![Brookings Hall at Washington University, Danforth Campus, the main campus in St Louis, Missouri, on a sunny day.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/wash-u-getty.jpg)
The Ivory Tower Doesn’t Pay Taxes, but It Should Still Pay Up The Ivory Tower Doesn’t Pay Taxes, but It Should Still Pay Up
Activists in St. Louis want Washington University—with its multibillion-dollar endowment—to pony up to help rebuild public schools.
Feb 6, 2025 / Devin Thomas O’Shea
![Jack Conroy](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jack_Conroy-pictures.jpg)
Jack Conroy and the Lost Era of Proletarian Literature Jack Conroy and the Lost Era of Proletarian Literature
In the midst of the Depression, Conroy helped encourage a new generation of working-class writers.
Apr 30, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Devin Thomas O’Shea
![An empty Panera Bread in Manteca, Calif., may not look like much, but the rise of Panera and its dismal present reveals a lot about 21st-century capitalism.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Panera_Bread-cc.jpg)
The Story of Late Capitalism as Told Through Panera Bread The Story of Late Capitalism as Told Through Panera Bread
It used to make on-site sourdough. Now, the private-equity-owned chain is better known for its (allegedly) killer lemonade.
Feb 26, 2024 / Devin Thomas O’Shea
![Representative Cori Bush (D-Mo.)](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GettyImages-1246575273.jpg)
Cori Bush’s Public Transportation Win Cori Bush’s Public Transportation Win
The Missouri representative, along with other Democratic members of Congress, took measures to ensure nationwide climate disaster funding was part of the federal budget.
Feb 24, 2023 / Devin Thomas O’Shea
![Representative Cori Bush](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cori-bush-getty.jpg)
Cori Bush on Her Green New Deals for Cities Cori Bush on Her Green New Deals for Cities
The Missouri congresswoman talks to The Nation about her climate bill and why St. Louis is overdue for investment.
Sep 23, 2022 / Devin Thomas O’Shea
![The End of the Veiled Prophet](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Veiled-prophet-img.jpg)
The End of the Veiled Prophet The End of the Veiled Prophet
After over a century, the unelected mascot of St. Louis is finally losing its place in public life.
Jul 9, 2021 / Devin Thomas O’Shea