Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

Archive

Archives for December 2014

Culture
Green Day will enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next yearGreen Day will enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year
Culture

The American idiots will get some big time recognition next year

By Kelsey McKinney
Business & Finance
The history of global wealth in 9 chartsThe history of global wealth in 9 charts
Business & Finance

These nine charts from Thomas Piketty’s new book depict the history of wealth accumulation over the long term.

By Matthew Yglesias
World Politics
Pakistani Taliban slaughters over 100 children in Peshawar school attackPakistani Taliban slaughters over 100 children in Peshawar school attack
World Politics

At least 135 people are believed to have been killed

By Amanda Taub
Culture
Everything you need to know about Nicki Minaj’s new album — and her latest controversyEverything you need to know about Nicki Minaj’s new album — and her latest controversy
Culture

“Anaconda” isn’t the best song on Minaj’s new album, but “Only” isn’t either.

By Kelsey McKinney
Police Violence
Cleveland Browns’ Andrew Hawkins refuses to apologize for “Justice for Tamir Rice” shirtCleveland Browns’ Andrew Hawkins refuses to apologize for “Justice for Tamir Rice” shirt
Police Violence

A police union condemned the T-shirt, which Hawkins wore before Sunday’s game.

By German Lopez
Business & Finance
Bitcoin is down 60 percent this year. Here’s why I’m still optimistic.Bitcoin is down 60 percent this year. Here’s why I’m still optimistic.
Business & Finance

Bitcoins have lost more than 60 percent of their value this year. But their long-term outlook is still bright.

By Timothy B. Lee
Politics
Jeb Bush is “actively exploring the possibility” of running for presidentJeb Bush is “actively exploring the possibility” of running for president
Politics

Get ready for America’s next Bush.

By Matthew Yglesias
Video
The year we just lived through, in one videoThe year we just lived through, in one video
Play
Video

A time capsule of 2014

By Joe Posner and Joss Fong
Cybersecurity
Why we shouldn’t be surprised hackers could get into Sony’s networkWhy we shouldn’t be surprised hackers could get into Sony’s network
Cybersecurity

A security expert argues that most corporate networks are vulnerable to hacking.

By Timothy B. Lee
Climate
Why the Russian economy is melting downWhy the Russian economy is melting down
Climate

Drastic interest rate hikes can’t stop the ruble’s collapse.

By Matthew Yglesias
Culture
Charli XCX made two of 2014’s biggest hits, and just dropped one of its best albumsCharli XCX made two of 2014’s biggest hits, and just dropped one of its best albums
Culture

So should you be paying attention to Charli XCX? If you care about pop music and where it’s going, definitely.

By Kelsey McKinney
Life
Should dogs be citizens? It’s not as crazy as you think.Should dogs be citizens? It’s not as crazy as you think.
Life

A political philosopher explains why he believes we should give animals citizenship rights — and how that could actually work in practice..

By Zack Beauchamp
archives
Map: 43 countries have banned spanking kids since 1979Map: 43 countries have banned spanking kids since 1979
archives

Since Sweden banned the practice, 42 countries have followed.

By German Lopez
archives
The fastest-growing job in each stateThe fastest-growing job in each state
archives

Iowa, Mississippi, and North Carolina all have the same fast-growing job in common.

By Matthew Yglesias
20 charts that will fill you with guilt and regret
Technology

Get ready to feel bad.

By Dylan Matthews