Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Human faces can help to explain behavioural, social and cultural patterns. A new book charts the history of the face.Topics covered:Pretty privilegeCultureHistoryListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. One simple vaccination may dramatically reduce the risk of dementia. Wider use of the jab could save millions of minds. Topics covered:DementiaShingles vaccinePublic healthListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Russia’s biggest industrialist warns that Vladimir Putin’s rule will cause domestic collapse. He sets out how to avoid the worst outcomes.Topics covered:Vladimir PutinWar in UkraineAndrey MelnichenkoListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Rental electric bikes have become divisive on modern city streets. Are they a triumph of liberal capitalism, or a public nuisance? Topics covered:Micro-mobility firmsConvenience economyLiberalismListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. American sanctions have forced Cuba's ruling party to introduce a slate of capitalist shake-ups. Cubans remain sceptical.Topics covered:Cuba SanctionsPrivatisationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. America’s government is struggling to regulate the world's most powerful AI models. Lawmakers should move away from erratic bans of the technology. Topics covered:AI regulationAnthropic’s FableOpenAI’s GPT-5.6 SolListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. As America marks its 250th birthday, deep political divisions have many citizens fearing the country is trapped in persistent turmoil. Yet history suggests the country has a powerful capacity to reinvent itself.Topics covered:United StatesIndependence DayDemocracyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Asia’s population is ageing quickly, and rates of elder abuse and abandonment are rising. Rather than build out welfare systems, the region’s governments are forcing children to care for their parents.Topics covered:Demographic shift Elder careSocial policyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.