Hezbollah says one of its commanders has been killed in a strike in southern Lebanon. / BBC News
Alon Pinkas: Maybe the most ominous thing about an Israeli-Hezbollah war in Lebanon is the feeling that it's a foregone conclusion. / Haaretz
In 2024, more than half of humanity will live in a country holding a nationwide vote. / The New Yorker
See also: Semafor's inaugural “Global Election Hot List,” TIME's “Top 10 Global Risks for 2024,” and a list of unpredictable but possible events that could “throw 2024 into turmoil.” / Semafor, TIME, Politico
Futhermore: A round-up of current visual trends, with guesses on how they'll unfold this year. / It's Nice That
“There's probably never been a better time to believe in aliens than right now.” The UFO movement is experiencing “otherworldly” growth. / The Wall Street Journal [+]
In Antartica, an increase in human traffic and effects from the climate crisis are opening the door for invasive species. / The Revelator
A study finds flowers are rapidly evolving to have less sex. / The New York Times [+]
An animation recreates central Washington's “stunningly dramatic” geological history. / Futility Closet
Salt Lake City police fired more than 135 shots in 18 months. Most incidents involved injured deer. / Deseret News
A Russian oligarch accuses Sotheby's of helping an art dealer trick him into overpaying for art. / The Guardian
Unrelated: Grilled spicy ice cubes are said to be trending in China. / Instagram
From a year ago but new to us, a man asks people from around the world to teach him their favorite dance move. / YouTube
And in case you missed it: A wildlife photographer captured footage of a mouse cleaning his shed, night after night. / The Washington Post [+]