The Navigator, Saturday, February 15, 2025

New crisis for American universities, JFK Assassination files, Musk's "unchecked power", people with parents with money, first car-free neighborhood, struggling to rebuild in Malibu—and more

We live in an era of near-constant disruptions and ‘what ifs.” That’s why now, more than ever, a resilient mindset is needed.

We know that change is inevitable—but we also know that resilience is a choice. With our world shaped by rapid technological advancements, demographic shifts, climate risks, economic volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, the ability to adapt, recover, and thrive is more critical than ever.

A resilience mindset isn’t just about bouncing back from disruption; it’s about moving forward with purpose. It means embracing change as an opportunity, fostering innovation in the face of uncertainty, and building strong networks that withstand disruption. Those who cultivate resilience—whether individuals, businesses, or entire societies—will not only survive this period but lead the way in shaping the future.

For those traveling to Austin, Texas, this year for SXSW, we hope you’ll join our session, “Fleeing to Safer Ground: Climate Change-Driven Migration,” where we’ll share actionable insights on how climate risk influences human migration and the challenges and opportunities ahead. It will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. at the Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon B.

As always, thank you for making us part of your week. Please join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below.

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A New Kind of Crisis for American Universities (The Atlantic)

The ivory tower has been breached.

What Trump’s Plan to Stop Minting Pennies Means for Consumers (The Wall Street Journal)

The need for a penny has long been questioned, but some fear getting rid of it could push up prices

People With Parents With Money (New York Magazine)

14 adults come clean about the down payments, allowances, and tuition payments that make their New York lives feasible.

America’s “First Car-Free Neighborhood” Is Going Pretty Good, Actually? (Dwell)

Since breaking ground in 2021, Culdesac Tempe has had its share of detractors and skeptics. But none of them live there.

More than six years after wildfires destroyed their Malibu homes, many still struggle to rebuild (The Los Angeles Times)

Some Malibu homeowners remain tangled in bureaucracy six years after the Woolsey Fire. After the recent Palisades Fire, they’re worried they’re going to be left further behind.

AI Agents Are Everywhere…and Nowhere (The Wall Street Journal)

Tech vendors like OpenAI and Microsoft are banking on business readiness to use the autonomous AI bots, but companies aren’t so sure

Secrets From the JFK Assassination Files: What Can We Expect From Trump’s New Document Dump? (Vanity Fair)

JFK assassination expert Jefferson Morley explains the significance of Donald Trump’s executive order for the “full and complete release” of all records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr—and why MAGA-world seems to regard this as an important issue for our current age.

Trump is Freezing Climate Funds. Can He Do That? (Grist)

Courts have ordered the president to release Biden-era climate money — but President Trump is holding out.

A Constitutional Crisis? (The Daily NYT Podcast)

Unpacking the debate around President Trump’s executive orders.

Covering the “Mad King” (Columbia Journalism Review)

Is the press underplaying or overplaying Trump’s early moves?

Civil Rights and Cybertrucks: Searching for the Real Atlanta—in Pictures (The Guardian)

Atlanta was the birthplace of Martin Luther King, but is now falling victim to rapid gentrification. Photographer Joshua Dudley Greer went to look for its soul.

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