Anne Helen Petersen

Here's What Makes "Eighth Grade" So Good

Bo Burnham’s new movie made me want to die of embarrassment. But it also suggested something very few films do: that middle schoolers are actually worthy of attention, and love.

The New Gwen Stefani Is A Lot Like The Old One

Stefani has always been a study in contrasts: a sexy tomboy; a rock star who loves her man and her manicures. So why are we still surprised every time she tells us who she is?

Meet The Man — And Propaganda Machine — Behind The Hammond Pardon

How Forrest Lucas — the little-known millionaire whose company name is plastered on the home stadium of the Indianapolis Colts — wields power, propaganda, and even Sharon Stone to protect Big Agriculture.

Trump’s Shtick May Not Sell In A State Where Not Everything Is Red Or Blue

"First rule of Montana politics: Never assume you’re untouchable."

Kevin Costner’s New Show Is More Than “Dallas” With Horses

In the new Western drama Yellowstone, Montana acts as the backdrop for century-old fights over what land means and who gets to claim it.

Neko Case Is Telling The Truth

With new album Hell-On, Neko Case has become more uncompromising than ever, both in her music and how she thinks about the world.

How Roseanne’s Bigotry Finally Became A Liability

Jason Bateman Showed How “Family” Is Used To Excuse The Inexcusable

When Bateman dismissed Jeffrey Tambor’s outburst at Arrested Development costar Jessica Walter by saying “this is a family,” he reminded us how often that word is used to paper over serious problems.

Could Paulette Jordan Be The First Native American Governor?

In Idaho, any Democrat running is a long shot. But Paulette Jordan — who, if elected, would become the first Native American to serve as a governor — doesn’t mind the odds, and isn’t heeding calls to let an older, white, established candidate take her place.

These Volunteers Are Battling Idaho’s Government To Expand Medicaid

State legislators in Idaho have refused to accept federal funding that could help thousands without health insurance get coverage. Meet “Reclaim Idaho,” the group that’s trying to do what elected officials won’t and put Medicaid expansion up for a vote in November.

What Happens When Your City Becomes Bachelorette Central?

Over the last decade, Nashville has become one of the nation’s leading non-Vegas bachelorette party destinations. The bachelorettes are a vivid symbol of the city’s rapid gentrification — and the pitfalls of a new, “experience”-driven brand of tourism.

March For Our Lives Rallies Made A Huge Push To Register Teen Voters Across The US

Registering young people to vote was a top priority for the thousands of people who rallied across the US Saturday as part of the March for Our Lives protests against gun violence.

Here's What Makes The "Roseanne" Reboot Work

Can Roseanne still be Roseanne now that its brash, unruly, feminist hero has returned to her progressive, universally lauded television show — as a Trump voter?

Students Across The Country Had Powerful Messages Of Solidarity For The Parkland Shooting Survivors

"We love you and we support you so much."

Jennifer Lawrence Is A Prisoner Of Her Cool Girl Image

This is the story of how Lawrence became the biggest female movie star in the world — but it’s also the story of how an image can become an albatross.

How Taylor Kitsch Is Fixing His Broken Movie Star Image

For years, the Friday Night Lights star watched as publicists tried — and failed — to sell him as a classic, bland, movie star dreamboat. With a new Instagram account, he’s taken matters into his own hands.

These Writers Are Launching A New Wave Of Native American Literature

With two highly anticipated books, Terese Marie Mailhot and Tommy Orange are part of a new generation of indigenous writers, trained in a program that rejects the standards of white academia.

Hope Hicks Has Been Able To Spin Every White House Scandal Except Her Own

The communications director has survived the storms of the Trump White House by doing what PR gurus do best: never, ever making the story about you. Until now.

Another Right-Wing Insurgency Is Gathering Force In The West

In the tiny town of Paradise, Montana, rancher Cliven Bundy offered few specifics as to the future of his movement. Instead, he preached his particular form of anti–federal government gospel — and readied his followers for whatever comes next.

How Do You Rebuild Your Life After Leaving A Polygamous Sect?

A decade ago, members of the FLDS — a fundamentalist sect of the Mormon church that practices polygamy — began leaving of their own volition. Today, they’re returning home to rewrite the dark narrative that’s formed around them.