The fight against human trafficking demands our attention. In well-appointed homes, on farms, in factories and in restaurants in the U.S., thousands of people, even children, work long days cleaning homes, picking crops, making products, washing dishes, busing tables and serving customers. more

Entering the new year, Americans are increasingly divided. They clash not only over differing opinions on COVID-19 risk or abortion, but basic facts like election counts and whether vaccines work. Surveying rising political antagonism, journalist George Packer recently wondered in The Atlantic, “Are we doomed?” more

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day — On this holiday, we celebrate one of the great civil rights leaders of the 20th century. The Rev. King challenged Americans to uphold the Declaration of Independence’s promise “...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” more

Many people may recognize Arbor Day on a National scale to be celebrated on the last Friday in April, however... more

After rejecting a plan for sending a free, at-home COVID-19 testing kit to all Americans, President Joe Biden has responded with something more modest in the face of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant. Americans are able to request online, from a newly developed federal government website, a free COVID-19 test to be mailed to them. more

At this time of tremendous national polarization, it might seem counterintuitive to turn to religious freedom for guidance on how to overcome the deep cleavages in American society. The introduction of religion might provoke thoughts of disagreement, conflict and division, or seem like the last place we should look for solutions. more

I picked an even harder resolution for 2022 than in 2021, when I focused on becoming a better listener. That resolution required me to let people finish their sentences and not mentally prepare my response as they spoke. ]Nope. I quickly counted to five in my head without adding “Mississippi” after each number, and only then did I share my thoughts. more

Every year, scores of Arizonans make New Year’s resolutions, especially to improve their health and wealth. In fact, 55% of Americans plan to make health-related New Year’s resolutions this year, while 53% have vowed to improve their financial well-being, according to a recent UnitedHealthcare survey. more

It’s one of the very first Yuletide songs the youngest of children learn. more

Legitimate toy makers deserve credit for making their products much safer over the years. However, too often, Arizonans still end up buying dangerous toys for children for the holidays. more

Consumer prices jumped 6.8% in November 2021 from a year earlier — the fastest rate of increase since 1982, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data published on Dec. 10, 2021. The biggest jumps during the month were in energy, used cars and clothing. more

Henry E., age 10, of Somerville, Massachusetts asked: How did Uncle Sam become a symbol for the United States? Most Americans easily recognize Uncle Sam as a symbol of the United States or a national nickname. more

The warning signs were there. In the days leading up to the deadliest school shooting of 2021 in the U.S., 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley made a series of disturbing comments and messages — both online and in a drawing. more

It was a moment that has come back to me many times. I had gone to Starbucks in my hometown of Denver. Before going to visit my ailing mom, I thought a coffee would be nice. Once I was at the counter, the barista serving me asked, “And how are you today?” more

Can everyday people make a difference in their communities without millions of dollars? Lucy Bernholz, a senior research scholar at Stanford University’s Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, believes that philanthropy is far more multifaceted than wealthy individuals writing checks to nonprofit organizations. more

Americans have an anger problem. People rage at each other. They are angry at public officials for shutting down parts of society. Or for the opposite reason because they aren’t doing enough to curb the virus. Democrats vent their rage at Republicans. And Republicans treat Democrats not as opponents but as enemies. more

With the Thanksgiving gatherings concluded and the leftovers long-since eaten, many of us are starting to put up decorations for the holiday season. And we’re fortunate that here in the Valley, there’s a pretty good chance the weather will be perfect while you string the lights. more

If the omicron variant of the coronavirus is different enough from the original variant, it’s possible that existing vaccines won’t be as effective as they have been. If so, it’s likely that companies will need to update their vaccines to better fight omicron. more

States across the U.S. are drawing new electoral districts for the next decade in a process called redistricting. In some states, districts are drawn by the state legislature; in others, by an independent redistricting commission. more

Although bipartisanship seems to be rare in a polarized Washington, after Donald Trump was defeated for a second term as president, the coast was clear for Republicans to join Democrats in bashing both Russia and China. more