The Week's Best 'Pacific Standard' Stories

Out top stories for the week of January 31 to February 6, as curated by our editors.

Author:
Updated:: Jun 14, 2017
Original:: Feb 5, 2016

Here are the best stories published on Pacific Standard this week:

"CB Radio: A History," by Hallie Bateman
An illustrated guide to the connection between CB radio culture and modern forms of short-form communication.

"The Uphill Battle for Minorities in Trucking," by Rick Rojas
Long-haul truck driving is thriving in the United States, and remains one of the surest ways into the middle class, but minorities say discrimination is rampant.

"What It's Like to Defend Science Before the House Science Committee," by Lucia Graves
Tuesday's hearing was a show-trial against the Paris Agreement. Andrew Steer appeared for the defense.

"America's Power Plant Problem," by Daniel J. McGraw
More than 200 out of the 523 coal-fired power plants that were in operation five years ago are now closed or slated for closure. What should we do with them?

"A Failed Theory or a Failed Republican Party?" by Seth Masket
What exactly would a Donald Trump nomination mean for political science?

California desert town takes back the night, wins rare "Dark Sky" award

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The U.S. has a rough track record with how it treats new parents, but there are reasons to believe that this could soon be a thing of the past.

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A new report concludes that the Graham-Cassidy proposal would reduce federal funding to states by $215 billion by 2026.

A long exposure picture of a Perseid meteor crossing the night sky and stars trails.

The International Astronomical Union has established a committee to finalize a list of official star names. Some companies offer unofficial naming rights for purchase. But the voices of certain communities are often left behind.

Vegetables are displayed at a supermarket.

Food policy experts weigh in on the possibilities of individual diet choices and sustainable production methods.

Berenise sostiene su hermano de dos años, Manuelito. Ella pasa mucho de su tiempo libre cuidando por su hermano menor. (Photo: Jerry Redfern)

Se calcula que 524,000 niños trabajan inimaginables largas horas en los agotadores campos agrícolas de Estados Unidos, y todo es perfectamente legal.