Welcome to the December issue of The Highlight
We’re ending 2024 with more questions than answers. There are the timely ones: Can men and women really be friends when the gender divide has become so stark and contentious? And does the term “Latino” make sense in politics anymore? There are some more existential ones, too, like who has the right to die? Can tourism actually save a planet in crisis?
This month we’re also making the case against optimization, taking a look at how AI impacts vulnerable Americans, and uncovering the hidden antibiotic tradeoff for kids. Plus, there’s interpersonal relationship advice, book recommendations just for members, and a Highlight podcast on inventing a future to fight for.
The uncomfortable question about “Latino” voters
Is the group too diverse to think of with just one word?
By Christian Paz
Can friendship survive the gender war?
Yes, men and women can (and probably should) be friends, even when relations are fraught.
By Allie Volpe
A hopeful post-apocalyptic novel for right now
Author Eman Abdelhadi on imagining a better world.
By Jorge Just
The perils of trying to optimize your morality
I tried to make the perfect choice every time. It eroded my humanity.
By Sigal Samuel
Coming December 3
“I want a book that will give me hope that things will get better.”
Books to get you through the next four years.
By Constance Grady
Coming December 3
Why thousands of people are traveling to one country to see these birds
An unexpected industry is booming in Colombia. Here’s why that’s a good thing.
By Benji Jones
Coming December 4
Major change doesn’t have to wreck your friendships
Everyone evolves. Your friendships can too.
By Angel Martinez
Coming December 4
The high-tech future of assisted suicide is here. The world isn’t ready.
A “suicide pod” in Switzerland roils the right-to-die debate.
By Marin Cogan
Coming December 5
Giving healthy kids antibiotics saves lives. There’s a catch.
An intervention to reduce child mortality may accelerate drug resistance.
By Jessica Craig
Coming December 5
LA thinks AI could help decide which homeless people get scarce housing — and which don’t
Without enough houses for its growing homeless population, the city is using machine learning to make its process fairer.
By Carly Stern
Coming December 6
Wait, should I bother using antibacterial soap?
It turns out cleaning your hands is more complicated than killing germs.
By Keren Landman
Coming December 6