Welcome to the February issue of The Highlight

One way we’re handling the depths of winter is to think about solutions — not just for personal concerns like how to deal with seasonal doldrums (though we’ve got you covered there) or how to deal with your anger (ditto), but also about large-scale issues. This month, we take a look at a promising new idea for solving the housing crisis. What if an empty nest didn’t have to be so empty? We also travel to Florida to see how scientists are trying to save shrinking coral reefs in labs. This issue has all sorts of other good stuff too, like pieces on the population projection wars, Joe Rogan vs. Kylie Kelce, and Gen Z’s bad bar behavior. Plus, we answer: Why do American politics affect not just the US, but the entire world? And why are we so desperate for external validation? As always, we have book recommendations for Vox Members and an exclusive Highlight podcast as well — this time on the many new gems in the public domain. Why Americans are moving in with strangers twice their age Spare bedrooms are America’s next housing market. By Rachel Cohen I don’t want to be an angry person like my mom. Is it inevitable? I feel intense guilt after getting angry. And if I shrug off that guilt, I worry I’ll become a bad person. By Sigal Samuel Florida’s iconic corals aren’t having babies anymore. Scientists are alarmed. A baby bust threatens the future of an already struggling reef. By Benji Jones Ask a Book Critic: How do I get back into reading after a break? Books to help you understand the world. By Constance Grady The mysterious statisticians shaping how we think about fertility Experts were wrong about overpopulation before. Could they be wrong about underpopulation now? By Dylan Scott Coming February 5 Validate me, please! Why other people’s approval is so intoxicating. By Allie Volpe Coming February 5 The Trump revolution will be podcasted The future of American politics is being hashed out on podcasts. By Christian Paz Coming February 6 How to dread winter a little less Winter lovers share their tips for making the most of the season. By Lilly Milman Coming February 6 Gen Z doesn’t know how to act in bars Why hasn’t anyone told America’s youngest adults about drinking etiquette? By Alex Abad-Santos Coming February 7 Why do US politics affect the rest of the world? America is still the most influential country in the world, for better or worse. By Zack Beauchamp Coming February 7