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PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Co-creator of Lithium-ion Battery — and the Oldest Nobel Winner — Dies at Age 100 (Maria)
The author writes, “John Goodenough, who shared the 2019 Nobel prize in chemistry for his pioneering work developing the lithium-ion battery that transformed technology with rechargeable power for devices ranging from cellphones and computers to pacemakers and electric cars, has died at 100, the University of Texas announced on Monday. Goodenough died on Sunday at an assisted living facility in Austin, Texas, the university announced.”
Wisconsin Students With Disabilities Often Denied Public School Choices (Al)
From Wisconsin Watch: “Wisconsin lets public schools reject applications of students with disabilities who seek transfers across district lines — a form of exclusion courts have upheld.”
Previously Unknown Antibiotic Resistance Widespread Among Bacteria (Mili)
The author writes, “Genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics are much more widespread in our environment than was previously realized. A new study shows that bacteria in almost all environments carry resistance genes, with a risk of them spreading and aggravating the problem of bacterial infections that are untreatable with antibiotics.”
Millions Expected to Suffer as Heat Dome Expands Beyond Texas This Week (Sean)
From USA Today: “Tens of millions of Americans across the south and central U.S. — many of them in Texas — have endured a brutal heat wave over the past couple of weeks as temperatures soared to record levels, including some above 110 degrees. Forecasters expect the intense heat to continue in Texas for much of this week and expand north into the Plains and east into the Southeast. … In all, as of Monday, more than 45 million Americans live where some level of heat alert is in effect, according to the National Weather Service.”
How Arizona Stands Between Tribes and Their Water (Laura)
From ProPublica and High Country News: “As it negotiates water rights with tribes, Arizona goes to unique lengths to extract concessions that limit tribes’ opportunities for growth and economic development.”
How an American Airlines Traveler Found Himself as the Only Passenger on a Flight (Reader Steve)
The author writes, “A North Carolina man found out what it’s like to fly private with his own flight crew — all aboard an American Airlines plane. Phil Stringer, who documented the rare solo passenger flight on his TikTok channel, was the only passenger left on his Oklahoma City-to-Charlotte flight that was delayed for 18 hours on Sunday due to a maintenance issue.”
