On SNL, Sydney Sweeney Proves She Can Do Anything
The show allowed the Euphoria star, who refuses to be pigeonholed, a chance to show her range.
A 17th-Century Nun’s Feminist Manifesto
Culture and entertainment musts from Gisela Salim-Peyer
A Persistent Lightning Mystery Has Finally Been Solved
What’s the lightning capital of the U.S.?
How to Tackle Truth Decay
The social contract of trust between experts and society is in danger of dissolving. We need to start putting it back together.
Tomato & Lettuce
‘We Are Being Punished for Daring to Criticize the Authority’
Following a grim tradition, a brave Russian human-rights advocate speaks out before being sent to prison.
Where Did Evangelicals Go Wrong?
Jesus told us to love our enemies. And yet so many have embraced hostile politics in the name of Christianity.
The Leader of Today’s Republican Party
“McConnell was the final backstop against the complete Trumpification of the Senate.”
A Movie That Understands the Absurdity of the American Dream
Julio Torres’s existential comedy Problemista is a marvelous mixture of surrealism and social satire.
Closing This Gap May Be Biden’s Key to a Second Term
The president still has time to improve his standing on the economy, but that time isn’t unlimited.
Can Anyone Learn to Sing?
How the singing voice actually works, and what humans can create when we sing together
What ‘Luxury Beliefs’ Reveal About the Ruling Class
An orphan’s unlikely journey from foster care to Yale, and its lessons for the upper crust
Did Apple Just Make a Gambling App?
The tech giant’s new sports tool shows scores, betting odds, and little else.
America’s Last Morse-Code Station
Maritime Morse code was formally phased out in 1999, but in California, a group of enthusiasts who call themselves the “radio squirrels” keeps the tradition alive.
Biden Is Still the Democrats’ Best Bet for November
No amount of wishful thinking is going to magically produce a winning Candidate B.
Democracy’s Dark Winter
While a Russian dictator’s war goes on, venal would-be autocrats game the U.S. political and legal system.
You’re Looking at TikTok All Wrong
The app is basically just broadcast TV now.
A Memoir Shouldn’t Boss You Around
Lily Meyer recommends books that recollect personal experience without being prescriptive.
The Real Reason Trump Loves Putin
A new book explores the American right’s tendency to admire and want to emulate foreign dictators.
Why the Best Singers Can’t Always Sing Their Own Songs
Performing pop songs live offers a thrilling reward—if your voice doesn’t betray you, that is.