All Society
First LookHistoric Black towns are facing extinction. But they鈥檙e fighting back.A century ago, 1,200 historic Black communities, founded by formerly enslaved people, existed in the U.S.聽How are the 30 that remain preserving their legacy amid gentrification?
Monumental shift or mixed bag? Pope allows same-sex blessings.During his 10 years as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has placed an emphasis on charity over doctrine. This week鈥檚 ruling on blessings, experts say, shows efforts to extend a larger welcome.
First LookHow Saudis changed the game of international sports in 2023One year ago, the idea of Saudi-owned sports in the international market raised questions of 鈥渟portwashing鈥� and ethical dilemmas. Since then, the conversation has evolved into just how much Saudis will invest in athletes, especially in the world of golf.
First LookIs self-checkout efficient or unnecessary? It depends who you ask.During the busiest shopping season of the year, self-checkout might be having a reckoning. While the promise of self-checkout means customers can avoid long lines, retailers are grappling with theft and some customers鈥� frustration with technology.
First LookNashville store gives dignity of choice, free gifts for those in needFor two days starting Dec. 8, The Store, a free referral-based grocer in Nashville, is turning into a winter wonderland with free holiday children鈥檚 gifts for parents in need. Dignity of choice is The Store鈥檚 premise this winter, and throughout the year.聽
A rough patch on the road to an electric car futureElectric vehicles have hit a much-publicized rough patch, as sales fail to match industry hopes. The challenge: enticing a new, more skeptical kind of buyer for green cars.聽
First LookMerriam-Webster鈥檚 word of the year reflects a search for truthMerriam-Webster鈥檚 word of the year for 2023 is 鈥渁uthentic.鈥� Lookups for the word rose to new heights on Webster鈥檚 website throughout the year. Editor at large Peter Sokolowski聽called 2023, with the rise of AI, a 鈥渃risis year of authenticity.鈥�
First LookIn the NFL, more women than ever are rising in rank. Why now?The NFL has never been so balanced 鈥� off the field. In recent years, women have moved into prominent positions throughout the league.聽This season, 222 women are working in full-time coaching or football operations roles in front offices.
Letter from Tampa: Aging gets a makeover at this gerontology summitResearchers aim to bust stereotypes and shift perceptions about growing older 鈥� in the interest of happier, healthier lives free from discrimination.
The ExplainerIn charts: The shifting tides of US immigrationA migrant influx tests U.S. cities鈥櫬燾apacity to respond. Yet a broader look at immigration trends tells a story more nuanced than 鈥渃risis鈥� headlines.
鈥榃e have to hold hope.鈥� How Jewish-Palestinian families cope.Some American families with ties to Israel and the Palestinian territories are supporting each other as they process fear and grief raised by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.聽
Why one grandmother鈥檚 house has become a national causeIn Hilton Head, grandmother Josephine Wright has refused to sell her home. Her cause has struck a chord with those fighting Black land loss.聽
Cover StorySouthern, out, and electable: Sexual identity is not the deciding factorFor LGBTQ+ politicians winning elections in the South,聽leading is more complicated聽than the culture wars suggest.
First LookSalem witches: 400 years after bogus trials, advocates seek justiceThe Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project is the latest group pushing the state to atone for its witch trial legacy. Home of the infamous Salem trials, hundreds of individuals were accused, arrested, and executed on witchcraft charges in the 1600s.
First LookMaine embarks on healing after mass killing suspect is found deadLewiston, Maine, transitioned into a time of healing and questioning after suspected killer Robert Card was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot.
On Tree of Life anniversary, US Jews say they feel more isolatedFive years ago today, the Tree of Life synagogue shooting became the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history. In Pittsburgh, Jews say they are lonelier and more afraid now 鈥� a shift from the way the community rallied around them in 2018.
First LookHomecoming brings hope, community to Lahaina after Hawaii wildfireVarsity and junior varsity football teams in Lahaina, Hawaii played their first home games since the town was destroyed in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. The return of football helped give the town a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
Flag on the play: Why flag football is growing across the USA twist on the most popular sport in America may have started growing amid concerns about concussions. As it opens doors for girls, nontraditional athletes, and older adults, flag football is also redefining sports.聽
Banning books: Protecting kids or erasing humanity?The most banned titles this school year include 鈥淭ricks鈥� by Ellen Hopkins, 鈥淭he Bluest Eye鈥� by Toni Morrison, and 鈥淟ooking For Alaska鈥� by John Green.
Difference MakerChildren need to see themselves in books. Enter Young, Black & Lit.What if you went to the bookstore and saw no one on the shelves who looked like you? One couple is addressing that deficit for young Black children, supporting literacy and identity.聽
