Alaska is, by far, the largest state in the U.S. It is also one of the least-populated states, with vast, protected open spaces. From the North Slope through Denali Park to the Aleutian Islands, the Kenai Peninsula, the Inside Passage, and much more, here are a few glimpses of the landscape of Alaska, and some of the wildlife and people calling it home.This photo story is part of Fifty, a collection of images from each of the United States.

On Friday, December 18, the secretary of the Army and the Army chief of staff formally disavowed any intention of participating in a military coup: “There is no role for the U.S. military in determining the outcome of an American election.”That’s a fine statement, in line with the long-standing traditions of the U.S. military. It’s alarming, though, that anybody thought it necessary at all.

Donald Trump’s descent into madness continues.The latest manifestation of this is a report in The New York Times that the president is weighing appointing the conspiracy theorist Sidney Powell, who for a time worked on his legal team, to be special counsel to investigate imaginary claims of voter fraud.

Illustration by Valerie Chiang; images from Hulton Archive / Shel Hershorn / Gado / Getty; Associated PressThis article was published online on December 20, 2020.Women’s-suffrage campaigners and their equally adamant opponents were in full agreement on one fundamental point: Giving women the vote would change everything.