Nature Photo Contest

Earth Talk: Don't tap out: How to bash the basin's ticking water bomb

Dear EarthTalk: Is the megadrought in the American West a new normal or just an anomaly? If the former, how should we be adjusting our lifestyles accordingly? — J.G., via email Research at The University of Texas shows that dry spells can be seen throughout our planet’s history, when warm waters directed storms away from […]

Baystate Health faces growing pressure over transgender care, insurance ties

Two groups of protesters demonstrated outside Baystate Health's corporate offices in Springfield last week to demand the reinstatement of gender-affirming care for youth and call for a transition to a public healthcare system.

Speaking of Nature: Tracking a brilliant songbird

The most vivid memory that I have of seeing a Canada warbler is an old one, all the way back to the end of the 20th century. I was on a springtime hike up the mighty Mount Monadnock, one of New Hampshire’s great hiking destinations. I was still in my 20s and so I thought […]

Pushback: New federal law: 'Homes are for people, not corporations'

On June 23, 2026, Congress passed H.R. 6644, known as the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, which The Guardian newspaper called “the biggest change to federal policy for buyers, renters and homebuilders in decades.” The Senate passed the bill 85-5, and the House passed it 358-32. It’s supporters say H.R. 6644 reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers to new home construction, modernizes HUD […]

My Turn: 'By their words shall ye know them'

In the ever-competing list of topics by which we choose to educate our youth, the term “Mandate of Heaven” probably ranks just below ant farming and competitive disco. Nevertheless, current events may behoove us to spend a few moments clarifying this dynastic, Chinese concept. Since our modern understanding is generally driven by consumed media, perhaps […]