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‘Take Back the States’: The Far-Right Sheriffs Ready to Disrupt the Election

Google, Microsoft, and Perplexity Are Promoting Scientific Racism in Search Results

Apple’s Sales in China Are Stalling. What Will It Sacrifice to Turn Things Around?

The Best Electric Kick Scooters

The 16 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride

The Renault 5 EV Is an Instant Smash

A Laptop Stand Can Save Your Back—Here Are Our Favorites

The 23 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now

Marissa Mayer: I Am Not a Feminist. I Am Not Neurodivergent. I Am a Software Girl

The American Who Waged a Tech War on China

Alfonso Cuarón Subverted Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Now He’s Coming for TV

Bobbi Althoff on Exactly How She Got Rich—and How Rich, Exactly

Trae Stephens Has Built AI Weapons and Worked for Donald Trump. As He Sees It, Jesus Would Approve

A High-Profile Geneticist Is Launching a Fusion-Power Moonshot

Meet zachxbt, the masked vigilante tracking down billions in crypto scams and thefts, liquid ai is redesigning the neural network.

The 30 Best Horror Movies on Netflix, Max, and Beyond

How to give neurotic losers the main character treatment, 'hear me out': meme halloween costumes are so last decade.

Get 10% Off With This Newegg Promo Code in October 2024

San francisco will pay $212 million for its train system to ditch floppy disks, vistaprint coupon for october 2024: 25% off any order.

Meet the Far-Right Constitutional Sheriffs Ready to Assert Control if Trump Loses

Influencers get their final marching orders for the election, judges and border police targeted by anti-government extremists, doxed as ‘traitors’.

A Neuralink Rival Says Its Eye Implant Restored Vision in Blind People

Oceangate faces federal investigation a year after the titan submersible implosion, this app set out to fight pesticides. after vcs stepped in, now it helps sell them.

Security News This Week: Chinese Hackers Target Trump Campaign via Verizon Breach

Microsoft warns foreign disinformation is hitting the us election from all directions, nigeria drops charges against tigran gambaryan, jailed binance exec and former irs agent, reviews and buying guides.

The Best iPhone 16 Cases and Accessories

Even Realities G1 Could Be the Smartest Smart Glasses Around

The Best Bed Frames

The Trek Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XT Electric Mountain Bike Is Oh So Quiet

Which Samsung Galaxy Phone Should You Buy?

Wired classics.

The Double Life of an American Lake Monster

Chain World Videogame Was Supposed to be a Religion—Not a Holy War

The Mining Industry's Next Frontier Is Deep, Deep Under the Sea

Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control: Inside Shein’s Sudden Rise

The Hard-Luck Texas Town That Bet on Bitcoin—and Lost

Trending stories, top stories in the last 48 hours.

'Critical Role' Cast Answer The Most Googled Vox Machina Questions

Offset Answers The Web's Most Searched Questions

Linguist Answers Word Origin Questions

Charlie Puth Answers The Web's Most Searched Questions

Anna Kendrick Answers The Web's Most Searched Questions

Historian Answers Wild West Questions

JENNIE Answers The Web's Most Searched Questions

Andrew Garfield & Florence Pugh Answer The Web's Most Searched Questions

Alfonso Cuarón Examines The Language of Cinema & Television

Neuroscientist Answers Emotion Questions

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Science News

Drop in vaping drives tobacco product use by U.S. youth to a record low

The fewest number of U.S. middle and high school students are currently using tobacco products since the National Youth Tobacco Survey began in 1999.

Male mosquitoes sometimes suck, too

The U.S. empire was built on bird dung

The ‘Mekong ghost’ megafish has resurfaced after an extinction scare 

How insects can help catch rhino poachers

A near-Earth asteroid offers clues to one dark matter theory 

Polar bears are being exposed to more pathogens as the climate warms

Trending stories.

JWST spots the first known ‘steam world’

Tech companies want small nuclear reactors. Here’s how they’d work 

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Spotlight on Health

Navigation research often excludes the environment. That’s starting to change

Participants “navigating” on a lab computer have shaped navigation knowledge. Studies that add in the environment challenge those findings.

Radioactive beams give a real-time view of cancer treatment in mice

A viral gene drive could offer a new approach to fighting herpes, from the archives.

Gene Injection Remedies Cell Defect

October 20, 1979 Vol. 116 No. #16

Science News Magazine

October 19, 2024 Vol. 206 No. 6

Is U.S. democracy in decline? Here’s what the science says

Talking to a chatbot may weaken someone’s belief in conspiracy theories, in a first, these bats were found to have toes that glow.

Featured Media

Climate change fueled the fury of hurricanes helene and milton.

Two new studies find climate change amped up sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, fueling the hurricanes' intensity.

Semaglutide saps mice’s motivation to run

These sea creatures can fuse their bodies.

Work on protein structure and design wins the 2024 chemistry Nobel

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More Stories

Here are some stellar picks from Nikon’s top microscopy images of 2024

The fruit fly revolutionized biology. now it’s boosting science in africa, this biophysicist’s work could one day let doctors control immune cells.

World record speeds for two Olympics events have fallen over time. We can go faster

Does social status shape height, rain bosworth studies how deaf children experience the world.

Why Hurricane Helene was so devastating

How rapid intensification spawned two monster hurricanes in one week, a thousands-year-old log demonstrates how burying wood can fight climate change.

Runaway stars could influence the cosmos far past their home galaxies

Barnard’s star has at least one planet orbiting it after all, betelgeuse has a tiny companion star hidden in plain sight.

Thunderstorms churn up a ‘boiling pot’ of gamma rays 

X-rays from nuclear blasts could defend earth from asteroids, how to spot tiny black holes that might pass through the solar system , health & medicine.

A new implant tested in animals reverses drug overdoses

Once-weekly insulin might mean fewer shots for some with diabetes, doula care may lead to fewer c-sections or preterm births.

What leads rivers to suddenly change course?

Reactive dust from great salt lake may have health consequences, how earthquakes build beefy gold nuggets, science & society.

The ‘Does It Fly?’ podcast separates fact from science fiction

There’s a new term for attempting to own the wind: ventography, this researcher studies how misinformation seeps into science and politics.

Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.

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Full-On War Between Israel and Iran Isn’t Inevitable

After Israel attacked several military sites, Iran has an opportunity to de-escalate the conflict.

Arash Azizi 1:37 PM ET

Photos of the Week: Centaur Skeleton, Sheep Spiral, Resting Raccoon

Flooding in the Moroccan desert, a volcanic eruption in Mexico, an illuminated abbey in England, a space-shuttle mock-up in California, a giant pigeon in New York City, and much more

Alan Taylor 11:00 AM ET

A short story

Weike Wang 11:00 AM ET

The Filmmaker Who Wants to Wake Us From the American Dream

Sean Baker, the director of Anora , has become independent cinema’s best hustler.

Shirley Li 10:00 AM ET

Halloween Has Changed

We’ve strayed from the spirit of the holiday.

Stephanie Bai 9:00 AM ET

Blue States Gave Trump and Vance an Opening

How housing scarcity fuels the illiberal right

Jerusalem Demsas 9:00 AM ET

What Is Russia Doing With North Korean Troops?

Washington worries too much about what Putin thinks.

Phillips Payson O’Brien 8:00 AM ET

The Charisma-vs.-Charm Election

The sociologist Julia Sonnevend distinguishes between two kinds of performance that matter in public life.

Conor Friedersdorf 7:30 AM ET

Harris’s Best Closing Argument Isn’t Coming From Her

At her recent rally in Atlanta, the vice president’s warm-up acts were her best messengers.

John Hendrickson October 25, 2024

The Schools Without ChatGPT Plagiarism

A robust honor code—and abundant institutional resources—can make a difference.

Matteo Wong October 25, 2024

Trump Is Being Very Honest About One Thing

Of course he will fire the special prosecutor investigating him if he’s reelected.

David A. Graham October 25, 2024

Election Anxiety Is Telling You Something

A big event should prompt big feelings.

Shayla Love October 25, 2024

Americans Are Hoarding Their Friends

And the practice may be making people feel more lonely.

Faith Hill October 25, 2024

Photos of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

Visitors at the fair were introduced to everything from Cracker Jack and Juicy Fruit gum to large-scale electric lighting and the Ferris wheel.

Alan Taylor October 25, 2024

The Least-Loved Type of Memoir

Political autobiographies are usually dreck, but some rise above their genre.

Emma Sarappo October 25, 2024

A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Middle School

A phase of life to be not just endured, but enjoyed

Russell Shaw October 25, 2024

Trump: «Necesito el tipo de generales que tuvo Hitler»

La obsesión del candidato republicano con los dictadores y su desdén hacia los militares estadounidenses son cada vez mayores.

Jeffrey Goldberg October 25, 2024

Taiwan Has a Trump Problem

The former president’s recent rhetoric shows how his reelection could undo the central promise sustaining today’s international order.

Michael Schuman October 25, 2024

The Democrats’ Hail Mary

Can Liz Cheney’s effort to reach Republican-leaning voters who don’t like Trump really help Harris win?

Elaine Godfrey October 25, 2024

‘Okay, I Will Join the Marines’

The story of Lefty Leflar, who died earlier this month, epitomizes the experience of countless young Americans for whom the Vietnam War never ended.

Mark Bowden October 25, 2024

5 Curators to Find the Best Articles Worth Reading on the Internet

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How Do Social Media Algorithms Work?

Social media no longer feels like it's about connecting, and i hate it, how to get more control over what you see on social media.

When anyone and everyone is a publisher, it isn't easy to figure out what is worth your time. These link curators find the best articles worth reading on the internet.

There are so many articles written and shared, a regular person can't sift through them. This has led to the rise of curators who will recommend only good articles to save you time and energy. There's something for every type of reader out there, so it's all about finding someone whose tastes meet yours.

1. 3 Quarks Daily (Web): Smartest Curated Articles on the Internet

3 Quarks Daily (3QD) is one of the most intelligent sites to boost your brain . Among its admirers are Nassim Nicholas Taleb, William Dalrymple, Horst Ludwig Stormer, Annie Dillard, and other accomplished intellectuals. And hopefully, you too. Visit the website regularly or subscribe to the newsletter; it's worth your while either way.

The website has two parts. First is the curated articles, where the editors of 3QD pick eight to twelve thought-provoking articles daily from Tuesday to Sunday, including a poem. Each article is presented with an excerpt of its best part and a link to the full piece. There is a tremendous range to the types of reads, but the common purpose is to give you an "intellectual surfing experience," as the site puts it.

On Monday, 3QD publishes original writing from its staff and guest contributors. This Monday Magazine also includes poetry and cartoons, and is completely free.

If there's one problem with 3QD, it's the inability to surf its archives easily. The site has been active since 2004, making it one of the greatest human-picked collections of writing on the internet. But with no way to see top posts or categories and tags, those archives are only for those willing to go chronologically through every back issue.

2. The Electric Typewriter (Web): Easiest Way to Find Great Articles to Read

The Electric Typewriter (TETW) isn't updated regularly anymore. But its archives are full of engrossing reads, and meticulously categorized at that. In fact, this site might just be the best way to find articles worth reading through its several lists.

For example, take the section on Women . It has a range of topics like Women, Growing up Female, Reproduction, Feminism, Women and Work, etc. Each of these topics includes multiple articles in the form of a headline and a short descriptive blurb. It's this extensive sub-listing that sets the site apart.

Like Women, there are other categories such as life, death, love, happiness, politics, race, tech, psychology, the internet, etc. You can quickly find the 150 best articles on TETW through a shortlist or filter by subjects and authors. Fans of true crime and unsolved mysteries shouldn't miss the true crime section.

3. Library of Scroll (Web): Handpicked Collection of Longform Articles

Library of Scroll is an eclectic collection of longreads handpicked by two women curators, Nilambari and Akshata. Each week, LoS features three articles worth reading, released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

It's a lovely three-tile design format that showcases the headline with a lead image and a one-sentence description of what you're in for. Each tile also notes the average reading time for the article. For more detailed descriptions, go to the archives which have a longer blurb for each article.

Broadly, the articles on LoS fall in 10 categories you can browse by: learning and careers, self-love and relationships, money matters, fantastic people, human behavior, building start-ups, whimsical and curious reads, the fast-growing internet, and the perils of the web. With the wide variety of publications that the creator duo chooses from, you'll find plenty of reading material on every topic.

4. The Sunday Long Read (Web): Weekly Collection of the Best Articles and Links to Read

The Sunday Long Read is a weekly newsletter featuring the best articles picked by two journalists, Jacob Feldman and prize-winning veteran Don Van Natta Jr. The stories they pick are all about information and entertainment, and don't go into hot takes or opinions.

The email newsletter is packed with a shocking amount of links, probably enough to fill any voracious reader's Sunday. The team also sometimes throws in original articles, but it's the curation that's the real meat here. You can check their last 10 newsletters in the archives and subscribe to receive every new issue.

Every newsletter has a single clear favorite by Don and Jacob so that you can avoid being overwhelmed by choice. You'll also find a few recurring picks in each issue, like the Sunday Q&A interview, the Sunday Oral History revisiting popular culture and events, the Sunday Fiction, the Sunday Still photograph, the #SundayLR list, and The Last Laugh for humorous articles.

5. Bookshlf (Web): A Social Network of Curated Links and Shared Articles

Bookshlf is a social network for sharing links worth reading. The app also helpfully calculates the average reading time for any article shared. The democratization of curation is interesting as you get a more diverse set of links, but that also means there is no guarantee of quality.

The app seeks to solve this problem by setting some users as top sharers based on their frequency of shared links and followers on the Bookshlf platform. The Bookshlf Top 50 is a good place to start and discover the best articles shared today, or you can dive into recommended "shelves" or categories about any topic.

Bookshlf doesn't restrict itself to articles on websites alone. It also includes YouTube links and social media like Facebook posts. While you might not be looking for videos, the inclusion of posts gives it a different depth that other curators lack. After all, many users tend to write long articles on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other networks, so why should you miss out on good reads there?

Also, Consider…

Some of the most popular article curators are too famous for listing here, but in case you didn't know about them, you're in for a treat.

• The Browser
• Arts & Letters Daily
• Pocket Hits

And check out our previous list of article curators .

Of Paywalls and Paid Newsletters

While these article curators make it much easier for you to find stuff to read, there is the question of money. How long are they going to keep doing it? Some have resorted to making paid newsletters, while others use advertising to sustain.

And then there is the inevitable issue of paywalls by big media publications. While plenty of the material in these newsletters is free, some links are behind paywalls. Hey, good writing isn't always going to be free. In the quest to save yourself time, you might want to consider how much that time is worth and support a few of these curators and publications.

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Browse Articles

Decline after fall, Books in brief

Andrew Robinson reviews five of the best science picks.

• Andrew Robinson

Audio long read: Which is the fairest electoral system? Mega-election year sparks debate

Political scientists have been exploring the merits of contrasting voting methods to see which is most representative or democratic.

• Ramin Skibba
• Benjamin Thompson

Atomic smash-ups hold promise of record-breaking elements

Laboratory collisions that create the superheavy element livermorium could help scientists to discover new elements.

Will AI’s huge energy demands spur a nuclear renaissance?

Contracts with Google and Amazon could help, but bringing new types of reactor online will take larger investments — and time.

• Davide Castelvecchi

Do stem-cell transplants increase cancer risk? Long-lived recipients offer clues

People who have received transplants for blood cancer, some more than 40 years ago, do not have high rates of potentially cancer-causing mutations.

• Smriti Mallapaty

Study reveals three ways to disappear down a Wikipedia rabbit hole

Understanding how ‘hunters’ ‘dancers’ and ‘busybodies’ find information could help to improve the site and encourage better teamwork.

• Helena Kudiabor

Author Correction: Global climate-change trends detected in indicators of ocean ecology

• Kelsey Bisson
• Stephanie Henson

From industry to stay-at-home father to non-profit leadership

Joseph Ascalon made career decisions that kept family close. His work life flourished nonetheless.

• Natasha Vizcarra

New species of tardigrade reveals secrets of radiation-resisting powers

Knowing the genes responsible for water bears’ radiation tolerance could lead to diverse applications, from cancer treatment to space exploration.

• Miryam Naddaf

Daily briefing: Google DeepMind roll out ‘watermark’ on AI-generated text

Researchers at Google DeepMind have devised a ‘watermark’ to invisibly label text that is generated by artificial intelligence. Plus, an ‘epigenetic upgrade’ lets DNA store information as binary code.

• Jacob Smith

‘Poo milkshake’ boosts the microbiome of c-section babies

Giving faecal transplants to children born by caesarian section is promising, early clinical trial results show.

• Mariana Lenharo

Physicists tame fundamental muon particles into highly controlled beam for first time

The milestone is an important step towards building smaller, cheaper particle colliders.

• Gemma Conroy

Reading the signs of dementia

Blood tests are leading to earlier diagnosis, and potentially treatments, for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

• Neil Savage

How I’m learning to navigate academia as someone with ADHD

Discovering how my brain works has helped me to better understand how to find equilibrium between my academic career and my well-being, says Ana Bastos.

Extreme fire seasons are looming — science can help us adapt

Not all wildfires can be averted, but data, models and collaborations can help to chart a course to a fire-resilient future.

• Jennifer K. Balch
• A. Park Williams

Animal-to-human viral leap sparked deadly Marburg outbreak

The man with the first known Marburg infection of Rwanda’s outbreak had visited a cave hosting a particular species of bat — one with a history of carrying the deadly pathogen.

Molecular mechanism of IgE-mediated FcεRI activation

• Mengying Chen

Publisher Correction: Using both faces of polar semiconductor wafers for functional devices

• Len van Deurzen
• Eungkyun Kim
• Henryk Turski

Long-term lineage commitment in hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy

• Andrea Calabria
• Giulio Spinozzi
• Eugenio Montini

Uncovering a lost mountain metropolis

Drone-mounted LiDAR reveals the true extent of two lost-cities in the mountains of Uzbekistan.

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Where To Read Good Articles Online: Top 10 Online Publishers

In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to access exciting articles. Discover where to read good articles in this article.

If you’re like most Americans, you start every day by picking up your phone and taking a look at short articles that give you a clue into what’s going on in the world, provide you with life hacks to make your life easier, and give life lessons for your to consider.

In a day and age where social media reigns king, it makes sense that many people are more interested in free content that’s educational, engaging, and kicks your day off on a positive note. So when you choose to read vetted articles instead of random viral social media posts, you’ll know you’re getting proven information that you can put to good use in your daily life.

Whether you’re looking for self-improvement advice, personal finance information, an unbiased news source, or life hacks that make it easier to get through the day, it can be tough to know what’s worth reading–and what’s not. So here, we’ve compiled the top places to go when you want to read the best articles to clue you into what’s happening in the world around you.

1. The New Yorker

2. the huffington post, 3. the new york times, 5. lifehacker, 6. business insider, 9. national geographic, 10. psychology today.

Known as one of the top names in American journalism for nearly a century, The New Yorker is a highly respected weekly magazine known for its essays, fiction, cartoons, poetry, journalism, satire, and social commentary. The magazine is known in the literary world as one of the best places for readers to enjoy in-depth reporting. 

The New Yorker is known for taking the news and pop culture topics and covering them in new and unusual ways. While some of the magazine’s in-depth pieces require a time commitment to read, others are quick and punchy, perfect for a fast morning brief. In addition to current events, The New Yorker also publishes deep, moving stories about love, life, family, aging, and more.

Founded in 2005 by political activist Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post is left-leaning news, opinion, and essay site that partners with companies and writers to provide readers with an overarching view of what’s happening in America–and around the world.  HuffPost publishes news and think pieces and can provide readers with a place to get quick news and dive deep into interesting topics.

With a heavy focus on the U.S and world news, The New York Times is regarded as one of the most reliable sources in journalism today. While The Times publishes satire, essays, and opinion pieces, it is best known for its to-the-minute coverage of happenings worldwide.  The Times started in the mid-1800s and was established as a trustworthy news source , different from the popular sensationalist magazines and newspapers many readers enjoyed during that time. By the early 1900s, The Times  was regarded as one of the best publications in the world due in part to its extensive coverage of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

Not a news site, not a social media site– Quora is something in between the two. The platform allows users to ask and answer questions, connecting people worldwide by providing a space to share real-life experiences and advice.

Questions asked and answered on Quora range from the humorous (users asking parents about the worst their child has ever behaved in public) to the serious (users asking others about what seemingly minor health symptoms they’ve experienced are indicative of a severe problem). While any user can answer a question on Quora, some users have profiles that share their expertise with others.

Interested in doing everything better? Lifehacker provides the tools and tips you need to be a little better in every aspect of life, from relationships to cooking to decorating your home. The articles from writers at Lifehacker won’t just help you boost your knowledge of both popular and everyday topics–they’ll also make you laugh with their witty senses of humor and ability to make any topic interesting.

Looking for ideas on the ways to get the most bang for your buck when you’re grocery shopping? Check out product reviews to learn more about what to add to your Christmas list. Looking to stay up to date on the latest financial and tech news? Business Insider has you covered. The website provides unbiased coverage of interesting day-to-day life topics and world news. Setting Business Insider to your home page on your laptop can be an intelligent way to stay up to date on what’s happening in the world (and to browse fun articles when you’re stuck on a never-ending conference call).

Looking for dynamic new ideas from a variety of perspectives? You’ll love the unique takes that Medium has to offer. The website collects ideas, essays, and articles from people with varying perspectives, providing readers with a place where they can read material that helps them learn to see the world in a different light. When you’re reading Medium, it’s essential to know that anyone can submit writing to the site, and you’ll want to double-check author credentials if you’re using the site for factual information.

Whether you’re a business owner or want to know how the economy will affect your life, Forbes is the place to go for business and financial news. While Forbes is known for its financial coverage, it’s also a great source of world news, lifestyle articles, and more.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with federal student loans, you’ll want to keep an eye on what Forbes says about the changes the government is currently making to your repayment options. Forbes is widely regarded as a trusted financial news source, so if you’re writing a paper or citing a source to inform business decisions, it’s wise to check out what Forbes says before moving forward.

Ready to travel the world without leaving your town (or your home)? You’ll want to be sure to add National Geographic to your favorite article sources list. National Geographic’s journalism style is immersive and helps you feel transported to new areas of the world. Whether you’re looking to learn more about current crises in the world or want to get to know the culture of another country, National Geographic can take you where you want to go. While the magazine is known for its articles, the website also offers documentaries and other videos, helping you learn more about animals, culture, and more.

Wondering why your parents do that thing they do? Not sure how to get a handle on your anxiety at work? Psychology Today offers in-depth research and simple tips to help you live a happier, healthier life. If you’re not a psychology buff, no worries. The articles on the site break down complicated psychological concepts into simple terms and tips that you can use to boost your relationships, both with others and with yourself. Articles from Psychology Today can also help navigate challenging situations, like figuring out what to say to a friend or coworker following the passing of a loved one.

Are you interested in learning more? Check out our round-up of the 3 types of magazines !

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Remembered Coast

A writer recollects her family history by excavating memories buried in Singapore’s reclaimed land.

“Two women promised they would see the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time once they were together. They had no idea how long that would take.”

How a lonely man in his 30s found welcome and community in an unlikely place: spin class.

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The coming collision between whales and tankers on british columbia’s coast.

“Decades after they were hunted to local extinction, fin whales are recovering in the Kitimat fjord system—only to be threatened by a booming LNG industry.”

Writing in Pictures

“Richard Scarry and the art of children’s literature.”

The Future of Film May Just Be Old Movies

“As theaters throughout the country adjust to an ever-changing landscape, many are turning to cinema’s past. Could repertory and revival screenings be a way forward?”

She’s One of Florida’s Most Lethal Python Hunters

“Donna Kalil has plunged into canals in the dead of night, straddled two-hundred-pound serpents, and been bitten more times than she can count—all in the name of killing a thing…

After the Deluge

“Appalachia’s ‘climate haven’ myth unravels.”

How Cheerleading Became So Acrobatic, Dangerous and Popular

“For decades, the sport has been shaped in large part by one company — and one man.”

How Elderly Dementia Patients Are Unwittingly Fueling Political Campaigns

“A CNN investigation reveals how deceptive political fundraising has misled elderly Americans into giving away millions of dollars.”

A Controversial Rare-Book Dealer Tries to Rewrite His Own Ending

“Glenn Horowitz built a fortune selling the archives of writers such as Vladimir Nabokov and Alice Walker. Then a rock star pressed charges.”

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The Washington Post Building in Washington, D.C., on June 5. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption

'Washington Post' columnists push back against non-endorsement decision

October 26, 2024 • In a joint column, 17 Post columnists called the paper's decision not to endorse a presidential candidate a "terrible mistake."

Lil Durk poses in the press room with the award for best melodic rap performance for "All My Life" by Lil Durk featuring J. Cole during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP hide caption

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk is charged in murder-for-hire conspiracy

October 26, 2024 • The Grammy Award-winning rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, was arrested in Florida on federal charges that he paid for the attempted 2022 revenge killing of rapper Quando Rondo at a gas station.

Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally at in Traverse City, Mich., on Friday. Trump recorded the Joe Rogan Experience podcast earlier Friday and delayed his Michigan appearance by three hours. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

2024 Election

Trump spent 3 hours on joe rogan's podcast. here's what he did — and didn't — say.

October 26, 2024 • Trump’s freewheeling Joe Rogan podcast interview covered polls, whales and potentially replacing income taxes with tariffs, as he left Michigan rally goers waiting an extra three hours Friday night.

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University of Chicago student Rudra Patel happily shows off the work of famed artist Ando Hiroshige that he'll get to display in his dorm room for one year. Hiroshige was a master of Japanese woodblock printing whose work focused on landscapes and everyday life in Edo-period Japan. Alison Cuddy for NPR hide caption

Want a Picasso? UChicago students borrow original art for their dorms

October 26, 2024 • College students often use posters to help spruce up their dorm. At the University of Chicago, they get a chance to borrow works by prominent artists for a year.

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In 1938, a partial excavation of a well revealed a man’s skeleton — possibly that of a dead man thrown down the well in the 12th century. Riksantikvaren (The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage) hide caption

Centuries-old remains found in a well may be man from Norse saga

October 26, 2024 • An old Norse story tells of a king's man being tossed down a well in 1197. An archeologist teamed up with an evolutionary genomicist to study DNA of a skeleton found in that well.

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Opinion: Nature dazzles in autumn

October 26, 2024 • NPR's Scott Simon is dazzled by the turn of the seasons, especially the color of the leaves.

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman celebrates his walk-off grand slam home run against the New York Yankees during the 10th inning in Game 1 of the baseball World Series on Friday in Los Angeles. Ashley Landis/AP hide caption

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October 26, 2024 • Freddie Freeman hit the first game-ending grand slam in World Series history in the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in a drama-filled opener.

Dr. Richard Cash devoted much of his life to improving health care in poor countries. He played a critical role in the testing and implementation of oral rehydration therapy for patients suffering from diarrheal diseases — giving them a mixture of water, salts and sugar. Discussing this intervention, he said, "Simple doesn't mean second class." Kent Dayton hide caption

Goats and Soda

Remembering dr. richard cash: how a 'simple' intervention helped save millions of lives.

October 26, 2024 • In the late 1960s, he went to Dhaka to work on cholera. There he became involved in the development of oral rehydration therapy — hailed as one of the most significant medical advances of the century.

Dr. Emily Boevers, an OBGYN based in Waverly, Iowa, poses for a portrait at her family's farm in nearby Tripoli. She says the state's rape exception requirements threaten the privacy, trust and intimacy of the patient-doctor relationship. Geoff Stellfox for NPR hide caption

Many state abortion bans include exceptions for rape. How often are they granted?

October 26, 2024 • Since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in 2022, one study estimates there’s been nearly 65,000 pregnancies from rape in states that ban abortion.

Many state abortion bans include exceptions for rape. How often are exceptions grant?

Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Ahead of the 2024 election results, civil society groups are working to prevent future violence. Samuel Corum/Getty Images hide caption

How civil society groups are quietly working to prevent election-related violence

October 26, 2024 • Few political violence researchers believe there will be a repeat of the Jan. 6th attack. Instead, many warn that election-related violence is more likely to happen in local communities.

Political violence scenarios

Josh Abate and Micah Coomer inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images hide caption

The Jan. 6 riot included Marines. The military is wrestling with the consequences

October 26, 2024 • A Marine and his buddies joined the mob that entered the Capitol on Jan. 6. They were not the only Marines there. NPR asked the Corps' top officer a question: Do the Marines have an extremism problem?

for Heidi - Embedded - A Good Guy

Life goes on at Odesa's beaches this summer, where the waves wash away worries, if only for a moment. Simona Supino hide caption

The Picture Show

Sun, sea and sirens: a summer in odesa.

October 26, 2024 • This summer, despite the ongoing conflict, photographer Simona Supino captured an Odesa, Ukraine's coastal jewel, determined to hold onto its vibrancy and sense of normalcy.

A person leaves an early voting site after casting a ballot on Oct. 21 in Deland, Fla. Florida is one of three states that recently sued the Biden administration over citizenship checks of voters. Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Untangling Disinformation

Gop lawsuits about an obscure immigration database may set up election challenges.

October 26, 2024 • Florida, Texas and Ohio have filed last-minute lawsuits against the Biden administration demanding data about the citizenship of voters on their state rolls. One expert calls these "zombie" lawsuits.

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Nearly 7 in 10 people were deceived into buying counterfeit products online at least once in the past year, according to a 2023 study from Michigan State University. Kirill Greshnov/Getty Images hide caption

Don't get duped into buying fake products online. Look out for these 4 red flags

October 26, 2024 • Counterfeit products, especially medicines and safety gear, can be dangerous. Here's how to spot them on e-commerce platforms like Amazon.

How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online

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Russia is behind fake video of ballots being destroyed, U.S. officials say

October 25, 2024 • Federal intelligence officials and the FBI say Russia is behind the video, which has spread widely on social media, including Elon Musk’s X.

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Middle East crisis — explained

Israel conducts retaliatory airstrikes against iranian military targets.

October 25, 2024 • Israel conducted airstrikes on "military targets in Iran," as Tehran was rocked by a series of explosions. Israel said the targets included missile manufacturing and surface-to-air missile sites.

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National Security

Army releases report about trump campaign incident at arlington national cemetery.

October 25, 2024 • The heavily redacted report focuses on an August altercation at Arlington National Cemetery involving two campaign staffers for former President Donald Trump and a cemetery employee.

Army releases report on Trump campaign incident at Arlington Cemetery

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October 25, 2024 • A conservative appeals court sided with Republicans in ruling against a Mississippi law that allows election officials to count mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after it.

Phil Lesh of The Grateful Dead, seen here in 2005, died Friday at the age of 84. Michael Buckner/Getty Images North America hide caption

The Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh dies at 84

October 25, 2024 • Lesh, an original member of America's preeminent jam band, died Friday morning.

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McDonald's E. coli outbreak grows, with 75 people sickened in 13 states

October 25, 2024 • The CDC said on Friday that dozens more people have been reported sick with E. coli linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder.

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Pennsylvania county halts hundreds of potentially fraudulent voter registration forms

October 25, 2024 • Officials in Lancaster County in the swing state of Pennsylvania say they identified hundreds of potentially fraudulent voter registration applications.

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Grammy-winning crooner Jack Jones, known for singing 'The Love Boat' theme, dies at 86

October 25, 2024 • Jones, who began his singing career in the 1950s and was a frequent guest on the popular romantic comedy TV show, died after a battle with leukemia.

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October 25, 2024 • Stacey Williams, a former Sports Illustrated model, claims former President Donald Trump groped her in 1993. She recounted the incident to CNN. Trump's campaign denied the allegations.

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12 English Reading Websites

The internet connects people in ways that were never possible before. It’s also a place where you can find some incredible English writing.

When you think of practicing English reading , you probably think of books or magazines . You might think of going online when you want to learn internet slang or talk to others .

But there’s so much more to discover online!

There are some amazing websites out there for native speakers that provide great content for when you’re learning English. Here are the 12 best English reading websites for you to try! 

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1. a beautiful mess, 2. nomadic matt, fashion and style, 3. refinery29, 4. the everygirl, 5. mantelligence, news and current events, science and technology, 8. discover, 9. techcrunch, history and trivia, 10. atlas obscura, 11. mental floss, 12. lifehacker, how reading english online will help you learn , tips for english reading on websites for native speakers, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

What it is: Sisters Elsie and Emma share their favorite crafts, home decor and cooking projects in one of the most widely-read blogs online.

What to expect: The language is extremely upbeat and playful, and each blog reads as though one of the sisters is talking to you over a cup of coffee. Study their instruction posts to learn how to explain yourself clearly.

Sample article: “5 Easy Watercolor Techniques”

What it is: Matt has been traveling the world since 2006, and he shares his experiences and travel tips on this blog.

What to expect: Matt uses very simple language so anyone can use his knowledge to plan their own trips. You can learn a lot about other cultures here, how to plan a trip of your own (without spending too much money) and other topics that would interest fans of traveling.

Sample article:   “How to Plan a Trip to a Place You Know Nothing About”

What it is: A huge online magazine mostly for young women. There are articles about style, fashion, entertainment and some current events from a different perspective.

What to expect: Refinery29 uses an informal writing style, and sometimes uses internet slang. This is a good place to get in touch with how younger internet users write and speak (and dress). You’ll find a lot of articles with lists on what’s trendy at the moment, including some longer articles about the personal experiences of the writers. 

Sample article: “The Return of the Perm”

What it is: A magazine for career women who are (or want to be) successful while still looking and feeling fantastic. Many different topics are covered such as careers, fashion and wellness.

What to expect: Some articles are similar to Refinery29 , but they have a bit less slang in them and are slightly more sophisticated. They’re still perfect for intermediate and even beginner English learners. 

Sample article: “6 Ways to De-stress for Free”

What it is: Expert lifestyle tips for men, teaching how to live and dress like a gentleman.

What to expect: This is like the male version of the last two, but with a bigger emphasis on how to be classy (stylish or well-mannered). The language is somewhere between “intelligent man” and “bro.” That is, it’s a mix of more complex writing while still being friendly. Intermediate English learners should feel comfortable here.

Sample article: “57 Life Tips That Will Instantly Make You a Better Man”

What it is: Articles about pop culture, plus opinion pieces about serious current events and issues. Interesting things about the world we live in, and the people who live in it.

What to expect: Vice is not a typical media outlet, since it includes a lot of opinion in its articles, covers unusual topics and is targeted at young people. The writing is more complex, and may cause some trouble for early-intermediate English learners. Try an article: If you don’t get it, you probably need something a little simpler (work your way up to this!). 

Sample article: “It Used To Be An Oil Ship. Now It Helps Scientists Understand the Ocean.”  

What it is: News from National Public Radio, on everything from culture and current events, to art and music.

What to expect: Some of the articles on the NPR website are more difficult to read, as it’s a serious news and arts website. Many articles also include an audio clip, as well as a written transcript of the audio file, which makes this option perfect for English reading. Listen and read along, or read and then listen, to make sure you got things right.

Sample article: “ Honeybee Deaths Rose Last Year. Here’s Why Farmers Would Go Bust Without Bees.”

What it is: The latest news in science and nature, presented in articles for the average (ordinary) reader. 

What to expect: Discover takes scientific research papers and news, and turns them into enjoyable and approachable articles. You don’t need to know too many science-related vocabulary words to understand these articles, making them perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the topic.

Sample article: “Honeybees Have Personalities (Sort Of)”

What it is: A tech news website with reviews and articles about gadgets, new technology, AI and more.

What to expect: TechCrunch assumes its readers already know some things about technology, so expect to look up some new tech words. The articles are of varying lengths. Some are shorter and some are features (long articles) so you can choose what you’re most interested in. 

Sample article: “Age of AI: Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence”

What it is: Interesting stories about strange places around the world. Tales from history about curious people, places and events.

What to expect: The writing on this website is a bit more complex, but if you love history, food and culture, it’s worth working your way through it just for the incredibly unique stories.

Sample article: “Is This the World’s Most Beloved Asparagus?”

What it is: Trivia and interesting facts about everything from nature and animals, to people and history.

What to expect: Unlike Atlas Obscura , Mental Floss uses a friendly and simple writing style. Check out their language section as well to learn some things you might not have known about the English language.

Sample article: “A Cool History of Ice Cream”

What it is: Tips and tricks for making your life easier, one small thing at a time.

What to expect: Clear instructions and informative articles make Lifehacker useful to anyone. Some “hacks” (tricks or ways to make things easier) even involve language and learning, and might be especially useful for English learners. Others are just useful!

Sample article: “How to Study a Language So You Can Actually Understand It”

Let me start by telling you that there’s a place where you can improve your reading skills with a wonderful twist:  FluentU .

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

Reading online has many benefits. Online reading is:

• Portable: That means you can take it anywhere! If you have a device that connects to the internet, and an internet connection, you can read. No need to carry around a bulky book or a large magazine.
• Always updating: When you finish a book, you have to get a new one. When you finish an online article, you can just wait a day or so for more articles to be published.
• Well-written: Not everything online is written in internet slang. Many websites have great writers and editing teams to make sure what you’re reading is the best quality English.
• Easy to understand: Online articles and blogs are meant to be read by everyone, so the language is usually easy to understand.
• Fun: There’s a website for everything! You’re sure to find something that you find interesting.

Since you’re probably reading this online on an internet-connected device, you’re already halfway there. All you need now is to choose a website (or a few websites) to learn from. Before you go exploring online, though, it’s important to understand how these websites can teach you English reading skills.

There are a few different kinds of websites that can help you practice reading English.

• Blogs are more casual websites with writing on them. They’re often personal and run by a single person who shares their experiences or thoughts with their readers.
• Some websites are more like online magazines , which publish longer articles about certain topics.
• Others are news websites , which usually have shorter articles about current events (things that are happening now).

All these websites can help you learn, if you use them the right way. When you’re browsing through our list of great websites to learn from, keep these things in mind:

• Level of difficulty: The ideal website should be slightly challenging for you to read. This will help you improve your reading and keep pushing yourself to get even better. If you’re an advanced English learner , don’t use a beginner resource. If you’re a beginner, don’t use a website for advanced learners.
• Type of language used: Blogs usually use friendly, casual language, while news websites use more professional and business-like words. Magazines can use either type of language—it depends on the magazine.
• Frequency of posting: How often does the website update their content? A blog that updates once a month might not be enough to learn from. A website that posts four articles a day might be overwhelming (remember that you don’t have to read each article, though).
• Topic: You want to read about something you care about!

Once you choose the perfect website based on these factors, you can begin to learn. Here are some ideas for learning with online content:

• Skim before reading: Before you even start reading, take a look at the article. Many websites separate their writing into chunks using subheadings. You can get some sense of what you’ll read by looking at these subheadings, and glancing at the pictures. Doing this will help you prepare for the reading, and maybe even understand it better.
• Read and summarize: After you read an article, try to explain it in your own words. You can write down your summary, or pretend you’re telling a friend about it.
• Make word lists: You don’t have to understand every word in order to understand an article, but there are some words you’ll just have to look up. Instead of stopping to check the dictionary every time you find a word you don’t know, write these words down. Look them up after you’ve finished reading. Then read the article again. Do you understand it better now?
• Read the comments: When you finish reading the article, scroll down to the comments (if there are any). Comments are not always useful, but sometimes they can add more information or another point of view to what you just read about. Add your own comment and join the discussion.
• Click on relevant links: If you find an interesting link in the article, click on it and move on to the next article. This keeps you reading—the more you read, the better you will get at it. To keep yourself from getting distracted halfway through an article, open all new links in new tabs (right-click on the link and choose “open link in new tab”).

Use these tips and you’ll improve your reading skills even faster!

The best thing about reading online is that you can start at any of these websites, and explore other related topics and websites from there.

Find your new favorite website, and practice your English reading skills with something you actually enjoy and care about.

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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Top 10 Strategies to Learn English Pronunciation

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10 Best Online Academic Research Tools and Resources

Every college student conducts research at some point. And professors have strong views on what counts as a credible academic resource. Choosing the wrong sources can hurt your grade.

So how can you conduct research efficiently while avoiding sleepless nights in the campus library? Online academic research tools make it easier to find reliable sources quickly.

Rather than pulling random facts from the internet — and running into problems with citations — college students need to know how to find credible sources and how to use online academic tools. Keep reading to learn how you can find the best credible sources for your college research needs.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The 10 Best Academic Research Sources

What resources will point you toward reliable sources for your academic research? Rather than scrolling through pages of search results, turn to these academic resources when you need to find sources.

1. Google Scholar

Looking for an academic article, thesis , or abstract? Google Scholar should be your first stop. Google Scholar helps you find related works, locate full documents at your school library , and access scholarly research.

While Google created Google Scholar, it’s very different from a general online search. Google Scholar brings together academic articles and ranks them based on the authors, publication location, and citation record. That means the top results generally represent the most reliable scholarship on your topic.

For journal articles, books, images, and even primary sources, JSTOR ranks among the best online resources for academic research. JSTOR’s collection spans 75 disciplines, with strengths in the humanities and social sciences . The academic research database includes complete runs of over 2,800 journals.

And if you’re looking for images, turn to Artstor , which offers over 2.5 million images related to the arts, sciences, and literature. However, JSTOR is not an open-access database. That means you’ll need to log in through your university library, which typically includes off-campus access .

3. Library of Congress

As the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress is an amazing online resource for academic research. Students can search its collections to access digital resources, videos, audio recordings, photographs, and maps.

The library’s materials also include notated music, web archives, legislation, and 3D objects. You’ll find materials for almost any topic in its extensive collections. You can search historic American newspapers from 1777-1963 with the Chronicling America tool or look up pirate trials in another digital collection.

4. PubMed Central

The National Library of Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, runs PubMed Central. Founded in 2000, the database includes academic scholarship dating back to the 18th century. The resource connects college students with life sciences and biomedical academic sources.

And as an open-access database, PubMed Central offers free access to scholarly literature. Today, PubMed Central has over 7 million full-text records, making it a great resource for students in the life sciences or medical fields.

5. Google Books

Whether you’re looking for a recent publication or an out-of-print book, there’s a good chance you’ll find it on Google Books. In 2019, Google announced that Google Books contains over 40 million books .

You can enter any search term to find books that contain matches. And you can download the full text of any book in the public domain — which includes 10 million titles. Make sure to check publisher and author information when using Google Books.

The site also includes reference pages that link to book reviews. Keep in mind that you’ll have more limited access to recent books. Still, Google Books is a great first step to find sources that you can later look for at your campus library.

6. Science.gov

If you’re looking for scientific research, Science.gov is a great option. The site provides full-text documents, scientific data, and other resources from federally funded research.

A U.S. government site, Science.gov searches more than 60 databases and 2,200 scientific websites. You’ll find over 200 million pages of research and development information, including projects funded by 14 federal agencies. Students in any STEM field can benefit from the resource.

7. Digital Commons Network

University librarians curate the Digital Commons Network, which connects students with peer-reviewed articles. The site’s other resources include dissertations, book chapters, conference proceedings, and working papers.

The Digital Commons Network includes scholarly work from diverse disciplines like architecture, business, education, law, and the sciences. You can also access humanities, social sciences, and engineering scholarship through the network.

8. ResearchGate

ResearchGate has been described as social networking for research scientists. But ResearchGate is also a great option to find open-access academic sources. Scholars upload their work to ResearchGate, which makes it available to the public for free.

Currently, over 20 million researchers around the world use the site, which contains over 135 million publications. College students looking for scientific research can often find resources on ResearchGate and even connect with scholars.

9. WorldCat

When you’re looking for library resources, WorldCat is one of the best tools. Connected to over 10,000 libraries, WorldCat is a database that allows you to search library collections.

The database lists books and articles available at your local libraries, making it easier to find materials that are not available online. In addition to books, WorldCat contains music, videos, audiobooks, and scholarly articles.

You can also find digital research materials, including photos. When you’re logged into WorldCat through your university library, you can also access full-text articles and other resources. Or you can use WorldCat to find sources to request through interlibrary loan.

10. Your University Library

When you’re conducting academic research, your university library can be one of your best resources. In addition to online databases, journal articles, and books, your campus library also has academic librarians who can point you to the best sources.

When you don’t know where to start, reach out to an academic librarian to learn more about your school’s research tools. Or use interlibrary loan to get a scanned copy of an article. Many of the campus library’s resources are available online, making them easy to access.

How to Find Credible Sources for Research

How can you find credible sources for research and avoid misinformation? Your instructor likely recommends avoiding general web content or Wikipedia.

Finding the most reliable websites for research starts with evaluating the website itself. Sites run by academic or government organizations rank high in reliability. Databases and specialized search engines can also provide good research sources.

Next, make sure you understand the source of the information and the process used to publish it. Scholarly articles and books that undergo peer review make for the best academic resources.

Finally, when in doubt, check with your instructor or an academic librarian. They can help point you to reliable sources or double-check sources you’re unsure about.

How to Access Academic Resources

Many sites offer open-access resources. That means anyone can access the materials. Other sites restrict what you can read. For example, you might find some blank pages when searching on Google Books because of copyright restrictions. And many academic articles are behind paywalls.

Fortunately, college students benefit from one of the best resources for conducting research: the university library. Your library likely subscribes to multiple academic databases and journals. If you run into a paywall, check whether your library offers access to the resource.

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13 Interesting and Intellectual Websites to Feed Your Brain

Whether you’re looking to learn something new or see something from a new perspective, there is a wide variety of interesting websites filled with thought-provoking content. Pick your favorites and add them to your favorite RSS reader or subscribe to their email newsletters.

1. Farnam Street

2. the marginalian (formerly brain pickings), 3. ted talks.

• 4. Harper's Magazine

7. Wait But Why

8. open culture, 9. thoughtco., 10. nautilus, 11. information is beautiful, 12. longreads, 13. jstor daily, frequently asked questions.

Also read: 5 of the Best Websites to Learn Morse Code Online for Free

Helping you make the most out of your brain to learn faster and smarter.

• Articles are organized by topic for quick access
• Subscribe to a free weekly newsletter
• Has an interesting podcast as well
• Some content and features are only for paying members
• Site itself is very minimal design-wise

Farnam Street is well-known for content designed to help you learn faster, think better, improve decision making, and teach you how to use your brain better. For instance, learn from some of the biggest intellectual giants, such as Richard Feynman or Peter Bevelin . You can also pick up how to learn and recall things faster and easier than before or how to get more out of every reading session.

Make sure you don’t miss The Knowledge Podcast with incredible interviews, lessons, and amazing insights. You can get early episodes, no ads, extra content, book summaries, and more by becoming a member for $20/month or $100/year.

Also read: 7 of the Best Apps to Learn New Languages

Insightful content designed to give you a deeper meaning of life.

• Long-form content on a variety of insightful topics
• Completely ad-free
• Two different newsletters (weekly digest and random archive posts)
• Topics may sometimes feel random (though they do fit the overall theme of broadening the mind and heart)

The Marginalian , formerly known as “Brain Pickings,” is the brain child of Maria Popova. Since the site began in 2006, Popova has written millions of pages worth of content examining art, science, philosophy, history, and much more. Gain inspiration through the stories of others, such as Resolutions for a Life Worth Living , or understand how witchcraft, our universe, and science fiction relate in How Kepler Invented Science Fiction and Defended His Mother in a Witchcraft Trial While Revolutionizing Our Understanding of the Universe .

Since the site is ad-free, Popova does kindly ask that you consider donating once or even monthly to help offset the costs of running the site, but it’s not required.

Learn from thought-leaders on almost any topic through engaging talks.

• Talks are from experts and thought leaders in their fields
• Content is always engaging and sometimes even entertaining
• Each talk is designed to educate or help broaden your mind
• Some content is only for members ($5/month or $50/year)

TED Talks is one of the most interesting websites to visit. There are numerous topics, such as ancient worlds, encryption, language, music, philosophy, vulnerability, and everything in between. Talks are usually less than 20 minutes, making them ideal to listen to on the way to work. There are also transcripts available.

You can also check out podcasts via the TED Audio Collective or read the insightful Ideas blog . While you can search by topic or get recommendations, a few great talks to get you started include Tim Urban: Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator , Jon Ronson: When Online Shaming Goes Too Far , and Andrew Solomon: Depression, the Secret We Share.

Also read: 8 of the Best Mental Health Apps on Android

4. Harper’s Magazine

Long-form journalism at its best as the magazine examines culture, politics, society, and the environment.

• Founded in 1850 and even featured Theodore Roosevelt, Tom Wolfe and Winston Churchill
• Original and innovative thinking is the premise
• Covers politics, society, the environment, and more through a thorough journalistic approach, along with fiction and engaging essays
• Some content is only for print/digital subscribers ($23.99 for one year or $33.99 for two years)

Harper’s Magazine started in print in 1850 to encourage new and well-known voices to talk about the issues of the day. It’s still going strong today. If you prize well-researched long-form content with interviews, facts, and new perspectives, this might just be one of the most intellectual sites to visit.

Find the month’s latest statistics in the Harper’s Magazine Index or thoughtful articles on current issues, such as February’s feature Free Country on extremist gun rights. While some posts are behind a paywall, subscriptions give you access to Harper’s Magazine’s full 171-year archive. Or you could try to bypass the paywall at your own risk.

The ad-free place for serious thinkers; discover the world from new perspectives.

• Completely ad-free and no paywall (donations are welcome)
• Covers a wide range of topics from history to technology
• Includes text and video content, including an entire section specifically from experts
• May feel too psychological for some readers

Aeon is a unique place on the Internet filled with thought-provoking ideas from a wide range of voices. The site includes essays, videos, and audio content on philosophy, science, psychology, society, and culture. You’ll find interesting essays about animals, such as Becoming a Centaur , and details about ancient worlds, such as this piece on Uncovering Sparta .

The Ideas section of the site provides in-depth content created by experts in their fields. Psychologists, philosophers, and more come together to explain human nature. Subscribe to the free newsletter so that you never miss a thing. Also check out Aeon’s partner site, Psyche , for more about the human condition.

Also read: Top 9 Mental Health Podcasts to Add to Your Playlist

Read and even write about any topic imaginable, helping you learn something new every day.

• Almost any topic imaginable is available on Medium
• Editors hand-pick front page content in each category
• You can contribute your own thought-provoking content
• Anyone can contribute, which means some content won’t be as great as others
• Only some content is free, with the rest requiring a $5/month subscription to help pay writers

Medium is a unique entry on this list, but it’s equally one of the most interesting and weird websites to feed your brain. Since it’s a blogging platform, you never know what you might find. However, that’s part of the appeal. Long-form, well-written content typically rises to the top. To make it easier to find the best content, editors hand-pick what to feature.

You can also find individual publications on specific topics, where content is carefully chosen. For instance, Personal Growth and Better Humans both help you learn how to live better, while Start It Up helps you grow your ideas.

Answering the world’s most burning questions with some light-hearted humor and visuals.

• Looks like a comic site, but you’ll always leave with new knowledge
• Explains complex topics in layman’s terms with plenty of visuals
• Learn and laugh at the same time
• Content is uploaded very sporadically
• Might feel too cartoony for some (but that’s also what makes it great)

Wait But Why is easily one of the most interesting websites to visit to learn something new or just to procrastinate when you’re bored. Think of it as a mix between webcomics and a deep dive into human nature, science, and even culture. It may seem weird at first, then you realize it’s just a cool website that really can do it all.

Mailbag posts are some of the best, as Tim Urban tries to answer reader questions with a mix of humor and well-researched facts. You’ll even find the occasional series about society in general.

Also read: 12 of the Best Websites to Read Manga Online

Culture and education blend into a platform filled with free brain food resources.

• Free educational resources, including courses, audiobooks, textbooks, and more
• Long-form cultural content, both text and video
• Content on numerous topics
• All the resource lists can feel overwhelming

Open Culture is the place to go if you’re looking for educational resources, such as academic courses, free textbooks, and language lessons. You’ll also find lists of movies, lectures, favorite books of famous individuals, and more. In addition to all the free resources, there are also regular posts on a variety of topics, such as The Amazing Engineering of the James Webb Telescope (astronomy), Sci-Fi Pioneer Hugo Gernsback Predicts Telemedicine in 1925 (health), and Behold the Photographs of John Thomson, the First Western Photographer to Travel Widely Through China (1870s) (travel & history).

Easily find content by filtering by topic. Otherwise, just scroll and enjoy the latest posts.

Thoughtful and educational content designed to further your learning throughout your life.

• All content written by experts in their fields
• Focused on expanding your education no matter your age
• Includes language-learning resources (including ESL)
• Doesn’t feature any opinion or perspective-style pieces
• Content doesn’t have much personality

ThoughtCo. is a premiere educational resource for both kids and adults. It focuses heavily on science, technology, and math, but also includes humanities and languages. All writers have degrees and a professional background in the fields they write about.

For adult learners, there’s guidance on how to continue your education and potential paths in different fields. Or anyone of any age can just browse and learn something new every day. Find out more about Martin Luther King, Jr. , learn why math is considered a language , or discover the relationship between culture and nature .

Also read: 10 Useful YouTube Channels That Teach You How to Code

Learning how science connects the world with deep dives and engaging content.

• Deep dives into various science topics
• Features different themes monthly
• Offers narrated stories to listen to
• Only focuses on science
• Must subscribe for some content (offers three different plans)

Nautilus is a popular print science magazine that’s also available online. You can read most of the current issue’s content for free on the website, but there are ads. Each month, there’s a new theme that uses science to explain how the world’s connected, including combining science with culture, humanity, and nature.

A subscription to the print magazine or a Nautilus Prime subscription gives you full access to the current issue ad-free, along with past editions.

A beautifully visual look into the most important news and statistics in the world.

• Absorb content quickly with graphics
• Ideal for brain food snacks
• Covers a variety of topics
• No long-form content
• Content is random

Information Is Beautiful is unlike any other site on this list. Still, it’s one of the most interesting websites and incredibly fun to use. Instead of long-form content, everything is presented in graphical form, such as charts, mind-maps, and infographics. You’ll find everything from COVID-19 stats to rhetological fallacies .

If you’re on the search for brain food, consider this site the appetizer or a quick snack when you have a few free minutes. However, the amount of facts you can learn is immense, making it a worthy addition to this list.

Also read: 10 of the Best Mobile Apps to Help You Stay Healthy

Discover new perspectives on culture, business, current events, and much more with long-form journalism and essays.

• Long-form content on science, business, art, books, and more
• Get unique perspectives through personal essays
• Find must-read books designed to feed your brain
• Much of the content is curated or submitted from other sites but still carefully chosen by editors to fit the site
• Supported by ads unless you buy a membership (one-time contribution, $5/month, or $50/year)

Longreads helps fund voices eager to share their thoughts, research, and investigative reporting. All content is long-form, giving you far more detail and depth to stories about local businesses, current events, cultural issues, and even the best food. Learn more about well-known lesser known figures changing the world through Longreads profiles. Try the 2021 best-of roundup to get started.

Personal essays are designed to inform, inspire, and educate, such as Debt Demands a Body . You’ll also find voices from unapologetic women, such as in the piece Inking Against Invisibility .

Also read: 10 of the Best Brain-Training Apps for Android and iOS

The place where scholars provide in-depth background on how today’s events came to be.

• All content is backed by linked research
• Content is provided by scholars and experts
• Access to academic journals, images, books, and other research materials in 75 disciplines
• Some content and resources are only for educational institutions and research organizations
• Free researcher accounts are limited to six premium posts/resources per month (premium accounts cost $19.50/month or $199/year)

JSTOR Daily takes a different approach to the news. Instead of just reporting what’s going on, scholars and experts look to the past to explain how things are different and the history of what led to today. For instance, Politics and Power in the United States looks at what led to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection. The Gruesome Truth at the Heart of Squid Game analyzes the dark undertones behind the popular series.

Topics include business, politics, culture, history, education, and more. All content is backed by research from supporting academic and/or scientific journals, which are linked to and free to read for any user. Research groups, including educational institutions, can subscribe (fees vary by type of membership and organization) to access the same research materials that JSTOR Daily writers use.

Also read: 10 of the Best Ebook Readers for Windows, macOS, and Mobile

1. Do I have to pay to use these sites?

Many of the sites above do have some sort of premium model in addition to free content. However, you can choose to only read the free content and still have more than enough brain food to keep you full of thought-provoking content.

Premium models, including donation-only models, are there to help support the hard work of the writers, marketing, and the cost of running the site itself.

2. How can I get content from all these sites in one place?

The easiest way is to use an RSS reader. These gather posts into one feed or allows you to organize content into different feeds/topics. Then, instead of having to visit each site every day or week, you just open your RSS reader.

Web-based RSS readers tend to be the easiest to use since you can log in from anywhere. However, there are also RSS readers for macOS and Windows .

3. Is all the content on the above sites completely factual?

This depends solely on the website. These are all interesting websites, but there are no guarantees that all content is factually accurate. This is especially true of any opinion and essay content. If you doubt any of the content, consider performing additional research.

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Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.

The Science Websites That We Read Every Day

There's a lot of junk on the internet, but the web is still a wonderful place to share and discover knowledge. For science enthusiasts and news connoisseurs who don't want to waste time searching out the most interesting and legit conveyors of this knowledge, Live Science editors and reporters put together a list of the science sites that we love to read. Check it out. If there's a site you think deserves to be on this list, please email us. (The following list is arranged alphabetically, and not by any ranking system.)

Ars Technica

Ars Technica offers brainy, geeky coverage of technology and science and how it intersects with our everyday lives, whether we want it to or not. The site's name, derived from the Latin for "the art of technology," reflects a perspective and a voice that is not only steeped in an appreciation of science and tech innovation, but which also deeply considers how the use of technology informs and changes human culture — and how culture and technology in turn are shaped by our own potential and shortcomings.

Atlas Obscura

Atlas Obscura explores some of the true wonders of the modern world, from people living on the planet’s most remote islands to 35-lb edible nuts that look like human buttocks. And articles like "The Real Reason Humans Need to Sleep Under Blankets" and "What Is an Island, Exactly?" answer science questions you never knew you had. Their archaeology and history coverage is fascinating, and their crowd-sourced atlas of the world's most unusual, sinister and magical spots — from an underwater prison in Estonia to a lake ringed with skeletons in India ­— will blow your mind.

BBC – Science

For science news that cuts through the clutter, there's the BBC's science section. Their science stories cover every part of the globe and beyond, and do so with sharp, concise reporting. Plus, with short succinct headlines that don't spare a single word, readers will know exactly what they're getting from every story.

Chemistry World

Did you hear about the chemist who got caught stealing and dumping cyanide down a curbside drain? Chemistry World did. Its reporters described the crime in detail, the same way they approach all their chemistry-related coverage — including its quirky stories, nerdy features and industry news. You can tell Chemistry World enjoys diving into nitty gritty science, describing how chemical bonds and reactions enable researchers to study art, distill gin, create new materials and advance renewable energy. The site also offers advice to chemists, describing routes to professorship and how to break into the field as a woman or minority.

As their name suggests, Futurism focuses on the science and tech that will shape humanity's future. Whether it's Elon Musk 's latest Tesla feature (and this site stays on top of all things Musk, Tesla and SpaceX ) or particle physics, such as an article on the elusive neutrino or human-levitating tractor beams, Futurism delivers context-filled news that seems to stay close to their forward-looking mission. Other topics Futurism reporters do a good job of covering: self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, all things robots and even space tech.

Giz is the rudest science website on the internet, publishing stories like "Ancient Elephants and Mastodons Were Totally Down with Inter-Species Boning" and "Neptune's Stinky Dark Vortex Is Fading Away Like a Bad Fart." Unfortunately for folks who prefer their science media G-Rated, the Gawker stepchild is also one of the best science reporting outlets on the internet, mixing top-tier environmental, physics and space news in with their usual tech and politics coverage.

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National Geographic

Nat Geo's got you covered if you're in the mood for breathtaking photos and stories about animals, archaeology, nature or really any kind of captivating discovery percolating up in labs the world over. Its reporters have a knack for humanizing almost any phenomena they feature, making the science relatable whether you're a scientist or armchair enthusiast.

NPR – Science

If you'd like your science news delivered into your ears rather than your eyeballs, check out the Science section of the National Public Radio (NPR) website. Their audio news stories cover a broad range of science topics, delving into global issues like climate change and conservation as well as investigating technology innovation, new directions in space exploration and the latest discoveries in health and medicine. Their "Brain Candy" section addresses slightly more esoteric science questions — such as why Olympians are turning to non-alcoholic beer as their post-sport drink of choice, and what happens when you program a neural network to generate romantic messages on candy hearts for Valentine's Day. You can also find animations and music videos by NPR science show Skunk Bear, which are as hilarious (and catchy) as they are educational.

Pacific Standard

The Pacific Standard is a bit off the beaten path of science reporting outfits. They don't do much daily blogging about science news, and approach all their stories with an eye toward social justice. But the West Coast magazine and website routinely turn out excellent writing and reporting from offbeat angles on issues like the day-to-day impacts of the changing climate, psychology, sociology and disability that appeal to science fans.

Quanta magazine

What do M-theory, Bohmian mechanics and scale-free networks have in common? Quanta Magazine has written about all of them. From the theory of everything to the logic-defying behavior of tiny subatomic particles, Quanta Magazine never shies away from the tough physics stories. Yet, despite diving right into the deep end of physics, computer science, mathematics and biology, Quanta reporters turn out stories that are always clear, engrossing page-turners that illuminate the beauty of science for even general readers.

Smithsonian.com

English scientist James Smithson founded the Smithsonian Institution nearly 200 years ago as "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." Today, Smithsonian.com delivers on that promise for anyone who can't make it to one of the institution's world-class museums or research centers. Stop by the site for an eclectic blend of science news, history essays and nature videos to make your inner scholar harrumph with satisfaction. 

Scientific American

Scientific American is not only the U.S.'s longest continuously published magazine (past contributors to the 170-year-old brand include Jonas Salk, Francis Crick and Albert Einstein), but also one of its most comprehensive science news websites. Whether you're in the mood for a 60-second podcast or a sprawling special report, SciAm has you covered with smart takes on science, culture, policy and everywhere the three intersect. 

If you're interested in astronomy and spaceflight, our sister site Space.com is the perfect site for you. Whether the news is Elon Musk sending a Tesla into space, a black hole behaving oddly, a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse or the latest in the search for alien life, Space.com reporters don't miss an astronomical beat. And if your cosmic cup of tea is more sci-fi leaning, you'll find plenty of "Star Trek"-esque articles and movie reviews.

The Guardian – Science

The science section of this nearly 200-year-old British daily newspaper covers discoveries from around the world in a succinct, clear way. The depth and breadth of their science coverage makes the Guardian a great place to browse on a lazy Saturday, when you can spend time on one of their "long reads" (such as the bogus science of race ) or scan through the latest news in health, climate change, animals, psychology, space … the list goes on and on. The visuals and ease of scrolling make the Guardian a frustration-free place among sites that are so jam-packed with ads that you can hardly read an article without being bombarded with pop-ups. 

In an age of "sound bites," Vox strives to provide information beyond the headlines — not just the "who" and "what" but the "why" and "how." Vox's science news articles are impressively in-depth, providing much needed background information and context for a wide range of topics — everything from the latest infectious disease outbreaks to fad diets to gun control research. Often, their articles provide useful infographics to help visualize complex issues. If you have the time to devote to understanding a topic, Vox gives you resources.

With its conversational and sometimes cutting tone, Wired can feel like your cool friend letting you in on a secret. Their tech reporting covers everything from the coolest gadgets to the current events that shape our lives, and their science reporting gives you a glimpse of what's happening at the cutting-edge of research.

Originally published on Live Science .

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10 Sites to Kick Off Your Scholarship Search

These websites offer free databases to help students apply for thousands of available scholarships.

10 Sites to find Scholarships

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You don't need to be at the top of your class or a star athlete to win scholarships.

Scholarships can be a good way to ease the financial burden of college or fund your education entirely. Many scholarships are merit-based , meaning they're awarded because of a student's academic, athletic, artistic or leadership abilities.

But you don't need to be at the top of your class or a star athlete to win scholarships . Many are awarded based on a student's financial need, and you may even be able to find some related to your hobbies .

Often, some of the best scholarship sources "are in your backyard ," says Angela Warfield, principal consultant and founder of college admissions consulting firm Compass Academics. School counselors as well as local cultural affinity groups, churches, clubs, community foundations and athletic organizations often award scholarships. Targeting these first is a good way to stack scholarship money, experts say.

But you should expand your search wider, and there are plenty of free websites and apps that can help. Here are 10 websites experts suggest using to start your scholarship search.

Going Merry

A popular site recommended by independent college admissions counselors is Going Merry , which aims to simplify scholarship applications for students. Signing up is free, but students can also check to see how much they're eligible for in scholarships without signing up. According to the website, students have won upward of $40,000.

"I recommend this for students due to its user-friendly platform, which simplifies the scholarship application process and aggregates numerous scholarship opportunities in one place," Denard Jones, lead college counselor at college admissions consulting company Empowerly, wrote in an email. "It offers a time-efficient approach, allowing students to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities while pursuing valuable merit aid opportunities."

Scholarships.com

This website helps students discover scholarships they qualify for, organize their matches and apply for those scholarships. The recently redesigned website has helped streamline the process even more, says Kevin Ladd, chief operating officer and co-creator of Scholarships.com and a former U.S. News contributor.

Ladd says the platform prioritizes legitimacy, accuracy and ease of function for users.

"If you found it on Scholarships.com, it is safe to apply for it," Ladd wrote in an email. "We thoroughly vet each one, ensuring it’s legit and there are no fees associated with applying. Daily, we are looking at these and checking them against the URL associated with them, looking at the deadline and dollar amount, filtering, etc. and emailing or calling the provider if necessary to ensure timeliness and accuracy."

You may have heard about the Scholly app through the television show "Shark Tank," where founder Christopher Gray shared how he earned $1.3 million in scholarships thanks partly to applying to virtually every scholarship he qualified for. He found that for many of the scholarships he won, he was one of a few applicants or the only applicant.

Financial management company SoFi estimates $100 million in scholarship money goes unclaimed each year, and Gray says he created Scholly to help students find that money. Now owned by educational lender Sallie Mae, the app is free and helps students identify scholarships based on their academic profile and demographics.

“A lot of students are taking on way more debt than they have to,” Gray says. “That’s mainly because they don’t know these scholarships exist."

Fastweb is another free scholarship search provider that claims to have a database of 1.5 million college scholarships worth over $3.4 billion. Owned by Monster.com, Fastweb also offers college planning resources and financial aid information.

"I like it because it’s got such a huge database," says Monica Matthews, author of "How to Win College Scholarships: Guides for Parents and Students in 10 Easy Steps." Matthews helped her three sons win tens of thousands of dollars in college scholarships through websites like Fastweb.

Fastweb is "the most comprehensive website for students to find scholarships," says Christopher Rim, founder and CEO of admissions consulting firm Command Education. Like many scholarship websites, Fastweb may send a lot of emails after you sign up, so Matthews recommends creating an email address specifically for scholarship searches so that your primary email inbox doesn't get flooded.

A platform created by the College Board, BigFuture allows students to search for scholarships and get help paying for college. The website claims to have a database of more than 24,000 scholarships that award more than $1.5 billion annually. The website allows students to create a profile and get matched with scholarships they qualify for.

"I recommend it to high schools because it offers a reliable tool for accessing essential information on both self-help and gift aid search processes," Jones says.

The majority of scholarships are awarded to high school seniors, but RaiseMe advertises scholarships available to students as early as their freshman year. The website matches students with micro-scholarships, which RaiseMe defines as "a small grant that you can earn during high school or community college and put towards tuition at a four-year college or university."

Students must create a profile on the website and enter their grades, hobbies, honors, awards, community service and other achievements. From there, they can potentially earn money from one of the 300 colleges that RaiseMe partners with.

On average, students who use RaiseMe and meet standard eligibility requirements for a college earn $25,000 in micro-scholarships over four years of high school, according to the website.

Previously known as Cappex, Appily is another free resource that allows students to search both schools and scholarships that they qualify for based on their personal profile and demographics. You can search for scholarships based on your year in school, and after you complete a short questionnaire, the site filters schools and scholarships that may be applicable.

"This platform provides a comprehensive scholarship database, aiding students in identifying financial aid opportunities to support their search for affordability in a personalized way by matching opportunities with student preferences," Jones says. "It also features college reviews from actual students, offering valuable insights into campus life, academics and extracurriculars."

Along with searching for scholarships, Niche.com allows students to gain a sense of a school's "personality" by reading student reviews, Hartley says. Similar to other websites, Niche matches students with scholarships that match their qualifications and provides essay-free scholarships, which some students may prefer.

Unigo is another website that pairs students with scholarships that fit their profile. The website has more than 3.6 million athletic, merit-based and company-sponsored scholarships and grants in its database, as well as 650,000 college reviews, statistics and other data points to use when vetting schools.

Users can check each month to find new scholarships that fit their profile, with some applications taking just a few minutes to complete.

Scholarships360

After struggling to find scholarships on their own, brothers Will and Brian Geiger launched Scholarships360 in 2010 to help students find money for college. Since then, the website has offered a free database of thousands of scholarships that can be filtered by grade and demographic, plus scholarships that are easy to apply for and don't require an essay.

A new site feature is that all scholarships "are now 'ungated' so that students don't need to sign up," company CEO Will Geiger wrote in an email. "We think that this makes Scholarships360 particularly student-centric as students can go directly to the scholarship website. They can also use our app to check their eligibility and get matches."

Trying to fund your education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News  Paying for College  center.

12 Ways to Win a Scholarship

Tags: students , student debt , scholarships , education , paying for college

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