Vox

Palantir Technologies may be one of Silicon Valley’s most secretive and influential companies — and its name comes straight from The Lord of the Rings. In Tolkien’s world, palantiri are magical “seeing stones” that let users communicate across distances and glimpse faraway events or possible futures, but they often mislead and corrupt the people who use them. So why would a real-world tech company embrace that symbolism?

Why Marty Makary is out at the FDA, briefly explained. vox.com/the-logoff-new…

The hantavirus outbreak is still small. But it's a huge test for a battered public health sector. vox.com/health/488447/…

How The Lord of the Rings lore helps explain the mysterious tech company. vox.com/videos/488383/…

Not every public health emergency is a pandemic. As hantavirus news spreads, it’s vital to separate the science from the fear-mongering.

Democrats just handed the Supreme Court's Republicans a loaded weapon. vox.com/politics/48839…

"Weather whiplash" is fueling blazes across Florida and the region. vox.com/climate/488335…

An infectious disease researcher explains what's going on — and why this isn't the outbreak to worry about. vox.com/podcasts/48832…

What suspending the gas tax would mean for you, briefly explained. vox.com/the-logoff-new…

It turns out that 127 Columbus Ave., near Lincoln Center in New York City’s Upper West Side, has some really bad luck. This is Pin Point, the series where Vox producer Nate Krieger throws a dart at a map and investigates the surprising history of whatever address he hits. In this episode, he investigates a location that has been home to theft, fire, a murderer on the run, and an incredibly talented amateur billiards player.

AI is making them better — but they're not going to be doing your chores anytime soon. vox.com/podcasts/48805…

Extreme heat is already wiping out soy, coffee, berries, and Christmas trees. Farm animals and humans are suffering too. vox.com/climate/488188…

The secretary of state is dreaming of a kinder, gentler MAGA. vox.com/politics/48818…

A recent study found that many brands of braiding hair and hair extensions contain chemicals that could cause cancer and birth defects. On this week’s Explain It to Me, host Jonquilyn Hill finds out why those chemicals are in these products and what you can do to avoid them. Listen, wherever you get your podcasts.

Yes, it hurts to be human right now. That’s actually the assignment. vox.com/future-perfect…

A reader writes to Vox’s advice column, Your Mileage May Vary, that they’ve “lost the will” and become “frankly disgusted to be a human.” “How am I supposed to look anyone in the eye or feel good about participating in a world where every human act is at the expense of the natural world that birthed us?” Here’s what Sigal Samuel has to say: “Underneath the hard feelings you’re feeling — disgust, anger, loathing — are probably much softer feelings: Disappointment. Sadness. Fear about the future.” “It’s so much easier to bypass them and go straight to hate,” she writes. “And deep down, you know it makes no sense. Those humans that you’re so angry at? They didn’t just come from nature, as you noted, they’re part of nature.” Instead of retreating into a fatalistic “ugh, we’re the worst,’” Samuel argues for “active hope,” acting on behalf of the things you love, regardless of the probability of success. Read the full column linked in the comments below.

How to find cosmetics that are better for you, explained. vox.com/explain-it-to-…

Half of Americans under 50 get health information from social media influencers. A new Pew Research Center report found that most of those influencers have no real medical credentials.

Your morning coffee is one of modern life’s underrated miracles. vox.com/future-perfect…

Progressive caucus chair Rep. Greg Casar on his movement's new playbook. vox.com/america-actual…