The Signal

Jun. 20, 2025 | SGNL

Brave new world

Is political violence in America really getting worse? Why are the ultra-wealthy buying more and larger superyachts? + New music from Neggy Gemmy, Yumi Zouma, & Buscabulla. Who is Bad Bunny? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXV.

17 minute read

Jun. 18, 2025 | Patrick Adler & Barbara Frye

Coming like a ghost town

Why is production declining in Hollywood? Patrick Adler on the short-term disruptions and long-term trends transforming an industry.

8 minute read

Jun. 16, 2025 | Sir William Browder & John Jamesen Gould

Cold cash

What do you do if you’re the European Union, and you’re sitting on more than $200 billion belonging to the Kremlin? Sir William Browder on a potential turning point in the Ukraine war.

10 minute read

Jun. 13, 2025 | SGNL

Turning points

What’s been holding back those U.S.-Iran nuclear talks? What’s happening to democracy in Mexico? + New music from Ben LaMar Gay and Baxter Dury. What’s so important about Sly Stone and Brian Wilson? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXIV.

19 minute read

Jun. 11, 2025 | Gustav Jönsson & Hanna Tuomisto

Cultivated conflict

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

10 minute read

Jun. 09, 2025 | Allison Braden & Brian Hart

Red sea

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

9 minute read

Jun. 06, 2025 | SGNL

Midnight sun

Is anyone actually winning in Ukraine? Why do so many ex-Soviet kleptocrats live in London? + Music from Yussef Dayes. What’s drill rap—and what happens when you mix it with American jazz? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXIII.

17 minute read

Jun. 04, 2025 | Milena Batanova & Gustav Jönsson

Only connect

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

11 minute read

Stay tuned …