Slippery pope
Latin America is reportedly the only place right now where traditional right-wing economics is on the upswing. / Semafor
Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit jumped in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a sharp drop in oil revenues. / Arabian Gulf Business Insight
The conservative leader Friedrich Merz wins a parliament vote to become Germany's next chancellor. / BBC News
Details from the current conclave in Vatican City—from smear campaigns to dorm life—are said to rival the film Conclave. / The Wall Street Journal [+]
See also: Like model UN, but for pope selection—inside the University of Chicago’s Italian Renaissance course where students LARP the conclave of 1492. / The New York Times [+]
An illustrated guide through a typical American home reveals how many products are made in China. / The New York Times [+]
The troubling sentiment at the heart of “Make America Healthy Again” is survival of the fittest—where death is a feature, not a bug. / The Verge
A “turbo roundabout” in California leads to a rise in car accidents. / The Times
Photographs from a 24-hour auto race where the cars can't cost more than $500. / NPR
Photo essay headline of the week? “Crazy Horny Mud Truckers.” / VICE
See also: Vintage pictures of people and their underwear. / Flashbak
Contemporary book critics discuss “the sadomasochistic turn in contemporary criticism.” / Pioneer Works
Digging into the “Protect The Dolls” conversation as a cultural stress test. / The Trend Report
In our cultural conversation, is the pickle to Gen Z what the avocado supposedly was to Millennials, “a passion and a personality?” / Eater
And now a brief chat with a new Sustaining Member, Alison P.!
Alison, hi! When did you start reading TMN? I’ve been reading TMN on and off for years, and have been a dedicated Tournament of Books reader (and sometimes participant) since 2013.
If we may ask, what keeps you coming back? For the ToB, it’s the book selection first and foremost. At least half the shortlist books are ones I’d absolutely never select for myself but am glad to have read. Then of course the commentary is a treat. My favorite/only online book club.
Why did you decide to support today? I was ready to give as soon as I realized there was an option! Invest in what you believe in. Thank y’all again for all you do! Yeesh we need every bit of goodness we can get.