The Conversationalist

This November, Virginians will decide whether to enshrine a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in the state constitution. Question 1 puts reproductive autonomy, healthcare decisions, and bodily freedom at the center of the ballot.

When the Future of Bodily Autonomy Is in Question Why you should pay attention to Virginia’s Question 1 this election.

On the ballot in Alabama this November is a proposed constitutional amendment to policies on prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance in public K–12 schools.

Here's why you should pay attention. The latest story in our Down-Ballot series. 🗳️

“There Will Never Be a Separation of Church and State” Why you should pay attention to Alabama’s Statewide Amendment 3 this election.

This November, Colorado voters will decide on Proposition 134, an initiative regarding the right of trans students to play on school sports teams aligned with their gender identity. While it only pertains to Colorado, its impact can be far greater.

Next up in our Down-Ballot series. 🗳️

When a Kid Just Wants To Play Sports Why you should pay attention to Colorado’s Proposition 134 this election.

Welcome to Down-Ballot! 🗳️
Every day this week, we’re sharing stories from local reporters that highlight state measures worth watching in the 2026 U.S. election.

Starting with why you should pay attention to North Carolina’s Require Voter Identification Amendment this election.

Why Ask Voters to Provide ID If It’s Already Required? Why you should pay attention to North Carolina’s Require Voter Identification Amendment this election.

UPDATE: NEW DATE❗️
The U.S. midterm elections are coming up. Are you registered to vote? 🗳️

Join us Oct 8th from 7-7:45pm EST for a virtual Voting Ask Me Anything. Bring your questions and we’ll provide trustworthy answers from voting experts.

Sign up here ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM35YrFxT8X4yMl2BLdStaul50SGAcozmtGgijgkd7kZcfzg/viewform

UPDATE: NEW DATE❗️
The U.S. midterm elections are coming up. Are you registered to vote? 🗳️

Join us Oct 8th from 7-7:45pm EST for a virtual Voting Ask Me Anything. Bring your questions and we’ll provide trustworthy answers from voting experts. Sign up here ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM35YrFxT8X4yMl2BLdStaul50SGAcozmtGgijgkd7kZcfzg/viewform

Book of the Month 📚: “The Art of Fighting” by Priya Parker

"Conflict is inevitable. Parker’s latest book is a helpful guide on how to better navigate it."

Book of the Month: “The Art of Fighting” by Priya Parker Conflict is inevitable. Parker’s latest book is a helpful guide on how to better navigate it.

"The fact that writing—that any form of art—requires so much of us is a part of what makes it so valuable. The fact that it is by a person, with their own experiences of the world, makes it even more so."

In Defense of Difficulty As someone who, overnight, lost some of their capacity to think and write, I cannot comprehend why a person would choose to give those faculties over to a machine.

"Our department looked like an actual battlefield, with blood everywhere, and IV lines, syringes, and used equipment scattered about."

A Palestinian nurse recounts an average shift at Gaza’s largest hospital in November 2023.

24 Hours in the Emergency Room at Al-Shifa Hospital A Palestinian nurse recounts an average shift at Gaza’s largest hospital in November 2023.

Unfortunately, still relevant.

Why Do So Many Men Destroy What They Can’t Control? And why do so many people support them?

"Overnight, I lost some of my capacity to think and write. After fighting to get it back, I cannot imagine choosing to give those faculties over to a machine."

One writer's argument against AI.

In Defense of Difficulty As someone who, overnight, lost some of their capacity to think and write, I cannot comprehend why a person would choose to give those faculties over to a machine.