Today's Liberal News

Taliban’s New Acting Government Filled with Hard-Liners, No Women Is “Disappointing” as Protests Grow

As the Taliban announces a new acting government in Kabul led by hard-liners from its previous stint in power and fight against U.S. occupation, Danish Afghan journalist Nagieb Khaja says the composition has been a “surprising outcome” as many observers expected the group to strike a more conciliatory tone. “It’s really been disappointing for the people who have been looking for a glimpse of hope,” Khaja says.

The Nicest Man in Stand-Up

Lauren Tamaki
Once the limousine door closed, a dozen of Nate Bargatze’s closest friends and family members began reciting their favorite jokes from the sold-out show he’d just finished in Reno, Nevada. There was the one about never asking a fitness junkie for advice on losing weight, lest they warn you about eating too much fruit. (“Let’s get to that point, all right?” Bargatze had said.

America’s Forever War Must Go On

Announcing the completion of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden declared an end to the post-9/11 “forever war.” Ahead of the anniversary of the September 11 attacks that prompted the original invasion, Biden highlighted how, “if you’re 20 years old today, you’ve never known an America at peace.”Despite the president’s spin, you still won’t.

News Roundup: Abbott gaffes, McCarthy lies, and Amy Klobuchar asks Senate Democrats to get in gear

In the news today: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott defended the state’s new Republican-pushed anti-abortion law in a truly bizarre appearance that had to be seen to be believed. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is a liar, again and still, and House Republican ex-officer Liz Cheney is among those calling him out on his hackish claims. Meanwhile, calls on Democratic senators to put voting rights and other existential priorities over the faux comity of the filibuster continue. Still.

The U.S. is broken. Civics education might just save it

America has been Facebookified. You need look no further than the rash of people poisoning themselves using livestock dewormer to see the reach of the self-identified experts spouting conspiracy theories and quackery—not just on Facebook, but through all the channels and social media available. Distrust in the establishment has become so entrenched that they’ll turn to someone their aunt’s choir director’s cousin talked to for medical advice.

When the Climate Crisis Becomes Unignorable

Every week, our lead climate reporter brings you the big ideas, expert analysis, and vital guidance that will help you flourish on a changing planet. Sign up to get The Weekly Planet, our guide to living through climate change, in your inbox.In retrospect, last week was an interlude.