Links for you. Science:

An Engine of Fossil Discovery Fights Its Own Extinction
The Neglected Front in RFK Jr.’s War on Science
Balanced polymorphism in a floral transcription factor underlies an ancient rhythm of daily sex alternation in avocado
6 Otherworldly Deep-Sea Images from 2025
Trump comes for the oysters, slashing budget of Maryland hatchery that produces billions
‘It’s completely out of control’: Scientists warn bird flu could spark a human pandemic in 2026

Other:

“I’ve Never Seen So Many Police Cars”: Hiding out with an immigrant family in ICE-occupied Memphis. (excellent)
A Year In, the MAGA Labor Market Story Has Fallen Apart. The administration bet on government cuts, tariffs, deportations, and a gendered theory of growth. The data say otherwise. (“I wish I could tell you that the reason people in their twenties can’t find jobs and the reason many of us are likely to be poorer over the next few years was more sophisticated than “we’re going to turn all the girlbosses into tradwives once they see all the manly men at the USA iPhone-screwing factory.” But I don’t think it is.”)
US Trade Dominance Will Soon Begin to Crack. Savvy countries will discover there’s a way to mitigate the harm incurred by Trump’s tariffs—and it’ll boost their own economies while making goods cheaper too.
1 in 500 Alaskans died from COVID-19 during pandemic, state reports
The Signs of Cognitive Decline in Eleanor Holmes Norton
‘This is sickening’: Palm Beach reacts to BiCE manager at Alligator Alcatraz
Embarrassing
Trump Posts Nearly 150 Times in Unhinged Christmas Day Spree
Without pennies, should retailers round up or down? States offer their 2 cents.
2025 in Photos (D.C.)
Trump to Europe: Let every social media site spew Nazi trash—or else
Prosecuting ICE’s Goons Will Be Hard—but Not Impossible
The Executive Unbound: Politicized Bureaucracy and Partisan Procurement under DOGE
Gamers Are Extremely Mad About AI. In-game slop was bad enough. Now AI is driving up prices, too.
Kat Abughazaleh Thinks Campaign Funds Should Help Feed People
AI Is Inventing Academic Papers That Don’t Exist — And They’re Being Cited in Real Journals
Why Millennials Love Prenups. Long the province of the ultra-wealthy, prenuptial agreements are being embraced by young people—including many who don’t have all that much to divvy up.
I’m a veteran. Here’s why I voted against the defense authorization bill.
Exploring the Knives Out Universe. Are they just entertaining murder mysteries or something more?
Conservative movement apologizes to interfaith couples, won’t yet let clergy participate in weddings
Remembering Michele Reiner: Photographer, activist and ‘irate citizen’
Noise machines installed by LA Home Depot ‘torture’ for day laborers, advocates say
Did Kubrick Warn Us About Epstein With ‘Eyes Wide Shut’? (search for pattern where none exists, but fun to read)
They prosecuted the Capitol rioters. Now the rioters and the DOJ are after them.
Washington Post Says It Will Continue AI-Generating Error Filled Podcasts as Its Own Editors Groan in Embarrassment
Is Miami the key to solving homelessness, criminal justice issues in Salt Lake County?
Bondi attack is what happens when you normalise anti-Jewish hate
Rob Reiner, 1947–2025: One of the best and most versatile directors of his era.
ICE agents are staking out local courthouses. As they’ve roamed the halls, Mass. court arrests tripled
Arizona cancels medical debt for almost half-a-million residents