Collection
The 19th Explains
From the spread of disinformation to battles over legislation, complex circumstances shape American policy and politics. The 19th explains the current events that affect women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. What topic, issue or event would you like to learn more about? Submit questions for The 19th team to consider answering in future stories here.
In This Collection
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The 19th Explains: What happens if the government shuts down?
If Congress doesn't come to a deal by October 1, the federal government will shut down, impacting federal workers and the economy.
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The 19th Explains: How Congress funds the government
The House and the Senate have to agree on spending measures to avoid a shutdown.
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The 19th Explains: Abortion in Florida and what’s at stake in the state Supreme Court
We spoke to political experts, abortion providers and funds ahead of arguments on the state’s 15-week ban.
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The 19th Explains: What are 'late-term abortions' — and why are politicians talking about them?
Republicans don’t want to talk about restrictions in the first or second trimester, instead trying to turn the conversation to very rare third trimester abortions.
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The 19th Explains: Why child marriage is still legal in 80% of U.S. states
Child marriage was legal in all 50 states until 2018. Since then, 10 states have passed bans, and advocates continue to push lawmakers to end the practice.
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The 19th Explains: The Supreme Court’s decision in the LGBTQ+ 303 Creative case
At issue was whether a Colorado web designer had a First Amendment right to reject making wedding websites for queer couples. The court ruled that she does.
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The 19th Explains: Everything you need to know about gender-affirming care
As misinformation about gender-affirming care has grown more rampant, The 19th has sought answers to some common questions.
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The 19th Explains: How poor air quality and wildfire smoke impact pregnant people
As millions of people in the Northeast are exposed to toxic wildfire smoke, here’s what we know about how pregnant people can protect themselves.
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The 19th Explains: How to ease the ‘loneliness epidemic’ and social isolation among older adults
Experts stress the importance of maintaining meaningful connections and utilizing resources to combat isolation and the health impacts that come with it.
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The 19th Explains: Who will be most impacted by Medicaid changes — and when
Up to 15 million people — many of them children, pregnant and postpartum people — are expected to lose health care coverage after continuous enrollment ends, some as early as April 1.