How AI Could Make People More Anxious
Researchers warn that the design of chatbots is a “perfect storm” for anxiety.
Behind the Curtain at Google
A look inside Silicon Valley’s vibe shift
The Town That Wants a Data Center Next Door
Maine was about to ban data centers. Why did one town stop it?
The Political Fight That Could Decide 2028
Jonathan Chait on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the attacks on Barack Obama’s legacy, and the Michigan Democratic Senate primary that will decide the future of the party. Plus: more Trump tariffs and Eric Cline’s 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed.
A Battle for the Future of the Democratic Party
What Michigan voters could tell us about the path forward for Democrats. Plus: A senator looks at Congress.
Would You Go Back to a Time Before Smartphones If You Could?
Turns out, looking back is also about looking forward.
Is AI the End of Cheap Tech?
How the AI-driven memory crisis affects us all
Is the Age of Reading Over?
Rose Horowitch on her cover story and what happens when a society becomes “postliterate”
Why Are Groceries So Expensive?
Vincent Smith on rising grocery prices and whether there will be relief anytime soon. Plus: Trump’s broken economic policies and Edith Hamilton’s Mythology.
‘Turning Up the Heat on the Streets’
The problem with ICE and traffic stops
How the World Cup Finally Won Over America
Roger Bennett on soccer, social media, and the new American fandom
The Election Deniers Are in Charge Now
In Georgia, where Donald Trump once tried to “find” more than 11,000 votes, election deniers are now in powerful election-board positions.
Social Security Is Running Out of Time
Maya MacGuineas on the looming exhaustion of the Social Security Trust Fund and whether America will ever have a responsible federal budget. Plus: another ICE shooting and A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel.
The War Trump Can’t Control
President Trump has consistently said the war in Iran will be over “quickly.” Is it becoming one America can’t exit?
The Hidden Cost of Optimizing Everything
How technology is disconnecting us from life’s small pleasures
Who Can Hold ICE Accountable?
A new shooting in Texas. Still no proper investigations into the shootings in Minnesota.
Is the Left Driving Women Away?
Shannon Watts on the increasing hostility toward women among some progressive voters. Plus: the Graham Platner news and Killing Baby Hitler by Michael Tomasky.
The Military Pete Hegseth Wants
What America stands to lose as the Trump administration strips diversity from its military ranks
Introducing How to Touch Grass
It may be time to rethink our relationships with our devices.
How Elon Musk Became More Powerful Than Ever
The authors of Muskism break down the beliefs, business strategy, and political influence behind the world’s richest man.