Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

Life Archive

Archives for November 2024

Money
Black Friday is a trapBlack Friday is a trap
Money

What you should buy — and absolutely not buy — during this annual consumer ritual.

By Lavanya Ramanathan and Izzie Ramirez
Today, Explained podcast
The author of the seminal book about loneliness explains what we’re getting wrongThe author of the seminal book about loneliness explains what we’re getting wrong
Podcast
Today, Explained podcast

Nearly 25 years after Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone, Americans are more socially isolated than ever.

By Miranda Kennedy and Noel King
The Highlight
Family estrangement doesn’t have to be foreverFamily estrangement doesn’t have to be forever
The Highlight

Reconnecting with someone you’ve cut ties with isn’t easy — but it can be done.

By Fortesa Latifi
Explain It to Me
Is it possible to have both pride and humility?Is it possible to have both pride and humility?
Explain It to Me

In a culture that rewards relentless bragging, staying humble takes practice and introspection.

By Allie Volpe
Even Better
How not to poison your loved ones during your big holiday feastHow not to poison your loved ones during your big holiday feast
Even Better

Kitchen do’s and don’ts that may surprise you.

By Keren Landman, MD
Polarization is bad for our health. Could RFK help?
Even Better

Could RFK Jr.’s ascent change anything?

By Keren Landman, MD
Should I pay someone to invest for me?
Even Better

Managing your portfolio with an adviser can be helpful.

By Nicole Dieker Finley
Trump 2.0, explained
The not-so-subtle message of Trump’s disturbing Cabinet picksThe not-so-subtle message of Trump’s disturbing Cabinet picks
Trump 2.0, explained

An alarming number of those poised to be in the president-elect’s inner circle are accused of sexual misconduct.

By Constance Grady
Culture
America’s literacy crisis isn’t what you thinkAmerica’s literacy crisis isn’t what you think
Culture

This is what happens when kids don’t read for pleasure anymore.

By Anna North
Technology
There’s never been a better time to buy a used phoneThere’s never been a better time to buy a used phone
Technology

Buying refurbished devices saves you money — and helps the planet.

By Adam Clark Estes
Politics
The House will have its first openly trans member next year. The GOP is already attacking her.The House will have its first openly trans member next year. The GOP is already attacking her.
Politics

A new bathroom rule only adds to the party’s anti-trans broadsides.

By Li Zhou
Holiday travel can break the bank. Here’s how to manage expectations.
How to get through the holidays without going broke

You don’t have to go into debt out of a sense of obligation.

By Allie Volpe
Explain It to Me
Why do hotel lobbies smell like that?Why do hotel lobbies smell like that?
Explain It to Me

Scent is a way to draw you in and, hopefully, get you to open your wallet.

By Whizy Kim
The surprisingly selfish reason people give terrible gifts
How to get through the holidays without going broke

And what to do with presents you just don’t want.

By Whizy Kim
The least thoughtful holiday present you should definitely give
How to get through the holidays without going broke

Everyone wants cash, despite its tacky reputation.

By Allie Volpe