Music Where are the Black musicians in the country's largest orchestras? In 2014, a study found that only 1.4% of orchestra musicians were Black. In 2022, it's hard to know if that number is better or worse. Jeff Lunden
National Migrant deaths at the U.S.-Mexico border hit a record high, in part due to drownings This has been the deadliest year ever for migrants trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Hundreds have drowned in the Rio Grande or perished from extreme heat in failed smuggling attempts. Joel Rose Marisa Peñaloza
Race & Identity Oregon Shakespeare Festival focuses on expansion – but is not without its critics After two years of pandemic closures, audiences are back at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, to find a season of diverse plays. But for many, change has come too soon. Bilal Qureshi
National Wrongful convictions disproportionately affect Black Americans, report shows The Exonerations Report has some disturbing numbers on the rate of exonerations. Black people represent 13.6% of the population, but account for 53% of 3,200 exonerations in the Registry as of Aug. 8. Alana Wise
National These young men catch more than lobsters. They also catch a break Four Black teens are learning how to lobster in a new program called "Lift All Boats." Maine's seafood packing plants have a diverse workforce, but commercial fishing is mostly white. Fred Bever
National Two transracial adoptees with different views on abortion agree about cultural trauma Adoption is sometimes touted by anti-abortion advocates as an alternative to abortion. Two transracial adoptees discuss their opposite positions on abortion and how they got there. Megan Schellong
Race & Identity Why Latino people are on the front lines of climate change A wide range of Latino communities in the United States are affected by climate-driven storms, floods, droughts and heat waves, and are leading the charge to address global warming. Rebecca Hersher
Books New report finds a coordinated rise in attempted book bans According to PEN America, a growing number of local political and advocacy groups have focused their attacks on books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and characters of color. Andrew Limbong
Race & Identity Why Black characters in 'Rings of Power' and 'Little Mermaid' make fantasy better Producers of fantasy shows should use diversity to deepen storylines. Eric Deggans
Sports The NBA suspended the Suns' owner for abusive behavior. Some want him gone for good Robert Sarver, the majority owner in Phoenix, faces increasing pressure from sponsors and members of his organization after a league investigation found he'd used racial slurs and demeaned employees. Christopher Dean Hopkins
