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Policy Archive

Archives for October 2019

Politics
Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan just resignedActing DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan just resigned
Politics

He’s left the border near-impenetrable for asylum seekers.

By Nicole Narea
Criminal Justice
A new lawsuit describes a violent gang in LA County. Its members are deputy sheriffs.A new lawsuit describes a violent gang in LA County. Its members are deputy sheriffs.
Criminal Justice

The “Banditos” say they’re a fraternal club for LA deputies. But critics allege that the group violently harasses civilians — and other officers.

By P.R. Lockhart
Culture
Why Joker is unlikely to inspire real-world violence, explained by an expertWhy Joker is unlikely to inspire real-world violence, explained by an expert
Culture

The movie sparked worry that its antisocial violence might speak to extremists. Radicalization expert Robert Evans tells us why that probably won’t happen.

By Aja Romano
Politics
These 7 Supreme Court cases could have massive implications for AmericansThese 7 Supreme Court cases could have massive implications for Americans
Podcast
Politics

​The 2019-2020 term is going to be a big one.

By Delia Paunescu
Explainers
Colorado has a new plan to bring a “public option” of sorts to the state levelColorado has a new plan to bring a “public option” of sorts to the state level
Explainers

As Congress fails to act, Colorado has an idea to expand the Affordable Care Act.

By Tara Golshan
Police Violence
Amber Guyger, Joshua Brown, and the broken trust between Dallas police and residentsAmber Guyger, Joshua Brown, and the broken trust between Dallas police and residents
Police Violence

The Dallas Police Department already faced criticism from activists. The Guyger trial has made everything worse.

By P.R. Lockhart
Politics
Turkey’s invasion in Syria is creating even more refugees — just as the US shuts the doorTurkey’s invasion in Syria is creating even more refugees — just as the US shuts the door
Politics

Trump isn’t likely to rush to their aid.

By Nicole Narea
What’s next for #MeToo? This college might have the answer.
Features

The College of New Jersey is fighting sexual assault with an approach called restorative justice. The focus is not punishment, but healing.

By Anna North
These laws were meant to protect people from HIV. They’ve only increased stigma and abuse.
Politics

Laws in many states make it a crime to have sex without disclosing your HIV status. Advocates say they may actually worsen the spread of the virus.

By Anna North
Science
5 reasons why 3 STDs are roaring back in America5 reasons why 3 STDs are roaring back in America
Science

The CDC found spikes in cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia — again.

By Julia Belluz
Criminal Justice
A black man went to jail for missing jury duty. After public outrage, the judge cleared his record.A black man went to jail for missing jury duty. After public outrage, the judge cleared his record.
Criminal Justice

Deandre Somerville’s record will be erased, but that doesn’t make the 10 days he spent in jail any less outrageous.

By P.R. Lockhart
Explainers
Trump signed an executive order about how much he hates Medicare-for-allTrump signed an executive order about how much he hates Medicare-for-all
Explainers

The executive order promotes private insurance’s role in Medicare.

By Tara Golshan
Politics
Bernie Sanders takes aim at the DNC with his new anti-corruption planBernie Sanders takes aim at the DNC with his new anti-corruption plan
Politics

Sanders wants to curb the influence of millionaires and billionaires in Democratic Party politics.

By Ella Nilsen
Climate
The Northeast US has a carbon-trading system. It is boosting, not hurting, state economies.The Northeast US has a carbon-trading system. It is boosting, not hurting, state economies.
Climate

RGGI is a net economic benefit for every state involved.

By David Roberts
Politics
The Trump administration will deny visas to uninsured, low-income immigrantsThe Trump administration will deny visas to uninsured, low-income immigrants
Politics

It’s another blow to the social safety net for immigrants.

By Nicole Narea