Crooked Bough News Round-up

— A history buff is on a quest to keep Nigeria’s past alive

 

at 8/26/26 8:39am

In a country where libraries and museums are underfunded, Raphael James wants residents to read – and learn from the artifacts he has amassed.

— In Eswatini, learning golf is a fairway to opportunity for young people

 

at 8/26/26 8:18am

In rural Eswatini, golf programs are helping break down the racial and economic barriers that have long kept young people out of the sport.

— ‘So heartfelt.’ Dolly Parton blended stardom with a unifying care for people.

 

at 8/26/26 7:30am

Performer and entrepreneur Dolly Parton turned personal struggles and hard work into universal anthems and messages of hope and resilience for anyone.

— Graham’s win in South Carolina shows Trump’s still got sway

 

at 8/25/26 8:06pm

Voters have rejected more Trump-endorsed candidates in this year’s primary season than in previous cycles. But Darline Graham won South Carolina’s U.S. Senate nomination Tuesday, as the president’s backing outweighed her lack of experience.

— As US applies ‘D-Day’ economic pressures on Iran, the battle shifts to Iraq

 

at 8/25/26 3:08pm

A key goal for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has been disarming Iraq’s militias, including those backed by, and serving, Iran. The Trump administration endorses that goal, but its economic pressure on Iran is making it harder to attain.

— Why the WNBA is playing defense over clashes about gender, race

 

at 8/25/26 1:50pm

The WNBA enjoys a growing fanbase and soaring revenue. Alongside those successes has come greater public attention on player controversies, turning the league into a microcosm of social issues which divide Americans.

— Congress eyes tighter sanctions on Russia – with wiggle room for Trump

 

at 8/25/26 1:39pm

The U.S. House will consider a Russia sanctions bill, which could be Congress’ first major action on the Ukraine war in President Trump’s second term.

— A new civic tone for America’s ‘town halls’

 

at 8/25/26 1:27pm

Fewer lawmakers hold face-to-face sessions with voters to answer questions – a result of partisan rancor. Yet a new design – focused deliberation on single issues – might shore up this pillar of democracy.

— For Ukraine’s Greek peoples, the war threatens a language and a way of life

 

at 8/25/26 12:34pm

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has displaced North Azovian Greek community, a minority-language people now trying to save their cultural identity.

— Mary Oliver: A poet who speaks to the ‘state of the soul’

 

at 8/25/26 8:30am

The documentary “Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World” explores the impact of her poetry and of her keen observations of the natural world.

— Trump tests the limits of economic leverage against foe – and friend

 

at 8/25/26 3:00am

President Trump is trying economic tools – sanctions on Iran and tariffs on Canada – to exert power. Iran isn’t flinching. Canada is punching back.

— What does a self-reliant South Korea look like? Some push for a nuclear option.

 

at 8/25/26 3:00am

Washington’s curtailing of joint military drills in South Korea was widely framed as a humiliating moment for Seoul. But it could also push the country on a path to self-reliance – and nuclear arms.

— As Iran stalemate drags on, US tries to tighten the economic vise

 

at 8/24/26 3:01pm

Iran is one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world. But the Trump administration hopes it can turn up the pressure even more, threatening nations that do business with Tehran.

— After US trade talks collapse, Canadians stand together against economic storm

 

at 8/24/26 2:11pm

Prime Minister Mark Carney hopes he can show that Canada can navigate geopolitical storms without ceding sovereignty to nations like the United States.

— Repair, not revenge in post-autocratic Hungary

 

at 8/24/26 2:01pm

As democracy is restored under a new leader, the Central European nation tries to be a model in avoiding personal retribution against a former ruler’s supporters.

— Repair, not revenge, in post-autocratic Hungary

 

at 8/24/26 2:01pm

As democracy is restored under a new leader, the Central European nation tries to be a model in avoiding personal retribution against a former ruler’s supporters.

— Native Americans, once caricatured, now ponder: Reject Route 66, or use it to connect?

 

at 8/24/26 10:33am

Two versions of Route 66 run side by side: the commercial myth, which caricatured Native Americans, and the Indigenous story of life, culture and commerce.

— Thousands evacuate as wildfire approaches Reno

 

at 8/23/26 3:36pm

Officials say a fast-growing wildfire in Reno, Nevada, was human-caused. The Hawk Fire grew to 13,000 acres Sunday and is uncontained.

— US-Canada trade talks collapse, setting off new round of tariffs

 

at 8/22/26 10:53am

Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods beginning Sept. 8, targeting steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, paper, and electronics.

— Military’s arrest power at southern border grows. What’s behind the change?

 

at 8/22/26 3:00am

President Trump expanded the U.S. military’s role in immigration enforcement, and a new legal opinion gives the Pentagon greater arrest powers at the southern border.

— From ‘bean to bar,’ boutique chocolate makers tell a new story

 

at 8/22/26 3:00am

Consumers’ interest in the origins of their chocolate is rising. The “bean-to-bar” movement pioneered by boutique chocolate makers offers one response.

As of 8/26/26 10:36am. Last new 8/26/26 8:44am.