There’s no getting around the fact that it’s been a dire year for the planet.  This year is likely to be the hottest year humans have ever experienced, with global average temperatures more than 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) higher than the era prior to the widespread combustion of fossil fuels. Greenhouse gas emissions […]

2024 saw over 60 elections worldwide, many of which were marked with controversy. It was undoubtedly a divisive year both within and along borders. The war in Ukraine is now in its third year. Syrian rebels toppled the Assad regime after years of fighting. South Korea erupted into chaos after the prime minister declared martial […]

Journalists are drawn to covering problems, and when it comes to housing, we know there are plenty. Earlier this month, I published a review essay on three new books about the housing crisis, and it might be easy to conclude, based on all the dizzying statistics and warnings, that little progress is being made. That […]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas. Or Hanukkah. Or Kwanzaa. Or even the 11th anniversary of Beyoncé’s surprise self-titled album.  Nope. It’s cuffing season. At least that’s what listener Antares thinks. She called Explain It to Me — Vox’s call-in podcast — to ask if cuffing season is real.  “So […]

This story was originally published in The Highlight, Vox’s member-exclusive magazine. To get early access to member-exclusive stories every month, join the Vox Membership program today. Reba Stevens held her breath as she walked up the steps to the apartment, her then-6-month-old son perched on her hip. After 21 years of homelessness, she prayed: God, […]