World
Top Stories:- On remote island, Chinese patrols disrupt Filipino livelihoods – and gender roles
In the South China Sea, Chinese patrols are disrupting the livelihoods of Filipino fishing communities – and pushing more women into the workforce.
- The Olympic spirit: 7 athletes share tales of grit and sacrifice
As the 2024 Olympics approach, it can be easy to get caught up in the intensity of competition. These Olympians remind us how joyful sporting can be.
- Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas try again – in Beijing – to build a coalition government
Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have vowed to form a government together. Previous attempts have failed due to power struggles between the factions and Western countries’ refusal to accept a Palestinian government that does not recognize Israel.
- Why a Nigerian village has welcomed thousands of refugees
A village near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon has opened its arms to refugees fleeing civil war in that country.
- Legislating compassion: From bullfighting bans to domestic violence protections
Progress roundup: Same-sex marriage, domestic violence protections, and a ban on bullfighting become laws in Liechtenstein, Kazakhstan, Colombia.
USA
Top Stories:- Six issues Kamala Harris is campaigning on – and five she’d rather avoid
Kamala Harris has the opportunity to rebrand herself in the eyes of voters, but Republicans are attacking her record. Already it's clear her focus will include abortion rights – and drawing a contrast with Donald Trump on justice.
- From sidekick to spotlight: 5 things to know about Kamala Harris
As Kamala Harris moves closer to becoming the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, the Monitor looks at five highlights from her career and personal life.
- As Dems embrace Harris, GOP calls it an undemocratic ‘coup’ against Biden
U.S. President Joe Biden’s late-stage departure from the presidential race has led to complaints that the Democratic Party is imposing an undemocratic outcome on its voters. Will Republican criticism stick?
- Climate disasters make waves on the coast, but inland counties are also swamped
When most people think of climate change, they think of disastrous hurricanes and earthquakes hitting the coasts harder each year. But flooding is the most common disaster in the United States, and much of it happens inland.
- From Pennsylvania to Capitol Hill, a push for answers on Secret Service lapse
Security lapses that enabled the July 13 shooting of former President Donald Trump are raising larger questions about Secret Service protection during a turbulent election year.
Commentary
Top Stories:- A stroke of dignity at the Olympics
A swimmer from Israel – son of an Arab father and a Jewish mother – seeks to defy stereotypes of ethnicity and religion by appealing to values like respect.
- Biden’s meekness sustains democracy
His decision to withdraw from the race reflects a humility that has run through nations’ long experiment in self-government.
- Joy breaks into the Olympics
The 2024 Summer Games feature a new event – breaking – with its playful taunts and athletic freedom that reflect a global culture.
- For Martin Luther King Jr., the conversation on political violence was very different
Politicians united after the Donald Trump assassination attempt to say, “This is not who we are.” America’s racial history asks us to dig deeper.
- A father’s love, a daughter’s freedom
In places such as Afghanistan, the path for girls’ rights may start by enlisting their fathers as advocates.
Economy
Top Stories:- Teen summer jobs are back. What’s behind the return of a rite of passage?
Sacking groceries and scooping ice cream had been seen as a vanished rite of passage. But this year, the teen summer job is back in a big way.
- Trump vs. Biden: In swing state Nevada, it’s the housing
Low housing stock and inflation woes have put homeownership out of reach for many Americans. In Nevada, it could tip the presidential election.
- Extreme weather and inflation spur perfect storm for home insurance
Homeowners insurance is more difficult to get and more expensive than ever, largely because of more frequent extreme weather events. What are homeowners’ options and long-term solutions?
- Economic signals are blinking green. Why Americans are still seeing red.
Jobs in the U.S. economy keep expanding and the inflation rate has largely normalized. Yet economic worries and frustrations persist. Here’s what’s keeping the public from feeling more positive about the economy.
- A fare deal: Uber and Lyft drivers to earn $32.50 per hour in Massachusetts settlement
Uber and Lyft drivers will earn a minimum of $32.50 per hour along with benefits like paid sick leave and health care stipends in a new Massachusetts settlement. The companies will pay an additional $175 million to resolve previous wage law violations.
Environment
Top Stories:- Paul Watson goes to extreme lengths to protect whales. Japan says he belongs in jail.
Paul Watson, known for his aggressive anti-whaling activism, has been arrested on a warrant from Japan. He could face 15 years in prison.
- New Jersey got the brunt of Superstorm Sandy. A superfund could prepare for the next one.
To protect from future big storms on par with Superstorm Sandy, a new initiative in New Jersey recommends implementing a 2% surcharge on property insurance policies and mandatory fees on the oil and gas industries.
- Safer skies and seas: Fresh support for disabled travelers and climate-changed oceans
Progress roundup: An international tribunal links ocean health to climate change. In the U.S., new laws address the well-being of disabled travelers.
- The drones may protect swimmers from sharks. But angry bird parents attack the drones.
New York City’s new drone initiative to monitor swimmers and sharks at the beach has faced persistent attacks from birds defending their nests, forcing pilots to ground the patrolling devices.
- Ithaca, New York, set ‘totally crazy’ climate goals. Here’s what happened next.
Ithaca, New York, launched a Green New Deal five years ago. The city’s journey shows the promise and pitfalls of municipal action on climate change.
Technology
Top Stories:- Georgia leads toward a nuclear future with its first operating reactor
Georgia Power Co. announced one of its two new reactors reached self-sustaining nuclear fission on Monday. The announcement is a key step toward reaching commercial operation of nuclear energy in the United States.
- Cellphone at 50: Its inventor reflects on mobile advances and risks
Cellphone inventor Martin Cooper, who placed the first mobile call on April 3, 1973, remains hopeful the technology can transform lives, but he’s also concerned about its impact. “We don’t have any privacy anymore,” Mr. Cooper said at a trade show in Spain.
- What links toothbrushes and weapons systems? A $52 billion investment.
The U.S. government has reached a rare bipartisan agreement to invest $52 billion to develop advanced computer chips. Factories, autos, appliances, electronics, toys, toothbrushes, and weapons systems all depend on semiconductors.
- Internet speech: Supreme Court to weigh who is protected online
Two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court this week challenge Section 230, a 1996 law that protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their networks. The cases are part of a global trend toward holding social media platforms accountable.
- ‘Tremendous potential’: Why some disability advocates laud ChatGPT
ChatGPT has spurred lively conversations about the role of educational technology. While some colleges and universities are cracking down on ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot, other educators believe ChatGPT could help with assisted learning.
Science
Top Stories:- What’s old, long, and green? Meet Gnatalie, Los Angeles’ new dinosaur.
A 75-foot-long sauropod is the only green dinosaur fossil in the world and it’s on display in Los Angeles. Researchers discovered the bones in 2007 in the Badlands of Utah.
- ‘Hey Siri, can you win the AI race?’ How Apple Intelligence could be a game-changer.
Apple is diving into artificial intelligence – focused on the idea of a “virtual personal assistant.” Apple Intelligence will make Siri and some iPhone 15 models smarter – and perhaps spur sales of new gadgets.
- Boeing has seen a tide of bad headlines. It’s hoping for a reset with space launch.
Boeing plans to launch a crewed spaceflight to prove it can successfully transport astronauts to the International Space Station.
- Scientists recorded sperm whales. Their pod-casts offer hints on how they talk.
For years, researchers have tried to link sperm whales’ underwater clicks to the meanings they communicate. A new study of their codas could serve as the basis for future translations of their alphabet.
- Hey now, you’re a dead star. Meet Gaia, the Milky Way’s second-largest black hole.
A black hole named Gaia BH3, 33 times greater in size than the sun, was discovered 2,000 light years from Earth. The only other in our Milky Way galaxy, Sagittarius, is 26,000 light years away from Earth and traveling in the opposite direction.
Culture
Top Stories:- I plead quilty: Why I inflicted a madcap, modern spin on an old-fashioned art
In an era of mass consumption, our writer reminds us of the forgotten art of creating something from scratch.
- Overfishing of Mauritania’s octopus threatens a big industry – and a smart species
Fifty thousand fishers depend on the West African nation’s octopus trade. How long can the industry be sustained?
- A ‘Walden’ way of seeing the world: How I found calm in Thoreau’s words
During anxious times, I found inspiration in Thoreau’s classic “Walden.” Here are my four mindfulness takeaways.
- He hears America singing. Jake Xerxes Fussell brings new life to folk music.
Jake Xerxes Fussell has been seeking forgotten American folk songs his entire life. His fifth album, “When I’m Called,” releases July 12.
- ‘Sing Sing’: How one prison performance changed lives
“Sing Sing,” which is already generating Oscar buzz, shows the power of the arts to change lives. Its director wanted to film in a way that would give formerly incarcerated men ownership of their own story.
Books
Top Stories:- What do scientists have to learn from wildlife? The value of diversity.
Jasmin Graham’s fresh and innovative memoir details how her work as a “rogue” shark scientist pushes science to include more diverse perspectives.
- The 10 best books of July 2024 to tuck in your beach bag
Our picks for the best reads of July include novels about a comet, navigating love, and adapting to a new culture.
- A ‘Walden’ way of seeing the world: How I found calm in Thoreau’s words
During anxious times, I found inspiration in Thoreau’s classic “Walden.” Here are my four mindfulness takeaways.
- How France became a global basketball powerhouse
In a Q&A, author Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff explains how the basketball rivalry between France and the U.S. shaped play in both countries.
- A Holocaust survivor’s music inspires his granddaughter’s memoir
In “The Piano Player of Budapest,” musician Roxanne de Bastion inherits not only her grandfather’s cherished piano, but also his courageous history.