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If so, please consider donating to our fall fundraising campaign.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive a downloadable e-book from our series on bold ideas for tackling the housing crisis.
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I study rat nests − here’s why rodents make great archivists
I study rat nests − here’s why rodents make great archivists
An archaeologist reveals what she learned from sifting through a 200-year-old rat nest recovered from a historic Philadelphia home.
buff.ly
December 26, 2025 at 2:28 AM
I study rat nests − here’s why rodents make great archivists
It’s more than OK for kids to be bored − it’s good for them
It’s more than OK for kids to be bored − it’s good for them
Boredom is a healthy part of life. Experiencing it can help children learn to set goals and make plans.
buff.ly
December 25, 2025 at 11:03 PM
It’s more than OK for kids to be bored − it’s good for them
What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity
What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity
The modern Christmas themes of peace and joy were in short supply amid the ‘dislocation and danger’ of ancient Judea – as they are in today’s fractured world too.
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December 25, 2025 at 8:48 PM
What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity
How to reduce gift-giving stress with your kids – a child psychologist’s tips for making magic and avoiding tears How to reduce gift-giving stress with your kids – a child psychologist’s tips for making magic and avoiding tears
December 25, 2025 at 7:48 PM
How to reduce gift-giving stress with your kids – a child psychologist’s tips for making magic and avoiding tears How to reduce gift-giving stress with your kids – a child psychologist’s tips for making magic and avoiding tears
The celibate, dancing Shakers were once seen as a threat to society – 250 years later, they’re part of the sound of America buff.ly/Fiv4pzt
The celibate, dancing Shakers were once seen as a threat to society – 250 years later, they’re part of the sound of America
‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ Mona Fastvold’s 2025 film, depicts part of the long history of Shaker worship.
theconversation.com
December 25, 2025 at 5:23 PM
The celibate, dancing Shakers were once seen as a threat to society – 250 years later, they’re part of the sound of America buff.ly/Fiv4pzt
Doctors relied on cholesterol levels to assess heart disease risk for decades.
In 2025, accumulated research led to more screening for C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, as a better predictor of heart attacks and strokes, a professor of family medicine explains:
In 2025, accumulated research led to more screening for C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, as a better predictor of heart attacks and strokes, a professor of family medicine explains:
How C-reactive protein outpaced ‘bad’ cholesterol as leading heart disease risk marker
C-reactive protein – a marker of inflammation – is as easily measured with blood work in a doctor’s office as cholesterol.
buff.ly
December 25, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Doctors relied on cholesterol levels to assess heart disease risk for decades.
In 2025, accumulated research led to more screening for C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, as a better predictor of heart attacks and strokes, a professor of family medicine explains:
In 2025, accumulated research led to more screening for C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, as a better predictor of heart attacks and strokes, a professor of family medicine explains:
U.S. electricity prices rose 7.4% in just one year, and energy policy analysts expect them to keep climbing faster than inflation in 2026. Meanwhile, data centers powering AI could nearly triple their energy use by 2030. buff.ly/KE663ZA
Rising electricity prices and an aging grid challenge the nation as data centers demand more power
Energy projects are expensive and take a long time to build. Where to build them is often also a difficult, even controversial, question.
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December 25, 2025 at 9:06 AM
U.S. electricity prices rose 7.4% in just one year, and energy policy analysts expect them to keep climbing faster than inflation in 2026. Meanwhile, data centers powering AI could nearly triple their energy use by 2030. buff.ly/KE663ZA
Karoline Leavitt’s White House briefings aren’t just spin – they reflect what George Orwell warned about: lies divorced from reality, and the use of “doublethink” to have a word (like “transparency”) mean just the opposite. A historian who studies Orwell explains:
Thread ⬇️ buff.ly/tb8q3ES
Thread ⬇️ buff.ly/tb8q3ES
Karoline Leavitt’s White House briefing doublethink is straight out of Orwell’s ‘1984’
A historian analyzes how White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s claims about her boss and his administration are ‘doublespeak’ straight out of the pages of George Orwell’s ‘1984.’
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December 25, 2025 at 5:35 AM
Karoline Leavitt’s White House briefings aren’t just spin – they reflect what George Orwell warned about: lies divorced from reality, and the use of “doublethink” to have a word (like “transparency”) mean just the opposite. A historian who studies Orwell explains:
Thread ⬇️ buff.ly/tb8q3ES
Thread ⬇️ buff.ly/tb8q3ES
Pediatric brain cancer research: cut.
Faster chemical safety testing: cut.
Training doctors to treat addiction: cut.
Six scientists spoke about the devastating impact of 2025’s federal science funding cuts on their work, on their colleagues and on society. buff.ly/cx6x1Ho
Faster chemical safety testing: cut.
Training doctors to treat addiction: cut.
Six scientists spoke about the devastating impact of 2025’s federal science funding cuts on their work, on their colleagues and on society. buff.ly/cx6x1Ho
‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’ – US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
US science lost a great deal in 2025, including tens of billions of dollars of federal funding, entire research agencies and programs, and a generation of researchers.
buff.ly
December 25, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Pediatric brain cancer research: cut.
Faster chemical safety testing: cut.
Training doctors to treat addiction: cut.
Six scientists spoke about the devastating impact of 2025’s federal science funding cuts on their work, on their colleagues and on society. buff.ly/cx6x1Ho
Faster chemical safety testing: cut.
Training doctors to treat addiction: cut.
Six scientists spoke about the devastating impact of 2025’s federal science funding cuts on their work, on their colleagues and on society. buff.ly/cx6x1Ho
Seventy years ago, Jonas Salk and his team worked in a lab between a morgue and a darkroom to develop the world’s first successful polio vaccine.
A filmmaker who made a documentary on Salk’s work explains why forgetting life before vaccines has real consequences: buff.ly/VYpqOy4
#vaccineswork
A filmmaker who made a documentary on Salk’s work explains why forgetting life before vaccines has real consequences: buff.ly/VYpqOy4
#vaccineswork
The world risks forgetting one of humanity’s greatest triumphs as polio nears global eradication − 70 years after Jonas Salk developed the vaccine in a Pittsburgh lab
Polio may finally be defeated in the next 5 years. Will the world recognize what an extraordinary achievement that is?
buff.ly
December 25, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Seventy years ago, Jonas Salk and his team worked in a lab between a morgue and a darkroom to develop the world’s first successful polio vaccine.
A filmmaker who made a documentary on Salk’s work explains why forgetting life before vaccines has real consequences: buff.ly/VYpqOy4
#vaccineswork
A filmmaker who made a documentary on Salk’s work explains why forgetting life before vaccines has real consequences: buff.ly/VYpqOy4
#vaccineswork
Do you think Trump expects total loyalty?
For John E. Jones III — a former federal judge appointed by George W. Bush — the answer is clear: Trump believes “you’re either with him 100% or you’re against him.” ⬇️
For John E. Jones III — a former federal judge appointed by George W. Bush — the answer is clear: Trump believes “you’re either with him 100% or you’re against him.” ⬇️
December 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Do you think Trump expects total loyalty?
For John E. Jones III — a former federal judge appointed by George W. Bush — the answer is clear: Trump believes “you’re either with him 100% or you’re against him.” ⬇️
For John E. Jones III — a former federal judge appointed by George W. Bush — the answer is clear: Trump believes “you’re either with him 100% or you’re against him.” ⬇️
As #AI increasingly brings people the news, it does more than simply pass along information.
Large language models subtly highlight certain viewpoints while minimizing others, often without users realizing it. buff.ly/bEvfU8c
Large language models subtly highlight certain viewpoints while minimizing others, often without users realizing it. buff.ly/bEvfU8c
People are getting their news from AI – and it’s altering their views
Even when information is factually accurate, how it’s presented can introduce subtle biases. As large language models increasingly bring people the news, this bias is a looming problem.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 11:03 PM
As #AI increasingly brings people the news, it does more than simply pass along information.
Large language models subtly highlight certain viewpoints while minimizing others, often without users realizing it. buff.ly/bEvfU8c
Large language models subtly highlight certain viewpoints while minimizing others, often without users realizing it. buff.ly/bEvfU8c
The partial release of the Epstein headlines keep asking who’s on the list? The better question: why aren’t the victims the focus? Have rules designed to protect victims of sexual violence actually pushed them to the side? buff.ly/rDkvKuJ
Epstein’s victims deserve more attention than his ‘client list’
Powerful men connected to Jeffrey Epstein are named, dissected and speculated about. The survivors, unless they work hard to step forward, remain a blurred mass in the background.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The partial release of the Epstein headlines keep asking who’s on the list? The better question: why aren’t the victims the focus? Have rules designed to protect victims of sexual violence actually pushed them to the side? buff.ly/rDkvKuJ
The U.S. faces a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, yet immigration policies are making it harder to fill health care workforce gaps. Immigrants make up roughly 1 in 4 physicians and 1 in 3 home health aides nationally.
The US already faces a health care workforce shortage – immigration policy could make it worse
About 1 in 4 doctors practicing in the US were born abroad.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The U.S. faces a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, yet immigration policies are making it harder to fill health care workforce gaps. Immigrants make up roughly 1 in 4 physicians and 1 in 3 home health aides nationally.
Walking in nature reduces activity in the brain region linked to sadness and rumination.
A psychologist on why active rest periods—not couch time—are what actually restore us during the holidays. buff.ly/RxJjMbO
A psychologist on why active rest periods—not couch time—are what actually restore us during the holidays. buff.ly/RxJjMbO
Rest is essential during the holidays, but it may mean getting active, not crashing on the couch
Unwinding can be hard during the holidays for many reasons. Building in time to recharge through active leisure can help.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Walking in nature reduces activity in the brain region linked to sadness and rumination.
A psychologist on why active rest periods—not couch time—are what actually restore us during the holidays. buff.ly/RxJjMbO
A psychologist on why active rest periods—not couch time—are what actually restore us during the holidays. buff.ly/RxJjMbO
Choosing between a real or artificial Christmas tree?
Don’t stress about which is worse for the environment, says a forestry researcher 🎄Ultimately just focus on reusing or recycling your tree for the most eco-friendly choice.
#christmastree #environment
Don’t stress about which is worse for the environment, says a forestry researcher 🎄Ultimately just focus on reusing or recycling your tree for the most eco-friendly choice.
#christmastree #environment
December 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Choosing between a real or artificial Christmas tree?
Don’t stress about which is worse for the environment, says a forestry researcher 🎄Ultimately just focus on reusing or recycling your tree for the most eco-friendly choice.
#christmastree #environment
Don’t stress about which is worse for the environment, says a forestry researcher 🎄Ultimately just focus on reusing or recycling your tree for the most eco-friendly choice.
#christmastree #environment
Our final classic news quiz of 2025. Good luck! 🧠 💡
Here’s your first question: High prices for Christmas trees this year are, surprisingly, a result of what factor?
buff.ly/lGC4D6s
Here’s your first question: High prices for Christmas trees this year are, surprisingly, a result of what factor?
buff.ly/lGC4D6s
December 24, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Our final classic news quiz of 2025. Good luck! 🧠 💡
Here’s your first question: High prices for Christmas trees this year are, surprisingly, a result of what factor?
buff.ly/lGC4D6s
Here’s your first question: High prices for Christmas trees this year are, surprisingly, a result of what factor?
buff.ly/lGC4D6s
The US government has started modifying a childhood vaccine schedule built on decades of rigorous testing.
Vaccinations have succeeded in making the targeted diseases so rare that many parents have never seen them, explains an infectious disease physician. buff.ly/Jd6B167
Vaccinations have succeeded in making the targeted diseases so rare that many parents have never seen them, explains an infectious disease physician. buff.ly/Jd6B167
RFK Jr. wants to scrutinize the vaccine schedule – but its safety record is already decades long
Federal officials are questioning the safety of the vaccine series children receive. Here’s the story of how the childhood vaccine schedule came about.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The US government has started modifying a childhood vaccine schedule built on decades of rigorous testing.
Vaccinations have succeeded in making the targeted diseases so rare that many parents have never seen them, explains an infectious disease physician. buff.ly/Jd6B167
Vaccinations have succeeded in making the targeted diseases so rare that many parents have never seen them, explains an infectious disease physician. buff.ly/Jd6B167
If your holiday gift list includes someone with cancer – or any other serious illness, for that matter – consider hanging those fuzzy socks back on the rack.
December 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
If your holiday gift list includes someone with cancer – or any other serious illness, for that matter – consider hanging those fuzzy socks back on the rack.
Deception and lies from the White House to justify a war in Venezuela? We’ve seen this movie before in run-ups to wars in Vietnam and Iraq buff.ly/H3Xkqn6
Deception and lies from the White House to justify a war in Venezuela? We’ve seen this movie before in run-ups to wars in Vietnam and Iraq
Two US wars based on lies, in which tens of thousands of American troops and millions of civilians died, offer a cautionary tale about the rush to war.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Deception and lies from the White House to justify a war in Venezuela? We’ve seen this movie before in run-ups to wars in Vietnam and Iraq buff.ly/H3Xkqn6
Yes, the government can track your location.
ICE and other agencies can track your movements using data gathered by apps and online ads on your phone, and sold by private companies. You probably don't realize how easily you can be found.
ICE and other agencies can track your movements using data gathered by apps and online ads on your phone, and sold by private companies. You probably don't realize how easily you can be found.
December 24, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Yes, the government can track your location.
ICE and other agencies can track your movements using data gathered by apps and online ads on your phone, and sold by private companies. You probably don't realize how easily you can be found.
ICE and other agencies can track your movements using data gathered by apps and online ads on your phone, and sold by private companies. You probably don't realize how easily you can be found.
Over 2,500 crisis pregnancy centers operate across the U.S., often designed to look like medical offices. OB-GYN researchers found 91% of their websites misleadingly imply they provide medical services and 80% include false claims about abortion. buff.ly/66WK4Kx
Supreme Court case about ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ highlights debate over truthful advertising standards
There are some 2,500 of these centers across the United States. Many are located within a mile of an abortion provider.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Over 2,500 crisis pregnancy centers operate across the U.S., often designed to look like medical offices. OB-GYN researchers found 91% of their websites misleadingly imply they provide medical services and 80% include false claims about abortion. buff.ly/66WK4Kx
When Americans insist "it can't happen here," they’re wrong. A sociologist who studies collective memory and identity examines how the U.S. forgot its own fascist movements and what that collective amnesia means today. buff.ly/9mzgR3S
America faced domestic fascists before and buried that history
Although thousands of Americans embraced fascist ideas during the interwar years, a new study examines why the US has had little appetite to remember that past.
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December 24, 2025 at 5:35 AM
When Americans insist "it can't happen here," they’re wrong. A sociologist who studies collective memory and identity examines how the U.S. forgot its own fascist movements and what that collective amnesia means today. buff.ly/9mzgR3S
Mark Zuckerberg earned just $1 at Meta in 2024. Elon Musk made $0 at Tesla. They're not alone. A tax law professor explains how the ultrawealthy legally avoid income taxes while their wealth grows by billions annually.
Billionaires with $1 salaries – and other legal tax dodges the ultrawealthy use to keep their riches
The richest Americans can largely avoid paying income and other taxes. A new book explains the history.
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December 24, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Mark Zuckerberg earned just $1 at Meta in 2024. Elon Musk made $0 at Tesla. They're not alone. A tax law professor explains how the ultrawealthy legally avoid income taxes while their wealth grows by billions annually.
A genetic researcher who has spent a decade studying how new drugs are developed (after decades doing it himself) writes that NIH funding is crucial to the process, and has been a huge driver of innovation and economic growth.
The White House has proposed a 40% budget cut for 2026. buff.ly/KRt7a0g
The White House has proposed a 40% budget cut for 2026. buff.ly/KRt7a0g
How the NIH became the backbone of American medical research and a major driver of innovation and economic growth
The agency’s budget has grown steadily since the 1960s, fueling an industry that creates lifesaving medicines and attracts billions of dollars in investment.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 2:28 AM
A genetic researcher who has spent a decade studying how new drugs are developed (after decades doing it himself) writes that NIH funding is crucial to the process, and has been a huge driver of innovation and economic growth.
The White House has proposed a 40% budget cut for 2026. buff.ly/KRt7a0g
The White House has proposed a 40% budget cut for 2026. buff.ly/KRt7a0g