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When coal smoke choked St. Louis, residents fought back − but it took time and money
When coal smoke choked St. Louis, residents fought back − but it took time and money St. Louis residents fought back against coal smoke pollution in 1939, which had become a chronic problem due to the widespread use of sulfur-rich coal for heat and power. The city’s mayor, Bernard Dickmann, created a commission to investigate […]
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Trump’s words aren’t stopping China, Brazil and many other countries from setting higher climate goals, but progress is slow
Trump’s words aren’t stopping China, Brazil and many other countries from setting higher climate goals, but progress is slow Despite Trump’s climate skepticism, many countries have set higher climate goals, including China, which has committed to cutting its net greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels by 2035. The European Union has pledged a […]
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Thousands sign petition calling for ban AI “superintelligence”
Thousands sign petition calling for ban AI “superintelligence” Over 28,000 people have signed an online petition calling for a ban on AI “superintelligence”. The petition includes signatures from hundreds of public figures and several prominent AI pioneers. The development of AI superintelligence is seen as a potential threat to humanity’s existence. The petition aims to […]
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The disgraceful history of erasing Black cemeteries in the United States
The disgraceful history of erasing Black cemeteries in the United States The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground in Richmond, Virginia, holds the remains of over 22,000 enslaved and free people of color, established in 1816. The cemetery has faced deliberate acts of violence, including grave robbing, construction projects, and destruction by city officials, who formally […]
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Surrealism is better known for its strangeness than the radical politics and revolutionary ambitions of its creators
Surrealism is better known for its strangeness than the radical politics and revolutionary ambitions of its creators Surrealism, often associated with its strange and fantastical art, was actually a radical movement that aimed to revolutionize society through the power of the human psyche. The movement was founded by André Breton and his fellow artists in […]
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Rethinking polygamy – new research upends conventional thinking about the advantages of monogamous marriage
Rethinking polygamy – new research upends conventional thinking about the advantages of monogamous marriage Contrary to conventional thinking, new research suggests that polygamy may not be as harmful as previously believed. A recent study found that polygyny does not lock large numbers of men out of marriage, and in some contexts, men are actually more […]
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Relying heavily on contractors can cut attendance by 27% for museums, theaters and other arts nonprofits – new research
Relying heavily on contractors can cut attendance by 27% for museums, theaters and other arts nonprofits – new research Nonprofits that rely heavily on contractors can experience a 27% decrease in attendance at museums, theaters, and other arts organizations. The use of flexible labor arrangements, such as hiring contractors instead of full-time employees, may not […]
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Push to close the AI skills gap among young workers
Push to close the AI skills gap among young workers The job market has changed significantly due to the rise of artificial intelligence. A new generation of young workers is graduating into this new landscape, where AI is increasingly taking over entry-level jobs. This shift highlights the need for young workers to develop skills that […]
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Pumpkins’ journey from ancient food staple to spicy fall obsession spans thousands of years
Pumpkins’ journey from ancient food staple to spicy fall obsession spans thousands of years Pumpkins have a rich history that spans thousands of years, originating in Central and South America and being introduced to Europe through the Columbian Exchange. Pumpkins are not just bright orange; they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and textures, […]
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People see leaders who change too fast as less authentic
People see leaders who change too fast as less authentic A new study from the University of South Florida found that leaders who change too fast are viewed as less authentic. Employees tend to see rapid changes in response to feedback as insincere, while gradual changes are perceived as more genuine and authentic. The study’s […]
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Office of Space Commerce faces an uncertain future amid budget cuts and new oversight
Office of Space Commerce faces an uncertain future amid budget cuts and new oversight The Office of Space Commerce (OSC) plays a crucial role in regulating commercial activities in space, including licensing satellite launches, advocating for space commerce, and coordinating flight paths to prevent collisions. The OSC has faced budget cuts and new oversight, with […]
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Many Colorado homeowners are underinsured − here’s what to do before the next fire
Many Colorado homeowners are underinsured − here’s what to do before the next fire Many Colorado homeowners are underinsured, with 74% of those affected by the Marshall Fire having insufficient coverage to rebuild their homes. Even households with incomes above $180,000 were found to be underinsured, with 72% holding policies that did not cover the […]
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Is it wrong to have too much money? Your answer may depend on deep-seated values – and your country’s economy
Is it wrong to have too much money? Your answer may depend on deep-seated values – and your country’s economy A new study published in PNAS Nexus found that people’s views on having too much money are shaped by cultural and moral instincts, rather than just economic factors. The study surveyed over 4,300 people across […]
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Influencers could learn a thing or two from traditional journalism about disclosing who’s funding their political coverage
Influencers could learn a thing or two from traditional journalism about disclosing who’s funding their political coverage Influencers have been accused of being influenced by undisclosed payments from organizations like Chorus, which has funded liberal political influencers with monthly stipends ranging from $250 to $8,000. The lack of transparency around these payments raises concerns about […]
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ICE is building a social media panopticon
ICE is building a social media panopticon ICE is expanding an online surveillance system to track millions of users on social media platforms. The agency has paid $5.7 million for an AI-powered platform called Zignal Labs, which can ingest and analyze vast amounts of publicly available data. The platform provides “real-time intelligence” that could potentially […]
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Extinction rates have actually slowed down
Extinction rates have actually slowed down Contrary to previous studies, extinction rates have actually slowed down over the past 100 years, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. The study, led by Kristen Saban and John Wiens, analyzed data from almost 2 million species that went extinct […]
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College faculty are under pressure to say and do the right thing – the stress also trickles down to students
College faculty are under pressure to say and do the right thing – the stress also trickles down to students College faculty are under immense pressure to say and do the right thing, leading to stress and burnout that trickles down to students. The academic profession is caught in the crosscurrents of culture and politics, […]
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Coal plants emitted more pollution during the last government shutdown, while regulators were furloughed
Coal plants emitted more pollution during the last government shutdown, while regulators were furloughed A study found that coal-fired power plants emitted more pollution during the 2018-2019 government shutdown, while regulators were furloughed. The analysis of six years’ worth of air quality data showed that particulate matter emissions increased by 15% to 20% during the […]
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AI-Powered Robot Help Seniors in South Korea Against Loneliness
AI-Powered Robot Help Seniors in South Korea Against Loneliness AI-powered dolls called Hyodols are being used in South Korea to combat loneliness among seniors, priced at $1,150 each. The robots use ChatGPT to strike up conversations and remind elders to take medication or eat meals, as well as alert social workers and families during emergencies. […]
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2 iconic coral species are now functionally extinct off Florida, study finds – we witnessed the reef’s bleaching and devastation
2 iconic coral species are now functionally extinct off Florida, study finds – we witnessed the reef’s bleaching and devastation Two iconic coral species, branching staghorn and elkhorn corals, have become functionally extinct across Florida’s coral reef due to a global mass bleaching event caused by soaring water temperatures. The 2023-2024 heat wave was the […]
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1 in 3 US nonprofits that serve communities lost government funding in early 2025
1 in 3 US nonprofits that serve communities lost government funding in early 2025 Approximately one-third of US nonprofits experienced disruptions in government funding in the first half of 2025, affecting around 21% who lost a grant or contract, 27% who faced delays or funding freezes, and 6% who were hit with stop-work orders. The […]
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Free food motivates frontline workers more than gym memberships
Free food motivates frontline workers more than gym memberships Free food and social events are more effective motivators for frontline workers than gym memberships or health benefits. A study by Dipayan Biswas, a professor at the University of South Florida, found that wellness programs involving food and social gatherings led to improved job performance, service […]
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The Erie Canal: How a ‘big ditch’ transformed America’s economy, culture and even religion
The Erie Canal: How a ‘big ditch’ transformed America’s economy, culture and even religion The Erie Canal, completed on October 26, 1825, was a groundbreaking engineering marvel that transformed America’s economy, culture, and even religion. The canal, which stretched 363 miles from Lake Erie to New York City, revolutionized trade, immigration, and commerce, with shipping […]
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These nonprofits lobbied to regulate OpenAI — then the subpoenas came
These nonprofits lobbied to regulate OpenAI — then the subpoenas came The Midas Project, a nonprofit founded by Tyler Johnston, has been monitoring OpenAI’s practices to ensure transparency and ethical standards. The organization released a report called “The OpenAI Files” detailing OpenAI’s evolution from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. OpenAI received subpoenas after The […]
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Ford’s Mustang Mach-E GT California Special blends the old with the new
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E GT California Special blends the old with the new Ford has announced the Mustang Mach-E GT California Special, a new special edition electric vehicle that blends old-school style with modern technology. The car’s design pays homage to the original 1968 California Special Mustangs, with a distinctive Rave Blue paint color inspired by […]
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Why is Halloween starting so much earlier each year? A business professor explains
Why is Halloween starting so much earlier each year? A business professor explains Halloween has become increasingly commercialized over the years, leading to its earlier start. The National Retail Federation’s survey shows that nearly three-quarters of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween in 2025, up from slightly more than half in 2005. Total spending on Halloween […]
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How mobsters’ own words brought down Philly’s mafia − a veteran crime reporter has the story behind the end of the ‘Mob War’
How mobsters’ own words brought down Philly’s mafia − a veteran crime reporter has the story behind the end of the ‘Mob War’ The FBI’s electronic surveillance operation played a crucial role in bringing down the Philadelphia mafia, also known as the “Mob War”, by capturing incriminating conversations between mobsters. The war was fought between […]
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Gunboat diplomacy: How classic naval coercion has evolved into hybrid warfare on the water
Gunboat diplomacy: How classic naval coercion has evolved into hybrid warfare on the water Gunboat diplomacy, a classic naval coercion tactic, has evolved into hybrid warfare on the water, where states use limited force and other tools to shape behavior without resorting to war. The modern version of gunboat diplomacy involves a mix of military, […]
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Why higher tariffs on Canadian lumber may not be enough to stimulate long-term investments in US forestry
Why higher tariffs on Canadian lumber may not be enough to stimulate long-term investments in US forestry Higher tariffs on Canadian lumber may not be enough to stimulate long-term investments in US forestry due to differences in tree species and quality, as well as limited labor and manufacturing capacity. The US has ample forest resources, […]
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Why countries struggle to quit fossil fuels, despite higher costs and 30 years of climate talks and treaties
Why countries struggle to quit fossil fuels, despite higher costs and 30 years of climate talks and treaties The United States, China, and European nations are struggling to quit fossil fuels despite higher costs and 30 years of climate talks and treaties. The Trump administration’s efforts to promote oil and gas drilling and coal production […]
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