A Glimpse Into the GOP's Backward Bubble  —  Defending Indiana's anti-gay, ‘religious freedom’ law makes Gov. Mike Pence the face of GOP insularity.  —  If there's one takeaway from Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's “religious freedom restoration” debacle, it's that Republicans ignore today's cultural environment at their peril.

“Smoking Doesn't Kill” And Other Great Old Op-Eds From Mike Pence  —  The Indiana governor who is at the center of the debate surrounding the recently signed Religious Freedom Restoration Act in his state wrote some interesting op-eds 15 years ago.  —  “Time for a quick reality check.

The Real Consequences of Indiana's “Religious Freedom” Law  —  It's not about boutique wedding shops.  What if Hobby Lobby refused to allow gay customers?  —  When Arizona's then-Governor Jan Brewer vetoed legislation last February to protect religious individuals and business owners …

Trevor Noah, From Progressive Icon to Villain in 24 Hours  —  Why people turned on Trevor Noah so quickly.  —  The media hot take, the quick response to unfamiliar news, generally ages like milk left out in the August sun.  Sonia Saraiya's reaction to Trevor Noah, the new host of The Daily Show, has not even aged that well.

Trevor Noah in our crazy birther age: Right-wing rage at “The Daily Show” is about to get very, very ugly  —  Trevor Noah is an almost completely unknown South African comic with dimples who has just stepped into one of the most coveted comedy posts in America—Jon Stewart's seat at Comedy Central's “The Daily Show.”