All Society
- Can Ferguson spark new civil rights movement? How times have changed.The protesters who have gathered in Ferguson and beyond want to start a national movement. But the changes ushered in by the civil rights movement mean today's issues are more deep-seated.
- Devonte Hart, Sgt. Bret Barnum, and the hug felt ‘round the worldDevonte Hart and Sgt. Bret Barnum – a black boy and a white police sergeant – met at a Ferguson protest in Portland, Ore. The photo of them hugging has melted millions of hearts.
- Poll: Most Americans think things are going pretty well in the USA new CNN/ORC poll finds consistent improvement in the mood of the nation over the past few months, despite a series of national security crises and continued gridlock in Washington.
- Ferguson protesters vow to #BoycottBlackFriday: Effective or not?A national boycott of Black Friday shopping in protest of the Ferguson grand jury decision is taking off on social media, with boycott supporters tweeting #BoycottBlackFriday, #BrownFriday, and #HandsUpDontSpend. But some say #BuyBlack is a better approach.
- How L.A. worked to head off riots after grand jury decision in Ferguson caseAware of their city's long history of explosive violence in police matters, Los Angeles police, clergy, and community leaders prepared the city to remain calm, whatever the outcome in Ferguson, Mo.Â
- On college campuses, students stunned by 'demon' description of Michael BrownIn police officer Darren Wilson's grand jury testimony, he described Michael Brown as 'Hulk Hogan' and a 'demon.' On US college campuses and on Twitter, many students were stunned and outraged by the grand jury decision.Â
- Why Ferguson decision is about much more than Darren Wilson or Mike BrownAll eyes are on Ferguson, Mo., where a grand jury decision is expected to be announced Monday night. For many Americans, there's much more at stake than the fate of one police officer.
- As Ferguson decision looms, black churches ready to step into breachThe Ferguson grand jury will deliver its decision on the Michael Brown shooting Monday, and local black churches are stepping in to be 'safe places' and to provide leadership.
- Ferguson spurs rise of new gun owners in St. Louis: Another safety threat?A new gun owner in St. Louis appears to have fatally shot herself during an auto accident. Ahead of the Ferguson grand jury decision, St. Louis gun sales are rising, but do those new gun owners pose a safety risk to themselves and others?Â
- Giuliani's black-on-black crime comments: What he got wrongWhile the public awaits a decision from the Missouri grand jury that is considering whether to indict officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown, debate over the incident has offered a glimpse into the divergent ways Americans view the shooting.
- Remembering Mike Nichols, fearless director, unparalleled auteurRenowned director Mike Nichols was known for his versatility and exceptional ability to bounce seamlessly from comedy to drama and from stage to film.
- Why New York City might not tax plastic bags, bucking trendThe New York City Council is sharply divided over a plan to tax paper and plastic bags at grocery and other retail stores. While supporters tout the environmental benefits, others worry it will put an additional burden on poor and working-class folks.
- Why Cosby accusers are being listened to this timeSeveral women have come forward in recent days to publicly accuse Bill Cosby of sexual assault. The fact that people are listening could point to a shift in society.
- Could Massachusetts food waste ban be a road map for the rest of the country?A ban implemented in Massachusetts in October says institutions that produce at least one ton of food waste per month cannot dispose of that waste in a landfill.
- Will Pope Francis's first US visit help promote his progressive agenda?The pope announced that he planned to attend the 8th World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia next year. His first official visit comes at a crucial time for his papacy, experts say.
- Child homelessness surges to nearly 2.5 millionOne out of every 30 kids is homeless annually, about half of them younger than six, according to a new report. Homeless children show higher rates of developmental problems and mental health needs.Â
- Progress WatchWhen you have to cut your dress off, function trumps styleMIT's Open Style Lab creates functional, stylish clothes for those with disabilities.
- Disability is less a barrier to the arts than attitude isAlmost 25 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, assumptions are being challenged: The visual arts are not only of interest to people with sight, music can be appreciated by deaf people, and the older person with Alzheimer’s can benefit from a museum experience or arts workshop.
- Cover StoryPossibility unbound: 25 years of progress for those with disabilityThanks to the Americans with Disabilities act – which turns 25 next year – and a demanding and aging baby boom generation, the nation has fewer limits for those with physical impairments.
- FocusThree years into drought, Californians adapt to a drier way of lifeCalifornia residents are letting their cars go dirty and converting their green lawns into drought-tolerant landscapes. The changed behavior has resulted in some improved water-saving statistics.