On Easter Monday, after delivering his final public address, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88—closing a significant chapter as leader of...

I was the third child in a bustling Italian-American household of six — “three boys and three girls!” my parents would declare with pride, as if symmetry itself ensured stability. Ours was a world of routines and responsibilities. Chores were shared like a birthright, and our family life pulsed with a rhythm of constant motion. And yet, within all that commotion, I found myself longing for stillness — for a space to be, not just to do. It was in those quiet, stolen moments that I first discovered something vital: the human need to be seen, truly seen. Not in the spotlight or as part of a lineup, but in the quiet recognition of our individuality...

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its rapid integration into nearly every facet of our lives—from virtual assistants and chatbots to self-driving cars and smart appliances—its environmental impact is becoming harder to ignore. While many tech companies tout AI as a futuristic tool for innovation and sustainability, a growing chorus of environmentalists is sounding the alarm: could AI, ironically, be one of the biggest threats to our efforts against climate change? It’s a sobering thought. The very technology that promises to help optimize energy systems and reduce waste might also be a major driver of emissions and environmental strain. Here’s why the debate is heating up. The Hidden Cost of Intelligence Every time an AI model generates an image,...

In Massachusetts, the legislative process moves in two-year cycles, requiring advocates to repeatedly resubmit bills and rally support amidst thousands of proposals. This cycle is underway again, and at its heart are two critical bills—S.261 and H422—that threaten to drastically limit access to holistic health practitioners across the state. If these bills pass, the consequences will be profound: fewer practitioners, fewer healing options, and higher costs for both healers and those who seek their care. What’s at Stake? These bills aim to regulate alternative healing therapies and establish licensure for traditional Asian bodywork therapies. On the surface, licensing might seem reasonable—a way to ensure quality and safety. But these proposals would impose heavy burdens on a wide...