News and Politics  » Explainer

What Would Jesus Burn?

Whatever happened to frankincense and myrrh?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at 1:06 PM ET

Is the Second Amendment the Second Most Important?

The order of the Bill of Rights is an argument for gun control.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at 3:45 PM ET

Does Anyone Still Practice the Mayan Religion?

If the world ends Friday, someone should get to take the credit.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at 4:08 PM ET

Do Armed Citizens Stop Mass Shootings?

A history of intervention attempts.

Forrest Wickman | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at 7:27 PM ET

Where Can I Fire My Gun?

A mini-Explainer on how states regulate the discharge of firearms.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at 5:49 PM ET

Why Is the NRA So Powerful?

How the gun lobby leverages modest resources into outsized influence.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at 3:33 PM ET

The Unanswered Questions, 2012 Edition

Why do the rich and famous always sunbathe topless? Plus other bafflers from the Explainer's year-end roundup.

Daniel Engber | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at 9:15 AM ET

The Gun Glossary

What’s a semi-automatic? What counts as an assault weapon?

Mark Joseph Stern | EXPLAINER | Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at 6:14 PM ET

Is John Boehner Allowed To Lower the Flag to Half-Staff?

A mini-Explainer on who controls the height of Old Glory.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at 3:26 PM ET

What Did Kids Read Before Hans Christian Andersen?

Homer, among other things.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at 3:43 PM ET

Whose Smile Is It, Anyway?

Can researchers reconstruct the smile of the real Mona Lisa from skeletal remains?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at 4:14 PM ET

Why Are Anti-Union Laws Called “Right To Work”?

A mini-Explainer on the history of management’s favorite political catchphrase.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at 4:51 PM ET

All the Pontiff’s Men

How do you get a job on a Vatican council?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at 3:16 PM ET

Congratulations. Tell No One.

How secretive are awards for CIA agents?

Forrest Wickman | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at 6:32 PM ET

Is It Better To See a Younger Doctor or an Older Doctor?

A mini-Explainer on youth versus experience in medical practice.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at 1:49 PM ET