Weekend talking points: 5 top stories
What happened this week? Egypt's president finally resigned, a "sexy" photo wrecked a congressman's career, and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' miraculous recovery continued
1. Mubarak steps down
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak finally resigned, after nearly three weeks of swarming protests in the streets of Cairo. Some — including The Week's William Falk — wonder if the U.S. could have done more to alleviate the Egyptian crisis. And now that Mubarak's gone, what's next for Egypt? Will the Muslim Brotherhood gain power in the new government? How will the peace process in the Middle East be affected? Here's all of our Egypt coverage.
2. Tough times for the GOP
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
House Speaker John Boehner struggled to unite his party this week, falling short in two embarrassing floor votes. Controversy and infighting threatened to dominate the annual conservative jamboree CPAC. The married Rep. Christopher Lee (R-N.Y.) resigned just hours after revelations that he sent a "sexy" shirtless photo to a woman he met on Craigslist. See more on the Republican Party's struggles (and successes) here.
3. The Super Bowl's controversial ads
The Green Bay Packers' big win immediately gave way to discussion about the game's commercials. Groupon's "Tibet" ad struck many as offensive (even if effective), and the price tag of a fan-favorite Chrysler spot left critics crying foul. Check out our full coverage.
4. Gabrielle Giffords' remarkable improvement
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Barely a month after being shot in the head, the Arizona Democrat is reportedly speaking. Meanwhile, her astronaut husband ignited debate when he announced that he would leave his wife's side to lead a scheduled space mission this spring. And with an Arizona Senate seat opening up next year, some think Giffords deserves the option to run. See our continuing coverage of the congresswoman's recovery.
5. Obesity and us
A study released this week delivered some discouraging news: The world is getting a whole lot fatter. Another study suggested that feeding toddlers junk food could lower their IQs. Click here for more on obesity in America.
-
Magazine solutions - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
By The Week US Published
-
Why ghost guns are so easy to make — and so dangerous
The Explainer Untraceable, DIY firearms are a growing public health and safety hazard
By David Faris Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK Published
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
1 of 6 'Trump Train' drivers liable in Biden bus blockade
Speed Read Only one of the accused was found liable in the case concerning the deliberate slowing of a 2020 Biden campaign bus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published