Letters From the June 2026 Issue Letters From the June 2026 Issue
Midwestern Nice… Today’s “Jewish Question”…
May 12, 2026 / Our Readers
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.
May 8, 2026 / Elie Mystal
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.
May 8, 2026 / Jeet Heer
Illinois Is Helping People Awaiting Trial Get Back to Court and Stay Out of Jail Illinois Is Helping People Awaiting Trial Get Back to Court and Stay Out of Jail
The state has a successful pilot in four counties to offer free services to those on pretrial release. But federal budget cuts put the program at risk.
May 8, 2026 / Bryce Covert
How Trump’s Deportation Regime Is Reshaping Schools How Trump’s Deportation Regime Is Reshaping Schools
Across the US, students are missing school, falling behind academically, and carrying the trauma of detention and family separation into school each day.
May 8, 2026 / StudentNation / Lajward Zahra
The Supreme Court Just Made Its Voting Rights Ruling Even Worse The Supreme Court Just Made Its Voting Rights Ruling Even Worse
The court has fast-tracked its decision demolishing the VRA, helping Southern states redraw their maps before the midterms.
May 5, 2026 / Elie Mystal
Louisiana’s Disregard for Pregnant People and Black Voters Must Not Be Ignored Louisiana’s Disregard for Pregnant People and Black Voters Must Not Be Ignored
The stakes are undeniable when voting rights are diminished and abortion access is on the line.
May 5, 2026 / Michele Goodwin
What Happens When Jails and Prisons Make Phone Calls Free? What Happens When Jails and Prisons Make Phone Calls Free?
Thanks to policy changes in six prison systems and several dozen jail systems, families are talking more and saving money.
May 5, 2026 / Katie Rose Quandt
The Long Nightmare of Trump’s Border Wall Is Still Going The Long Nightmare of Trump’s Border Wall Is Still Going
It may have fallen out of the news cycle, but rest assured, the the world’s least pragmatic and most performative construction project continues to prosper.
May 4, 2026 / William deBuys
The Sniper in the House The Sniper in the House
The gun lobby shapes a bloody America unchecked.
May 4, 2026 / OppArt / Jack Ohman