The Two Donald Trumps
Donald Trump campaigned as the return-to-normal candidate—while promising policies that would unleash fresh chaos.
The Cost-of-Living Crisis Explains Everything
The economy under Biden looked good but felt bad.
What Bobby McIlvaine Left Behind
Grief, conspiracy theories, and one family’s search for meaning in the two decades since 9/11
The Democrats Need an Honest Conversation on Gender Identity
The party went into an election with policies it couldn’t defend—or even explain.
The Cases Against Trump: A Guide
Thirty-four felony convictions. Charges of fraud, election subversion, and obstruction. One place to keep track of the presidential candidate’s legal troubles.
To Find Alien Intelligence, Start With the Mountains
The key to complex life might be hiding miles below our feet.
The Exhibit That Will Change How You See Impressionism
The National Gallery’s “Paris 1874” explores the movement’s dark origins.
Why Gossip Is Fatal to Good Writing
A new book compares the authors and frenemies Joan Didion and Eve Babitz, but its fixation on their rivalry obscures the complicated truth.
How America Got Mean
In a culture devoid of moral education, generations are growing up in a morally inarticulate, self-referential world.
How Donald Trump Won Everywhere
This was the second COVID election.
Why People Itch, and How to Stop It
Scientists are discovering lots of little itch switches.
Democracy Is Not Over
Americans who care about democracy have every right to feel appalled and frightened. But then they have work to do.
How Can I Find More Satisfaction in Work?
My job consumes and torments me. There has to be a better way.
Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid
It’s not just a phase.
Musk’s Twitter Is the Blueprint for a MAGA Government
Fire everyone. Turn it into a personal political weapon. Let chaos reign.
The Democrats’ Senate Nightmare Is Only Beginning
If the party doesn’t figure out how to compete in more states, perpetual GOP dominance is all but assured.
The Queer Author Who Spoke the Plain Truth
Dorothy Allison, the Bastard Out of Carolina author who died last week, modeled the power of honesty in her writing and her life.
13 Feel-Good TV Shows to Watch This Winter
The most comforting shows to watch during the coldest season
Dear Therapist: I Was the Other Woman
I know I sound naive, but this wasn’t like a “normal” affair.
The Great Conspiracy-Theorist Flip-Flop
Elon Musk didn’t “steal” the election.