Shuttered Polling Sites Cast Shadow Over Midterm Elections
Georgia has shut down over 200 polling sites since 2014, and a string of recent closures in a predominantly African-American jurisdiction is raising eyebrows as the midterms approach.
Banking on the Public Option: Will LA Lead the Way for People-Owned Banks?
Private banks are driven to increase profits for their shareholders. But what if banks were publicly owned and made their business decisions with the good of the local community in mind? Los Angelenos may put this notion to the test come November.
The Rich Are Loving the Economy — It’s a Different Story for Regular Americans
According to President Donald Trump, the economy is doing stupendous — thanks to him. But the reality on the ground is that American workers have seen better days, back when unions were prevalent and had real leverage.
The Hate Group Next Door
If you are human, you carry the fascism gene, so you might want to read these insightful comments on fascism by various observers, comedians, victims, and even its practitioners.
Restoring Ex-Convicts’ Voting Rights
If you live in Alabama and have a felony record, you’ll probably need a lawyer to help you figure out what “moral turpitude” means — otherwise you may not be allowed to vote. But a new digital tool is helping to clarify the voting rights restoration process for voters with past felony convictions — just in time for the midterm elections.
District Court Rules Against North Carolina Gerrymandering
A North Carolina district court has found the state’s current districts unconstitutional. This could lead to pre-midterms redistricting — though state Republicans may appeal to the US Supreme Court.
Warren’s New Goal: Actually Draining the Swamp
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a potential 2020 presidential contender, just introduced a fierce anti-corruption bill that DC insiders are calling pie-in-the-sky. But, of course, they would say that, wouldn’t they?
Mueller Investigation Shows the Rich Deserve Much More Scrutiny
Here is one thing we already know thanks to the Mueller investigation: The finances of the rich and powerful need to be looked at much more closely or the rest of us will keep paying the price.
Whistleblower Gets Long Sentence for Leaking Evidence of Russian Election Interference
Whistleblower and former NSA contractor Reality Winner exposed attempts by Russian military officers to hack US elections. This week she was sentenced to over five years in federal prison.
JFK’s War Heroism Speaks Louder Than Rhetoric of War-Dodging Chicken Hawks
This month marks the 75th anniversary of JFK’s famed WWII heroic moment. A perfect time to examine whatever correlations there may be between leadership, military service, and views on war and peace.
We Got Hit by a Russian Spambot Attack — Here’s What They Targeted
A Russian network of spambots recently attacked WhoWhatWhy. That we were targeted isn’t surprising, but what they targeted is very interesting.
More Marijuana Legalization Coming — Could Trump Be On Board?
2018 has been a good year for marijuana legalization. And it may only be getting better come November.
We Don’t Know What Our Computers Are Doing
Computers are like a black box — we don’t really know what they’re up to inside. A series of recently discovered vulnerabilities only drives home the point, and further calls into question the US’s reliance on electronic voting systems.
5 Years After ‘Shelby County,’ Democracy Has Suffered
Five years ago, a US Supreme Court decision had the practical effect of making it harder to vote in many states. Americans are still dealing with the consequences, and it’s only getting worse.
US, Turkey Declare Economic War
An obscure case of an American pastor jailed in Turkey and a failed prisoner exchange have spiraled into declarations of economic war between the US and a key NATO ally.
Could Donald Trump Launch Another War to Save His Skin?
WhoWhatWhy founder and Editor-in-Chief Russ Baker talks with radio host Tom Hartmann about the itchy trigger fingers of past presidents, and whether Trump could launch another war to both distract and make himself look tough.
Battle Over Opioids: Surprising Push-Back, and Not From Dealers
If you thought tighter restrictions were helping to solve the opioid crisis, think again. Some patients, pain doctors, and groups are pushing back.
Trump’s Voter Fraud Commission Was… a Fraud
Newly released documents from President Donald Trump’s now defunct voter fraud commission — ostensibly created to investigate “millions” of illegal votes — confirm that there was never any there there.
1943 Harlem Race Riot: What the Hell Happened?
On the 75th anniversary of the riot in Harlem, we wonder what, if anything, we have learned — and when and where the next riot will be.
What Will Happen If Abortion Legislation Is Turned Back to the States?
Some states’ laws are already cutting access to reproductive health care. What can the rest of the US expect if a conservative SCOTUS tips the balance on Roe v. Wade?