The election this week saw a continuation of a national trend that began in the 2018 midterms — an unprecedented wave of first- and second-generation Americans running for office. And, for decades, the United States has taken the lead on efforts to contain outbreaks around the globe, from polio to influenza. Now, amid the pandemic, the US election illuminates, even more, a nation divided on science and public health. Also, the earworm “Baby Shark” was posted to YouTube five years ago by the South Korean educational company Pinkfong. This week, it became the most-watched YouTube video ever.

Big news! The World is participating in NewsMatch. From now until the end of the year, every dollar of support will be generously matched by a coalition of national funders. This means a gift of $50 will provide $100 of support for The World’s critical journalism. Double your impact today! 

Thank you for your support. Visit www.theworld.org/give to donate.