Congratulations, You’re a Congresswoman. Now What?

November 22, 2019

What does a year in the life of two first-time Congresswomen look like? It’s harrowing. Intense. And often very funny.

For this week’s cover story, our writer Susan Dominus went behind the scenes with Ayanna Pressley and Abigail Spanberger during their first year navigating Congress, Washington — and divisions within the Democratic Party.

OUR COVER STORY:

Paola Kudacki for The New York Times

Feature

Hope and High Drama: A Year With Two New Democratic Congresswomen

We followed Ayanna Pressley and Abigail Spanberger as they figured out Washington, forged alliances on the Hill — and clashed with their own party.

By Susan Dominus

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Photo illustration by Jon Key

Feature

‘Queen & Slim’ Could Be One of the Great Love Stories of All Time — if You Let It

The film is a rare portrayal of black people in our fullness — angry and frightened and hurt, euphoric and loving and free.

By Carvell Wallace

Photo illustration by Mike McQuade

Screenland

The Moms of TikTok Are Deeply Corny — and Gloriously Free

On Instagram, “mom” means linen-clad babies and perfect homes. On TikTok, it’s real women being their wholesome, goofy selves.

By Carina Chocano

Photo illustration by Ina Jang

Diagnosis

She Had Two Heart Attacks, but Normal Arteries. What Was Going On?

Her doctors were puzzled until one asked a question she’d never heard before. The answer was yes, all the time, since childhood.

By Lisa Sanders, M.D.

Illustration by Ori Toor

Studies Show

Will Science Ever Give Us a Better Night’s Sleep?

Unraveling the mysteries of sleep might depend on studying the genes of people who don’t get much.

By Kim Tingley

Mayco Cortes

What Thanksgiving Looks Like in a War Zone

What’s it like to celebrate the holiday in a conflict zone? We asked those who were deployed as part of the global war on terror.

By C. J. Chivers

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