On Dec. 7, 1941, Japan launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States was taken by surprise. But now, yet again, beyond the horizon of attention, there is a growing menace to U.S. national security from overseas.

Let’s pause for a moment — amid the fire and ice of war; the GOP House conference congratulating itself for choosing an election denying, conspiracy theorizing speaker; and more murderous consequences of our infatuation with an unregulated militia — to bring you this announcement: As of this writing, I’ve shaved every day since Halloween.

‘Governing on the Ground: The Past, Present, and Future of Country Government’ is a collection of personal anecdotes from government officials across the country on the issues that they focus on fighting against in their counties. Published this year, it covers issues from health, human services, public safety, the environment and land uses, communication and economics, transportation, and technology.