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Welcome to the February issue of The Highlight

One way we’re handling the depths of winter is to think about solutions — not just for personal concerns like how to deal with seasonal doldrums (though we’ve got you covered there) or how to deal with your anger (ditto), but also about large-scale issues. This month, we take a look at a promising new idea for solving the housing crisis. What if an empty nest didn’t have to be so empty? We also travel to Florida to see how scientists are trying to save shrinking coral reefs in labs.

This issue has all sorts of other good stuff too, like pieces on the population projection wars, Joe Rogan vs. Kylie Kelce, and Gen Z’s bad bar behavior. Plus, we answer: Why do American politics affect not just the US, but the entire world? And why are we so desperate for external validation? As always, we have book recommendations for Vox Members and an exclusive Highlight podcast as well — this time on the many new gems in the public domain.


Why Americans are moving in with strangers twice their age

Spare bedrooms are America’s next housing market.

By Rachel Cohen


I don’t want to be an angry person like my mom. Is it inevitable?

I feel intense guilt after getting angry. And if I shrug off that guilt, I worry I’ll become a bad person.

By Sigal Samuel


Florida’s iconic corals aren’t having babies anymore. Scientists are alarmed.

A baby bust threatens the future of an already struggling reef.

By Benji Jones


Ask a Book Critic: How do I get back into reading after a break?

Books to help you understand the world.

By Constance Grady


The mysterious statisticians shaping how we think about fertility

Experts were wrong about overpopulation before. Could they be wrong about underpopulation now?

By Dylan Scott


Validate me, please!

Why other people’s approval is so intoxicating.

By Allie Volpe


The Trump revolution will be podcasted

The future of American politics is being hashed out on podcasts.

By Christian Paz


How to dread winter a little less

Winter lovers share their tips for making the most of the season.

By Lilly Milman


Gen Z doesn’t know how to act in bars

Why hasn’t anyone told America’s youngest adults about drinking etiquette?

By Alex Abad-Santos


Why do US politics affect the rest of the world?

America is still the most influential country in the world, for better or worse.

By Zack Beauchamp


The public domain keeps culture vibrant. Why is it shrinking?

Use this article … 95 years after I’m dead.

By Jorge Just

See More:
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Nothing will cure you of perfectionism faster than trying to grow living things.

By Natalie Pattillo
Why are so many people into astrology?Why are so many people into astrology?
Explain It to Me

Astrology’s enormous appeal, explained for believers and skeptics.

By Alex Abad-Santos
I’m doing good work in my government job. Should I quit anyway?I’m doing good work in my government job. Should I quit anyway?
Future PerfectThe Highlight

I want to believe I can make a positive impact from the inside, but maybe I’m deluding myself.

By Sigal Samuel
Plane crashes, pandemics, toxic spatulas. How do we live with so much risk?Plane crashes, pandemics, toxic spatulas. How do we live with so much risk?
Even BetterThe Highlight

The world feels more menacing, even if it isn’t.

By Allie Volpe
Why does Gen Z smell like sugar?Why does Gen Z smell like sugar?
CultureThe Highlight

From Dunkin’ deodorant to Sabrina Carpenter perfume, smelling good isn’t enough — it’s all about smelling edible.

By Kyndall Cunningham
The life of a dairy cowThe life of a dairy cow
Future PerfectThe Highlight

The surprising truth about milk is hiding in plain sight.

By Marina Bolotnikova