Though Biden's poll numbers are currently underwater, polls on incumbents are notoriously imperfect predictors of reelection. / NPR How ultraviolet light—which is incredibly effective at killing viruses lurking indoors—might be used to stop the next pandemic before it starts. / Vox After winning 33 straight matches at the
The United States economy grows 3.3% in the final quarter of 2023, beating analysts' predictions. / Semafor Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova say they didn't grow women's tennis for it to be exploited by Saudi Arabia. / The Washington Post [+] Four women from Myanmar relate what
The world's deadliest humanitarian crisis in 2022 was not in Afghanistan or Ukraine, but the Central African Republic. / Undark Ten countries have now been dragged into the "ever-expanding" Middle East war. / The Economist An investigation finds the United Arab Emirates funding more than 100 assassinations
In the past year, the Pentagon has successfully tested a wide range of autonomous weapons, and while there's more to come, international consensus remains iffy. / Defense One The US is currently on pace to produce more oil—13.3 million barrels of a day—than any country in
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court rules Border Patrol can once again remove razor wire installed by Texas at the Mexico border. / The Dallas Morning News An investigation of the White House's pharmacy uncovers disturbing findings, including a request to "hook up" someone with
Israel appears to be following the advice of the Biden administration and other allies by waging a more targeted war to reduce civilian casualties. / The New York Times [+] Still, the death toll of Palestinians in the Gaza war surpasses 25,000, as Israel announces the death of another hostage. / AP
Some of these certainly flew under the radar, but here are 20 things the US government did this week. / Wake Up to Politics A surprising number of Americans think they live in the Midwest, even when they're as far away as Colorado or Arkansas. / The Wall Street Journal
Ambassadors to Washington are betting against American democracy, thanks to the GOP-Democratic divide. / Politico Magazine Richard Louv: Reconnecting children and nature may be the last cause in the US that transcends political barriers. / MIT Press Reader Related, perhaps: "Poverty doesn't cause societal violence—how you become
The United States attacks Houthi ballistic missiles in Yemen over the Iran-aligned group's targeting of Red Sea shipping. / PBS Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they attacked Israel's "spy headquarters" in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. / Reuters Pakistan warns of retaliation
Despite facing multiple indictments, Donald Trump wins the Iowa Republican primary by a historic margin. / Politico A round-up of African migration trends to watch in 2024—e.g., state fragility, seasonal economic opportunities. / Africa Center The world's most "powerful" passports, ranked. / The Points Guy A
