Sunday Morning: Stories And News From London, Geneva And Marseille

Monocle on Sunday, April 14, 2024: Emma Nelson, Dimi Reider, Tessa Szyszkowitz and Kat Hanna on drone strikes on Israel by Iran overnight, as well as more of weekend’s biggest talking points.

We also speak to Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, in Geneva and we check-in with Monocle’s correspondent in Marseille, Mary Fitzgerald, for the latest headlines from the regions.

The New York Times — Sunday, April 14, 2024

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Israel Reports Light Damage After Iran Launches Large Strike

Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel overnight. The U.S. military shot dozens of them down, but most were intercepted by Israel’s military.

‘Waiting for My Time to Come’: Ukraine’s New Draft Law Unsettles the Young

Reporters from The New York Times spoke to men who could be affected by the change.

How the War in Gaza Mobilized the American Left

As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States. Democrats are feeling the pressure.

The New York Times Book Review – April 14, 2024

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW (April 12, 2024): The latest issue features  the cold-sweat-inducing premise of the two books on our cover this week, Annie Jacobsen’s “Nuclear War” and Sarah Scoles’s “Countdown.” 

Let’s Say Someone Did Drop the Bomb. Then What?

In “Nuclear War” and “Countdown,” Annie Jacobsen and Sarah Scoles talk to the people whose job it is to prepare for atomic conflict.

The Culture Warriors Are Coming for You Smart People

In Lionel Shriver’s new novel, judging intelligence and competence is a form of bigotry.

Doris Kearns Goodwin Wasn’t Competing With Her Husband

Richard Goodwin, an adviser to presidents, “was more interested in shaping history,” she says, “and I in figuring out how history was shaped.” Their bond is at the heart of her new book, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s.”

Research Preview: Nature Magazine – April 11, 2024

Volume 628 Issue 8007

Nature Magazine – April 11, 2024: The latest issue cover features the environmental challenges now facing insect populations, with climate change emerging as a key factor whose influence has potentially been underestimated

Green space near home has an antidepressant effect

People who had the most vegetation near their residences were the least likely to report depression and anxiety.

Advanced CRISPR system fixes a deadly mutation in cells

Applying a ‘base editor’ allows cells to crank out increased levels of a vital metabolic enzyme.

Baseball-sized hail in Spain began with a heatwave at sea

Climate change is partly to blame for a storm that pounded Girona province with record-breaking hailstones.

The New York Times — Thursday, April 11, 2024

After Trump Broadside, Surveillance Bill Collapses in the House

Right-wing lawmakers blocked a move by Speaker Johnson to extend a key foreign intelligence surveillance tool after former President Donald J. Trump urged lawmakers to “kill” the law underlying it.

Trump Allies Have a Plan to Hurt Biden’s Chances: Elevate Outsider Candidates

The more candidates in the race, the better for Donald J. Trump, supporters say. And in a tight presidential contest, a small share of voters could change the result.

E.P.A. Says ‘Forever Chemicals’ Must Be Removed From Tap Water

The rule applies to a family of chemicals known as PFAS that are linked to serious health effects. Water utilities argue the cost is too great.

Arts/Books: Times Literary Supplement – April 12, 2024

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Times Literary Supplement (April 10, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Man Into Marble’ – Corin Throsby and Kathryn Sutherland on the real Byron; Anthony Burgess on music; Left in charge at the palazzo; Revolutionary Russia; A shorter Long Day’s Journey and What is lyric verse?…

The New York Times — Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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Iran Smuggles Arms to West Bank, Officials Say, to Foment Unrest With Israel

The covert operation, described by U.S., Iranian and Israeli officials, is heightening concerns that Iran is seeking to turn the West Bank into a flashpoint in its shadow war with Israel.

As Kushner’s Investment Firm Steps Out, the Potential Conflicts Are Growing

Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners has invested more than $1.2 billion, much of it in firms abroad, drawing new scrutiny as his father-in-law, Donald Trump, again seeks the presidency.

England Limits Youth Gender Medications, Part of Big Shift in Europe

Five European countries have recently restricted hormone treatments for adolescents with gender distress. They have not banned the care, unlike many U.S. states.

The New York Times — Sunday, April 7, 2024

Pardoned for Serving in Ukraine, They Return to Russia to Kill Again

Recruiting convicts for its army has given Russia a manpower advantage. But it is backfiring in tragic ways when former inmates are pardoned and return home to commit new crimes.

Consumers Hate ‘Price Discrimination,’ but They Sure Love a Discount

The Wendy’s debacle is a warning shot for brands: If you want to play with prices, make sure to communicate why and whom it could help.

Gaza War Turns Spotlight on Long Pipeline of U.S. Weapons to Israel

President Biden sends arms to Israel under an Obama-era $38 billion aid agreement that runs until 2026. Israel’s purchases include the types of bombs dropped in Gaza.

After 6 Months of War, Some Israelis Ask: Is Netanyahu Dragging It Out?

Despite growing pressure from President Biden, the Israeli prime minister appears in no rush to end the war in Gaza. Some think he has political reasons for extending the stasis.

Military Analysis: USA Vs China Aircraft Carriers

Insider(April 6, 2024): From the $13 billion USS Gerald R. Ford to the Chinese Fujian carrier, a high stakes race is underway between the US and China for aircraft carriers. We compare the two superpowers’ fleets, their capabilities and missions.

Video Timeline: 00:00 – Intro 00:26 – Carriers 02:06 – Technology 04:31 – Importance 05:28 – Background 06:03 – Future Plans 07:14 – Threats 08:15 – Balance Of Power 09:14 – Credits

The New York Times Magazine – April 7, 2024

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THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE (April 6, 2024):The latest issue features…

What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise

A collage of National Enquirer photos and headlines.

Inside the notorious “catch and kill” campaign that now stands at the heart of the former president’s legal trial.

Larry David’s Rule Book for How (Not) to Live in Society

He’s a wild, monomaniacal jerk. He’s also our greatest interpreter of American manners since Emily Post.

News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious