The Navigator, Saturday, September 21, 2024
Exploding pagers, plummeting deaths, car-free living, demographic drought and more
Happy weekend, subscribers!
Donald Trump survived a second assassination attempt this week, making him the only president or former president, other than Gerald Ford, to do so.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, stunning attacks were carried out on the terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon by remotely exploding pagers and walkie-talkies carried by its operatives. Initial reports said that thousands were injured, and dozens died. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen before and points to the future of war, where technology is used in new and lethal ways.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point on Wednesday, an aggressive data-driven move that acknowledges the softening labor market, especially in hiring. This decision signals the Fed’s commitment to the labor market and will immediately (and positively) impact the stock market. Borrowing will become cheaper, possibly ginning up the sluggish housing market.
If you missed our reporting earlier this week on fashion’s influence on the presidential campaign or the growing popularity of pickleball and banana ball, we encourage you to check them out.
As always, thank you for including us in your regular reads. Please keep the conversation going by leaving a comment below. Let us know the subjects you’d like us to cover next.
Don’t Fool Yourself About the Exploding Pagers (The Atlantic)
Your phone is not a bomb.
NPR Exclusive: U.S. overdose deaths plummet, saving thousands of lives (NPR)
After decades of devastating increases driven by fentanyl and other toxic street drugs, overdose deaths are dropping sharply in much of the U.S. The trend could mean roughly 20,000 fewer deaths in 2024.
Judges Show Some Skepticism of TikTok’s Fight Against Potential U.S. Ban (The New York Times)
TikTok on Monday pushed back against a law that would force the popular video app to sell to a non-Chinese owner or be banned, in what is shaping up to be a landmark case.
Can Car-free Living Make You Happier? (Outside)
The community of Culdesac, Arizona, was designed for pedestrians and cyclists. And residents love it.
The Rising Storm (Lightcast)
Building A Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage
Why everywhere seems to be flooding right now (Vox)
Unique factors have driven torrential rains around the world — but there’s also a likely common thread.
Quality of Life (Newsweek)
Beyond the essential ideas of broad access to food, housing, quality education, health care and employment, quality of life also may include intangibles such as job security, political stability, individual freedom and environmental quality. Through all phases of life, these countries are seen as treating their citizens well.
The Secret to Getting Men to Wear Hearing Aids (The Atlantic)
Too many people delay dealing with hearing loss because they think the devices make them look old.
The new rules of business travel (Fast Company)
How to score a better airplane seat, get into the best airport lounge, and make your next business trip feel more like leisure.