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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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People don’t just love their dogs. Many owners seem to love pets more than people. It’s a symptom of wider social problems, a philosopher argues, one that’s hurting people and pets alike. buff.ly/16byy4s
Americans are asking too much of their dogs
People don’t just love their dogs; Many owners seem to love pets more than people. It’s a symptom of wider social problems, a philosopher argues – one that’s hurting people and pets alike.
theconversation.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:35 AM
People don’t just love their dogs. Many owners seem to love pets more than people. It’s a symptom of wider social problems, a philosopher argues, one that’s hurting people and pets alike. buff.ly/16byy4s
Egyptian youth who participated in the 2011 Arab Spring expected freedom and democracy. Fifteen years later, many have abandoned the version of Islam promoted by Islamist politicians, viewing it as hypocritical and opportunistic.
Fifteen years after Egypt’s uprising, how faith and politics reshaped a generation
The 2011 revolution transformed religious life in unexpected ways – especially among some young Egyptians.
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 4:48 AM
Egyptian youth who participated in the 2011 Arab Spring expected freedom and democracy. Fifteen years later, many have abandoned the version of Islam promoted by Islamist politicians, viewing it as hypocritical and opportunistic.
Adding recycled plastic to asphalt could help build stronger roads that resist cracking under extreme heat. A one-mile stretch near Dallas has already been constructed, and early results show the pavement could last several years longer than traditional asphalt.
Infusing asphalt with plastic could help roads last longer and resist cracking under heat
A research team has paved plastic-infused roads in Texas and Bangladesh, with promising results.
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 3:22 AM
Adding recycled plastic to asphalt could help build stronger roads that resist cracking under extreme heat. A one-mile stretch near Dallas has already been constructed, and early results show the pavement could last several years longer than traditional asphalt.
In many states, who controls the legislature is decided before a single vote is cast.
In recent election years, 30–50% of state legislature seats went uncontested by one of the two major parties — leaving voters without any real choice and weakening accountability and leadership pipelines. ⬇️
In recent election years, 30–50% of state legislature seats went uncontested by one of the two major parties — leaving voters without any real choice and weakening accountability and leadership pipelines. ⬇️
February 10, 2026 at 2:53 AM
In many states, who controls the legislature is decided before a single vote is cast.
In recent election years, 30–50% of state legislature seats went uncontested by one of the two major parties — leaving voters without any real choice and weakening accountability and leadership pipelines. ⬇️
In recent election years, 30–50% of state legislature seats went uncontested by one of the two major parties — leaving voters without any real choice and weakening accountability and leadership pipelines. ⬇️
How do physicists hunt for dark matter, which doesn’t interact directly with light in any way?
How do scientists hunt for dark matter? A physicist explains why the mysterious substance is so hard to find
Dark matter doesn’t seem to interact with the matter we can see and touch, so scientists look for it in unusual places, like faraway galaxies and underground detectors.
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 2:28 AM
How do physicists hunt for dark matter, which doesn’t interact directly with light in any way?
On Feb. 19, 1942, FDR’s Executive Order 9066 led to the incarceration of nearly 127,000 Japanese Americans without charges or evidence of disloyalty.
One of their granddaughters researches this sad history – and writes about the objects they created in camps to help them endure.
One of their granddaughters researches this sad history – and writes about the objects they created in camps to help them endure.
Held captive in their own country during World War II, Japanese Americans used nature to cope with their unjustified imprisonment
Incarcerated in rough barracks surrounded by barbed wire and armed soldiers, Japanese Americans made functional and beautiful items to ease their suffering.
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 12:47 AM
On Feb. 19, 1942, FDR’s Executive Order 9066 led to the incarceration of nearly 127,000 Japanese Americans without charges or evidence of disloyalty.
One of their granddaughters researches this sad history – and writes about the objects they created in camps to help them endure.
One of their granddaughters researches this sad history – and writes about the objects they created in camps to help them endure.
Valentine’s Day is for love… but what about the people you don’t like?
The Victorians had an answer: cruel, mocking cards meant to shock and offend. Today collectors call them “vinegar valentines.” buff.ly/BYMErKL
The Victorians had an answer: cruel, mocking cards meant to shock and offend. Today collectors call them “vinegar valentines.” buff.ly/BYMErKL
Valentine’s Day cards too sugary sweet for you? Return to the 19th-century custom of the spicy ‘vinegar valentine’
Victorians found a way to anonymously tell people they didn’t like exactly how they felt.
theconversation.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Valentine’s Day is for love… but what about the people you don’t like?
The Victorians had an answer: cruel, mocking cards meant to shock and offend. Today collectors call them “vinegar valentines.” buff.ly/BYMErKL
The Victorians had an answer: cruel, mocking cards meant to shock and offend. Today collectors call them “vinegar valentines.” buff.ly/BYMErKL
Do we morally owe #taxes?
The case against paying taxes is stronger than you might think, but the best reason to pay may be humility: it’s the surest way to treat fellow citizens fairly.
Philosophers from Socrates to Locke debate it: buff.ly/em3ZNVQ
The case against paying taxes is stronger than you might think, but the best reason to pay may be humility: it’s the surest way to treat fellow citizens fairly.
Philosophers from Socrates to Locke debate it: buff.ly/em3ZNVQ
Do you have a moral duty to pay taxes?
Many Americans are fretting over paying their taxes. A philosopher says the moral question isn’t as much about a duty toward the government, but being fair to fellow tax-paying citizens.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Do we morally owe #taxes?
The case against paying taxes is stronger than you might think, but the best reason to pay may be humility: it’s the surest way to treat fellow citizens fairly.
Philosophers from Socrates to Locke debate it: buff.ly/em3ZNVQ
The case against paying taxes is stronger than you might think, but the best reason to pay may be humility: it’s the surest way to treat fellow citizens fairly.
Philosophers from Socrates to Locke debate it: buff.ly/em3ZNVQ
Tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets aren’t gentle crowd-control tools. Physicians say they can cause permanent injuries, and often do. buff.ly/bENqXXY
‘Less lethal’ crowd-control weapons still cause harm – 2 physicians explain what they are and their health effects
Federal immigration agents tend to receive less training on how to properly deploy crowd-control weapons, research finds.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets aren’t gentle crowd-control tools. Physicians say they can cause permanent injuries, and often do. buff.ly/bENqXXY
Calling something “domestic terrorism” isn’t just a label, it’s a legal judgment that, before the Trump Administration, required the government to first weigh the evidence and intent behind an incident. buff.ly/6hJniaZ
A terrorism label that comes before the facts can turn ‘domestic terrorism’ into a useless designation
A ‘domestic terrorism’ label that comes before the facts teaches the public to treat the term as propaganda rather than factual diagnosis.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Calling something “domestic terrorism” isn’t just a label, it’s a legal judgment that, before the Trump Administration, required the government to first weigh the evidence and intent behind an incident. buff.ly/6hJniaZ
EVs now represent more than 10% of new car sales in 39 countries, including Vietnam at 38% and Indonesia at 15%.
In the U.S., that figure is less than 10%.
buff.ly/H5ETTBQ
In the U.S., that figure is less than 10%.
buff.ly/H5ETTBQ
America is falling behind in the global EV race – that’s going to cost the US auto industry
Electric vehicles are a fast-growing share of auto sales in many countries, and Chinese automakers are benefiting as the US industry pulls back.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 3:24 PM
EVs now represent more than 10% of new car sales in 39 countries, including Vietnam at 38% and Indonesia at 15%.
In the U.S., that figure is less than 10%.
buff.ly/H5ETTBQ
In the U.S., that figure is less than 10%.
buff.ly/H5ETTBQ
Physics in action: Figure skaters pull their arms inward to spin faster, speedskaters lean dramatically without falling, and ski jumpers' tight suits control drags.
buff.ly/XJUu4w6
#WinterOlympics
buff.ly/XJUu4w6
#WinterOlympics
From ski jumping to speedskating, winter sports represent physics in action
Watching, modeling and even playing winter sports help students internalize physics concepts, including acceleration, momentum and friction.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Physics in action: Figure skaters pull their arms inward to spin faster, speedskaters lean dramatically without falling, and ski jumpers' tight suits control drags.
buff.ly/XJUu4w6
#WinterOlympics
buff.ly/XJUu4w6
#WinterOlympics
Early warnings. Safety in numbers. Cameras everywhere.
Anti-ICE protests in the U.S. mirror the nonviolent survival strategies civilians use in war zones around the world.
buff.ly/URyd0CC
Anti-ICE protests in the U.S. mirror the nonviolent survival strategies civilians use in war zones around the world.
buff.ly/URyd0CC
Anti-ICE protesters are following same nonviolent playbook used by people in war zones across the world to fight threats to their communities
Americans are learning and doing the kind of work that civilians in war zones worldwide have done for decades: dealing with threats by organizing to help protect their neighbors and communities.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Early warnings. Safety in numbers. Cameras everywhere.
Anti-ICE protests in the U.S. mirror the nonviolent survival strategies civilians use in war zones around the world.
buff.ly/URyd0CC
Anti-ICE protests in the U.S. mirror the nonviolent survival strategies civilians use in war zones around the world.
buff.ly/URyd0CC
The #WinterOlympics start today and warming winters are making the Games harder to hold.
Less natural snow means heavier reliance on snowmaking, and ultimately it all means limits to how long the Winter Olympics can keep going as we know them.
buff.ly/VBSUAZz
#climatesky
Less natural snow means heavier reliance on snowmaking, and ultimately it all means limits to how long the Winter Olympics can keep going as we know them.
buff.ly/VBSUAZz
#climatesky
Climate change threatens the Winter Olympics’ future – and even snowmaking has limits for saving the Games
Innovations have made recent Winter Games possible, but the future climate will have a big impact on where the Olympics can be held and winter sports themselves.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 9:06 AM
The #WinterOlympics start today and warming winters are making the Games harder to hold.
Less natural snow means heavier reliance on snowmaking, and ultimately it all means limits to how long the Winter Olympics can keep going as we know them.
buff.ly/VBSUAZz
#climatesky
Less natural snow means heavier reliance on snowmaking, and ultimately it all means limits to how long the Winter Olympics can keep going as we know them.
buff.ly/VBSUAZz
#climatesky
The IRS already knows what you need to pay in taxes – so why doesn’t it just tell you instead of putting you through a costly and tax-consuming reporting process?
Answer: Because Congress is catering to tax prep companies.
buff.ly/8koKPYG
#taxes
Answer: Because Congress is catering to tax prep companies.
buff.ly/8koKPYG
#taxes
The IRS already has all your income tax data – so why do Americans still have to file their taxes?
A tax expert explains why the US continues to use such a complex and costly income tax system.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 5:35 AM
The IRS already knows what you need to pay in taxes – so why doesn’t it just tell you instead of putting you through a costly and tax-consuming reporting process?
Answer: Because Congress is catering to tax prep companies.
buff.ly/8koKPYG
#taxes
Answer: Because Congress is catering to tax prep companies.
buff.ly/8koKPYG
#taxes
Detroit spent $863 million on Little Caesars Arena.
New research finds it hasn’t significantly boosted hotels or short-term rentals nearby
Concerts help nearby AirBNBs, but sports games, not so much.
buff.ly/p0808QP...
New research finds it hasn’t significantly boosted hotels or short-term rentals nearby
Concerts help nearby AirBNBs, but sports games, not so much.
buff.ly/p0808QP...
Has Little Caesars Arena boosted economic activity in Detroit? We looked at hotel and short-term rental industry data to find out
In 2026, Little Caesars Arena will host the Pistons, Red Wings and concerts with A$AP Rocky and Cardi B. But building it wasn’t necessarily a huge moneymaker.
theconversation.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:48 AM
Detroit spent $863 million on Little Caesars Arena.
New research finds it hasn’t significantly boosted hotels or short-term rentals nearby
Concerts help nearby AirBNBs, but sports games, not so much.
buff.ly/p0808QP...
New research finds it hasn’t significantly boosted hotels or short-term rentals nearby
Concerts help nearby AirBNBs, but sports games, not so much.
buff.ly/p0808QP...
Winter athletes waiting between competition rounds face a particular risk: they're sweaty from exertion but inactive in freezing weather, making them vulnerable to hypothermia.
The 3-layer system of modern winter apparel is designed to manage this exact problem
theconversation.com/winter-olymp...
The 3-layer system of modern winter apparel is designed to manage this exact problem
theconversation.com/winter-olymp...
Winter Olympians often compete in freezing temperatures – physiology and advances in materials science help keep them warm
While physical exertion helps athletes stay warm, sweating can lead to dehydration.
theconversation.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:28 AM
Winter athletes waiting between competition rounds face a particular risk: they're sweaty from exertion but inactive in freezing weather, making them vulnerable to hypothermia.
The 3-layer system of modern winter apparel is designed to manage this exact problem
theconversation.com/winter-olymp...
The 3-layer system of modern winter apparel is designed to manage this exact problem
theconversation.com/winter-olymp...
“Domestic terrorism” has a specific legal meaning. Using it too fast — and without evidence — can do real damage in misleading the public.
A terrorism label that comes before the facts can turn ‘domestic terrorism’ into a useless designation
A ‘domestic terrorism’ label that comes before the facts teaches the public to treat the term as propaganda rather than factual diagnosis.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 1:40 AM
“Domestic terrorism” has a specific legal meaning. Using it too fast — and without evidence — can do real damage in misleading the public.
Data centers use MASSIVE amounts of water
Just one Google data center in Iowa used 1 BILLION gallons of water in 2024 -- enough to supply all of Iowa's residential water use for 5 days. ⬇️
Just one Google data center in Iowa used 1 BILLION gallons of water in 2024 -- enough to supply all of Iowa's residential water use for 5 days. ⬇️
February 8, 2026 at 12:41 AM
Data centers use MASSIVE amounts of water
Just one Google data center in Iowa used 1 BILLION gallons of water in 2024 -- enough to supply all of Iowa's residential water use for 5 days. ⬇️
Just one Google data center in Iowa used 1 BILLION gallons of water in 2024 -- enough to supply all of Iowa's residential water use for 5 days. ⬇️
Foreign tourism to the U.S. fell 5.4% in 2025 while the rest of the world saw a 4% increase.
Canadian visits dropped nearly 30%. buff.ly/MSynHSJ
Canadian visits dropped nearly 30%. buff.ly/MSynHSJ
Will a ‘Trump slump’ continue to hit US tourism in 2026 − and even keep World Cup fans away?
Talk of boycotts have added to fears among the US tourism industry that foreign tourists will continue to stay away.
theconversation.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Foreign tourism to the U.S. fell 5.4% in 2025 while the rest of the world saw a 4% increase.
Canadian visits dropped nearly 30%. buff.ly/MSynHSJ
Canadian visits dropped nearly 30%. buff.ly/MSynHSJ
TikTok users panicked over new terms of service that sounded like a massive data grab. A tech ethics researcher found most of the alarming language either hadn't changed or was standard across social media.
The real issue: Big Tech has lost public trust.
The real issue: Big Tech has lost public trust.
Fears about TikTok’s policy changes point to a deeper problem in the tech industry
Following the app’s sale, the company’s updated privacy policy and terms of service set off alarm bells. The reaction shows Big Tech has lost the public’s trust.
buff.ly
February 7, 2026 at 8:48 PM
TikTok users panicked over new terms of service that sounded like a massive data grab. A tech ethics researcher found most of the alarming language either hadn't changed or was standard across social media.
The real issue: Big Tech has lost public trust.
The real issue: Big Tech has lost public trust.
An economic crisis in one country no longer stays contained to that country and its neighbors – it now ripples across the globe. buff.ly/kCd9PI4
Has globalization lessened the importance of physical distance? For economic shocks, new research suggests ‘yes’
New research adds evidence to a common thesis offered after the end of the Cold War that globalization was making physical distance economically obsolete.
theconversation.com
February 7, 2026 at 5:14 PM
An economic crisis in one country no longer stays contained to that country and its neighbors – it now ripples across the globe. buff.ly/kCd9PI4
Grocery store giant Aldi is coming to Colorado, and the disruption could lead to lower food prices. A professor who spent 20 years in the food industry explains how:
Aldi is coming to Colorado, and the disruption could lead to lower food prices
The grocer offers low prices and plans to build its own distribution center.
buff.ly
February 7, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Grocery store giant Aldi is coming to Colorado, and the disruption could lead to lower food prices. A professor who spent 20 years in the food industry explains how:
In dozens of states, an increasing number of legislative seats are going completely uncontested by one of the two major parties.
Without real competition, elections risk going from exercises in popular sovereignty to a mere administrative formality, explains a political scientist.
Without real competition, elections risk going from exercises in popular sovereignty to a mere administrative formality, explains a political scientist.
There’s a competition crisis in America’s state legislatures – and that’s bad for democracy
In dozens of states, an increasing number of legislative seats are going completely uncontested by one of the two major parties.
buff.ly
February 7, 2026 at 1:07 PM
In dozens of states, an increasing number of legislative seats are going completely uncontested by one of the two major parties.
Without real competition, elections risk going from exercises in popular sovereignty to a mere administrative formality, explains a political scientist.
Without real competition, elections risk going from exercises in popular sovereignty to a mere administrative formality, explains a political scientist.
Whether the American Dream is defined by economic mobility or personal freedom, many Americans feel it’s become harder to reach. A social scientist talked to scores of people about what the American Dream means to them today. buff.ly/vvthK5B
What is the American Dream, and has it become harder to achieve in recent years?
Whether the American Dream is centered in economic mobility or personal freedom, many citizens believe its achievement has grown more elusive.
theconversation.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Whether the American Dream is defined by economic mobility or personal freedom, many Americans feel it’s become harder to reach. A social scientist talked to scores of people about what the American Dream means to them today. buff.ly/vvthK5B