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Archive

Archives for December 2014

Almanac
The X in Xmas literally means Christ. Here’s the history behind it.The X in Xmas literally means Christ. Here’s the history behind it.
Almanac

Is this really a war against the name of Jesus?

By Brandon Ambrosino
Marijuana Legalization
Medical marijuana wins but marijuana legalization loses in congressional spending dealMedical marijuana wins but marijuana legalization loses in congressional spending deal
Marijuana Legalization

Congress is taking a mixed approach to marijuana policy.

By German Lopez
Criminal Justice
Photos: Thousands march in DC and New York to protest police violencePhotos: Thousands march in DC and New York to protest police violence
Criminal Justice

See what today’s massive protests looked like

By Amanda Taub
Video
Beautiful time-lapse video shows the Grand Canyon filling with fogBeautiful time-lapse video shows the Grand Canyon filling with fog
Play
Video

The Grand Canyon can hold about 5.45 trillion cubic feet. When it fills with fog, jaws drop. Here’s what it looks like, and why this happens, in 60 seconds.

By Joe Posner
archives
The median wealth for whites in the US is nearly $142,000. For blacks, it’s $11,000.The median wealth for whites in the US is nearly $142,000. For blacks, it’s $11,000.
archives

The wealth gap between whites and blacks, as well as between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites, is huge. Here’s how it got that way.

By Danielle Kurtzleben
Politics
The biggest loser in the CRomnibus: the rights of DC residentsThe biggest loser in the CRomnibus: the rights of DC residents
Politics

President Obama and Harry Reid could have protected our vote. They didn’t.

By Dylan Matthews
Culture
Did Pope Francis really say all animals go to Heaven?Did Pope Francis really say all animals go to Heaven?
Culture

Here’s what actually happened.

By Brandon Ambrosino
World Politics
This one photo shows why Michel du Cille was an incredible photojournalistThis one photo shows why Michel du Cille was an incredible photojournalist
World Politics

He could tell an entire story in a single image

By Amanda Taub
Science
What you need to know about the new HPV vaccineWhat you need to know about the new HPV vaccine
Science

Another HPV vaccine is hitting the market soon.

By Julia Belluz
Science
This scientist solved the mystery of belly button lintThis scientist solved the mystery of belly button lint
Science

It all has to do with stomach hair.

By Joseph Stromberg
Politics
Why the CRomnibus is called the CRomnibusWhy the CRomnibus is called the CRomnibus
Politics

Explained.

By Andrew Prokop
archives
Congress averts a shutdownCongress averts a shutdown
archives

Happy Friday!

By Dylan Matthews
Science
Here’s what the Grand Canyon looks like when it’s filled entirely with fogHere’s what the Grand Canyon looks like when it’s filled entirely with fog
Play
Science

It’s all due to what’s known as a total temperature inversion.

By Brad Plumer
Movies
Dave Chappelle says police choked him on his own movie setDave Chappelle says police choked him on his own movie set
Movies

The comedian retold the story at a show in New Orleans.

By German Lopez
Culture
Marco Polo’s Joan Chen on why America and China’s film industries misunderstand each otherMarco Polo’s Joan Chen on why America and China’s film industries misunderstand each other
Culture

She talks her new Netflix show Marco Polo and why the most popular Chinese films are ones you’ve never heard of.

By Emily St. James