Bubbles and strife

Currently

Israel is found to be using fake social media accounts to encourage US lawmakers to fund its military. / The New York Times [+]

An explainer unpacks the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. / Reuters

Scientists aren't sure why the second half of last year was so much hotter than they predicted. / Grist

Employees at different AI companies demand the right to warn people about advanced artificial intelligence. / Vox

Following yesterday's story about middle-aged men secretly abusing testosterone, a new male birth control gel shows promise in early trials. / GQ, The Washington Post [+]

Beverage companies are taking bubbles out of their drinks because Generation Z is said to dislike carbonation. / Vinepair

Lithuania is said to be the happiest place in the world right now for young people. / The Guardian

Unrelated? "Girl mossing" refers to the notion of lying on a forest floor, caressing moss. / The Conversation

Paris sees a 40% decline in air pollution thanks to closing streets to motor vehicles and other changes. / NBC News

Meanwhile, New York's governor surprisingly halts a plan to charge motorists driving into Manhattan. / Bloomberg

Details about airlines' secretive, invitation-only status programs. / The Wall Street Journal [+]

Details about the winner of New Zealand's tree of the year contest. Also, some mushroom sculptures made from paper. / The Guardian, Colossal

Related: Examples of pointillist paintings painstakingly recreated with bubble wrap. / Kottke

Camp ToB, our summery Tournament of Books pop-up, got started yesterday—you can still dive in! / The Tournament of Books


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Your headlines are sourced and composed by Rosecrans Baldwin (☜) and Andrew Womack, Monday through Saturday. View this edition and the latest headlines at TMN.