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Today’s essential reads

An Ancient Diary Reveals How 3 Horrifying Summers May Have Altered the Path of an Entire Nation

What a time to be alive.

Why Is Everyone Talking About Getting ‘Oneshotted’?

A slang term for the extremely online also serves as a weird mirror of the internet experience.

The First Seven Things to Cut From Your Budget When You Lose Your Job

When you lose your income, your first instinct should be to cut back your spending. But how do you do that in practical terms? Here are my tips for identifying where you can cut costs until you secure a new gig.

“Brain Flossing” Will Help You Chill Out in Minutes

“Brain flossing” music can help soothe anxiety and help you focus, according to experts.

Scientists Finally Figured Out Why Tomatoes Don’t Kill You

Once believed poisonous, tomatoes still contain toxic compounds. So why can we eat them?

Fascinating stories

7 Things You Might Not Know About Calvin and Hobbes

Like the questionable legality of that little bumper sticker.

Is Method Acting Falling Out of Fashion?

The divisive technique has its detractors, though it has also wrought quite a few Oscar-winning performances.

Is AI Really Thinking and Reasoning — or Just Pretending to?

The best answer — AI has “jagged intelligence” — lies in between hype and skepticism.

99% of People Say This is the First Thing They Look for in a Roommate

More Americans than ever are choosing to live with a roommate—but what qualities make up the ideal roomie?

Layer Your Clothes to Stay Comfortable in Any Weather

Learn how to use base layers, mid layers, and a shell to be comfortable no matter what nature throws at you.

Discover More Topics

Want to Reduce Soreness After a Workout? Make Time for This 4-Step Routine

These simple post-workout activities can help reduce pain and even improve athletic performance. But many people don't prioritize recovery and self-care after exercise.

A Hippie Memoir That Will Send You on a Trek Through Kathmandu

And other books that will broaden your horizons.

The 15 Best Room Design Apps For Planning a Room Layout and Design

Learn more about our favorite apps that allow you to get creative with interior (and exterior) design.

Zelenskyy Says He’s Willing to Give up Presidency for Peace in Ukraine or NATO Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday he would be willing to resign from his post in exchange for peace in Ukraine or NATO membership.

EV Battery Manufacturing Capacity Will Rise When 10 New Plants Come Online This Year. But Can They Thrive in Chaos?

Donald Trump will preside over a near-doubling of U.S. battery manufacturing capacity for EVs in 2025. His policies will help to determine if the new plants succeed.

Four Ways Dancing Makes You Happier

Human bodies are hardwired for dance, which might explain why it’s so good for our health, happiness, and relationships.

What Do James Baldwin’s Clothes Tell Us About Him?

James Baldwin’s wardrobe was a form of code-switching, a sartorial dialect he adapted to navigate different worlds.

MLB Tests Robot Umpires During Spring Training. Here’s What to Know

MLB has installed the automated ball-strike system in 13 spring training ballparks that are home to 19 teams.

Spirit Awards Winners List: ‘Anora’ Wins Big, Taking Home Best Feature, Lead Performance and Director

Check out the full list of winners at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards.

Kansas City Looks Back on its Long, Costly Ride With Microtransit

Since 2016, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority has offered door-to-door trips from on-demand shuttles. Here’s what the transit operator has learned.