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Archive

Archives for December 2014

archives
What happened in SydneyWhat happened in Sydney
archives

Plus, the Lima climate deal, Russia’s economic woes, and Ted Cruz’s inadvertent favor to Senate Democrats.

By Dylan Matthews
Syria
Sydney hostage taker Man Haron Monis pledged allegiance to ISIS on his websiteSydney hostage taker Man Haron Monis pledged allegiance to ISIS on his website
Syria

“In terms of what he claims for inspiration for the attack, it’s clearly Islamic State.”

By Zack Beauchamp
Politics
Vivek Murthy is the new surgeon general. Who is he, and what the heck is his job?Vivek Murthy is the new surgeon general. Who is he, and what the heck is his job?
Politics

The NRA has long blocked the Harvard doctor’s nomination because of his support for new gun laws.

By Sarah Kliff
Criminal Justice
Bill Cosby’s wife invoked the Rolling Stone sexual assault story to defend himBill Cosby’s wife invoked the Rolling Stone sexual assault story to defend him
Criminal Justice

This is unreal.

By Alex Abad-Santos
Climate
One chart that explains why Russia’s currency is collapsingOne chart that explains why Russia’s currency is collapsing
Climate

They’re spending money really fast.

By Matthew Yglesias
Politics
The Lima climate deal is largely voluntary. That may be its biggest strength.The Lima climate deal is largely voluntary. That may be its biggest strength.
Politics

David Victor, a longtime critic of UN climate talks, explains why he’s more optimistic about the latest deal.

By Brad Plumer
Criminal Justice
The Supreme Court just made it easier for police to search your carThe Supreme Court just made it easier for police to search your car
Criminal Justice

Cops can conduct a stop and search even if they’re wrong about the law.

By German Lopez
Science
The dangers of indoor tanning, in one chartThe dangers of indoor tanning, in one chart
Science

From cuts and burns to eye injuries.

By Julia Belluz
World Politics
Sony wanted to market The Interview by playing up Kim Jong-Un’s “charming” sideSony wanted to market The Interview by playing up Kim Jong-Un’s “charming” side
World Politics

“A recluse who can be charming at times as opposed to a person who is simply a dangerous dictator.”

By Andrew Prokop
Media
Can digital cameras stop war criminals?Can digital cameras stop war criminals?
Media

Nuba Reports’ Ryan Boyette explains why citizen journalism is the key to ending Sudan’s brutal war on civilians.

By Amanda Taub
Culture
After almost 15 years, D’Angelo is back and he’s as good as everAfter almost 15 years, D’Angelo is back and he’s as good as ever
Culture

Why was everybody so excited about an album from someone who hasn’t released one in 15 years?

By Kelsey McKinney
Politics
Less than a quarter of state legislators are womenLess than a quarter of state legislators are women
Politics

Women in local government are few and far between

By Anand Katakam
archives
Lie detectors: Why they don’t work, and why police use them anywayLie detectors: Why they don’t work, and why police use them anyway
archives

Polygraph tests are century-old pseudoscience. Why are we still using them?

By Joseph Stromberg
archives
Sydney hostage crisis: what we knowSydney hostage crisis: what we know
archives

What we know (and, crucially, don’t know) about the hostage situation in Sydney.

By Zack Beauchamp, Amanda Taub and 1 more
Ellen DeGeneres and Vladimir Putin are cousins. And you’re probably related to them, too
Almanac

This is going to be one huge family tree.

By Brandon Ambrosino