A selection of recent and most read stories from The Atlantic to start your day

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A Blueprint for Military Takeovers

How the president could normalize military presence in American cities

A Haunting Relic from America’s Past

On the 70th anniversary of Emmett Till’s death, his murder weapon goes on display in Mississippi.

The Perverse Consequences of the Easy A

In the era of grade inflation, students at top colleges are more stressed than ever.

Why America Isn’t Rome (And Why That Matters)

Mary Beard on history, myth, and the empire’s real lessons. Plus: the reemergence of fascism in America.

Why a Chinese Animated Film Has Made More Money Than Any Star Wars Sequel

The success of the year’s biggest movie is less surprising than it may sound.

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The Atlantic’s Crossword

The Atlantic’s crossword puzzle gets a little more challenging every day: Mondays are the easiest, with the biggest, most difficult puzzle on Sunday.