Suite dreams

European leaders in tech, space, and defense are increasingly shifting long-term contracts away from the United States. / Carnegie Europe

France’s Macron wants the EU to unleash its “bazooka” trade instrument against the White House. / France24

The Pentagon says its ongoing attacks on civilian boats have sharply reduced the import of illegal drugs. Experts say that’s laughable. / The Guardian, The Intercept

An intelligence assessment says Trump and Netanyahu’s ongoing war with Iran hasn’t affected the country’s nuclear program. / Middle East Eye

“The Pulitzer winners offer a snapshot of journalism’s priorities and its changing power structure.” / Poynter

Energy and housing costs are Americans’ second-biggest concerns after the cost of living. / Gallup 

A moving story about people living in vans and buses on public lands in Arizona. “It has a magical feeling.” / Re:Public

See also: An anti-desertification in northwestern China goes viral. / Sixth Tone

Last year, about 1.5% of the world’s electricity was used to power data centers. / By the Numbers

This year’s World Cup is expected to generate $11 billion in profits for FIFA, while contracts suggest its host cities will receive few benefits in return. / ProPublica

Hotels in US host cities report underwhelming demand for stays during the tournament. / American Hotel & Lodging Association

Men get most of the credit for creating modern Houston, but two women deserve recognition for making it a cultural destination. / Texas Monthly

Every large and small city in the US has a capital infrastructure program—except Los Angeles, at least for now. / Torched

Cases depicted on courtroom TV shows not only are often fake, they’re also (apparently) pretty easy to be a part of. / LA Material

A deep dive into 200,000 similes from popular fiction. / The Pudding 

Analyzing recipe-writing in the New York Times from 2010 to today. “It appears to aspire to meet people where they think they’re at vs. trusting people will meet them where they are.” / Radicchio Salad