This Week

Pain Beach

Naked gibbon.

Your support makes stories like this possible

From illegal war on Iran to an inhumane fuel blockade of Cuba, from AI weapons to crypto corruption, this is a time of staggering chaos, cruelty, and violence. 

Unlike other publications that parrot the views of authoritarians, billionaires, and corporations, The Nation publishes stories that hold the powerful to account and center the communities too often denied a voice in the national media—stories like the one you’ve just read.

Each day, our journalism cuts through lies and distortions, contextualizes the developments reshaping politics around the globe, and advances progressive ideas that oxygenate our movements and instigate change in the halls of power. 

This independent journalism is only possible with the support of our readers. If you want to see more urgent coverage like this, please donate to The Nation today.

Steve Brodner

Steve Brodner is an award-winning graphic artist/journalist and the winner of the 2024 Herb Block Prize for editorial cartooning.

More from The Nation

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger at an event in Woodbridge, promoting the redistricting measure that was on the ballot in April.

On Redistricting, Will Virginia Democrats Surrender, or Get Creative? On Redistricting, Will Virginia Democrats Surrender, or Get Creative?

Democrats must stop conceding that the only answer for various racist voting laws is that Democrats just have to vote more and harder and better.

Joan Walsh

Pills

Pills Pills

Now.

OppArt / Ann Telnaes

A photo illustration taken in Nicosia shows a person in front of a large screen displaying vessel movements in the Strait of Hormuz on a ship-tracking website, on May 4, 2026.

How Closing the Strait of Hormuz Has Sparked a Wider Energy Debate in Europe How Closing the Strait of Hormuz Has Sparked a Wider Energy Debate in Europe

The lessons from these shocks is clear.

Stanley Reed

The January Sixer Behind the Attack on Voting Rights

The January Sixer Behind the Attack on Voting Rights The January Sixer Behind the Attack on Voting Rights

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent digs into blockbuster revelations about the lead plaintiff in the VRA case. Plus, the enduring Cult of Trump.

Elie Mystal

President Donald Trump amid the gold leafing and decor that he has installed in the Oval Office in Washington, DC, on September 25, 2025.

The Managerial Anguish of Democratic Leaders The Managerial Anguish of Democratic Leaders

Trump’s corruption is personal, so why do Democrats keep making it about procedure?

Chris Lehmann

Kash Patel listens as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks at a press conference on April 28, 2026, at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.

Ka$h Patel’s Bourbon Swag Is Part of a Larger Branding Disaster Ka$h Patel’s Bourbon Swag Is Part of a Larger Branding Disaster

The FBI director is targeting reporters and his own agents to stop embarrassing leaks.

Jeet Heer