“They say that the government’s efforts to control the news media, curtail the authority of the Supreme Court and undermine once-hallowed institutions like the military threaten the future of [the country’s] democracy. Their warnings have thrown [the country] into an impassioned debate over what kind of country it is becoming, and if its democracy … can survive.” This is story about the Middle East, but when you read the details, it hits pretty close to home. NYT: Is the End of Israeli Democracy Nigh? Israelis Debate Its Future

+ China may mandate prison for disrespecting national anthem.