COVER
Across The Red Line (Nation)
Evidence of a brutal chemical attack in Syria poses a defining test to the U.S.'s reputation and to Barack Obama's foreign policy vision
COMMENTARY
The Clintons Need a Restart (In the Arena)
The power couple looks more like an example of excess in politics than a force to tame it
Pop's Drop: From Madonna to Miley
Cyrus' derivative stunt reveals an artistically bankrupt music culture
The Alchemists of Wall Street (The Curious Capitalist)
Clever financing may reward shareholders, but it does nothing to help the economy
FEATURES
Winners and Losers in the New Robot Economy (Nation)
As rapid technological advances create more powerful robots, which jobs will be left behind in a restructured economy?
How the Airlines Put the Squeeze on Passengers (Business)
As airlines become more streamlined and profitable, flyers face even unfriendlier skies
THE CULTURE
Archival of the Fittest (Music)
With so many reissues out, are there any sets still worth boxing? Answer: yes
What Twitter Says to Linguists (Media)
For researchers studying the use of language in today's networked world, social media is an invaluable tool
Pop Chart
10 Questions for John Mayer (10 Questions)
Singer-songwriter John Mayer on throat surgery, his new album, life in Montana and the DIY music industry
Arts and Crafts at the Playboy Mansion (The Awesome Column)
Hugh Hefner teaches me nothing about women but a lot about how to make a really nice scrapbook
I Have Sung the Future (Profile)
Janelle Monáe broke out as an R&B innovator. Now she's going full eclectic
BRIEFING
What You Said About ...
I Want My MP3 (Tech)
Inside the messy — but promising — future of streaming music
Elmore Leonard (Milestones)
Capo di tutti capi of crime novelists
The Lost Months (Washington Memo)
Immigration reformers won the battle of August. Can they win the war?
Blazing Summer (Nation)
The Yosemite wildfire is just the latest in a costly fire season
Shake It Up (Health)
Schools are subbing smoothies for fruit. Is that good for kids?
Briefing
Milestones (Milestones)
Julie Harris (Milestones)
The belle of Broadway