In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

There was a time in America when children would disappear from the house after breakfast and not return until dinner. They biked to friends’ houses, walked to the corner store with crumpled dollar bills in their pockets, played basketball at the park without adult supervision, and learned how to navigate the world through the small acts of independence that gradually shape capable adults.