Government of the (Microsoft Paint) people.
Kazakhstan orders security forces to "fire without warning" amid a crackdown on anti-government protests. / BBC News
The situation presents Russia with yet another opportunity to reassert influence in its former Soviet domain. / The New York Times
When Putin issues demands down the barrel of a gun, "it should stiffen the resolve both of the West and of the resilient Ukrainians to deter and resist him." / The Economist
Ireland's parliament buildings are combating a persistent pest problem. / The Irish Examiner
A South Korean presidential candidate wants hair regrowth treatments to be covered by health insurance. / The Associated Press
Doctors have a variety of Covid-19 treatments, but setbacks and shortages are undercutting options. / STAT
The big read: Silicon Valley groups are putting big money behind efforts—some with roots in the pandemic—to change how science is funded. / Endpoints
A Texas team devises a cheap Covid-19 vaccine, and a manufacturer has already sold 300 million doses to the Indian government. / Goats and Soda
Unrelated: The late Texas sculptor Robert Bruno's unfinished home, his life's passion project, is likely to become a vacation rental. / Texas Monthly
In the early 19th century, "love of the fatherland" was one of the few acceptable forms of being political available to women. / Lapham's Quarterly
A Chinese man, kidnapped as a child, finds his birth mother by sharing a map online drawn from memories of the village where he was born. / The Guardian
See also: A collection of postcards where people, most of them wearing red shirts, stare at things. / Flickr
A bizarre new county seal for Missouri's St. Francois County—"a Photoshop atrocity"—features a flag, an eagle, and a book with a giant cross. / Hyperallergic
Director Steven Soderbergh seems to do nothing but read books and watch movies all day, assuming this list is accurate. / Ext765
There's a season of super-champions on Jeopardy! right now—possibly because the contestant pool has gone professional. / The Ringer
A Czech tennis player joins Novak Djokovic in immigration detention after having her visa canceled. (For on-the-ground reporting about the situation, try The Age's Paul Sakkal.) / ESPN, Twitter
Before tennis there was Real Tennis, which involved "bad luck, comedy, and silliness." / Engelsberg Ideas
Big, snowy thanks to all of ⛷️our supporters ⛷️ Find out why we ask for your help and consider becoming a Sustaining Member or making a one-time donation today. And thank you!
Got a correction or a link we should consider? Email us or just reply to this newsletter.
Since 1999, your Headlines are sourced and written by Andrew Womack and Rosecrans Baldwin, and arrive in your inbox, Monday through Saturday. View this edition and the latest Headlines at TMN.