Book Publishing Has a Toys ‘R’ Us Problem
A private-equity acquisition will saddle Simon & Schuster with $1 billion in debt. What could go wrong?
My Hero, Sly Stallone
He’s been teaching me how to age with humor.
Streaming Has Reached Its Sad, Predictable Fate
What should I watch? is now a much easier question than How do I watch it?
Elon Musk’s Latest Target Hits Back
A conversation with the Anti-Defamation League’s Jonathan Greenblatt, on a feud that is as bizarre as it is predictable
The Problem Olivia Rodrigo Can’t Solve
The singer’s sophomore album makes a persuasive case for rock’s rebirth as musical theater, as she comprehends life’s unavoidable obstacles.
This Week in Books: Sylvia Plath Continues to Fascinate
Her life is still being unpacked 60 years after her death.
A Rom-Com Franchise That Needs to End
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is uncomfortable to watch, squandering whatever goodwill the series once had.
Can Poland Roll Back Authoritarian Populism?
Next month’s election is a crucial test of whether the country’s autocratic ruling party can be checked at the ballot box.
Why Go With an Evil-Looking Orb?
The controversial crypto project Worldcoin asks people to look into a shiny orb to have their irises scanned. It’s a bit on the nose.
The Man Who Became Uncle Tom
Harriet Beecher Stowe said that Josiah Henson’s life had inspired her most famous character. But Henson longed to be recognized by his own name, and for his own achievements.
Photos of the Week: Smart Lander, Elephant Puppet, Zozobra Burning
The World Tango Championship in Argentina, devastating floods in Greece, a buffalo police patrol in Brazil, a muddy mess at the Burning Man Festival, and much more
U.S. v. Google
The Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against the company goes to trial next week. Is the freewheeling heyday of America’s tech giants winding down?
The Album That Made Me a Music Critic
The second LP by Smash Mouth, whose singer Steve Harwell recently died, contained accessible yet weird songs that invited childhood obsession.
Our First ‘Nonemergency’ COVID Season
A new wave. A new variant. A new vaccine. Do we know COVID’s annual pattern yet?
We Have No Drugs to Treat the Deadliest Eating Disorder
There are pills for bulimia and binge-eating disorder. Why not anorexia?
A Constantly Rebooting Children’s Franchise That’s Actually Good
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is one of the summer’s surprise hits, highlighting the unlikely endurance of the wisecracking reptiles.
Why Would Anyone Become a Politician?
Rory Stewart’s new memoir about his life in politics details his dawning realization that the game was not worth the effort.
America Is Telling Itself a Lie About Roadkill
Your car may have just run over the last of an endangered species.
A Knockout Technique for Achieving More Happiness
The best lesson from Mike Tyson’s boxing career is not about ring craft; it’s about having the right goals in life.
The China Model Is Dead
The nation’s problems run so deep, and the necessary repairs would be so costly, that the time for a turnaround may already have passed.