The Definitely Messy, Probably Solvable Reasons Americans Don’t Vote

The Panama Papers

World Leaders Hid Wealth via Shell Companies, Report Alleges

Leaked files from a Panama law firm that creates shell companies show that politicians, criminals and celebrities worldwide have used banks and shadow companies to hide their finances, according to a series of reports by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Within hours of publication, the divulgences prompted a parliamentary vote of confidence in Iceland, a curt denial from Argentina and ridicule from a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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The Definitely Messy, Probably Solvable Reasons Americans Don’t Vote

In 2012, just 56.5 percent of voting-age Americans cast a ballot, according to the U.S. Census. It’s not because they’re not paying attention to the presidential race. (Good luck trying to avoid it!) When asked by the Census, Americans say they don’t vote because they couldn’t physically get to their polling place, the elderly needed assistance, and registering to vote could be a lot easier.

Rio Olympics Work Was a Mess and Then Something Curious Happened

Hand-wringing over the status of Olympic construction projects could be an Olympic sport on its own. However, in what is emerging as a rare bright spot in a country buffeted by crisis on all sides, the Rio organizing committee says that more than 95 percent of the venues are complete some four months ahead of the opening ceremony. What’s more, data shows spending has largely remained under control.

Drones Are the New Threat to Airline Safety

Pilots and air traffic controllers reported more than 1,200 “sightings” of drones to the FAA last year. In all but 11 instances, these encounters required no evasive actions, but pilots consider drones a safety risk that must not be underestimated. “Your imagination can run wild with the problems of hitting hard metal objects at 200 mph,” said Tim Canoll, president of the Air Line Pilots Association.

Bershidsky: Putin’s a Pauper, His Friends Are Rich

Reports by two consortia of investigative journalists purport to have exposed the dealings and offshore accounts of some of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest associates. They don’t name him as a beneficiary of any account, suggesting that Putin is as poor as a church mouse—or would be if he ever lost power.

Gadfly: Shake Shack Should Heed Chipotle’s Missteps

A close examination of the fancy burger chain’s annual financial disclosures filed last week reveals a menu of similarities between it and Chipotle: aggressive growth, an elevated promise to serve better-for-you food, supply-chain challenges, and a potential lack of oversight of certain locations.

‘Feels Like a Spaceship’

Tesla Intrigue Deepens With Musk’s Twitter Barrage

Following the unveiling last week of his new Model 3, CEO Elon Musk tweeted 68 times, talking about features ranging from the car’s instrument panel to its hubcap design, and plans for high-speed supercharger networks in Europe and Asia.