on land.How do you make reparations for historic harm when money is off the table? To accept cash for stolen land would be to sell out in the purest sense, members of the Sioux say. They want their land – or at least a say in how it is protected.
First LookBlack baseball players are at historic lows. Can MLB change that?The percentage of Black players in Major League Baseball is at its lowest level ever. But there are signs that could change as the sport is seeing early results of its diversity initiatives and by encouraging expressions of joy and celebration at games.
Signing off social: Meet the teens with no time for TikTokA new poll found that most Americans would like to return to a time when society was unplugged, including 63% of 18- to 34-year-olds.
