What the Blackcat Hack on UnitedHealth Group Exposed

A black cat hacking computer code in a dimly lit room.

How did the Blackcat hack impact the US healthcare system? What vulnerabilities did it expose? How did UnitedHealth Group and the federal government respond to the breach? A February cyberattack on Change Healthcare severely disrupted the healthcare system’s operation and exposed its vulnerability to cyber threats. The attack highlighted the sector’s systemic weaknesses, including outdated technology, a lack of dedicated cybersecurity staff, and inadequate emergency protocols. Below we’ll look at the cyberattack, what happened in the wake of the attack, and what can be done to prevent it from happening again.

Will TikTok Be Banned in the US? A Full Breakdown

The TikTok app on a phone, which could be banned in the US soon.

Will TikTok be banned in the US? Why does the House want a TikTok ban? What challenges do potential buyers of the app face? The US House of Representatives recently voted to ban TikTok unless its parent company, Chinese-owned ByteDance, sells its stake in the app. The House cited concerns about China’s access to Americans’ data and its potential to use the app to spread misinformation. A forced sale of TikTok, while plausible, appears unlikely. Continue reading to learn why the House wants to ban TikTok, what TikTok’s options are, and the outlook for the future of the app.

Is Going to College Worth It, Amidst Rising Costs?

A college degree and graduation cap in the trash as some wonder, "is going to college worth it?"

Is going to college still worth it? How has public confidence in the value of a college degree changed in recent years? What can be done to reduce the financial risk for students? A recent study shows most colleges significantly increase their graduates’ earnings, even as public confidence in the value of higher education is declining. The 2008 financial crisis, the pandemic, and swelling tuition and student loan debts are fueling Americans’ skepticism about the value of a college degree. Let’s take a look at the current value of a college degree.

What’s Causing the Nurse Shortage in the US?

An exhausted nurse in a hospital depicting the nurse shortage in the us

Why is there a nurse shortage in the US? How can hospitals and the government address it? The US nurse shortage is predicted to reach up to 5.7 million by 2030. It’s caused not by a lack of registered nurses, but by high turnover. Causes of the shortage include COVID-19-induced departures, burnout, a dearth of nursing educators, and more. Continue reading to learn about the factors causing the nursing shortage.

The Childcare Crisis in the US Keeps Getting Worse

An empty classroom displays the childcare crisis in the US

How has the end of federal pandemic funding impacted the childcare industry and families? Why is the sector struggling financially? Can state efforts fix the funding gap? The September expiration of federal pandemic support has put the US childcare sector in a state of crisis and left families struggling with soaring childcare costs. Staffing shortages, low wages, rising costs, and unpredictable income streams have forced many childcare providers to raise tuition or close. Continue reading as we delve into the causes and effects of the childcare crisis in the US.

How Regenerative Agriculture Practices May Affect Farming

Farmland representing the change to regenerative agricultural practices

What is regenerative agriculture? Why is it crucial for the future of farming? What challenges exist in shifting to regenerative farming practices? In September 2023, leading food and beverage companies came together with farmers, academics, and NGOs to establish the first industrywide definition of regenerative agriculture. Regenerative farming can mitigate the environmental and health impacts of traditional farming methods in multiple ways. Keep reading to learn about regenerative agriculture practices and the ways they help the environment.

Odysseus Moon Landing & the Future of Space Exploration

A photo of the Odysseus moon landing taken by Intuitive Machines

What does the Odysseus moon landing mean for the future of space travel? How can the space industry sustain its growth and maximize its impact on the economy? The February Odysseus moon landing, funded by private investment, has reignited global interest in space. Private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic will play a pivotal role in the evolution of the space economy, fostering innovation, competition, and space exploration. Keep reading to learn about Odysseus and its implications.

How Do Trees Survive Winter? The Science Behind It

Trees in the winter covered in snow and a stream flows through the forest

How do trees survive in winter? How can they withstand the cold? In what ways do trees cooperate? Trees live on little more than sunlight, water, and the nutrients they draw from the soil. They respond to changes in the seasons and weather even the harshest winters. Recent research indicates they may be less solitary than they appear, and may help each other survive the cold. Here’s a look at the science behind how trees survive winter.

Legislation for Online Safety for Kids Faces Obstacles

A child sitting on her bedroom floor recording a video on her phone for social media

What’s the holdup over legislation to bolster child safety online? What concerns do tech giants have about potential legislation? Despite growing outrage over tech giants’ failure to address child exploitation on social media platforms, federal legislation to tackle the issue has stalled in the US Senate for years. The delay has been caused by tech lobbyists, competing legislative priorities, and the challenge of balancing parental concerns with children’s rights. Below we’ll dive into what the opponents and advocates of legislation for online safety for kids say.

The US Dairy Industry Is Declining—Here’s Why

Dairy milk being poured into a cereal bowl on a kitchen table

Why is the dairy industry declining in the United States? How are plant-based milk alternatives impacting the dairy industry? What changes are on the horizon for the dairy industry and farmers? The American dairy industry is facing an unprecedented decline, with milk consumption at an all-time low. Shifting dietary preferences, a growing concern for health and the environment, and government policies are fueling the decline and worsening American dairy farmers’ woes. Keep reading for an insightful look into the US dairy industry.