June 21, 2026

NPR’s ‘The Sunday Story’: Exploring Depth in News and Culture

The Sunday Story from Up First is a space where storytelling intertwines with current issues. This weekly magazine, hosted by Ayesha Rascoe, delves into a single topic, offering deep insights through conversations, interviews, and thorough narrative journalism. The episodes are published every Sunday in the Up First podcast feed. Podcast Platforms You can find this […]

June 21, 2026

Sports Leagues and Teams Differ in Recognizing Juneteenth and Pride Month

America’s major sports leagues and teams marked the federal Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Their approach contrasted with how they began Pride Month. The NFL, the leading professional league in the U.S., acknowledged Juneteenth on social media by sharing some teams’ recognition of the day. The league did […]

June 20, 2026

The Echoes of Sound and Memory

Future NPR critic Bob Mondello reflects on the past while reminiscing about his father, Tony Mondello. Watching The History of Sound, a period drama set partly in 1919, made Bob think about his father’s birth year. The film features two music conservatory students, David and Lionel, who meet in a New England bar. David, played […]

June 20, 2026

Evanston Celebrates Juneteenth with Community Events

More than 400 residents and attendees came together at Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park on Friday to celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the United States. This day marks June 19, the date when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom in 1865, years after the Emancipation Proclamation was […]

June 19, 2026

Michelle Obama Faces Conservative Criticism After Interview

Former First Lady Michelle Obama faced backlash from conservative voices after her appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” During an interview with her husband, former President Barack Obama, she was asked to describe the next chapter of her life in one word. Michelle Obama responded with “me,” sparking criticism that ranged from accusations of self-centeredness […]

June 17, 2026

Juneteenth: A National Holiday Still Seeking Cultural Roots

The survival of Juneteenth as a federal holiday signifies progress, yet the tradition itself is still developing widespread cultural significance. This underscores the importance of nurturing societal customs alongside formal recognition. On June 13, 2023, a Juneteenth concert took place at the White House, symbolizing efforts to embrace the holiday. This event reminded the public […]

June 17, 2026

JD Vance Reflects on ‘The View’ Experience

Vice President JD Vance recently appeared on the daytime talk show, “The View,” as he began promoting his spiritual memoir, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.” Despite anticipating a challenging reception, Vance found the interaction less hostile than expected. “I assumed they would be incredibly vicious, but they weren’t as harsh as I imagined,” […]

June 17, 2026

Shockoe Institute: Art and Democracy in Richmond

The Shockoe Institute’s Mission The Shockoe Institute, situated in Richmond, Virginia, commenced operations this spring with a focus on the lasting effects of enslavement. This institution seeks to pave the way for solutions that bolster civic life today. Art Influencing Civic Life Amna Nawaz highlights the connection between art and democracy in her Art in […]

June 16, 2026

Colonial Williamsburg Prepares for America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, often referred to as ‘the birthplace of America,’ is gearing up to welcome large crowds this summer for America’s 250th celebrations. The highlight event will take place on the evening of July 4th, on the Courthouse Green, according to Robert Currie, director of entertainment, special events, and evening programs at Colonial […]