The Atlantic

In my mid-20s, I was flailing. Then I memorized a baffling poem and learned to stop looking so hard.

A short story

Oktoberfest’s closing party in Munich, rally racing in Italy, traditional handheld fireworks in Japan, a pet-blessing ceremony in Chile, and much more

I thought my father’s philandering was somehow unique. Then I met the children of other men like him.

I know why they ask, but I still wish they didn’t need my phone number.

And what it got right

State and local election officials are trying to keep up with AI ahead of the midterms.

The leaders of AI’s biggest companies refuse to admit they’re in control.

People around the president are using their roles to cash in. They learned it by watching him.

The winner of this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature makes ancient texts feel tantalizingly new.

In 1987, two writers predicted a path to energy independence from the Middle East. What they didn’t anticipate was what the U.S. would do to get there.

Even Tom Cruise couldn’t convince audiences that his unpleasant new film is a crowd-pleaser.

The governor of New York would like some respect.

People inside the bureau believe that Kash Patel is “desperate” to deliver indictments—and generate headlines—that would please the president.

Damien Jalet, the choreographer behind the viral video for Gener8ion’s “Storm,” explains his process.

These films best capture the strange spirit of the 2020s.

We are truly sorry for our delayed response.

An ambitious retrospective examines the life and work of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner—to brilliant effect.

Democrats appear headed toward a big victory. But a small polling error could mean a dramatically different outcome.

Hegseth is damaging the military and the public’s trust in it.