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

Policy Archive

Archives for October 2019

Policy
Prop 65 was meant to protect Californians from toxic water. How did warning stickers end up on everything?Prop 65 was meant to protect Californians from toxic water. How did warning stickers end up on everything?
Policy

A local law has meant cancer warnings adorn everything from bikinis and faux leather jackets to certain foods and, for a while, coffee.

By Michael Waters
Education
Georgetown University plans to raise $400,000 a year for slavery reparationsGeorgetown University plans to raise $400,000 a year for slavery reparations
Education

As colleges grapple with the legacy of slavery, it’s the third school in two months to announce a reparations fund.

By P.R. Lockhart
Explainers
“Failed” abortions and the last clinic standing: the controversy in Missouri, explained“Failed” abortions and the last clinic standing: the controversy in Missouri, explained
Explainers

Hearings will determine if Missouri will be the first state without an abortion clinic.

By Anna North
Politics
The Senate just failed to overturn a Trump administration rule on the Affordable Care ActThe Senate just failed to overturn a Trump administration rule on the Affordable Care Act
Politics

Forcing this vote was part of Democrats’ strategy to renew messaging on health care.

By Li Zhou
Politics
All the near-total abortion bans passed this year have now been blocked in courtAll the near-total abortion bans passed this year have now been blocked in court
Politics

But the biggest threat to abortion might come from another place.

By Anna North
Politics
So much for states’ rights: Trump asks the Supreme Court to block California’s “sanctuary state” lawSo much for states’ rights: Trump asks the Supreme Court to block California’s “sanctuary state” law
Politics

Republican justices face a test of whether they will remain loyal to their principles when those principles cut against the GOP.

By Ian Millhiser
Politics
Salvadorans on TPS will now be able to stay in the US for another yearSalvadorans on TPS will now be able to stay in the US for another year
Politics

The Trump administration struck a deal that also increases immigration enforcement in El Salvador.

By Nicole Narea
Politics
2020 Obamacare premiums are on track for smallest increases ever2020 Obamacare premiums are on track for smallest increases ever
Politics

In many of the states that have aggressively intervened to support their insurance markets, Obamacare rates are going to be lower next year.

By Dylan Scott
Explainers
Missouri could lose its last abortion clinic. Its fate will be decided this week.Missouri could lose its last abortion clinic. Its fate will be decided this week.
Explainers

The state could become the first without an abortion clinic since Roe v. Wade.

By Anna North
Politics
The big difference in 2020 health plans isn’t among DemocratsThe big difference in 2020 health plans isn’t among Democrats
Politics

Republicans want to roll back Obamacare as Democrats debate Medicare-for-all.

By Dylan Scott
“I’ve felt a profound sadness in the last two years”: What life is like for DREAMers right now
Features

Some DACA immigrants describe anxiety and gloom as they await a Supreme Court decision.

By Alexia Fernández Campbell
Politics
Pete Buttigieg has been criticized for his handling of policing. He hopes his criminal justice plan will change that.Pete Buttigieg has been criticized for his handling of policing. He hopes his criminal justice plan will change that.
Politics

The South Bend mayor’s platform aims to present a realistic vision for the justice system — and show his commitment to police reform.

By P.R. Lockhart
Politics
The Trump administration just imposed another roadblock on low-income immigrantsThe Trump administration just imposed another roadblock on low-income immigrants
Politics

Immigrants on public benefits won’t get help paying for their citizenship and green card applications anymore.

By Nicole Narea
Politics
The Trump administration just admitted that it separated an additional 1,500 immigrant familiesThe Trump administration just admitted that it separated an additional 1,500 immigrant families
Politics

The fallout over family separations is far from over.

By Nicole Narea
Politics
Bernie Sanders released a plan to legalize marijuana (at 4:20 pm)Bernie Sanders released a plan to legalize marijuana (at 4:20 pm)
Politics

Sanders vows to legalize marijuana through executive action — and address some concerns about legalization, too.

By German Lopez