COVER
It's Only Going to Get Worse in Washington (Nation)
The fever never broke. Cooler heads have not prevailed. And the next self-inflicted crisis may be worse than the last
COMMENTARY
What an Iran Deal Would Look Like (Worldview)
After decades of antagonism, Washington should make every effort to create new openings in nuclear talks
Rana Foroohar: Congress Is Bad for the Economy (The Curious Capitalist)
Instead of leadership, we get showdowns. No wonder consumers remain wary about growth
FEATURES
Struggling Nascar's Plan to Get Back in Gear (Sports)
Aging red-state fans. Cars that have gotten too boring. How racing is trying to reinvent itself for a new generation-at 200 m.p.h.
A Hawkish Japan Rediscovers Its Samurai Spirit (World)
A popular, assertive Prime Minister wants to change his country's security stance and Tokyo is baring its muscles
The Unfulfilled Promise of Obamacare (Nation)
The Affordable Care Act was supposed to bring health coverage to the uninsured. As the law takes effect, the reality looks far different from the promise
THE CULTURE
A Luxury Resort for Red America (Travel)
Camo is casual chic at Missouri's Big Cedar Lodge
10 Questions for Elizabeth Gilbert (10 Questions)
She's eaten, prayed and loved. So now the writer is publishing a history of botany, of course
Pop Chart
Dave Eggers' Scathing Attack on Social Media (Books)
The author's new book zings our obsession with being constantly connected
Neko Case: Diva of the Downbeat (Music)
In devastating new album, the iconoclastic rocker sings for the heartbroken and haunted
Joel Stein: 'Til Mold Do Us Part (The Awesome Column)
A new study discrediting food sell-by dates is going to save my marriage
Filmmakers Overcome the Laws of Gravity (Movies)
Just making the new Sandra Bullock thriller turned into a harrowing journey of its own
BRIEFING
The Home Front (Nation)
Authorities struggle to stop a terrorist "pipeline"
Marcella Hazan (Milestones)
Grande dame of Italian food
Briefing
Six-Second Stars (Tech)
Vine is thriving--and creating new Web celebrities
World
An Energy Boom That Could Last (New Energy)
For a bursting oil region like Texas, experience is an asset
Flooded Out (Nation)
What You Said About ... (Conversation)
Tom Clancy (Milestones)
Master of the military thriller