U.S.

The Secret Service Is Bracing for Dangerous Times

Any chance of a normal security environment for the president-elect evaporated during the Capitol siege.

• Marc Ambinder
• January 19, 2021

How a Well-Meaning Health Policy Created California’s Coronavirus Nightmare

The state’s hyperefficient health-care system runs pretty well—unless a pandemic strikes.

• Olga Khazan
• January 12, 2021

Why Trump Suddenly Changed His Tune

What frightened the president into releasing a video calling for calm?

• Nick Baumann
• January 8, 2021

A Christian Insurrection

Many of those who mobbed the Capitol on Wednesday claimed to be enacting God’s will.

• Emma Green
• January 8, 2021

How Joe Biden Watched the Capitol Assault

It was a day of chaos in Washington, D.C. But in Wilmington, Delaware, President-elect Joe Biden pulsed with quiet anger.

• Edward-Isaac Dovere
• January 6, 2021

When a Senate Democrat Tried to Challenge an Election

Several Republican members of Congress plan to formally object to the outcome of the 2020 election today. Barbara Boxer objected to Ohio’s results in 2005—but that was different, she insists.

• Emma Green
• January 6, 2021

Denver Riggleman Has Seen the Future of the Republican Party

Republicans used to think they’d succeed through moderation and inclusion. That’s over.

• Emma Green
• January 3, 2021

The Dark Reality of Betting Against QAnon

The conspiracy theory has been tied to real-life danger—but before it entered the mainstream, one man stumbled upon Q in a game of political predictions.

• Ilana E. Strauss
• January 1, 2021

The Christmas Crisis

America needs Christmas cheer more than ever. Maybe next year.

• Emma Green
• December 25, 2020

The Last Days of Loneliness

Long-term-care residents who have been confined to their rooms for months have to wait a bit longer before they can finally receive a vaccine.

• Elaine Godfrey
• December 24, 2020

The Real Reason Americans Aren’t Quarantining

Many states have quarantine requirements for visitors, but only one really enforces them: Hawaii.

• Olga Khazan
• December 8, 2020

A New Day for Queer People in the South

North Carolina’s ban on local protections for LGBTQ people expires today. But more fights lie ahead.

• Giulia Heyward
• December 1, 2020

The Mastermind Behind Biden’s No-Drama Approach to Trump

Only one top Biden adviser isn’t joining him in the White House—but she’ll still stay close.

• Edward-Isaac Dovere
• November 30, 2020

When a News Anchor Does the Government’s Job

What can we learn from Anne McCloy, the local news anchor who has helped thousands of Americans get unemployment benefits?

• Ilana E. Strauss
• November 26, 2020

The World’s Most Important Videoconference

How can Joe Biden build a government remotely during a pandemic?

• Russell Berman
• November 23, 2020