Turning points

“Today, our attention is so limited. I wonder how many people feel as though they constantly have to vie for attention just to get some interest from other people—as though they have to have something especially interesting to say just for others to listen. That’s not how it should be, but I wonder if it’s what’s happening. It might not just be that we spend more time on our own, but that the nature of our interactions has changed—so that even if we’re together, it might no longer give us the same sense of meaning it once did.”

—Milena Batanova, “Only connect”

The Signal—your loyal guide to a changing world. … This week, in the member’s despatch:

Developments

What now, after Israel’s stunning attacks on Iran? How are people responding in the Islamic Republic? & What’s next in the clashes over immigration on U.S. streets and presidential power in U.S. courts?

+ Riots in Northern Ireland. The U.S. bans citizens from 12 countries. An assassination attempt in Colombia. Canada moves away from the U.S. & A first glimpse of the Sun’s South Pole.

Connections

What’s happening to democracy in Mexico?

Features

Why are Americans becoming so lonely? Milena Batanova on a problem U.S. officials have called an “epidemic.”

Why is China building so many ships? Brian Hart on its plan to turn overwhelming commercial advantage into military power.

& Why are American states banning lab-grown meat? Hanna Tuomisto on the technology, economics, and politics of a new industry.

Books

From Matthew A. Tattar, on how important innovation is to winning wars; Paul Collier, on why poor places are falling further behind rich ones; + Vali Nasr, on what’s been holding back those U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.

Music

From Ben LaMar Gay, Baxter Dury, and Sly and the Family Stone + The Beach Boys.

+ What’s so important about Sly Stone + Brian Wilson?

Weather report

29.6100° S, 28.2336° E …