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

Marijuana Legalization
Obama administration to allow Native American tribes to grow and sell marijuanaObama administration to allow Native American tribes to grow and sell marijuana
Marijuana Legalization

Tribes will be able to grow and sell marijuana even in states where it’s illegal.

By German Lopez
Politics
Walgreens will let you see doctors on your phoneWalgreens will let you see doctors on your phone
Politics

The country’s largest drug store chain wants to bring doctors onto your iPhone to deliver real, live video chat appointments.

By Sarah Kliff
Culture
How the CIA used music to “break” detaineesHow the CIA used music to “break” detainees
Culture

How, and why, the CIA used some of America’s most beloved, iconic songs as an instrument of torture.

By Kelsey McKinney
Climate
5 of the shadiest things in the government spending deal5 of the shadiest things in the government spending deal
Climate

Several provisions have little or nothing to do with funding the government, and are instead gifts to important interest groups or constituencies.

By Andrew Prokop
Politics
How to sound smart about the 2015 appropriations billHow to sound smart about the 2015 appropriations bill
Politics

Better knowns as THE CROMNIBUS.

By Ezra Klein
Culture
Shonda Rhimes delivered the ultimate classy and inspiring acceptance speechShonda Rhimes delivered the ultimate classy and inspiring acceptance speech
Culture

“My sisters who came before me had already handled it.”

By Jenée Desmond-Harris
North Dakota’s quest not to blow its oil wealth
Climate

The state has to decide how to balance short-term needs and long-term growth.

By Libby Nelson
Politics
Congress is about to quadruple funding to help crime victimsCongress is about to quadruple funding to help crime victims
Politics

Without costing taxpayers a cent

By Dara Lind
Science
We found an ancient lake on Mars — a sign the planet may have once been habitableWe found an ancient lake on Mars — a sign the planet may have once been habitable
Science

This new finding makes it more likely that we might someday find evidence of life.

By Joseph Stromberg
Criminal Justice
The untold story of police officers in the age of FergusonThe untold story of police officers in the age of Ferguson
Criminal Justice

Will protests curb racial bias? Absolutely not, says a psychologist and law enforcement expert.

By Jenée Desmond-Harris
Criminal Justice
RIP Dollree Mapp, who’s the reason police have to get search warrantsRIP Dollree Mapp, who’s the reason police have to get search warrants
Criminal Justice

Mapp led a landmark Supreme Court case against police power.

By German Lopez
World Politics
Torture is a culture. Releasing the Senate report is a way of fighting it.Torture is a culture. Releasing the Senate report is a way of fighting it.
World Politics

Here’s why releasing the Senate torture report is a big win — even if there are no prosecutions.

By Zack Beauchamp
Politics
Why Elizabeth Warren hates the government funding billWhy Elizabeth Warren hates the government funding bill
Politics

It contains a cozy giveaway to banks written by a Citigroup lobbyist.

By Matthew Yglesias
Criminal Justice
Torture is illegal. Americans tortured. Why isn’t anyone being prosecuted?Torture is illegal. Americans tortured. Why isn’t anyone being prosecuted?
Criminal Justice

The types of possible prosecutions, and why they aren’t happening.

By Andrew Prokop
Police Violence
Black congressional staffers are staging a walkout to protest police abuseBlack congressional staffers are staging a walkout to protest police abuse
Police Violence

it’s taking place on one of Congress’ busiest days of the year.

By Jenée Desmond-Harris