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.

China Plans to Rate Everyone on “Reliability” (Russ)

Ominous implications of this one for a still totalitarian if capitalist society.

Trump Wants All His Campaign Talk Excluded from Trial (Jeff C.)

His lawyer argues it will unfairly malign his character. And The Donald’s rambling mouth problems are far from the only thing his team wants scrubbed from his Nov. 28 trial.

Opium Wars: A Losing Fight in Afghanistan (Jimmy)

A UN drug watchdog finds opium production is up 43% from last year, and the trendline has continued upward since 2001. Was that a drone or a crop duster?

Russia Monitoring of US Elections Turned Down (Dan)

Three states turned down Russian monitoring of the US election. Other nations have been allowed to view the election process before, but given the recent tensions with Russia, the request has been entirely turned down.

Decline of American Culture Seen Thru Netflix (Russ)

Study shows that Netflix’ American film offerings are worse quality than their offerings almost anywhere else. Personally agree — blech!

Tom Hayden, Famed 1960s Anti-War Activist, Dies at 76 (Trevin)

The life-long social and political activist-turned-politician, author and public speaker now joins his friend, the late Robert Kennedy, whose death took him “into a very bleak and bitter political view.” TIME offers a moving tribute — a life truly worth living.

Can’t a Clown Catch a Break? (Jimmy)

Halloween is fast approaching and America’s creepy clown phenomenon is putting Ronald McDonald’s job security at risk. It’s time for the Clown Community to rein in their wayward kin!

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