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In three controversial decisions this year, the Supreme Court reignited a long-running debate: How should the First Amendment's clauses on religion be interpreted? Critics say the court's rulings in favor of religious legal claims have significantly eroded the separation between church and state. Supporters of the decisions say they simply recognize the right to religious free expression that is also guaranteed by the First Amendment. The rulings have encouraged some activists to push for a greater religious presence in public schools. The dispute over the role of religion in public life was also stoked by earlier court rulings allowing businesses to deny some services and opt out of government health care mandates based on an owner's religious beliefs. Some conservatives are going further, saying the United States should officially be declared a Christian nation and should reflect Christian principles. These calls come at a time when public polling shows Americans are less religious than ever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical debt is a problem for millions of Americans today. A reported 41 percent of U.S. adults are saddled with bills from hospitals and doctors' offices as well as those for prescription drugs and other health care needs. An estimated $140 billion in overdue medical debt is in collections. Analysts say America's medical debt problem is unparalleled in the developed world. President Biden, Congress and the major credit reporting agencies have taken steps to reduce the impact of medical debt on personal finances. But some activists say more needs to be done -- including having the government cancel medical debt, which they say results from the nation's inadequate and overpriced health care system rather than personal failing. Critics say such a move would only encourage more medical debt, spur higher costs and tilt U.S. health care further toward serving only wealthy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some employers have fired or refused to hire Black workers because of their dreadlocks, cornrows or braids, and white teachers and coaches have cut Black and brown students' hair, saying it violates school dress codes. Experts say such actions echo the historic behavior of enslavers, who shaved the heads of kidnapped Africans to humiliate and punish them. The natural hair movement, aided by social media, has helped to mainstream hair texture diversity and expose discrimination against Black hairstyles. At least 17 states have enacted laws expanding civil rights protections to include hair, and in March the U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar bill. Republican critics of the measures say they are unnecessary and that lawmakers should focus on bigger problems, such as inflation and immigration. Supporters say hair discrimination is a serious economic issue when workers lose their livelihoods due to hairstyle bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six decades after sweeping away European colonial rule and beginning to govern themselves, the people of sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly charting their own course. Decades of debt, war, political turmoil and foreign aid are giving way to creativity and industriousness, propelled by a fast-growing young population with global aspirations. Leaders are pushing to topple cross-border trade barriers and expand tech-driven investment to generate higher inclusive growth. Regional integration is strengthening political and economic coordination. Yet the transition faces stiff headwinds, from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate impacts to entrenched bureaucrats and fragile governance. Food security remains precarious and is vulnerable to external shocks, such as the interruption of grain exports from war-ravaged Ukraine. The shortage of electricity limits hundreds of millions of people from enjoying full social and economic participation. Governments operate with little scrutiny from citizens. Still, a mindset of independence and assertiveness is taking hold among leaders and citizens alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's digital age, corporate brands and public figures alike are being singled out over accusations of exploiting culture more than ever, leading to public apologies and cancelled campaigns. While the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation is often blurry, experts say it is possible to borrow from another culture in a way that is respectful, not harmful. Some question the concept of cultural appropriation altogether, saying culture cannot be owned and is inherently malleable -- especially amid increasing globalization. However, others say the practice is a symptom of deeply rooted colonialism and white supremacy. Recent incidents of cultural appropriation have brought attention to the need for greater public awareness and education. In the last couple of years, companies have prioritized diversity efforts through hiring and training, as global societies grapple with how to achieve a better understanding and consideration of cultural differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) loosened regulations so insurers could reimburse medical providers for online appointments. Besides slowing the spread of contagion, the availability of telehealth enabled working parents, caregivers, people with disabilities and employees with limited paid time off to easily access health care. Although the Biden administration ended the public health emergency on May 11, it extended telemedicine flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2024, to enable HHS to evaluate the coverage. The results of that review will determine which, if any, telemedicine services will continue to be covered by government insurance. If services are no longer covered, private insurers could follow suit. Meanwhile, critics say direct-to-consumer telemedicine and wellness companies have been selling patient health information, an issue that could become more critical as patients and providers face legal ramifications in some jurisdictions for certain health care procedures, such as abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large numbers of people are feeling lonely, both in the United States and around the world. This has been an issue for years, but isolation early in the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem, causing some to say loneliness is a public health epidemic. It has been associated with mental and physical health problems, including increased risk of dementia and premature death. Many of the ways people have historically gathered and shared community, such as through religious services, marriage, service club participation and child-rearing, have been declining for decades. Some are calling for a revival of these social institutions to help combat loneliness. At the same time, social media has grown in popularity, which some experts argue can trigger greater feelings of alienation rather than actual connection. Now, with nearly a third of the U.S. workforce still remote, there is concern that Americans may grow even more isolated. The issue has the attention of policymakers who want to help, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experts have discussed the declining availability of freshwater for decades. Even though a long-overdue United Nations Water Conference took place in March, critics say addressing water shortages demands global leadership, significant investment and mandates for sustainable water management. Governments, including the United States, inevitably will have to make hard choices, especially where water is withdrawn faster than it is replenished. With transboundary waters accounting for 60 percent of the world's freshwater flows, conflicts over water may increase across borders and between sectors. So far, cooperative agreements have proven successful, such as in the Mekong Basin in Southeast Asia, the Okavango River area in South Africa and the Great Lakes region in North America. Governments and businesses are also cooperating to build water infrastructure and pursue innovations, but concerns remain over issues such as corporate control of water management and environmental damage from dams, desalination and pollution. While many see water as a basic human right and public resource that should be free, others say pricing water to reflect the true cost of delivery is necessary to encourage conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian woman arrested for reportedly improperly wearing her hijab in violation of the country's strict dress code for women, sparked widespread protests against the Islamic Republic's regime and prompted questions about the future of the country. Recently, the protests have quieted, but not stopped, within Iran and around the world. The latest demonstrations are in response to the mysterious suspected poisonings of hundreds of school-aged girls throughout the nation. So far, the anti-regime movement and government response have resulted in the deaths of more than 400 protesters, thousands more arrested and four executed. A number of opposition political leaders inside Iran are calling for a shift from an Islamic republic to a democracy. Iran's currency has hit an historic low, and the economy is severely strained, due to ongoing international sanctions and reported internal corruption. Meanwhile, Iran faces increasing tension with the West due to its closer ties with Russia and China and continued enrichment of uranium for nuclear development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 600 of the 12,000 chemical compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are used in a multitude of consumer products and industrial processes because they resist heat, oil, grease, stains and water. Many are known as "forever chemicals" because they are hard to destroy and can last indefinitely in water, soil, air and the human body. PFAS have been linked to health issues and increasingly are the target of regulation and legal action. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 14 proposed its first-ever regulation of PFAS in drinking water, which could force water systems nationwide to make costly upgrades. Several states have banned certain PFAS uses, 28 states are considering new regulations this year and the European Union is considering banning substances. Manufacturers, who discovered the dangers posed by the chemicals decades ago but did not report them to regulators as required by law, have paid out millions in penalties and settlements. Nevertheless, they say, many PFAS are safe when used properly and are irreplaceable and important to the economy. Many retailers have switched to PFAS-free products, and scientists are developing ways to remove the chemicals from public water supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional competitive video gaming, or esports, is booming. More than 530 million global viewers watched players compete in different video games in 2022, and that number is expected to grow. Yet the industry, now in existence for about 25 years, is still experiencing major obstacles. Some analysts say many questions must be answered for esports to become mainstream like other professional sports. Topping the list is whether teams can find a sustainable revenue model, as most are operating at a loss or just starting to break even. While the companies that create the video games are profitable, professional teams rely heavily on corporate sponsorship, which can be unstable. There is also no independent regulatory authority, leading to problems that range from exploitative labor practices and lack of gender diversity to players using performance-enhancing drugs. The result is a volatile environment many say is in need of reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of workers shifted to working remotely as the COVID-19 pandemic began to rage in 2020. Now, executives at companies such as Twitter and Walt Disney Co. are saying it is time for employees to return to the workplace. But many employees balk at coming back after almost three years of flexibility. Surveys have found that a majority of employees who can work remotely want to keep a remote or hybrid schedule, and some say they will quit if forced to return to the office full time. Many say remote and hybrid work have improved diversity, equity and inclusion as employers are able to attract a wider range of talent from across the country. More disabled people have entered the workforce, and members of marginalized groups report facing fewer negative situations at work. But others say hybrid work threatens corporate culture, hampers workplace relationships and undermines company loyalty. Given the sometimes mismatched expectations between employers and employees, it is not yet clear how they will find common ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Americans without a college degree live in a different nation than the one inhabited by more educated people. Those lacking such a credential die at higher rates from heart disease and at much higher rates from drug abuse, alcoholism and suicide. They report more pain and mental anguish, and millions no longer work or look for work. Some researchers say that many without college degrees have dropped out of the workforce because of the disappearance of unionized jobs that pay well in the nation's industrial heartland. Others say those who have stayed in the workforce suffer from health problems caused by overwork and high stress that can lead to premature death. Since the majority of American adults lack a college degree, social scientists worry that this education-based difference undermines confidence in institutions and capitalism. Experts disagree on what causes this sharp gap between the educated and the rest of the population and what should be done about it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The November bankruptcy of cryptocurrency exchange FTX capped a volatile year of selloffs and chaos in the crypto market. This accelerated congressional efforts to create an oversight framework for the largely unregulated and highly unstable digital assets such as bitcoin. Crypto industry supporters, including many GOP members of Congress, view digital assets and their underlying blockchain technology as revolutionary, even as critics deride these assets as a massive Ponzi scheme and blockchains as impractical and environmentally hazardous. At stake is the future of an industry that has become a magnet for cybercrime, but that White House officials believe could bolster U.S. leadership in global finance. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is testing the concept of a government-backed digital currency that could accomplish some of the same goals cryptocurrencies sought to achieve, such as faster, cheaper international payments and giving unbanked consumers access to the financial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission legalized unlimited secret donations to political campaigns. Thirteen years later, this so-called "dark money" has become a normal part of U.S. elections, with both parties raising tens of millions in anonymous funds each election cycle. During the 2022 midterms, four dark money groups aligned with Republican or Democratic congressional leaders poured more than $295 million into federal campaigns. Proponents say such large, undisclosed donations protect political donors' freedom of speech, but critics argue these contributions have enabled the super-wealthy to secretly control U.S. politics. They also warn that it has fostered political corruption, enabled malicious attack ads and provided a gateway for foreign entities to influence American politicians. While polls show U.S. voters overwhelmingly oppose dark money and are dissatisfied with the current campaign finance system, major political, legal and administrative obstacles prevent reform at the federal level. Nevertheless, reformers say, officials are beginning to check the influence of dark money at the state and local levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nation's perennial problem of homelessness has worsened in many cities now that COVID-19 pandemic-era protections against eviction have ended. Rents and housing costs have continued their decades-long rise. Despite billions of dollars spent moving people into housing in recent decades, the number of unsheltered individuals continues to rise -- both in major cities and rural America. Given the issue's visibility, many politicians support crackdowns, by calling on police to break up encampments or banning camping in public spaces. Conservatives are skeptical about an approach that provides housing for people without requiring them to work or get job training or addiction treatment. With Congress divided on the issue, states and cities are scrambling to find funds for solutions. Voters have supported such measures, but many often resist the construction of shelters or low-cost housing in their neighborhoods. Nevertheless, the public demands meaningful solutions that, so far, have remained elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Americans' trust in the Supreme Court dipped to an historic low in September, when only 40 percent of respondents in a Gallup poll said they approved of the court. Many began questioning its legitimacy after the GOP-led Senate blocked Merrick Garland's nomination to the court by President Barack Obama. Since then, the balance of the court has shifted to a 6-3 conservative majority because of President Donald Trump's three appointments, one of which filled the seat for which Garland was nominated. This shift ultimately resulted in rulings overturning the right to an abortion, rolling back portions of the Voting Rights Act and curbing the federal government's authority to limit carbon emissions. Some observers say such rulings correct earlier court errors or properly check government power. Others are calling for court reforms to restore the institution's ideological balance either through term limits for justices or adding more seats. Meanwhile, a leaked draft of the pivotal abortion ruling in May, combined with questions about justices' political activities, have spurred calls for a court ethics code. But concerns linger over whether reforms would be effective or constitutional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, large Western economies increasingly have used sanctions -- such as the thousands imposed on Russia since it invaded Ukraine in February -- to avoid military action when diplomacy does not deter behavior the international community considers unacceptable. Proponents say sanctions, which include withdrawing trade, financial or diplomatic relations, are a vital foreign policy tool. Opponents, including some in the Global South, say sanctions do not always achieve their objectives, rarely result in regime change and can adversely affect vulnerable citizens. To avoid society-wide suffering due to leaders' transgressions, Western countries increasingly use so-called smart sanctions, which have targeted and reined in some rogue actors. Experts disagree on whether the United States, which imposes more sanctions than any other country, is helping establish a rules-based order or is eroding its global leadership due to what even some European allies consider its trigger-happy approach. In any case, proliferating sanctions are creating ripple effects on global trade and financial systems that experts say should be taken far more seriously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]