Zohran Mamdani Reveals the Absurdity of Affirmative Action
Is the nominee for New York City mayor “African American”? Wrong question.
Let Your Kid Climb That Tree
It could actually make them safer.
America Has Never Seen Corruption Like This
Trump’s Qatari jet was just the beginning.
Why Can’t Americans Sleep?
Insomnia has become a public-health emergency.
Men Might Be the Key to an American Baby Boom
Fertility policy has a big missing piece.
The Reality Show That Captures Gen Z Dating
This season of Love Island USA is a romance competition with very little romance.
Home of the Brave
Camp is a place where girls learn to be courageous. Can it stay that way?
The Courts Won’t Save Democracy From Trump
George Conway on Trump, the rule of law, and why the legal system is failing
What the Next Phase of Trump’s Presidency Will Look Like
The president got his “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Can he sell it to voters?
The AI Industry Is Radicalizing
The tech industry and its critics occupy parallel universes.
Maybe We Don’t Need to Go to Space Anymore
Trump wants to slash NASA’s budget. A Real World star will lead the agency. But everything’s okay!
Your Summer Project: Watching These Movies
Twelve franchises, genres, and filmographies to dig into
What’s Brilliant About the New Superman Movie
The newest take on the caped hero wisely embraces his corniness.
A Sea Story
One of the worst maritime disasters in European history took place in 1994. It remains very much in the public eye. On a stormy night on the Baltic Sea, more than 850 people lost their lives when a luxurious ferry sank below the waves. From a mass of material, including official and unofficial reports and survivor testimony, our correspondent has distilled an account of the Estonia’s last moments—part of his continuing coverage for the magazine of anarchy on the high seas.
How the Grateful Dead Nearly Solved the Problem With Live Music
The band’s innovative sound system made them sound better than ever. It also nearly broke them.
DNA Tests Are Uncovering the True Prevalence of Incest
People are discovering the truth about their biological parents with DNA—and learning that incest is far more common than many think.
Baby Boomers’ Luck Is Running Out
After a lifetime of good fortune, the generation has become vulnerable at exactly the wrong moment.
‘Success Addicts’ Choose Being Special Over Being Happy
The pursuit of achievement distracts from the deeply ordinary activities and relationships that make life meaningful.
I Fought Plastic. Plastic Won.
My futile quest to avoid the material that my entire world is made out of
How to Be Happy Growing Older
Your future will probably be better than your past.