The Economist explains

Should America ban fluoride in its drinking water?

The idea by Robert F. Kennedy junior—nominated by Donald Trump as health secretary—may have teeth

A bumper sticker on an SUV reads 'FLUORIDE - THERE IS POISON IN THE TAP WATER' in Blackhawk, Colorado, USA.
Photograph: Alamy

Explore more

More from The Economist explains

Donald Trump Jr., center, smiles after arriving in Nuuk, Greenland.

What do Greenlanders think of being bought?

Donald Trump’s desire for Greenland, and a shabby visit by his son, reignite the independence debate

FILE - A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias

What would Donald Trump gain from seizing the Panama Canal?

The president-elect claims the crossing is controlled by China and rips off American consumers


 English: Portrait of Santa Claus, by Thomas Nast, Published in Harper's Weekly, 1881

Where does Santa come from?

How a miracle-working Greek bishop, Dutch folk figure and early New York icon became the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas


Who are the main rebel groups in Syria?

They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common

Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU?

He is, but things are slowly beginning to change

What would it cost to kill coal?

The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained