A by-election will test whether the prime minister is more than just a northern phenomenon
But that is no substitute for clear policy
There are promising signs
Sadiq Khan has implemented a public-health approach that was previously fringe
Violent crime is falling fastest in cities like London. It’s the counties you should worry about
A 950-year-old piece of linen yields lessons for modern viewers
Also this week, humanitarian aid, polygenic embryo selection, Dolly Parton, relaxing holidays, Lake Ontario
A less sexist world would be much richer
It faces the prospect of a worse despot or a messy power struggle
A lighter take on the news
Also on the daily podcast: Has Reddit had it and the Bayeux tapestry conquers Britain
The love of money is the root of quite a lot of good