Right before I linked up with the marines of Echo Company in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, a documentary crew from PBS’ Frontline was there, filming. Their show won’t air until October 13th. But PBS decided to release the first 24 minutes of the program, early and online. It’s best televised look I’ve seen yet at how these marines live and fight. And it really should be required viewing for everyone trying to figure out America’s next steps in Afghanistan. Check it out:
No, ICE (Probably) Didn’t Buy Guided Missile Warheads
A federal contracting database lists an ICE payment for $61,218 with the payment code for “guided missile warheads and explosive components.” But it appears ICE simply entered the wrong code.
Teachers Get Death Threats After MAGA Claims Their Halloween Costumes Mocked Charlie Kirk
A Turning Point USA official inaccurately claimed a high school's math department wore Halloween costumes that mocked Charlie Kirk. Those teachers are now facing a flood of online attacks and death threats.
Historians Don't Think a US Civil War Is Likely—but They're Still Nervous
“The fabric of what binds America together at this point is basically on its final thread,” one source tells WIRED.
How to Hack a Poker Game
This week on Uncanny Valley, we break down how one of the most common card shufflers could be altered to cheat, and why that matters—even for those who don’t frequent the poker table.
Climate Change Made Hurricane Melissa 4 Times More Likely, Study Suggests
Unusually warm ocean temperatures fueled one of the worst hurricanes on record. New research finds climate change increased the storm’s likelihood.
Analog Photography: The Beginner’s Guide to Film Cameras
Which film camera should you get? Which films are the best? We demystify the world of analog photography to help you get started.
Unpicking How to Measure the Complexity of Knots
Two mathematicians have proved that a straightforward question—how hard is it to untie a knot?—has a complicated answer.
Nancy Mace Curses, Berates Confused Cops in Airport Meltdown: Police Report
At an airport in South Carolina on Thursday, US representative Nancy Mace called police officers “fucking incompetent” and berated them repeatedly, according to an incident report.
DOJ Issued Seizure Warrant to Starlink Over Satellite Internet Systems Used at Scam Compound
A new US law enforcement initiative is aimed at crypto fraudsters targeting Americans—and now seeks to seize infrastructure it claims is crucial to notorious scam compounds.
The Best Binoculars to Zoom In on Real Life
Whether for bird-watching or baseball-spotting, we break down prices and specs to find the best pair for you.
Gear News of the Week: Fairphone Lands in the US, and WhatsApp Is Finally on the Apple Watch
Plus: Motorola has new Moto G phones, Canon’s R6 III mirrorless has a 32-MP sensor, and Teenage Engineering’s Riddim n’ Ting looks gorgeous.
How KPop Demon Hunters Star EJAE Topped the Charts
Kids everywhere know her voice—if not her name. WIRED talks to the former SM trainee about her rise to global superstardom with her hit song “Golden.”