What Does the Taliban Stand For Today?
Can the Taliban’s less-extreme public statements be trusted? Afghans and regional experts are skeptical as the extremist group retakes control of Afghanistan amid the departure of U.S. and NATO forces.
Democracy
What the Taliban Takeover Means for Women
The Taliban "has not changed," say women facing subjugation in areas of Afghanistan under its rule.
The Fall of Afghanistan: 5 Essential Reads
Afghanistan experts offer insight into the Taliban—then and now—and explain the United States’ role in Afghanistan’s collapse.
The Fight to Protect Voting Rights Enters the Next Round
Congress members getting arrested is nothing new. It’s just the latest iteration of suppressing Black people’s voting rights.
How Women of Color in Congress Are Pushing a Grassroots Agenda
Despite roadblocks, the “Squad” has pushed progressive legislation, scrutinized the powerful, and changed the conversation around who gets to hold political power.
What Does Joe Manchin Want? Ask a West Virginian
The senior U.S. senator from West Virginia harks back to a time when Democrats embraced working class values and looked to local leaders.
Does Every Vote Still Count?
Democrats don’t seem too worried about the current Republican war on voting rights. They should be.
The Seven Deadly Sins of Politi-Speak
If we want to bridge political divides, we can start by being mindful of the words we use.
Riding to Protect Voting Rights
Arizona activists fighting voter suppression at home join a freedom ride reminiscent of the civil rights era.
The Time to Secure Voting Rights Is Now or Never
Anti-democratic voter suppression bills are sweeping the country, taking aim at many of the methods that supported record turnout in the 2020 election.
Building Bridges Without a Foundation for Peace Won’t Work
We shouldn’t reach out to the other side just for the sake of talk or “unity.” We need to build a safe and just society for all of us.
What Other States Can Learn from Georgia’s Historic Elections
Organization, outreach, money, and meeting people where they are is the key to changing political winds.
Mississippi Failed its Residents During a Crisis, So They Helped Themselves
When a winter storm knocked out water service to tens of thousands of Mississippi residents, it was Black families that were hit hardest—and who organized their own relief efforts.
The Deaf Women Suffragists Left Out of History Books
Despite harsh, discriminatory conditions, countless deaf women fought with brilliance and dedication for personal and professional recognition, including for the right to vote.
The War on Voting Reaches Home
The long struggle to secure voting rights enters a new stage, as Republicans across the country try to strip protections from state laws.
Seattle Bets on Equitable Development
In an effort to counteract displacement in racially diverse neighborhoods, Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative invests in community-led projects that aim to keep longtime residents in their neighborhoods.
The American Myths of Bigger and Better
Instead of insisting on superlatives amidst spiking inequalities and insurgent fascism, we should be striving toward policies that are socially responsible and work to establish decent baselines.
The Significance of Uncle Tom in the 21st Century
This trope will persist as long as anti-Blackness persists.
Ah, Sweet Normalcy: Obstruction and Dysfunction
Initial progress in Biden’s first weeks may be overshadowed by rising obstructionism, and timidity in his own party.
A Tale of Two Insurrections
In the wake of an insurrection, reconstruction has always been an optimistic act of rebuilding, reimagining, and recreating our country.
Biden Can’t Heal America By Himself. Here’s How to Help
Conversations across the lines of race, class, politics, and religion can have a transformative impact on a community.
Not Just Angry White Men: White Women Stormed the Capitol, Too
The women who took part in the siege of the Capitol are part of a long history of women’s participation in extremist violence, both in the United States and abroad.
The Hill We Climb
The youngest inaugural poet encouraged us to own our history and repair our nation.
We Need New Ideas to Resolve America’s Divisions
With one political party standing in support of a violent insurrection, we need better solutions than just “reconciliation.”
Trump’s Legal Problems Are Only Just Beginning
Multiple investigations at the state and federal level—plus private lawsuits—await Trump in private life.
Inspiration in Your Inbox
Sign up to receive email updates from YES!
Our Vision to Create the Best Stories Imaginable
In 2025, we will temporarily pause the printing of YES! Magazine.
LEARN MOREHelp Fund Powerful Stories to Light the Way Forward
Donate to YES! today.