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Archive

Archives for January 2019

Trump Administration
A judge has stopped the Trump administration from asking about citizenship in the censusA judge has stopped the Trump administration from asking about citizenship in the census
Trump Administration

Judge Jesse M. Furman ruled the Department of Commerce lied about why it wanted to add a citizenship question in 2020, which violated federal law.

By Dara Lind
Politics
The emoluments clause, explainedThe emoluments clause, explained
Politics

A guide for William Barr, who claims not to know what it is.

By Matthew Yglesias
Future Perfect
Microcredit was a hugely hyped solution to global poverty. What happened?Microcredit was a hugely hyped solution to global poverty. What happened?
Future Perfect

Studies have shown it hasn’t really lifted people out of poverty. But it’s still made a difference in the lives of the poor.

By Stephanie Wykstra
Culture
What the Jill Abramson book scandal tells us about publishing’s fact-checking problemWhat the Jill Abramson book scandal tells us about publishing’s fact-checking problem
Culture

In book publishing, the onus for fact-checking is on the author. That creates problems.

By Constance Grady
Politics
Trump has reportedly discussed withdrawing from NATO. That would be great for Russia.Trump has reportedly discussed withdrawing from NATO. That would be great for Russia.
Politics

According to the New York Times, Trump brought up pulling out of NATO several times in 2018.

By Emily Stewart
Politics
William Barr, Trump’s nominee to serve as attorney general, explainedWilliam Barr, Trump’s nominee to serve as attorney general, explained
Politics

A former AG with a record that was Trumpy long before Trump.

By Matthew Yglesias
Explainers
Theresa May’s Brexit deal is on the verge of defeat. What happens if it fails?Theresa May’s Brexit deal is on the verge of defeat. What happens if it fails?
Explainers

The British prime minister faces tough opposition to the deal, which could add more uncertainty to the EU-UK divorce — and her political future.

By Jen Kirby
Politics
Lindsey Graham asks about debunked right-wing conspiracies in William Barr hearingLindsey Graham asks about debunked right-wing conspiracies in William Barr hearing
Politics

And President Trump’s attorney general nominee seems worried about some of them.

By Alex Ward
Culture
How books for teens are doing politics in 2019How books for teens are doing politics in 2019
Culture

Books like The Girl King, Unpresidented, and Wicked King are thinking hard about power and ambition.

By Constance Grady
Future Perfect
16 big predictions about 2019, from Trump’s impeachment to the rise of AI16 big predictions about 2019, from Trump’s impeachment to the rise of AI
Future Perfect

The staff of Future Perfect forecasts the year ahead.

By Dylan Matthews and Kelsey Piper
Politics
Trump suddenly decides there might not be a national emergency at the border after allTrump suddenly decides there might not be a national emergency at the border after all
Politics

After days of stoking fears about a “crisis” to get his border wall built, Trump has changed his mind.

By Emily Stewart
Science
DNA scientist James Watson has a remarkably long history of sexist, racist public commentsDNA scientist James Watson has a remarkably long history of sexist, racist public comments
Science

“People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty,” he said in 2003. “I think it would be great.”

By Julia Belluz
Culture
Spider-Man: Far From Home’s first trailer shows Peter Parker alive and slinging in EuropeSpider-Man: Far From Home’s first trailer shows Peter Parker alive and slinging in Europe
Culture

The first trailer for a post-Avengers: Endgame Peter Parker has arrived.

By Alex Abad-Santos
Culture
I write political thrillers. The Trump era keeps spoiling my books.I write political thrillers. The Trump era keeps spoiling my books.
Culture

In Trump’s America, why bother with fiction when reality is beyond belief?

By Matthew Quirk
Politics
Trump’s tweet about “hamberders” illustrates just how effortlessly he liesTrump’s tweet about “hamberders” illustrates just how effortlessly he lies
Politics

Trump boasted about serving the Clemson football team 300 burgers. Since then, the number has grown exponentially.

By Aaron Rupar