New Plans Give Immigrants Access to Legal Representation
Undocumented immigrants in detention are four times more likely to win a custody hearing if they have a lawyer.
Social Justice
Tiny Town in the Heartland Creates Homegrown Sanctuary
Residents of Iowa’s first Hispanic-majority town don’t need sanctuary city policies to support their immigrant neighbors.
Chimps Could Soon Win Legal Personhood
Rights for many intelligent animals could hinge on a one-word edit in a law dictionary.
4 Not-So-Easy Ways to Dismantle Racism in the Food System
Our food system is built on stolen land and exploited labor. Here’s what we can do to fix it.
What Other Countries Know: Fairer Representation Makes a Stronger Democracy
France (and many of the world’s governments) has figured out that the only way to secure democracy is to require an electoral majority.
Should We Bomb Syria (or Afghanistan or Anywhere)? You’re Asking the Wrong Question
Critics of nonviolence say that option is the prerogative of the privileged. But actually it’s the other way around.
These Kids Used Their Spring Break to Protest Trump
Last week, hundreds of young people from around the country traveled to Washington, D.C. to stand up for their families and demonstrate against Trump’s immigrant policies.
The Massive Bomb Killed ISIS Fighters—But Poor Afghan Farmers Now Deal With the Trauma
One researcher reports that local farmers believed the bomb was nuclear and that they’d been exposed to radiation.
Winners (and Losers) in New York’s Plan to Make College Free
The first-in-the-nation scholarship program would serve about 1.5 million full-time students. But there are downsides.
What Is It Like to Live Without Running Water? Detroit Families Know
A recent study predicts that in the next five years, more than one-third of Americans will not be able to afford their water.
What a Policy of Real Solidarity With the Syrian People Looks Like
The U.S. does not have to choose between backing the Assad regime or extremist groups. There is another choice: Syria’s homegrown pro-democracy resistance.
Why These Missile Strikes Won’t Make Things Better for the Syrian People
There are serious questions as to whether Trump’s bombing of the Syrian base has anything to do with protecting civilians.
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi Memes Made You a Better Person. Think About It
Those cleverly captioned photos shared on social media can spark conversations and help build empathy.
Monet Wins Tobenkin Award for Standing Rock Coverage
“At their heart, her stories were about the religious freedom, sovereignty, and human rights sought by Indigenous people everywhere.”
Wildfires Are Essential: The Forest Service Embraces a Tribal Tradition
The Karuk were once denied the right to practice an ancient tradition. Now scientific and resource management circles are seeing the merits of controlled burning.
Incarcerating US: The Failings of America’s Prison System
The documentary dates the problem to the war on drugs and the establishment of mandatory minimum sentences.
Seattle Is Sixth Local Government to Sue Trump Over Threats to Sanctuary Cities
“Sanctuary policies are legal, and Trump’s executive order is not.”
Photo Essay: These Sculptures Tell the Story of the First Japanese Americans Sent to Camps
The memorial wall is 276 feet long—one foot for every Japanese person who lived on Bainbridge Island in 1942.
How a Faculty Fast Pushed a University to Finally Denounce Trump’s Travel Ban
In South Carolina, a university president’s middle-of-the-road response to the executive order sparked a string of campuswide resistance efforts to protect the rights of international students.
Rosie the Riveter for the 21st Century: You Dreamed, We Drew
Readers submitted their ideas for updating the classic icon. See the winning poster ideas—and download your favorites.
Defend Democracy
Post-fascist Europe tells us exactly how to defend our democracy. From Timothy Snyder's bestselling book: "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century."
Signs of Revolution in a Not-Yet-Great America
Since the president sees himself foremost as a negotiator, perhaps it’s time for a negotiated revolution. Not to break us apart, but to bring us together.
The West Coast Will Determine the Fate of the Fossil Fuel Industry
All along the Pacific Coast, environmentalists are gearing up for an epic fight.
What Reproductive Rights Advocates Can Learn From Texas (Yes, Texas)
How folks in conservative states are responding—and have been responding for years—to infringements on their civil rights.
Ethnic Studies Courses Break Down Barriers and Benefit Everyone—So Why the Resistance?
As cities incorporate curricula that deconstruct stereotypes and negative assumptions about race, advocates say everyone wins. Others argue they just promote resentment.
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