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First LookRecreational pot gains legislative ground in Vermont and MichiganBills have been introduced in both states to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. Neither is a shoe-in just yet, but if passed, these could become the first states to legalize marijuana through the legislature rather than a public vote.
Oscars 2016: How to change the face of HollywoodOne of the nominees in the middle of the Academy Awards controversy shows how Hollywood can better value diversity.
- FocusIs this the future of zoos?
As Americans rethink how animals should be treated – from food production to SeaWorld shows – zoos face an uncertain future. New ideas are emerging.
First LookHow a Starbucks barista made one deaf man's dayA barista's attempt to learn American Sign Language to communicate with a regular customer highlights the deaf community's challenges. But technology is also breaking down barriers.
First LookLabrador reigns supreme: What makes lovable lab America's top dog?A German short-haired pointer may have won the Westminster Dog Show, but its got nothing on the labrador retriever when it comes to popularity, according to the American Kennel Club.
Taylor Swift's $250,000 donation to Kesha: An act of feminism?Female artists rally behind Kesha as her legal battle against producer Dr. Luke drags on.
Dancing with the Obamas: Watch a 106-year-old celebrate a White House visitWhen Virginia McLaurin finally met President Obama and the first lady, the centenarian beamed and danced.
Texas private colleges oppose guns on campusMore than 20 private colleges in Texas have said they won't lift their gun bans when a new law that requires public universities to allow concealed guns on campus takes effect in August.
Cover StoryCSI Cleveland: How the city is curbing sexual violenceOhio's second-largest city has become a national leader in responding to rape cases and dealing compassionately with victims.
How Southern states are now challenging gay marriageLawmakers in three states pushed ahead with bills to protect the right to refuse service to same-sex couples, claiming religious liberty is at stake.
FocusTo combat rise in US hate groups, former skinhead says compassion is keyAfter the emergence of a report detailing a growing number of hate groups and extremist organizations in the US, sociologists and former extremists say understanding and compassion are critical to combating that rise.
First LookThe uncomfortable truth in ‘tech bro’s’ viral letter on homelessnessSoftware developer Justin Keller has drawn a firestorm of critics after posting a blog post that laments the homelessness problem in San Francisco.
First LookDoes the Southern Poverty Law Center target conservatives?Groups that have been included on the civil rights advocacy organization's annual list of hate and antigovernment groups say the organization can also be intolerant of views that don't align with its own.
South Dakota 'bathroom bill' opens up conversation about transgender rightsSouth Dakota may become the first US state to approve a law preventing transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms for their identified gender. Even as the controversy highlights divisions, some say it also points to the possibility of compromise.
First LookOklahoma gun range refuses Muslim man: right of refusal or discrimination?A Muslim man from Oklahoma who was refused service at a 'Muslim-free' gun range is suing to draw attention to what he views as rising Islamophobia in America.
First LookTeen suicide clusters in Palo Alto: Is media attention at fault?Ten teens have committed suicide in the affluent community of Palo Alto since 2009, prompting the CDC to investigate the role of media in the crisis. The results of the investigation could inform best practices for media organizations covering suicide.
South Dakota passes bill restricting transgender students' bathroom useAdvocates say the bill is meant to protect the privacy of students, but opponents say it discriminates against vulnerable adolescents.
More grandparents become caregivers for grandkids. Is that good?The trend reflects growing pressures, both financial and social, that many parents in the US face. The question is: Who should help?
This Valentine's Day, what do women want? Not flowersFlowers are a mixed bag where Valentine's Day gifts are concerned, according to a new poll.
First LookDelaware formally apologizes for slavery: empty gesture or step toward healing?A formal apology for slavery is not meaningless rhetoric, say Delaware's African-American community. To us, it is important.
