Articles

Legendary writer John McPhee to a student: “I don’t create the writer. At all.”

What makes him such an effective teacher? He doesn't try to teach.
October 2, 2018
Jeffrey R. Young
How a Rubik's cube helped a father understand the puzzle of his son

How a Rubik’s cube helped a father understand the puzzle of his son

New York Times sports reporter John Branch explores competitive "speedcubing," where awkward outsiders find a home
September 28, 2018
Olivia Heersink
A conversation with Alexandra Petri on conjugating gender and politics

A conversation with Alexandra Petri on conjugating gender and politics

 I‘ve always thought writing should be learned by osmosis. Like if you read enough good books you shouldn’t need to know the exact rules about dangling participles. But I’m a…
September 27, 2018
Anna Claire Vollers
"Just be the kite."

“Just be the kite.”

—Robin Enger to her husband, novelist Leif Enger
September 25, 2018
Jacqui Banaszynski
"To the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression."

“To the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression.”

—James Madison, a Founding Father and fourth president of United States
September 19, 2018
Lauren Kessler
After the fires: A surprising story of a haunted hero and the ashes of regret

After the fires: A surprising story of a haunted hero and the ashes of regret

Lizzie Johnson of The San Francisco Chronicle revisits the headlines to ask about the aftermath. Not all endings are happily-ever-after.
September 18, 2018
Julia Shipley
An alligator attack sparks a Facebook attack – and an invitation to reconsider meanness

An alligator attack sparks a Facebook attack – and an invitation to reconsider meanness

 I sat on a bench with Wade Livingston the other day. We talked about an alligator attack, a woman who drowned, and the people who saw fit to condemn her for the audacity…
September 13, 2018
Tom Warhover
"No matter how long we study them, the images are unfathomable. No matter how quickly we look away, they are unforgettable."

“No matter how long we study them, the images are unfathomable. No matter how quickly we look away, they are unforgettable.”

—Chuck Haga, Sept. 16, 2001, the Star Tribune of the Twin Cities
September 12, 2018
Jacqui Banaszynski
Christopher Solomon on how he captured the controversial wolf man of Washington

Christopher Solomon on how he captured the controversial wolf man of Washington

Before Christopher Solomon took on the case of the wolf researcher who ignited a political firestorm, the situation had sparked plenty of regional coverage. In particular, The Seattle Times, where…
September 11, 2018
Linda Shaw
"Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it."

“Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

—Poet Mary Oliver, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award
September 5, 2018
Jacqui Banaszynski