Happy New Year, It’s Sure Been Weird

I wouldn’t even try to sum up this bizarre year of ours.

Remembering the Real Desmond Tutu, 1931–2021

Celebrated in death by his former foes, Archbishop Tutu had the gift not just of courage and righteousness but also of timing.

Harry Reid Understood Power

The late senator from Nevada, who led the Democrats in the Senate from 2005 to 2017, wasn’t afraid of political conflict.

Even as Crime Declines, Gun Violence Is Rising

A disgruntled public may lurch rightward on criminal justice issues. That is why it’s vital that progressives do everything in their power to turn the tide.

The Russian Supreme Court Moves to Shut Down a Prominent Human Rights Group

Despite what may seem like a hopeless situation, Memorial has refused to give up.

Bette Midler’s Contempt Fuels Right-Wing Populism

With Trump and his enablers ready to weaponize every condescending word, liberals need to stop giving them ammunition.

The Politics of Syntax and Poetry Beyond the Border

A conversation with Ari Banias about his new collection A Symmetry, a book that interrogates everything from whiteness to the meaning of community.

Remembering Harry Reid, 1939–2021

The Nevada senator was a brilliant strategist, but his real secret was his ability to take your biggest vulnerability and make it your strength.

Cop Out

Learn to swim 2022.

Revenge of the Nerds

Has neoliberalism placed political power in the hands of consultants with calculators?

Join a Union—but Also Join a DAO

DAOs aren’t a substitute for the labor movement, but they can be a powerful tool to fund creative projects collectively.

Desmond Tutu Spoke Truth in the Face of Oppression

The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Phyllis Bennis discuss the life and legacy of the South African archbishop.

The Ardor of “Licorice Pizza”

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film is his most personal work yet.

Joan Didion’s California

How the splendor and chaos of the Golden State explains the writer’s vision of the world

Say Their Names

Sidewalk, Broadway / W. 96th St.

For Afghanistan, 2021 Brought an End to One Horror—and the Beginning of Another

Since the West abandoned Afghanistan, the violence of the occupation has ended but hunger and the cruelties of the Taliban have taken its place.

Where Are Black Parents’ Voices on Critical Race Theory?

Black parents overwhelmingly support teaching about race and racism in school. Why aren’t we hearing from them?

The Fierce Love of the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

Middle Collegiate Church burned down, but its senior minister says the global response showed how “the theory of fierce love is actually practiced in real life.”

Let’s Talk About How the Media Covers Gaza

A conversation with Gaza-based journalist Maram Humaid about the media’s love of misery, disdain for nuance, and distrust of local sources.

Remembering Desmond Tutu’s Gospel of Peace

Archbishop Tutu campaigned for a world where all leaders were held to account for their actions and where advocacy for peace and justice was paramount.