In the wisdom of my Aunt Lil, who lived vibrantly to 103, she once said, “At any age, it’s wonderful to have a lover—even...

On a frigid January day blanketed in snow, thirteen citizens stood hand-in-hand in Sherborn, Massachusetts, forming a human chain in front of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. It was Inauguration Day—January 20, 2025—and also the Martin Luther King Day of Service. The symbolism could not have been more powerful. In this moment of transition, as the nation held its collective breath, these individuals engaged in peaceful civil disobedience, forming what they called the “Peace Chain,” to sound an alarm about the state of democracy. Among them were Quaker activists Bill Holcombe and Lewis Randa, whose refusal to simply go quietly has led them to face charges of “disturbing the peace.” Rather than accept a quiet dismissal...

Summer break often sparks a question for families: how can we keep children engaged and learning while school is out? For many kids, exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can be a fun and enriching way to do just that. Yet recent federal cuts to education and research funding have made access to formal STEM programs like robotics camps or advanced math classes less available for many children. This shift places more responsibility on families and caregivers to nurture curiosity and problem-solving skills at home. Drawing on research and real-world examples, here are four practical and playful ways parents and caregivers can support children’s STEM learning during the summer—fostering confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. 1. Identify...

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), once a steadfast guardian of America’s air, water, and ecosystems, is facing an existential crisis. In the wake of President Donald Trump’s re-election, more than 300 EPA career employees have walked out the door—not out of convenience, but in protest and fear of what the agency is becoming. Inside the EPA’s walls, a painful dilemma looms for many who remain: resign quietly, or stay and fight against an administration determined to dismantle the very mission they’ve dedicated their careers to upholding. A Mission Undermined Since its founding, the EPA has served as a bulwark against environmental degradation, enforcing laws that protect human health and the planet. But the agency’s direction under Trump’s second...