Russian victory in Ukraine depends on trust, goodwill of ordinary soldiers
If Vladimir Putin launches a new offensive in Ukraine this spring as expected, the key to its success or failure will be the ordinary Russian soldier.
A diverse Supreme Court grapples with affirmative action
The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding a pair of cases that could end affirmative action programs that consider race in college admissions.
Not-so-beautiful balloons: U.S. needs quick answers on China spy program
That fetching song of yesterday, "Up, Up and Away in My Beautiful Balloon," needs to be modified. Today it could be my not so beautiful balloons.
Big Oil’s trade group allies way outspend clean energy groups
You've probably seen ads promoting gas and oil companies as the solutions to climate change. They're meant to be inspiring and hopeful, with scenes of a green, clean future.
Polarization drives enduring, ominous appeal of populism
Max Weber, the founder of modern sociology, once argued that charismatic politicians are seen by their followers as saviors and heroes. But they are just as likely to be charlatans and swindlers.
Five years after Parkland, school shootings deadlier and more frequent
Despite the outpouring of grief and calls for action that followed the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, school shootings continue to occur with alarming frequency.
Spy balloon drama elevates pressure for U.S. to confront China
Days after a Chinese spy balloon began drifting across the United States, the U.S. military downed it with a missile. But the balloon continues its flight through diplomatic circles, complicating U.S.-China relations.
Full text: President Joe Biden's 2023 State of the Union address
President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. Read the full text of the speech.
Police reform redux: another death, no progress from Congress
The inexplicable murder of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis police officers brought home again the question of why instances of police brutality continue to occur in America.
Poor construction caused Turkey’s buildings to collapse in earthquake
Some 3,450 buildings have collapsed in the Turkey earthquake. Many of the modern buildings have failed in a "pancake mode" of structural collapse. Why did this happen?
China’s balloon tested boundaries of international law
Was the balloon that suddenly appeared over the United States last week undertaking surveillance? Or was it engaging in research, as China has claimed?
ChatGPT is great -- you’re just using it wrong
It doesn't take much to get ChatGPT to make a factual mistake.
Violence between Israel, Palestinians may be entering devastating new phase
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken rushed to the Middle East this week to make yet another push for a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians following another dramatic escalation in violence.
Decaying, vulnerable infrastructure creates an American nightmare
The safety, reliability and security of the United States' critical infrastructure are at grave risk.
Evangelicals have moved from environmental stewardship to climate skepticism
White conservative evangelicals, who make up most of the religious right movement, largely oppose government regulation to protect the environmental initiatives, including efforts to curb human-caused climate change.
Older women smashing it this awards season -- but ageism is far from over
Older and middle-aged women are having their moment in the sun, it seems. The recent Golden Globes coverage was filled with images of "older" women on the red carpet. There were some notable wins, too.
California’s new climate plan could help speed world's energy transformation
California is embarking on an audacious new climate plan that aims to eliminate the state's greenhouse gas footprint by 2045 and in the process, slash emissions far beyond its borders.
Beirut port blast: Ex-Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab charged with homicide
The investigation into the Beirut port explosion has taken a new turn, with the judge overseeing the probe charging a former prime minister and two other former ministers with homicide with probable intent.
U.S. facing crippling contradictions, diabolical dilemmas, perilous paradoxes
Alliteration is ideal for literature. Is it instructive for politics? Today, crippling contradictions are joined by diabolical dilemmas and perilous paradoxes.
Veganism should be viewed as political movement rather than dietary choice
The start of a new year these days signals the launch of Veganuary, a campaign that encourages people to give up animal products for the month of January.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy will be working under new rules that could stall action
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is already facing the limits of his power. A single member of the House can threaten his speakership. And at least one Democrat is promising to do just that.
Jacinda Ardern resigns: Gender, strong, compassionate leadership take toll
A troubling feature of the commentary about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been its abusive, violent, sexist and misogynistic tenor.
American exceptionalism at work: Joe Biden, Donald Trump mishandling documents
America is certainly an exceptional country. That was proven again last week. President Joe Biden, without authority or reason, mishandled classified documents. How could this happen after the Donald Trump fiasco?
Plans for deep seabed mining pit renewable energy demand against ocean life
As companies race to expand renewable energy and the batteries to store it, finding sufficient amounts of rare earth metals is no easy feat. That's leading mining companies to take a closer look at the deep ocean seabed.
Easy access to guns, exposure to screen violence increase risk of child shootings
In the aftermath of a shocking incident in which a first-grader shot and seriously injured a teacher at a school in Newport News, Va., the city's mayor asked the question: "How did this happen?"