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 October 2019

Politics
As the Ukraine probe heats up, Trump and Giuliani are sticking together. Mostly.As the Ukraine probe heats up, Trump and Giuliani are sticking together. Mostly.
Politics

Is Giuliani still Trump’s lawyer? At first the president didn’t seem sure, but eventually decided Giuliani was.

By Anya van Wagtendonk
Politics
Trump went to Louisiana to stump for local Republicans. He ended up attacking national Democrats instead.Trump went to Louisiana to stump for local Republicans. He ended up attacking national Democrats instead.
Politics

At a rally in Louisiana, Trump tried to do three things: pilot his 2020 strategy, defend against impeachment, and mobilize voters.

By Anya van Wagtendonk
Climate
Hot, dry, and windy conditions in California have sparked big firesHot, dry, and windy conditions in California have sparked big fires
Climate

Seasonal winds and ample fuel have created a “recipe for explosive fire growth” in California.

By Umair Irfan
Politics
The former ambassador to Ukraine says she was ousted because of her anti-corruption workThe former ambassador to Ukraine says she was ousted because of her anti-corruption work
Politics

Marie Yovanovitch testified for more than nine hours.

By Anya van Wagtendonk
Culture
How to protect your books with medieval cursesHow to protect your books with medieval curses
Culture

And the rest of the week’s best writing on books and related subjects.

By Constance Grady
Politics
Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan just resignedActing DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan just resigned
Politics

He’s left the border near-impenetrable for asylum seekers.

By Nicole Narea
archives
Vox Sentences: Would you hire a company called Fraud Guarantee?Vox Sentences: Would you hire a company called Fraud Guarantee?
archives

The latest impeachment inquiry developments; the leader of Ethiopia wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

By Hannah Brown
Criminal Justice
A new lawsuit describes a violent gang in LA County. Its members are deputy sheriffs.A new lawsuit describes a violent gang in LA County. Its members are deputy sheriffs.
Criminal Justice

The “Banditos” say they’re a fraternal club for LA deputies. But critics allege that the group violently harasses civilians — and other officers.

By P.R. Lockhart
Politics
US and China reach a “phase one” trade dealUS and China reach a “phase one” trade deal
Politics

President Donald Trump announced an agreement to delay tariffs and for China to buy agricultural products.

By Jen Kirby
Culture
Shepard Smith is leaving Fox NewsShepard Smith is leaving Fox News
Culture

After 23 years at the network, Smith is leaving amid turmoil surrounding Trump and impeachment.

By Jane Coaston
Culture
Leigh Bardugo turns Yale into a haunted, haunting fantasy world in Ninth HouseLeigh Bardugo turns Yale into a haunted, haunting fantasy world in Ninth House
Culture

YA superstar Bardugo explores the occult side of Yale’s secret societies in her first adult novel.

By Constance Grady
Culture
Letterkenny, streaming on Hulu, is a love letter to small-town life and weird, wonderful slangLetterkenny, streaming on Hulu, is a love letter to small-town life and weird, wonderful slang
Culture

It’s time to watch this Canadian hangout comedy that combines the eccentricities of Schitt’s Creek with wry and wacky wordplay.

By Elisabeth Donnelly
Culture
Why Joker is unlikely to inspire real-world violence, explained by an expertWhy Joker is unlikely to inspire real-world violence, explained by an expert
Culture

The movie sparked worry that its antisocial violence might speak to extremists. Radicalization expert Robert Evans tells us why that probably won’t happen.

By Aja Romano
Money
American brands are trying to play both sides of the Hong Kong-China conflictAmerican brands are trying to play both sides of the Hong Kong-China conflict
Money

Companies are forced to weigh the loss of Chinese customers with the US’s political stance.

By Terry Nguyen
World Politics
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wins Nobel Peace PrizeEthiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wins Nobel Peace Prize
World Politics

He helped resolve a long conflict in his country, and he’s started serious — if imperfect — reforms.

By Jen Kirby