Why Are Groceries Getting So Expensive?

A woman in a grocery store holding bread and contemplating why groceries are so expensive

Why are groceries getting so expensive, despite inflation going down? What role does greed play? How is the government responding? Surging grocery store prices have left American families paying an average of 25% more for food since the pandemic’s onset. Lower-income families are disproportionately affected. Factors fueling the price hikes include supply chain struggles, corporate profiteering, and the war in Ukraine. Continue reading for more insights into the rising cost of groceries.

How to Avoid Job Offer Scams: Red Flags & Warning Signs

A man in a business suit and clown makeup who is the victim of a job offer scam

What is a job offer scam? How can you tell if a job posting is real or fake? What can happen if you fall for a fake job offer? Rising employment fraud in the US is costing job seekers $2 billion annually. To protect against scams, experts recommend thoroughly researching companies, insisting on in-person or video interviews, and not responding to requests for money. Keep reading to learn how employment scams happen and how to avoid them.

How AI Chatbots Are Changing the Future of Communication

A man talking to an AI chatbot in a depiction of the future of communication

What are the pros and cons of using AI chatbots? Are chatbots like ChatGPT the future of communication? How are chatbots changing how we connect with other humans? The growing prevalence and sophistication of chatbots is reshaping human language, communication, and relationships. As people interact with increasingly human-like chatbots, their conversations with humans could turn more transactional, diluting their ability to empathize and build rapport. Continue reading for a look at chatbots’ effects on communication and the potential risks.

Journalism Layoffs Threaten Truth and Democracy

A newspaper store in a city with a closing sign on the front door

Why are journalism layoffs at an all-time high? Why is this so dangerous for society? Which outlets are the most likely to survive? Traditional journalism faces a cataclysmic crisis due to the rise of tech giants, outdated business models, and consumer behavior shifts. The crisis has led to massive job losses in journalism and increased mistrust of the media. Experts warn it could fuel manipulation in democratic processes. Keep reading to learn what’s behind the layoffs and the detrimental effects they could have.

The Cause of the Severe Weather in California

A young man walking through a flooded city street wearing a backpack

What is an atmospheric river? How are they affecting California’s weather? Will California’s weather get more or less extreme in the coming years? A record-breaking storm hit California in early February 2024, causing widespread flooding in major cities. Researchers predict that as global temperatures continue to rise, California will experience more intense storms with increased dry spells between them. Continue reading to learn what’s behind the severe weather in California and the challenges it creates.

The Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language for Your Brain

A senior man studying a different language in a notebook in a classroom

What are the advantages of learning a foreign language? Can learning another language help prevent Alzheimer’s? Do language apps actually help? Learning a second language is a big challenge for your brain. Research suggests it might be the right kind of challenge to boost your executive function, improve your cognitive skills, and even delay the symptoms of cognitive decline.  Here’s the psychological research behind learning another language.

FTC Investigates Anthropic and OpenAI Monopoly Concerns

A phone on a laptop that has Open AI on the screen

Is Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI a monopoly? What’s the extent of the FTC investigation so far? What are the potential consequences for the companies involved? The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet’s huge investments in AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic violate antitrust laws by stifling competition. The outcome of the probe could have significant consequences for the parties involved. Here’s a more in-depth look at the FTC investigation.

Biden’s Natural Gas Suspension: Environment vs. Economy

A cargo ship on the ocean carrying liquid natural gas.

What are the environmental consequences of natural gas exports? How is the Biden administration tackling the trade-off between increased natural gas exports and climate change goals? The Biden administration has temporarily suspended approval of natural gas exports to non-free trade agreement countries. As Democrats prepare for the 2024 presidential election, they must balance the economic benefits of increasing natural gas exports with fulfilling climate change pledges. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of Biden’s natural gas suspension.

Why Tech Industry Layoffs Aren’t Going Away

A man organizing paper at his desk in an office.

Will tech industry layoffs slow down this year? Why are companies cutting jobs? What can tech workers do to navigate the rocky landscape? Thousands of tech professionals are out of work as industry layoffs persist in 2024, raising concerns about the sector’s stability. Big tech companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, have announced more layoffs for the future, prompted by post-pandemic hiring corrections and strategic pivots to focus on AI. Here’s a closer look at who’s getting laid off and why.