Joel Mathis, The Week US
Joel Mathis is a freelance writer who has spent nine years as a syndicated columnist, co-writing the RedBlueAmerica column as the liberal half of a point-counterpoint duo. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic, The Kansas City Star and Heatmap News. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.
Joel lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife and son.
Latest articles by Joel Mathis, The Week US
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How did America avoid a recession in 2023?
Today's Big Question A downturn was inevitable. Until it wasn't.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Can Texas enforce its own immigration law?
Today's Big Question The federal government is in charge of border security. Gov. Greg Abbott has other ideas.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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How the Israel-Hamas conflict threatens the Suez Canal
Talking Point An American-led task force will attempt to protect shipping from Houthi attacks
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Could an immigration deal tear Democrats apart?
Today's Big Question President Biden looks for a deal that ties migration to Ukraine aid. His party is conflicted.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Will the Supreme Court legalize the insurrection?
Today's Big Question Donald Trump and hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants have been accused of 'obstruction of an official proceeding.' Now the law is under scrutiny.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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American military aid to Ukraine is faltering. Can Europe pick up the slack?
Today's Big Question After decades of letting the U.S. take the lead, EU countries are being asked to do more
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Is Venezuela about to start a war in Latin America?
Today's Big Question A dispute over Guyana's oil-rich territory could turn violent. Or it might sway a presidential election.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Why won't the US retaliate against Houthi attacks?
Today's Big Question Biden administration officials don't want to escalate the Israel-Hamas war
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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College football has a major controversy. Will Congress get involved?
Talking Point Why Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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What's Qatar's role in the Middle East conflict?
Today's Big Question Doha hosts both Hamas and a U.S. military base. That puts it at the center of the conflict in Gaza.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Should the US put conditions on Israel aid?
Today's Big Question Democrats are divided on the issue
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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America doesn't have a wealth tax. The Supreme Court might kill it anyway.
Talking Point Justices are being asked to do something unusual: issue opinions about hypothetical legislation
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Section 702: The fight over the government's spy powers
Under the Radar Critics say the law has been abused. Officials say it thwarts terror attacks. The clock is ticking.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Is the Voting Rights Act nearly dead?
Today's Big Question An appeals court 'drastically weakens' the landmark law. What happens next is up to the Supreme Court.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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How long can the US avoid a government shutdown?
Talking Point The latest deal moves the fight to January
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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The 'genocide' debate in Gaza
Talking Point Experts dispute whether Israel's war meets the definition. Some observers say the argument goes both ways.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Is 'from the river to the sea' antisemitic or just pro-Palestinian?
Talking Point The fight over a slogan blows up in Congress, in the UK parliament and on college campuses
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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Is an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal possible after the war?
Today's Big Question The Israel-Hamas battle may seem intractable. But some leaders think peace is more necessary than ever.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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The Supreme Court may make guns easier for abusers to get
Talking Point But the Texas man at the center of the case has pledged to 'stay away from all firearms'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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What the Realtor lawsuit verdict means for home buyers
Talking Point The way agents are paid will probably change. And that could mean lower prices for buyers.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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What do the UAW deals mean for labor in America?
Today's Big Question Workers in the car industry are getting big pay raises. It might not stop there.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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The Republican clash over Ukraine funding
Talking Point Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is pushing for aid. New House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to focus on Israel first.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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What the House speaker's election denialism could mean for the 2024 race
Talking Point What the House speaker's election denialism could mean for 2024
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Texas' abortion travel bans face a constitutional challenge
Talking Point Conservative activists say they want to stop 'abortion trafficking.' But is there a right to travel?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
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