Reading archive 2026-10-19

How D.C.’s Investment in Community Anti-Violence Programs Unraveled: The District spent millions on community violence intervention, but according to one study, the programs were associated with an increase in gun violence. - "For some [violence interrupters], 'this is the only job that they’ve ever known,' said Alicia Jackson, who, until her employer’s grant with the city expired on Sept. 30, managed a team of violence interrupters in Northeast D.C.’s Trinidad neighborhood. 'What are they gonna do?'" [ed. note: EXCUSE ME, WHAT?!]

In One D.C. Neighborhood, a Wave of Teen Crime Reignites Juvenile Justice Debate: A school-zone gun law could let prosecutors try one teen as an adult. Should they? - "According to the most recent data published by D.C. police, 1,013 juveniles were arrested in D.C. between Jan. 1 and June 29 this year — a more than 12% increase compared with the same period last year. It marks the highest rate of juvenile arrests in that period since 2019. And the crimes have gotten more violent: Nearly 40% of arrests were for violent crimes, compared to 34% last year. Victims of crime have gotten younger too — the average age of a D.C. homicide victim this year is under 30.

...

"However, because the final alleged armed burglary and attempted sexual assault occurred near Brookland Middle School and Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, there may be a pathway to try at least one of the teens as an adult. D.C. Code allows the attorney general’s office to request a transfer to adult court for any child charged with illegal possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, day care, playground or youth center. The law dictates that the attorney general’s office would have to prove that the child’s transfer to adult court is in the public’s best interest and that there is no reasonable chance the child will be rehabilitated."

Zelensky has figured out why Trump loves Putin: The Ukrainian president shares a compelling explanation after Washington abandons Kyiv — again. - "Zelensky had a more compelling theory when he told the Financial Times last week that Trump simply has a fondness for autocrats and the uber-wealthy: 'He speaks about it openly and loudly that he loves such people and he respects such people.'"

Trump and Zelensky escalate feud as Ukraine war strains alliance: The increasingly personal dispute complicates President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker an end to the war.

Israeli police arrest 10 in connection with West Bank assaults: The arrests were related to the beating of a Washington Post photographer and an alleged assault on European diplomats, Israeli authorities said. - "Ben-Gvir acknowledged that 'hilltop youth' — a term often used by Israeli officials to refer to radical young Jewish settlers — sometimes 'cross the line' and should be dealt with severely. But he added: 'Let’s not forget who the real victim is here, and who the attacker is.'"

How to stop Putin’s missiles before they even leave Russia: Elon Musk needs to let Ukraine use Starlink to hit Russian missile launchers. "There are two ways to solve this problem. The first is not an option right now: Supplying Ukraine with lots of interceptors for Patriot defense systems isn’t possible because supplies are depleted and production takes too long to provide the immediate help Ukraine needs.

The other option: destroy ballistic missile launchers inside Russia. Ukrainian drones can do this, but it is extremely challenging to guide drones to hit these mobile and well-defended targets."[ed. note: by Dan Crenshaw]

In a thirsty swing state, ‘panic’ over water shapes the election: Candidates in Arizona are talking about water like never before as the state stares down drought and Colorado River cuts.

DC police launch e-bike, e-scooter safety campaign as traffic deaths rise by 62%: The new campaign comes after three deadly crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters in the past month. Police hope education will help prevent future tragedies.

D.C. official calls for bar’s emergency closure after shooting involving National Guard: A National Guard member was injured, as well as the person who shot at troops, interim police chief Jeffery Carroll said. [ed. note: it's Charles Allen, the hookah bar is in his Ward and has a history of violence]

Group fighting to block Waymo in D.C. has mysterious origin, backers: The People First Transportation Alliance says 13 people and groups are ‘founding members.’ Four of them say that’s wrong. [ed. note: it's Uber]

Men Are Shaping the Future of AI. That Doesn’t Mean They Know What They’re Talking About: "The question now is who gets to decide on the future of AI and how much will women be involved." - "The researchers found that while men and women answered questions about AI incorrectly at roughly the same rate, men were far more likely to claim knowledge they didn’t actually have. For example, when presented with a list of supposedly influential figures in the AI industry, men were more likely to claim they recognized every name, even though the list included entirely fictional people. Women, meanwhile, were more likely to admit when they didn’t know the answer. Next time a Google AI summary confidently tells you something that’s dead wrong, think about that."

Saudi Arabia Is Running Out of Options: Houthi violence is undermining the kingdom’s best-laid plans. - "In recent months, the Houthis have stepped up their demands, insisting that the Saudis withdraw all support from the internationally recognized government in the south, lift all sanctions, and pay reparations. But they have a long-standing habit of moving the goalposts in negotiations."

The Rise of In-Office Remote Work: The alternative to working from home is often logging on in a sea of mostly empty cubicles.

Nine-Inch Snails: They block roads, eat houses, and spread literal brain worms. Only Florida knows how to deal with them.