A map shows where the Trump Organization has expanded internationally since the 2024 election. / The Wall Street Journal [$]

The White House appears to be creating “a shallow state that does no one much good.” / Drezner’s World

“Who’s calling?” President Trump has a private phone and is said to constantly answer calls from numbers he doesn’t recognize. / The Atlantic [$]

The space for reporting on sexual harassment in China is said to be narrowing. / Lingua Sinica

What's it like to work remotely from Australia for a US firm? “The worst problem is that it can leave me with an upset stomach that can last for days.” / Brendan Gregg’s Blog

Related: How to live on $432 a month in America. / Hickman’s Hinterlands

Thanks to the White House, forest service researchers are struggling with uncertainty “in funding, labor, and logistics.” / Undark Magazine

“Solar bros” and scammers are having a field day with questionable practices that bundle solar financing and installation. / American Prospect

Hikers in California are wrapping their cars with tarps to prevent being ravaged by marmots. / AccuWeather

Headline of the week? “Bear cub rescued from woods is being raised by humans dressed as bears.” / The Washington Post [$] 

“Queen of the Internet” Mary Meeker says AI adoption has outpaced any other technology in human history. / TechCrunch

A photographer explains how he takes pictures of the insides of musical instruments. / DP Review

An old round-up of the worst Beatles songs, expanded for 2025. / Dividual

Unrelated: A round-up of cars driven by stars and executives in cinema. / The Hollywood Reporter

And now for a quick Q&A with one of our new supporters, Neel M.!

Hi, Neel! How long have you been reading? I checked my Gmail, I’ve been subscribed to headlines since 2007 but I’m pretty sure I’ve been reading for longer. I still mentally reference Leslie Harpold’s piece every time I write a thank-you note.

That’s so cool. What keeps you coming back? You all think like I do about what’s interesting and revealing.

Any particular reason you decided to support today? Well, you added a banner asking for support that caught my eye. And in recent years (maybe due to a combination of the political mood and becoming middle-aged?) I’ve realized I have to defend the things I love. Anyway, thank you both for what you do.

In the members area, unlocked links from the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, and the Washington Post ↓