Every year, millions try to navigate US courts without a lawyer
Many who represent themselves in court fail to make it through the process, have their case dismissed or lose what otherwise would have been a winning case.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Law
In Trump’s America, is the Supreme Court still seen as legitimate?
A survey asked Americans what they would do if the Supreme Court started making many unpopular decisions. Here's what they said.
Analysis and Comment
China’s leverage over ‘Rocket Man’ is key to avoiding nuclear war in East Asia
The latest salvo of insults and threats between President Trump and North Korea's Kim brought the region a little bit closer to war. China, North Korea's closest trading partner, may be the only way out.
Should America be the world’s cop? What the experts say
Most Americans don't want the United States to be the world's policeman. Do the experts agree?
How an economic theory helped mire the United States in Vietnam
Walt Rostow argued communism was incompatible with economic development and was influential in persuading Presidents Kennedy and Johnson to get more involved in Vietnam.
Babies can learn the value of persistence by watching grownups stick with a challenge
Persistence and self-control are valuable traits that can help kids succeed in school and beyond. A new study suggests infants can learn stick-to-itiveness by watching adults persist in a difficult task.
Equifax breach is a reminder of society’s larger cybersecurity problems
The modern world depends on critical systems, networks and data repositories that are not as secure as they should be. Breaches will continue until society as a whole makes some big changes.
Clock running out on health program for 9 million kids
Funding for the children's health insurance program is in jeopardy if Congress does not act by September 30. Here's a look at what's at stake, and how Congress could act to secure funding for CHIP.
Keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees: really hard, but not impossible
It's still possible to hit the more ambitious of the two Paris global warming goals, according to a new estimate of the global carbon budget. But it sure won't be easy, and we need to start now.
In censoring a ‘Queer Museum,’ Brazil edges closer to authoritarianism
Artists, free speech advocates and gay rights activists in Brazil are dismayed after an LGBTQ-centric exhibit was closed because the subject matter offended evangelical Christians.
In the Caribbean, colonialism and inequality mean hurricanes hit harder
The Caribbean is facing its second deadly hurricane in as many weeks. This isn't just bad luck: the region's extreme vulnerability to disaster also reflects entrenched social inequalities.
Twin earthquakes expose Mexico’s deep inequality
Shattered by powerful back-to-back earthquakes, Mexico is facing daunting damages across six states. Now Chiapas and Oaxaca, the country's two poorest states, which were hit first, fear neglect.
Chasing the flame: Does media coverage of wildfires probe deeply enough?
Much disaster reporting simply chronicles events, but good journalism digs deeper and examines causes. Stories about Colorado wildfires have raised questions about risk, especially on fire anniversaries.
How Trump could undermine the US solar boom
A trade spat could jack up the cost of going solar, killing jobs and obstructing efforts to do something about climate change.
Study: More, and more diverse, US college students voted in 2016
Whether they were motivated by enthusiasm or ire toward the candidates, the 2016 election captured the attention of US college and university students nationwide.
The history of the persecution of Myanmar’s Rohingya
The persecution of the Rohingya goes back to 1948, the year when Myanmar achieved independence from the British.
Why Trump’s tirades are losing their potency
President Trump's fiery speech at the United Nations received a mostly subdued response from world leaders and others. Is there a risk we're becoming complacent?
Flood insurance
Flood insurance is broken. Here are some ways to fix it
The bills now pending in Congress won't do what it will take.
How flood insurance works: 6 questions answered
The federal government created a program in 1968 to insure homes in the US from flooding, yet few of the houses hammered by Harvey's record rainfall were covered.
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
Why Hurricanes Harvey and Irma won’t lead to action on climate change
For the first time in years, Americans are acutely aware of the perils of extreme weather, but don't expect views on climate risks to shift overnight.
Hurricanes drive immigration to the US
Harvey and Irma present nearly perfect conditions for Zika-spreading mosquitoes
Cholera fears rise following Atlantic hurricanes: Are we making any progress?
Rebuilding after disasters: 5 essential reads
Are catastrophic disasters striking more often?
Irma and Harvey: very different storms, but both affected by climate change
Why social media apps should be in your disaster kit
In cities and on ranches, planning is key to protect animals during disasters
Why giving cash, not clothing, is usually best after disasters
What Hurricane Harvey says about risk, climate and resilience
After Harvey, many Texans will think differently about hurricane risks
Why Texans heard conflicting messages about evacuating ahead of Hurricane Harvey
‘Cajun Navy’ rescuers in Hurricane Harvey show vital role of volunteer boats
What made the rain in Hurricane Harvey so extreme?
DACA
How ‘dreamers’ and green card lottery winners strengthen the US economy
Trump's decision to end the DACA program, as well as his support for a bill that would drastically curb legal immigration, would hurt the US workers he says he's trying to help.
Vietnam War documentary
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Some of the best parts of autonomous vehicles are already here
Consumers with high hopes of driverless vehicles improving safety might be looking past the boring near-term advances that could make a real difference. It happened before – more than 60 years ago.
Vietnam War: Who was right about what went wrong – and why it matters in Afghanistan
Was Vietnam 'a quagmire' or a 'stalemate machine'? Understanding this 50-year-old debate can shed light on why the US is currently locked into a 'forever war.'
Why al-Qaida is still strong 16 years after 9/11
An unprecedented onslaught from the US hasn't destroyed the terrorist organization. What is the secret of its resilience?
Remembering America’s lost buildings
We asked five architecture experts to name one building or structure they wish had been preserved, but couldn't resist the tides of decay, development and discrimination.
Why UN sanctions against North Korea’s missile program failed
The international community has been trying to stop North Korea from developing long-range missiles for decades. So what went wrong?
Over the years, Americans have become increasingly exposed to extremism
Given recent events, you might have had an inkling that extremist views have been resonating. Researchers from the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention have the hard data to back it up.
Massachusetts executed two Italian immigrants 90 years ago: Why the global fallout still matters
At a time when anti-immigrant sentiment was widespread, the Sacco and Vanzetti trial starkly divided American opinion and stirred up a violent backlash around the world.
I was an Exxon-funded climate scientist
A new study confirms what many already know: Exxon for years sowed uncertainty and doubt about climate change in the public. Should scientists reject certain funding sources?
The military, minorities and social engineering: A long history
Whether it be African-Americans, Catholics or transgender people, the armed forces have played a vital role in shaping US social policy toward the country's minorities.
Does biology explain why men outnumber women in tech?
Here's what research actually says about differences between males and females – and the question of what's innate and what's acquired.
More states are allowing guns on college campuses
More and more states are passing legislation requiring that students and faculty be permitted to carry concealed weapons on campus. But shouldn't universities have a choice when it comes to campus safety?
Why didn’t sanctions stop North Korea’s missile program?
The international community has been trying to stop North Korea from developing long-range missiles for decades. So how did North Korea get them?
The slippery slope of the oligarchy media model
There are some benefits to the uptick in billionaire newspaper and magazine owners, who can weather short-term losses for the sake of long-term gains. But whose interests are really being served?
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