Today's Liberal News

Threats turn deadly real as Trump and allies stoke fervor over imaginary election fraud

If Election Day was relatively event-free after months of conspiracies flying about voter fraud, the acrimonious aftermath of Donald Trump’s loss has grown more contentious and potentially lethal by the day.

The cauldron of unfounded mistrust stirred by Trump and his traitorous Republican allies threatens to boil over at any given moment with death threats targeting election officials and volunteers in the states that became ground zero for Trump’s fraud claims.

COVID-19 skeptics keep on dying, as another study shows the importance of mask mandates

It shouldn’t be shocking: Doing nothing in the face of a highly infectious disease results in high rates of infections. The nation as a whole is suffering from that truism at the moment, as Donald Trump can’t be bothered to leave the golf course for anything other than making attacks on democracy. But some states are being particularly hard hit because they’re getting a double-dose of inaction.

COVID-19 skeptics keep on dying, as another study shows the importance of mask mandates

It shouldn’t be shocking: Doing nothing in the face of a highly infectious disease results in high rates of infections. The nation as a whole is suffering from that truism at the moment, as Donald Trump can’t be bothered to leave the golf course for anything other than making attacks on democracy. But some states are being particularly hard hit because they’re getting a double-dose of inaction.

It’s Trump and Giuliani vs. Trump’s real lawyers on election allegations

The “Important News Conference today by lawyers” announced on Twitter by loser Donald Trump was supposed to  show his “very clear and viable path to victory.” Instead, it was Rudy Giuliani repeating a litany of conspiracy theories and hearsay about fraud that have already failed to convince a single judge. That’s because, Rudy said, the judges are in on it.

It’s Trump and Giuliani vs. Trump’s real lawyers on election allegations

The “Important News Conference today by lawyers” announced on Twitter by loser Donald Trump was supposed to  show his “very clear and viable path to victory.” Instead, it was Rudy Giuliani repeating a litany of conspiracy theories and hearsay about fraud that have already failed to convince a single judge. That’s because, Rudy said, the judges are in on it.

The Final Pandemic Surge Is Crashing Over America

Editor’s Note: The Atlantic is making vital coverage of the coronavirus available to all readers. Find the collection here. Understanding the pandemic this week requires grasping two thoughts at once. First, the United States has never been closer to defeating the pandemic. Second, some of the country’s most agonizing days still lie ahead.Long term, the view has never looked brighter.

The Tragedy of a Ruined Telescope

One of the most powerful telescopes in the world is on the brink of collapse.Arecibo, a giant radio observatory nestled in the lush mountains of Puerto Rico, did some of the dreamiest work in astronomy. But it was forced to stop operations this year after suffering unprecedented damage, and officials now believe that it is beyond repair. Instead of trying to fix it, they’re going to tear it down.The trouble began in August.

The Atlantic Daily: The Final Pandemic Surge

Every weekday evening, our editors guide you through the biggest stories of the day, help you discover new ideas, and surprise you with moments of delight. Subscribe to get this delivered to your inbox.SHUTTERSTOCK / PAUL SPELLA / THE ATLANTICThis week brought another round of urgent pandemic updates, both catastrophic and spectacular. Our writers help you process the good and the bad.

How Many Americans Are About to Die?

Editor’s Note: The Atlantic is making vital coverage of the coronavirus available to all readers. Find the collection . Nor does the analysis incorporate the possibility of an overburdened testing system becoming unable to complete as many tests as necessary, which would depress case counts. Either of these factors could push or skew the expected death rate even higher.

Dead Before Christmas: As U.S. Passes 250K COVID Deaths, Healthcare Workers Brace for Holiday Surge

As the official U.S. COVID-19 death toll breaks worldwide records and passes 250,000, hospitals are at capacity, and overwhelmed healthcare workers still lack personal protective equipment. Health officials say conditions will worsen further with holiday travel and family gatherings for Thanksgiving. “I can’t really overemphasize how important the next few days are,” says Ed Yong, science writer at The Atlantic.