How Britain Became as Poor as Mississippi
A case study in self-sabotage
Features
Being Black in Pete Hegseth’s Military
The secretary of defense is sending the message that Black service members are not welcome.
The Americans Shelling Out Five Figures for a Coat of Arms
A nation founded on the rejection of aristocratic traditions still yearns for them.
How America Gave Up on Its Own History
Unable to agree on how to interpret the American story, the country’s schools, universities, and political institutions have stopped trying to tell it at all.
The Absurd World Cup
FIFA’s president calls football a great unifier, but is it a match for the chaos of 2026?
The Night My Marriage Fell Apart
In the span of about 20 minutes, I lost my wife, my best friend, and my grip on life. Finding it again took a lot longer.
The Richest Cat in the World
Did Karl Lagerfeld really leave millions to his blue-cream Birman, Choupette?
The Men Who Want Women to Be Quiet
A virulent form of misogyny has become the single most important force holding together the American right.
The Mystery of the Golden Coffin
How did $65 million of allegedly stolen antiquities wind up in two of the world’s greatest museums?
Adam Silver Goes to War
The mild-mannered NBA commissioner has overseen a time of peace and prosperity for his league. Until now.