1A

In late 2017, The New Yorker published a short story called "Cat Person" that went viral — perhaps the only work of short fiction to ever do so. It resonated in the early stages of the #MeToo movement, and articulated a common experience that's uncommonly discussed. We spoke with the author, Kristen Roupenian, about her work and the stories we tell ourselves about sex, dating and consent. Want to support 1A? .

Earlier this month, Lifetime released a six-part docuseries called "Surviving R. Kelly." It chronicles the singer's alleged abuse of girls and women since the early '90s. Since then, there's been a larger conversation on black women, abuse and when and if they're believed. How will the #MeToo movement intersect with #MuteRKelly? How was R. Kelly's alleged abuse allowed to continue for so long, and why did it take this documentary for his victims to be heard? Want to support 1A? .

We are just over three weeks into a partial government shutdown. We're hearing stories from affected federal workers. Want to support 1A? .

Still no deal and no paychecks in sight for hundreds of thousands of federal workers. A new documentary on R. Kelly sparks protests and investigations around the country. Mike Pompeo spends the week in the Middle East, mending fences and clearing up mixed signals. And Kim Jong-un's trip to China shows North Korea wants to play on a much bigger diplomatic field. Want to support 1A? .

At midnight on New Year's Day, an array of songs, films and books from 1923 entered the public domain. That means no more copyright penalties or fees for anyone who wants to use them. What's in this treasure trove? What can we do with it? And how do our copyright laws protect — or limit — creators? Want to support 1A? .