The recent decision by the Trump administration to revoke a long-standing directive barring federal immigration authorities from conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations is a […]
The 9/11 Victims We’re Still Learning About
Twenty-five years after the September 11th terrorist attacks, researchers are preparing to study a group of people whose experiences have received considerably less attention than those of the firefighters, police officers, and other adults who responded to the disaster. They were children. Some were old enough to remember the planes striking the World Trade Center. Others were infants. Some were still in the womb. Many lived in Lower Manhattan or attended school nearby and were exposed to the enormous cloud of dust and debris created when the towers collapsed. Now, a major federal research effort is being established to examine…
The Cost of Closing Forest Research
The U.S. Forest Service is closing 23 research and development facilities across more than a dozen states as part of a sweeping reorganization of the agency. The move has received considerably less attention than many of the administration's other changes to the federal government, but its implications reach far beyond the offices and employees directly affected. The Forest Service conducts research into some of the most fundamental questions facing America's forests. Its scientists study wildfires, invasive species, forest diseases, water resources, wildlife, and the ways forests respond to changing environmental conditions. The agency says the research itself is not being…
Where Is the Opioid Settlement Money Going?
When opioid manufacturers, distributors, and other companies agreed to pay billions of dollars to settle lawsuits over their role in the nation's opioid crisis, the money came with an obvious purpose. Communities had been devastated by addiction and overdose deaths. The settlements were intended to help those communities respond to that devastation, including through treatment, prevention, recovery, and other programs designed to address the consequences of opioid addiction. But now an investigation into Louisiana's use of that money is raising a much bigger question. Who is making sure the money actually goes where it is supposed to go? A joint…
Where Is the Opioid Settlement Money Going?
When opioid manufacturers, distributors, and other companies agreed to pay billions of dollars to settle lawsuits over their role in the nation's opioid crisis, the…
America’s Historic Drop in Homicides Deserves More Attention
For years, Americans have been told that crime is one of the country's most pressing problems. Political campaigns have been built around fears of rising…
When AI Reads Your Medical Records
For years, artificial intelligence in health care was largely discussed as a future technology. Doctors might someday use AI to identify diseases, analyze medical images,…
The Growing Alarm Over Facial Recognition and ICE Detentions
For years, debates about facial recognition technology largely centered on local police departments, airport security, and private sector data collection. More recently, however, a different…
The Cost of Closing Forest Research
The U.S. Forest Service is closing 23 research and development facilities across more than a dozen states as part of a sweeping reorganization of the…
When Politics Enters the Science: The Fight Over What Judges Should Know
The courts routinely deal with questions that judges cannot answer through legal precedent alone. What caused an environmental disaster? How reliable is a particular scientific…
Why Financial Literacy Matters More Than Ever
For generations, financial literacy has been viewed as a personal skill that helps people budget wisely, save for retirement, and avoid unnecessary debt. Today, it…
How Speculators Move Gas Prices
For most Americans, the price of gasoline feels deeply personal. It determines commuting costs, shipping prices, airline tickets, and, indirectly, the cost of groceries and…
The 9/11 Victims We’re Still Learning About
Twenty-five years after the September 11th terrorist attacks, researchers are preparing to study a group of people whose experiences have received considerably less attention than…
Where Is the Opioid Settlement Money Going?
When opioid manufacturers, distributors, and other companies agreed to pay billions of dollars to settle lawsuits over their role in the nation's opioid crisis, the…
Elon, DOGE, and the ‘Salute’
Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration, particularly through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raises significant concerns about the trajectory of U.S. governance. While […]
America’s New Robber Barons Rise Again
As the United States ushers in a new administration, there is a growing sense of déjà vu. A return to an era when wealth and […]
Meta’s Betrayal of LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Meta’s recent decision to loosen content moderation rules on issues such as gender identity and sexual orientation is not an isolated incident. Instead, it fits […]
L.A. Wildfires: A Crisis of Neglect
As Los Angeles grapples with multiple devastating wildfires, including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley fires, questions about preparedness and leadership are burning as hot […]
Are We Better Off Without TikTok?
Over the past few years, TikTok has cemented itself as one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. With its addictive short-form […]
2025 Begins with Domestic Terror Strikes
The dawn of 2025 has been overshadowed by two tragic and disturbing events that underscore the persistent threat of domestic terrorism in the United States. […]
Winter’s Norovirus Surge: Stay Safe
As winter sets in, a familiar foe is making its presence known across the United States. Norovirus, often referred to as the stomach flu, is […]
Manifest Destiny 2.0 or Trumpian Fantasy?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, a new chapter in American political theater unfolds. His recent statements about acquiring territories and asserting dominance […]
Gaetz Scandal Exposes Trump’s Vetting Flaws
The recent release of the House Ethics Committee report on former Representative Matt Gaetz has cast a glaring spotlight on the intricate intersection of ethics, […]