World
Top Stories:- Israel orders more evacuations in Rafah and strikes northern Gaza
Israel prepared to expand its military operation in defiance of growing pressure from close ally the United States, which on Friday said there was “reasonable” evidence Israel had breached international law protecting civilians.
- Ukrainian civilians flee as Russia says it has captured 5 villages
Russia's renewed assault on the Kharkiv region, which Ukraine says has forced more than 1,700 civilians residing in settlements near the fighting to flee, seeks to exploit ammunition shortages before Western supplies promised to Ukraine can reach the front line.
- We tried to get these people out of Afghanistan. They’re still there.
Media scrambled to get Afghan colleagues out after the Taliban takeover. The Monitor had some success, but some remain. This is their story.
- Hundreds of volunteers answer the call to help dogs stranded in Brazil’s floods
Heavy rain and flooding in southern Brazil has displaced 300,000 people – and their animals. In Canoas, hundreds of local volunteers have set up a makeshift shelter to care for lost dogs until they can be reunited with their owners.
- Historic Israeli desire to ‘go it alone’ is tested by Gaza and Iran
Israel is facing historic challenges over its instinct to act alone in war. One comes from a rift with its U.S. ally over Gaza. Another comes from the demonstrated benefits of regional cooperation and integration.
USA
Top Stories:- A landmark settlement protecting children at the border is set to roll back
For 27 years, the landmark Flores agreement has curbed the mistreatment of child migrants traveling alone. The Biden administration, tackling heavier immigration enforcement, is now seeking to undo parts of the mandate.
- This retired Marine pilot aims to be the role model she never had in Afghanistan
Retired Marine helicopter pilot Alexis Federico is helping an aviation museum take flight in Orange County, California. She hopes it inspires interest in STEM careers.
- College class of 2024: Shaped by crisis, seeking community
From pandemic to protests, these college seniors have faced unusual challenges. Many long for community – and have learned something about building it.
- College class of 2024: Shaped by crisis, seeking community
From pandemic to protests, these college seniors have faced unusual challenges. Many long for community – and have learned something about building it.
- Trump on trial: What to know as case moves toward pivotal witness
Donald Trump’s hush money trial has seen dramatic testimony this week. But the most confrontational and legally important moment may be yet to come.
Commentary
Top Stories:- Eurovision shapes the Continent’s identity
The annual singing contest endures geopolitical winds by focusing on the values that help build the European project.
- Civic joy in South Africa’s vote
A watershed election reveals youthful determination to sweeten democracy with compassion and unity.
- The idea factory in artificial intelligence
Economists find that AI’s potential in boosting productivity may lie in the notion of an infinite supply of ideas.
- Want to help solve political polarization? Maybe start with civility.
Polarization and mistrust are high in American politics today. How do we get out of that spiral? A conversation with Alexandra Hudson offers clues.
- Recipe for honesty in Guatemala
A Central American society embraces the patient work of dissolving corruption through integrity and transparency.
Economy
Top Stories:- AI may take away jobs – but it’s creating some, too
The impact of AI on America’s economy is more limited than previously thought. Some now say it could help low-skill workers be more productive.
- ‘Divest from Israel’: Easy slogan, challenging for universities
Getting universities to divest from companies that support Israel is not as simple as many student protesters hope.
- Shell corporations? Hawaiian farmers push a plan to counter island macadamia posers.
Hundreds of small Hawaii farmers rely on the lucrative macadamia crop. But, like maple syrup producers in Vermont and distilleries in Champagne, France, they’re starting to face the imposition of nuts grown off the islands and sold with Hawaiian branding.
- Tennessee win for UAW could open road for labor in South
For the first time the UAW has successfully organized a foreign-owned auto plant in the South – a move that helps change the image of labor in decline.
- Charging – and charging for it: How EV owners could sell power back to the grid
Bidirectional EV charging would expand power grids by allowing cars to store energy at night, then sell it back to utilities during peak daylight hours. That would mostly benefit drivers – but automakers are also eyeing ways to get a cut of the surplus.
Environment
Top Stories:- Michigan gets its first-ever tornado emergency as massive hail batters Southeast
Tornadoes have touched down in a handful of states across the U.S. this week, including three in Michigan. Severe storms and massive hail have caused three deaths, dozens of injuries, extensive property damage, and left 135,000 without power.
- Tesla news looks grim. But the bigger picture for EVs is a bright one.
Headlines suggest the shift to electric vehicles is hitting roadblocks. Evidence points to an industry that’s continuing to grow and innovate.
- ‘We’re living climate change now.’ Latin Americans bring climate worries to high court.
Victims of climate change in Latin America are bringing their complaints to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The findings of the court could help shape better policy and laws, saving countless lives and bolstering infrastructure.
- Stories of resilience: Bees make a comeback, and how immigrants lift economies
Progress roundup: Bee colonies are on the rise, Venezuelan migrants benefit their adopted countries, and an ancient irrigation system in Oman still works.
- Solar panels are spreading over Midwest farms – and edging out the crops
Solar energy companies are leasing thousands of acres of land from Midwestern farmers, which can hinder crop-growing or grazing livestock there. It’s a tradeoff between expanding renewables and giving up future yields.
Technology
Top Stories:- Georgia leads toward a nuclear future with its first operating reactor
Georgia Power Co. announced one of its two new reactors reached self-sustaining nuclear fission on Monday. The announcement is a key step toward reaching commercial operation of nuclear energy in the United States.
- Cellphone at 50: Its inventor reflects on mobile advances and risks
Cellphone inventor Martin Cooper, who placed the first mobile call on April 3, 1973, remains hopeful the technology can transform lives, but he’s also concerned about its impact. “We don’t have any privacy anymore,” Mr. Cooper said at a trade show in Spain.
- What links toothbrushes and weapons systems? A $52 billion investment.
The U.S. government has reached a rare bipartisan agreement to invest $52 billion to develop advanced computer chips. Factories, autos, appliances, electronics, toys, toothbrushes, and weapons systems all depend on semiconductors.
- Internet speech: Supreme Court to weigh who is protected online
Two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court this week challenge Section 230, a 1996 law that protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their networks. The cases are part of a global trend toward holding social media platforms accountable.
- ‘Tremendous potential’: Why some disability advocates laud ChatGPT
ChatGPT has spurred lively conversations about the role of educational technology. While some colleges and universities are cracking down on ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot, other educators believe ChatGPT could help with assisted learning.
Science
Top Stories:- Scientists recorded sperm whales. Their pod-casts offer hints on how they talk.
For years, researchers have tried to link sperm whales’ underwater clicks to the meanings they communicate. A new study of their codas could serve as the basis for future translations of their alphabet.
- Hey now, you’re a dead star. Meet Gaia, the Milky Way’s second-largest black hole.
A black hole named Gaia BH3, 33 times greater in size than the sun, was discovered 2,000 light years from Earth. The only other in our Milky Way galaxy, Sagittarius, is 26,000 light years away from Earth and traveling in the opposite direction.
- Some things are worth missing school for. An eclipse road trip, and a search for wonder.
Our reporter, like many parents, wanted his son to experience the wonder of a total solar eclipse. As so often happens with parenting, the one left most in awe by the celestial event was not the fifth grader.
- Howling at the moon on a Monday afternoon. Eclipse brings thousands to Vermont.
In a country seemingly fractured about most things, on Monday, Americans came together under one sky.
- Project ‘Frozen Dumbo’ helps boost dwindling African elephant populations
Factors such as poaching and habitat loss have decimated wild African elephant populations. Operation “Frozen Dumbo” aims to bolster the animals’ numbers in the wild and in zoos.
Culture
Top Stories:- A love letter to lilacs and the joys of fleeting pleasure
The mission to capture my lilac’s fleeting scent was a flop. What I gained instead was far greater: a reminder to be present during its brief season.
- In war-torn Haiti, Vodou draws thousands seeking comfort, protection from gangs
As gang violence grips their country, the ancient tradition of Vodou is experiencing a resurgence among Haitians. Followers find links in the religious practice to the nation’s history of resistance and endurance.
- Behind the verse: Six Monitor poets share why they write poetry
It’s no secret that poetry is one of the least lucrative forms of writing. So what keeps poets returning to write poems? We asked six contributors where they draw their inspiration.
- A ‘one-way ticket’ through the Harlem Renaissance
An exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art includes more than 160 works of art – and exudes dignity in its timeless celebration of Black life.
- Mamma Mia! Here we go again. Eurovision wraps up in Sweden with pomp and protests.
Eurovision’s 2024 competition is bringing flashy and theatrical pop music to Malmo, Sweden. It’s also bringing thousands of protesters who are criticizing Israel’s participation in the contest.
Books
Top Stories:- Lithium is key to green technology. Where will the US source it?
“The War Below” examines the global competition for metals like lithium and nickel, which are needed for electric cars, solar panels, and wind turbines.
- Audubon’s exquisite bird paintings owe a debt to classical European art
“Audubon as Artist” plunges into John James Audubon’s fascination with classical European art, which influenced his celebrated bird paintings.
- Do diverse police departments use less force? She trained with cops to find out.
After a year training at police academies, sociologist Samantha J. Simon finds that it’s going to take more than diversity initiatives to change police culture.
- Millions of adults need help reading. Why the US needs to change course.
As the U.S. considers how to improve reading instruction for young students, it shouldn't forget grown-ups, our commentator says. How could their hopes be better addressed?
- ‘Real Americans’ explores the pressure to be exceptional
Rachel Khong’s second novel, a multi-generational tale of two intertwined families, flags problematic attempts to shape and control identity.