One great story a day

+ nuclear weapons in space? US Edition - Today's top story: Is Russia looking to put nukes in space? Doing so would undermine global stability and ignite an anti-satellite arms race [View in browser]( US Edition | 19 February 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [Navalny’s legacy: New generation of Russian activists]( - [An astronomer explains leap years]( - [Tips for navigating glitch in college aid form]( Lead story: Nicknamed “Silent Cal,” President Calvin Coolidge was once challenged by a reporter, saying “I bet someone that I could get more than two words out of you.” Coolidge replied, “You lose.” Sometimes, brevity is best. And it’s one of the key features of our recently launched [texting service](. Each day we’ll send you a brief description and link to one great story from The Conversation that explains, inspires or sparks your curiosity. Sometimes we’ll send you an article that helps you understand something complicated, like presidential immunity or Iran’s strategic goals. Sometimes it will be a researcher who has made progress in solving one of humanity’s problems. And sometimes it will just be something fascinating and fun. It’s a great way to add a bit of learning to your day, and to share with us your questions or the topics you’re most interested in. There’s no charge, and you can opt out anytime. [Click here to sign up](, text “CONVERSATION” to (617) 944-6759, or send this link to someone you know who would appreciate news from experts straight to their phone. Thanks for being a reader, and Happy Presidents Day. In addition to a few new articles, we’ve gathered a collection of great stories on the presidency to celebrate. Katrina Aman Journalism Evangelist From ‘Russia with Love’ meets ‘Moonraker’? Grigory Sysoev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP [Is Russia looking to put nukes in space? Doing so would undermine global stability and ignite an anti-satellite arms race]( Spenser A. Warren, University of California, San Diego Russia isn’t likely to put nuclear missiles in space, but their reported anti-satellite weapon is just as alarming. An expert on nuclear strategy explains. Politics + Society - [Navalny dies in prison − but his blueprint for anti-Putin activism will live on]( Regina Smyth, Indiana University Alexei Navalny, a persistent thorn in the side of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died on Feb. 16, 2024, in prison, authorities said. Education - [FAFSA website meltdown: How to avoid additional frustration with financial aid applications]( Dawn Medley, Drexel University A college administrator offers insights into the rocky rollout of the Department of Education’s supposedly ‘simplified’ financial aid form. Environment + Energy - [Why does a leap year have 366 days?]( Bhagya Subrayan, Purdue University Humans have synced their calendars to the sun and moon for centuries, but every so often, these systems need a little correction. - [State-owned energy companies are among the world’s most polluting – putting a price on carbon could help]( Anna Grosman, Loughborough University; Aldo Musacchio, Brandeis University; Gerhard Schnyder, Loughborough University Governments that publicly commit to carbon pricing are compelled to get their own house in order. Presidents Day - [Why are US politicians so old? And why do they want to stay in office?]( Mary Kate Cary, University of Virginia Many years beyond the average American retirement age, politicians vie for power and influence. Their constituents tend to prefer they step back and pass the torch to younger people. - [Did Abraham Lincoln’s bromance alter the course of American history?]( Charles B. Strozier, City University of New York Would Abraham Lincoln ever have become president if he didn’t stumble into a dry goods store in Springfield, Illinois, and strike up a friendship with its owner, Joshua Speed? - [All American presidents have lied – the question is why and when]( Michael Blake, University of Washington A political philosopher argues that while all American presidents may lie, those who appear to lie for the public good are often celebrated. - [Must the president be a moral leader?]( Michael Blake, University of Washington Presidents Day celebrates the American president – not only as a political leader, but as a moral leader. But can a president be a person of strong moral character, as well as a strong leader? - [John Brown was a violent crusader, but he blazed a moral path that the cautious Lincoln followed to end slavery]( Adam Seagrave, Arizona State University President Lincoln was a statesman. John Brown was a radical. That’s the traditional view of how each one fought slavery, but it fails to capture the full measure of their devotion. - [Presidential greatness is rarely fixed in stone – changing attitudes on racial injustice and leadership qualities lead to dramatic shifts]( George R. Goethals, University of Richmond Historians change their views of presidents over time, often because of the country’s changing views on race and moral leadership. The Conversation blog - [Text with us and get one great link every day]( Katrina Aman, The Conversation Find out about a new way to connect with us. Trending on site - [Gold, silver and lithium mining on federal land doesn’t bring in any royalties to the US Treasury – because of an 1872 law]( - [‘It is hijacking my brain’ – a team of experts found ways to help young people addicted to social media to cut the craving]( - [Children are expensive – not just for parents, but the environment – so how many is too many?]( Author Comments 💬 “I think it is critical to also restore native plant species that naturally cycle nutrients- makes me think of increasing sea grass for our manatees to consume and utilize. Conditions are not always easy to create for this type of restoration though.” – Jazmin Locke-Rodriguez on the story, [Flowers grown floating on polluted waterways can help clean up nutrient runoff and turn a profit]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? 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