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Life

Understanding the world isn’t just about explaining the news. Vox’s coverage examining religion, love, family, careers, and how we live.

A new Supreme Court case about religion has a hidden trap for workers
Supreme Court

Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin has a sympathetic plaintiff, and alarmingly high stakes for workers.

By Ian Millhiser
A new Supreme Court case about religion has a hidden trap for workers
Supreme Court

Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin has a sympathetic plaintiff, and alarmingly high stakes for workers.

By Ian Millhiser
Are men okay? Our modern masculinity problem, explained.Are men okay? Our modern masculinity problem, explained.
The Gray Area

Why is it so hard to talk about masculinity?

By Sean Illing
Applying to college today is incredibly public and incredibly isolatingApplying to college today is incredibly public and incredibly isolating
Life

Inside the “marathon” race to get into college.

By Anna North
Put down that cough medicinePut down that cough medicine
Health

Here’s what might help your cold — and what probably won’t.

By Keren Landman, MD

The latest in Life

Jay-Z was named in a Diddy lawsuit. Will other celebrities be next?Jay-Z was named in a Diddy lawsuit. Will other celebrities be next?
Culture

There’s likely more industry-shifting fallout to come from the Diddy case.

By Kyndall Cunningham
Yes, you can fight climate change in your backyardYes, you can fight climate change in your backyard
The Highlight

One wildflower at a time.

By Cat Willett
The case for not overthinkingThe case for not overthinking
The Gray Area

How to feel alive, explained by a philosopher.

By Sean Illing
Wait, should I bother using antibacterial soap?Wait, should I bother using antibacterial soap?
HealthMember Exclusive

It turns out cleaning your hands is more complicated than killing germs.

By Keren Landman, MD
Are drug expiration dates meaningless?Are drug expiration dates meaningless?
The Highlight

That Tylenol’s shelf life is longer than you think.

By Keren Landman, MD
The most vulnerable target of post-election hate? America’s kids.The most vulnerable target of post-election hate? America’s kids.
Life

Trump’s win has ignited a wave of bullying — again.

By Anna North
Your drawer full of old cables is worth more than you thinkYour drawer full of old cables is worth more than you think
TechnologyMember Exclusive

Recycle your old electronics. It’s easy, we promise.

By Adam Clark Estes
The horrifying implications of today’s Supreme Court argument on trans rightsThe horrifying implications of today’s Supreme Court argument on trans rights
Supreme Court

The Court appears likely to uphold bans on gender-affirming care, and may gut the rules barring all forms of sex discrimination in the process.

By Ian Millhiser
Major change doesn’t have to wreck your friendshipsMajor change doesn’t have to wreck your friendships
LifeMember Exclusive

Everyone evolves. Your friendships can too.

By Angel Martinez
Men are struggling. Here’s how your philanthropy can help.
Future Perfect

We can invest in men’s well-being without undermining women.

By Celia Ford
Can men and women still be friends?
Even BetterMember Exclusive

We may be in the middle of a new gender war, but friendships with the opposite sex are still very much worth it.

By Allie Volpe
Nostalgia won’t fix the loneliness epidemicNostalgia won’t fix the loneliness epidemic
The Highlight

There are practical, everyday ways to get out of your head and into community.

By Allie Volpe
Black Friday is a trapBlack Friday is a trap
Money

What you should buy — and absolutely not buy — during this annual consumer ritual.

By Lavanya Ramanathan and Izzie Ramirez
The author of the seminal book about loneliness explains what we’re getting wrongThe author of the seminal book about loneliness explains what we’re getting wrong
Today, Explained podcast

Nearly 25 years after Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone, Americans are more socially isolated than ever.

By Miranda Kennedy and Noel King
Family estrangement doesn’t have to be foreverFamily estrangement doesn’t have to be forever
The Highlight

Reconnecting with someone you’ve cut ties with isn’t easy — but it can be done.

By Fortesa Latifi
Is it possible to have both pride and humility?Is it possible to have both pride and humility?
Explain It to Me

In a culture that rewards relentless bragging, staying humble takes practice and introspection.

By Allie Volpe
How not to poison your loved ones during your big holiday feastHow not to poison your loved ones during your big holiday feast
Even Better

Kitchen do’s and don’ts that may surprise you.

By Keren Landman, MD
Polarization is bad for our health. Could RFK help?
Even Better

Could RFK Jr.’s ascent change anything?

By Keren Landman, MD
Should I pay someone to invest for me?
Even Better

Managing your portfolio with an adviser can be helpful.

By Nicole Dieker Finley
The not-so-subtle message of Trump’s disturbing Cabinet picksThe not-so-subtle message of Trump’s disturbing Cabinet picks
Trump 2.0, explained

An alarming number of those poised to be in the president-elect’s inner circle are accused of sexual misconduct.

By Constance Grady
America’s literacy crisis isn’t what you thinkAmerica’s literacy crisis isn’t what you think
Culture

This is what happens when kids don’t read for pleasure anymore.

By Anna North
There’s never been a better time to buy a used phoneThere’s never been a better time to buy a used phone
Technology

Buying refurbished devices saves you money — and helps the planet.

By Adam Clark Estes
The House will have its first openly trans member next year. The GOP is already attacking her.The House will have its first openly trans member next year. The GOP is already attacking her.
Politics

A new bathroom rule only adds to the party’s anti-trans broadsides.

By Li Zhou
Holiday travel can break the bank. Here’s how to manage expectations.
How to get through the holidays without going broke

You don’t have to go into debt out of a sense of obligation.

By Allie Volpe
Why do hotel lobbies smell like that?Why do hotel lobbies smell like that?
Explain It to Me

Scent is a way to draw you in and, hopefully, get you to open your wallet.

By Whizy Kim
The surprisingly selfish reason people give terrible gifts
How to get through the holidays without going broke

And what to do with presents you just don’t want.

By Whizy Kim
The least thoughtful holiday present you should definitely give
How to get through the holidays without going broke

Everyone wants cash, despite its tacky reputation.

By Allie Volpe
Why so many families are “drowning in toys”
How to get through the holidays without going broke

America is in toy overload, and it might just be ruining fun.

By Anna North
Are you a bad gift-giver? Here’s how to tell, according to a pro.
How to get through the holidays without going broke

What normies can learn from a concierge gifting service for celebrities.

By Alex Abad-Santos
How to get through the holidays without going brokeHow to get through the holidays without going broke
Even Better

The Even Better guide to an Even Better holiday season.

By Vox Staff
Why we obsess over giving “the perfect gift” — and how to stop
How to get through the holidays without going broke

5 rules for recovering gift perfectionists.

By Melinda Fakuade
How to host holiday gatherings without losing your mind
How to get through the holidays without going broke

Experts share tips on entertaining on a small budget — and an even smaller space.

By Rebecca Jennings
The trans school sports rule the Democrats didn’t talk aboutThe trans school sports rule the Democrats didn’t talk about
Policy

The Biden administration proposed a change to school athletics that sought a compromise.

By Rachel Cohen
A GOP Supreme Court will now decide the fate of transgender AmericansA GOP Supreme Court will now decide the fate of transgender Americans
Supreme Court

The legal question in United States v. Skrmetti is whether the word “all” means “all.” There’s no guarantee that this Court will say that it does.

By Ian Millhiser
Why everyone you know is running a marathonWhy everyone you know is running a marathon
Even Better

For 20-somethings like me, it can bring order, and friendship, into our lives when we need it most.

By Amanda Lewellyn
Can Trump ban trans athletes from school sports?Can Trump ban trans athletes from school sports?
Trump 2.0, explained

Trump could weaponize Title IX against trans kids.

By Ellen Ioanes
These apps promise to help you make new friends. Could it work for me?
Even Better

Is my new best friend just a swipe away?

By Allie Volpe
In times of defeat, turn toward each otherIn times of defeat, turn toward each other
Future Perfect

If you care about the world, find your community. It isn’t always easy — but it’s worth it.

By Sam Delgado
Safe sex doesn’t just mean condoms anymoreSafe sex doesn’t just mean condoms anymore
Even Better

We’re living in a golden age of STI prevention.

By Keren Landman, MD
Do I actually need electrolytes to stay hydrated?Do I actually need electrolytes to stay hydrated?
Even Better

The next generation of supplements promise to do more than Gatorade, but they’re not magic.

By Celia Ford