2026-10-06 -- control

#1 · news-in-context Aug 5, 2026

See who appointed the Supreme Court's 116 throughout its history.

This data visualization from USAFacts shows the tenure of Supreme Court justices from confirmation to departure, by the nominating president's party.

Nearly 70% of Supreme Court justices confirmed in the past 50 years were nominated by a Republican president.
Republican-appointed justices made up a majority of the Supreme Court for around eight of every ten years since reaching its current size.
Nine of FDR's nominees were confirmed, the most of any president since nine justice seats became the norm.

lead Supreme Court Term Begins own · sim 0.42 · keep 0.40 · score -9

#2 · explainers Jun 30, 2026

Why school boards ban dystopian books

Journalist Ali Velshi analyzes the lasting appeal of Lois Lowry's "The Giver" and George Orwell's "1984," two dystopian novels that have courted controversy since their publications. Beyond his interpretations, though, Velshi wants to understand why school boards perennially ban these books—and what makes them so fascinating for adolescent readers. In his search, he talks to Lowry about the lasting influence of her novel and to Orwell expert James McCallister about the prescient political portrait in "1984."

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#3 · longform May 20, 2026

Hear from both sides of the attempt to ban books across the country, which spiked by more than 1,100% between 2020 and 2022

During that period, more than 2,500 titles were challenged across 37 states, with activists targeting books on race, slavery, and gender identity. This CBS report hears from the founders of Moms for Liberty, a teacher removed for giving students access to banned books, and "Maus" cartoonist Art Spiegelman.

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#4 · explainers Mar 10, 2026

Taylor Swift was the first artist to occupy every one of the top 10 slots on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

Swift's 2022 release "Midnights" led to an unprecedented feat: For the first time in Billboard history, the entire top 10 of the Hot 100 was occupied by the same artist.

Two years later, "The Tortured Poets Department" would occupy the first 14 slots on the chart.
Streaming changed the calculus of the Hot 100, allowing listeners to access songs (and repeatedly listen to them) without having to physically purchase a release or call a radio station to request that it play it.

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La sibling · sim 0.60 · keep 0.33 · score -1

#5 · curiosity Oct 6, 2026

'The Life of a Showgirl' was Swift's 15th chart-topping album

That places her second on Billboard's all-time list, though streaming has significantly changed how "sales" are interpreted. Prior to the shift to digital music, Billboard's album chart relied solely on sales of physical units. Since 2014, the chart has also considered streams from services like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La sibling · sim 0.49 · keep 0.16 · score -3

#6 · curiosity Jul 8, 2026

Taylor Swift's relationship with Kansas City Chief's star Travis Kelce helped boost the NFL's popularity, especially among younger generations.

Consumer surveys revealed that 13% of Americans said Swift increased their interest in watching football, with that number reaching 24% for Gen Z respondents.

The first time Swift made an appearance at a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium in 2023, a merch company found that Kelce became one of the top five-selling NFL players that day, and saw "a nearly 400% spike in sales throughout [their] network of sites, including NFLShop.com."

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La sibling · sim 0.46 · keep 0.33 · score -8

#7 · experiences Aug 11, 2026

Explore a visualization of the data behind Ben & Jerry's legendary ice cream flavors.

etc The most beloved ice cream flavor in each state. sibling · sim 0.55 · keep 0.57 · score -2

#8 · curiosity Oct 1, 2026

'Halloween' is one of the most profitable indie films of all time, making $47M in its initial run despite a modest budget.

The film skimped on costuming, paying $200 for star Jamie Lee Curtis' entire wardrobe and just $1.98 for the ominous killer's now-iconic mask.

The crew created the killer Michael Myers' mask by painting a store-bought mask of Captain Kirk—William Shatner's character from "Star Trek"—white.
Director John Carpenter also composed the score, which he wrote in three days after a test audience said the film wasn't scary enough.
Roger Ebert argued that Carpenter’s filmmaking techniques, alongside his original score, made the film a "carefully painted" work.

etc What Halloween was like 100 years ago. own · sim 0.40 · keep 0.56 · score -2

#9 · curiosity Aug 11, 2026

97% of Americans polled say they like or love ice cream

The top flavor for Americans was vanilla, with chocolate taking the second spot.

29% of Americans prefer to eat ice cream from a waffle cone; 9% prefer it straight out of the carton.
The poll—conducted by the International Dairy Foods Association and Morning Consult—asked over 2,200 American adults.

etc The most beloved ice cream flavor in each state. own · sim 0.59 · keep 0.55 · score -1

#10 · news-in-context May 20, 2026

Book-banning attempts remained near record highs in 2025

The American Library Association recorded 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second-highest level ever documented. Nearly all challenges, 92%, came from organized groups or government officials rather than individual parents.

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#11 · explainers Feb 25, 2026

The Supreme Court term runs from October to June

The Supreme Court of the United States begins each term on the first Monday in October, alternating two-week sittings and recesses, hearing arguments mainly on Mondays through Wednesdays, and deciding which of thousands of petitions will receive full review.

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#12 · longform Jan 9, 2026

The Kent State massacre sparked a nationwide student strike

In 1970, the Ohio National Guard opened fire on Kent State University students—peacefully protesting the Vietnam War—and killed four. The tragedy led to more widespread nationwide protests, shutting down more than 200 colleges and universities. The event led to a Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of a slain and grieving student.

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#13 · explainers Nov 13, 2024

In 2023 Taylor Swift made history having the most #1 albums of any female artist

Taylor Swift is as much a businesswoman and a marketer as she is a successful musician and performer, all of which has helped her become one of the biggest entertainment stars of the modern era.

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La own · sim 0.50 · keep 0.14 · score -2

#14 · curiosity Dec 6, 2024

Gaming out how our solar system might catch a new planet

If Pluto's downgraded status to a dwarf planet has got you down, consider this: Scientists think there's a chance our solar system could catch a new planet. The first ever observed so-called Interstellar Object was reported in 2017, a reddish, cigar-shaped rock astronomers named Oumuamua. Although it left in 2022, scientists believe an object with the right mass and trajectory might take a seat at the planetary table. Learn how it would work here.

itk Astronomers discover first known second-generation planet orbiting the remains of the dead own · sim 0.54 · keep 0.44 · score -1

#15 · curiosity May 21, 2026

Extreme heat is neurologically impairing animals

Dog bites increase in summer, birds struggle to learn, and goats pick more fights. Scientists are unraveling new details about how heat impairs animals' neurological systems.

itk Medical professionals link heat waves to a 25% increase in medical complications among pre own · sim 0.46 · keep 0.63 · score -7

#16 · experiences Oct 6, 2026

Thanks to digitized archives, shipwreck hunters can now do in a day the research that once took them at least a week or two.

Autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles now let explorers reach almost any depth in the ocean without risking human lives.

Searchers found Shackleton's Endurance in 2022, using sonar and an underwater robot while their ship's propellers kept nearby ice clear.
Many of the estimated 3 million vessels lost in the sea are expected to never be found.

etc Seven-year-old's beach walk cracks a 300-year-old shipwreck mystery. own · sim 0.53 · keep 0.41 · score -3

#17 · curiosity Mar 24, 2026

A researcher thinks she knows why people keep touching museum exhibits

A museologist who studied unauthorized touch at the British Museum concluded that people may feel it's difficult to learn about things "unless you handle them" and that people are trying to connect with the past, viscerally. Her work has included interviewing British Museum visitors who committed unauthorized touches and spending extensive periods observing people touching prohibited items across 2004 and 2005.

etc Ever wanted to interact with a museum artifact? Now you can. sibling · sim 0.51 · keep 0.67 · score -2

#18 · curiosity Sep 28, 2026

Watch Mark Zuckerberg explain Meta's Tamagotchi-like Muse charm.

etc Ever wanted to interact with a museum artifact? Now you can. own · sim 0.42 · keep 0.26 · score -11

#19 · news-in-context Apr 23, 2025

Americans are reading fewer books than in the past

A 2022 Gallup survey found that Americans are reading fewer books than ever before. An additional study found that the time people spend reading has dropped over the last 20 years. The most compelling narrative for the shift? Screens have stolen potential readers, occupying the time that they otherwise would’ve spent with books.

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#20 · explainers Jan 20, 2026

The 2025-26 Supreme Court docket is poised to reshape presidential power

As the Supreme Court begins a new term, several major cases could define the scope of presidential authority. The court may rule on President Trump's efforts to control state National Guard units, fire independent officials, impose tariffs, and cut congressionally mandated federal spending.

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#21 · news-in-context Aug 3, 2026

In a spring 2026 survey, more Americans said they support a ban on students using cellphones during the entire school day than oppose it.

About half of US adults (48%) said they support a “bell-to-bell” school cellphone ban for middle and high school students in a survey conducted at the end of May 2026. That's an increase from the 36% response to the same question in 2024.

For the first time, more adults support such a ban than oppose it, but 43% still oppose the idea, and 8% are unsure.
Support for such a ban was not uniform among adults, with young adults reporting the lowest support.
At least 22 states, as well as Washington, DC, had enacted full-day bans on school cellphone use as of spring 2026.
Florida adopted the first US school cellphone ban in May 2023.

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#22 · explainers Jan 13, 2026

Ultraprocessed foods include preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, and more

Processed foods are those that have been altered from their original state, which includes numerous processes that we consider natural, such as cooking or salting. Ultraprocessed foods contain at least one item that wouldn't be found in a kitchen, like hydrogenated oils or high-fructose corn syrup. It's estimated that nearly 75% of all foods consumed in the US are ultraprocessed, though that doesn't mean that all of them are unhealthy. In fact, some, such as prepackaged whole wheat bread and soy milk, are recognized for their health benefits.

itk People who eat ultraprocessed meals have higher insulin and blood sugar levels shortly aft own · sim 0.59 · keep 0.38 · score -1

#23 · curiosity Feb 27, 2026

The dot-com bubble burst in 2000 when the Nasdaq dropped more than 76% in roughly 2 years

Between 1995 and 2000, the Nasdaq Composite index jumped from roughly 1,000 to 5,000 amid excitement over new internet companies. As venture capitalists dumped money into startups, those same companies struggled to turn a profit, leading to a bubble. The Nasdaq wouldn't reach its former high until 2015.

itk US stock markets close up (S&P 500 +0.7%, Dow +0.2%, Nasdaq +1.1%) as the Nasdaq composite own · sim 0.41 · keep 0.21 · score -28

#24 · curiosity May 11, 2024

High fuel prices and fuel shortages revived dormant interest in EVs

Electric vehicles, in the form of motorized carriages, predate the invention of the gas-powered automobile by over 40 years. The latter's affordability made it more popular until technological advances made EVs more viable to consumers in the early 2000s.

itk General Motors to reintroduce hybrid vehicles to US lineup as the gasoline-electric cars a sibling · sim 0.48 · keep 0.16 · score -6

#25 · experiences May 13, 2026

A resting rhino tops the best travel photos of the year

The annual Travel Photographer of the Year awards are in for 2022, and the winner this year features one of the last two remaining Northern White rhinos. Check out the other categories and runners up.

etc See this year's best dog photo. own · sim 0.47 · keep 0.27 · score -6

#26 · curiosity Feb 6, 2026

Deep Blue is the largest great white shark ever caught on camera

In 2019, Deep Blue was one of three huge great whites spotted off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, an uncommon place for sightings of white sharks. The unique series of sightings aroused curiosity and amazement from islanders and scientists alike.

etc Meet South Korea's new obsession, Bukangi the shark. sibling · sim 0.41 · keep 0.52 · score -4

#27 · curiosity Jun 18, 2026

'Shark Week' began as a late-summer programming block dedicated to shark conservation and dispelling myths perpetuated by popular media like Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws', but over time, it began incorporating more sensationalized content.

The first "Shark Week" was in 1988 and opened with "Caged in Fear," a documentary about motorized shark cages; the 10 shows in the lineup nearly doubled the Discovery Channel's normal ratings.

In the next few years, the series grew cheekier, with 1990's "Shark Week: The Revenge" even referencing the subtitle of a "Jaws" sequel.
"Shark Week" has also aired shows that use the aesthetics of documentary but are actually fictional stories, like "Lair of the Mega Shark," "Zombie Sharks," and "Alien Sharks: Return to the Abyss," leading some scientists to criticize Discovery for inaccuracy and perpetuating unfounded fears about sharks.
In 2014, Discovery was criticized for creating a YouTube video that appeared to capture footage of a shark in Lake Ontario that was later revealed to be a hoax intended to promote that year's "Shark Week."

etc Meet South Korea's new obsession, Bukangi the shark. sibling · sim 0.43 · keep 0.43 · score -3

#28 · news-in-context Aug 4, 2026

The Atlantic proclaimed that 'The End of Reading is Here,' which might be alarmist but is based on significant data.

A 2024 standardized test showed that only 35% of American high school seniors were deemed "Proficient" in reading.

35% scored below "Basic," meaning they couldn't draw conclusions or use context clues to decode new words.
Less than half of Americans read a single book in 2022.

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#29 · explainers Feb 25, 2026

The Supreme Court curbed the EPA's power to regulate carbon emissions in 2022

In West Virginia v. EPA, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the EPA exceeded its authority by requiring industrywide carbon cuts. Chief Justice Roberts' opinion invoked the "major questions" doctrine, which limits the ability of federal agencies to act without explicit congressional approval.

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#30 · news-in-context Jun 22, 2026

Independent bookstores are expanding across the country, though studies show literacy rates are rapidly declining, with only 35% of American high school seniors considered proficient readers.

35% of seniors scored at or above "proficient" on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the lowest level since the test was first administered in 1992.

Almost a third scored below "basic," indicating significant difficulty finding key details to determine meaning.
Meanwhile, the American Booksellers Association reports that independent bookstores have grown 70% since 2020; additionally, Barnes & Noble, the national chain, opened 50 new locations in 2024.
Writer Ellen O'Connell Whittet argues that bookstores are indicative of reading as a status symbol in affluent communities, while literacy is declining most sharply in lower-income schools and areas.

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#31 · explainers Oct 6, 2026

After delisting and going private for nearly two years in the midst of the Great Recession, General Motors went public for the second time in 2010 in what was then the largest IPO in history.

On Nov. 18 2010, GM raised at least $20B and closed the day trading at $35 per share, up $2 from the initial asking price.

GM, which had gone private and declared bankruptcy in 2009, was eager to shake the perceptions that the company was being controlled by the US government, which held about 60% of the company leading up to the IPO.
Although it sold roughly half of its stake in the company in the IPO, the US government did not fully exit GM until 2013.

itk General Motors to reintroduce hybrid vehicles to US lineup as the gasoline-electric cars a own · sim 0.51 · keep 0.10 · score -5

#32 · curiosity Jan 31, 2026

John Dingell Jr. was the longest-serving member of the House

John Dingell Jr. served 59 years in the United States House of Representatives, representing his Michigan constituents. This list highlights the 33 House members in US history who have served 40 years or longer.

itk Former Republican House speaker Dennis Hastert dies at age 84; the longest-serving Republi sibling · sim 0.46 · keep 0.43 · score -1

#33 · curiosity Jan 31, 2026

McCarthy set a modern record with 15 ballots to become House speaker

In January 2023, Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker of the United States House of Representatives on the 15th ballot. This required more rounds than any speaker election since before the Civil War and marking the longest multiballot speakership contest in modern history.

itk Former Republican House speaker Dennis Hastert dies at age 84; the longest-serving Republi own · sim 0.43 · keep 0.11 · score -2

#34 · experiences May 10, 2022

See an anamorphic illusion of a massive crashing wave in South Korea

An enormous aquarium with perpetually crashing waves has popped up amidst an urban landscape in South Korea, but don’t expect to hear the water sloshing around if you walk by. Designed by District, the elevated tank is actually a massive anamorphic illusion. The digital media company created the pub

etc Meet South Korea's new obsession, Bukangi the shark. own · sim 0.49 · keep 0.65 · score -1

#35 · curiosity May 24, 2022

The best restaurant tasting experiences in every state

Looking for the best tasting experiences that are a must-try in your home state or anywhere you may be traveling? Here are your options.

etc The most beloved ice cream flavor in each state. sibling · sim 0.51 · keep 0.66 · score -3

#36 · curiosity Mar 10, 2026

America's ice cream obsession began under Prohibition, with the street treat acting as a legal vice that helped ease the pain of the Great Depression.

The emotional attachment to the sweet treat began during Prohibition, when many brewers started churning out ice cream instead of alcohol.

Some of the country's biggest breweries, including Anheuser-Busch and Yuengling, saw ice cream production as the only way to stay solvent after their primary product was made illegal.
By 1929, American ice cream consumption had grown to more than a million gallons per day.
In 1929, ice cream maker William Dreyer marketed Rocky Road as a sweet treat intended to distract consumers from the Great Depression.

etc The most beloved ice cream flavor in each state. sibling · sim 0.48 · keep 0.63 · score -4

#37 · news-in-context Jan 27, 2026

40% of Americans didn't read a book in 2025, with 19% of adults responsible for 82% of the country's book reading.

The median American only read two books in 2025.

Americans with more education are more likely to read more books, with those who have earned postgraduate degrees reading a median of five books.
Most of the books Americans read are consumed by a small segment of the population, with 4% of readers accounting for nearly half of all books read.

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#38 · explainers Mar 10, 2026

Explore the most impactful Supreme Court cases in US history

Browse by constitutional topic to explore key rulings, their historical impact, and the legal principles they established. Each case includes a summary of the decision, along with notable excerpts from majority and dissenting opinions.

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#39 · news-in-context Aug 7, 2026

As of 2023, more than 130 nations have enacted bans or restrictions on plastic items, starting with Bangladesh's ban on plastic bags in 2002.

In 2015, the US banned microbeads—a type of primary microplastic—in cosmetics and personal care products, followed by the UK, Canada, Taiwan, and New Zealand.

Several US states have enacted restrictions on plastic bags, straws, food containers, and other single-use plastics, while others have prohibited bans on plastic.
Research shows plastic bans can be effective in curbing plastic use, including California's ban on thin plastic bags, which reduced consumption by more than 70%.

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#40 · explainers Dec 30, 2024

Taylor Swift is one of the world's most successful artists

Swift is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. She has sold more than 200 million records and won multiple Grammy Awards. Known for her storytelling and ability to reinvent her music, she’s expanded her career from country roots to global pop stardom.

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La sibling · sim 0.48 · keep 0.49 · score -4

#41 · curiosity Oct 6, 2026

'Johnny Appleseed' was the itinerant horticulturalist John Chapman

Born in 1774 in Massachusetts, Chapman planted apple orchards for pioneers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, to be sold to locals to produce hard cider. He became famous through a 'Harper's Weekly' profile in the late 1800s, cultivating the modern legend.

itk Retired FBI agent uses his sleuthing expertise to track down 100 rare apple trees and save own · sim 0.44 · keep 0.47 · score -1

#42 · curiosity Oct 6, 2026

2025 marked the first time in 35 years a hip-hop song wasn't in the top 40

The Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 25, 2025, didn't have any rap or hip-hop songs in its top 40 singles, something that hadn't happened since Feb. 2, 1990. One explanation is a Billboard methodology change, and another is Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl."

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La sibling · sim 0.44 · keep 0.14 · score -13

#43 · experiences Sep 12, 2023

Visit these offbeat attractions in each US state

Skip the lines, avoid the crowds, go against the grain: That's the spirit of this list of the 50 coolest offbeat attractions in every US state. From Alaska's museum of hammers to Wyoming's thermal pools, you can find somewhere a little different to...

etc The most beloved ice cream flavor in each state. own · sim 0.41 · keep 0.81 · score -11

#44 · curiosity Aug 20, 2026

Historians estimate that only 1% of shipwrecks have been discovered.

Many shipwreck sites have completely deteriorated, but artifacts aboard the vessels remain, while many lack historical records of the event or location.

According to various sources, there are over 200,000 cataloged records of sunken ships, with some still to be found.

etc Seven-year-old's beach walk cracks a 300-year-old shipwreck mystery. own · sim 0.54 · keep 0.50 · score -1

#45 · curiosity Jul 28, 2022

The funniest pet photos of 2022

Chess-playing cats, water-loving dogs, and happy horses are among the finalists of the 2022 Comedy Pet Photography Awards.

etc See this year's best dog photo. sibling · sim 0.58 · keep 0.56 · score -1

#46 · explainers Feb 24, 2026

Meet the 9 justices currently serving on the US Supreme Court.

This resource profiles each sitting justice, detailing their legal backgrounds and career paths, and audio clips from oral arguments.

The current justices are John G. Roberts Jr. (chief justice), Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr., Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
The court has nine justices with life appointments—though the number can be changed through a simple act of Congress.

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#47 · explainers Jan 30, 2026

Watch scholars debate Supreme Court term limits

In a debate from 2017, legal scholars from across the political spectrum spar over whether justices should serve fixed terms. The discussion highlights bipartisan concerns about judicial independence, accountability, and the risks of lifetime tenure.

lead Supreme Court Term Begins sibling · sim 0.46 · keep 0.41 · score -6

#48 · explainers Mar 10, 2026

Watch Taylor Swift write a song

Taylor Swift is one of the most famous and successful entertainers of the modern era, whose music wins fans and Grammy awards, and secures billions of streams on Spotify. In this clip from the Netflix documentary Miss Americana, Taylor lets cameras film her in the process of writing a song.

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La sibling · sim 0.48 · keep 0.71 · score -5

#49 · curiosity Nov 13, 2024

Taylor Swift helps drive fan engagement by filling her music with easter eggs

Taylor Swift is famous for incorporating Easter eggs—specifically, hidden messages and clues—in her music. Her music videos are often sprinkled with visual nods to her past, and fans pore over her lyrics for the cryptic messages they frequently contain.

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La sibling · sim 0.41 · keep 0.52 · score -19

#50 · curiosity Aug 17, 2026

Taylor Swift's family encouraged her interest in music from a young age, and moved to Nashville before she reached high school so she could be close to the country music industry.

Swift says she was a performer as early as 3 years old, singing "Lion King" songs for families on the beach at the Jersey Shore.

Swift sang "America the Beautiful" at the 2002 US Open in New York; talent agent Dan Dymtrow, who was on Britney Spears' management team, signed Swift after hearing her performance.
At 14, Swift signed a songwriting contract with Sony ATV, making her the youngest songwriter to ever ink a deal with the company.
Swift's grandmother was a professional singer who performed opera and pop in clubs and hosted a TV show in the Caribbean, where she lived with Swift's grandfather, the CEO of an engineering company that had contracts in Cuba and Puerto Rico.

itk Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, knocking Ella La own · sim 0.41 · keep 0.44 · score -21

#51 · experiences Sep 14, 2026

Explore the British Museum's collection across time and continents in this interactive Google Arts and Culture experience.

etc Ever wanted to interact with a museum artifact? Now you can. own · sim 0.53 · keep 0.56 · score -1

#52 · curiosity Nov 6, 2023

See the winners of the 2023 dog photography awards

The third annual Dog Photographer of the Year Awards announced 12 winners and 48 finalists in categories like Portrait, Action, Studio, and Dogs with People. Prizes include cash, photography gear, a trophy, and more.

etc See this year's best dog photo. own · sim 0.56 · keep 0.53 · score -2

#53 · curiosity Jan 8, 2026

An image of a shark swimming on the freeway repeatedly fools viewers during natural disasters

The long-running joke traces back to 2011, following Hurricane Irene in Puerto Rico. Since then, pranksters have spread the image after Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and Hurricane Laura in 2020. The image is photo-edited, combining a 2005 photo of a kayaker being followed by a great white shark and a photo of a flooded street.

etc Meet South Korea's new obsession, Bukangi the shark. sibling · sim 0.41 · keep 0.45 · score -5

#54 · explainers Jan 20, 2026

The Supreme Court has greatly expanded executive power in recent years

In Trump v. United States, the court ruled that a former president enjoys absolute immunity for "official acts" in his constitutional core powers. In Trump v. CASA, Inc., the court limited federal courts' ability to block executive enforcement through nationwide injunctions—decisions that shifted power toward the executive branch.

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#55 · explainers Jan 30, 2026

The Supreme Court blocked states from setting term limits for Congress

In US Term Limits v. Thornton (1995), the Supreme Court struck down state laws that tried to impose term limits on their congressional delegations. The court ruled such restrictions unconstitutional unless added through a federal amendment.

lead Supreme Court Term Begins sibling · sim 0.42 · keep 0.17 · score -8

#56 · explainers Feb 7, 2022

How do planets form? An interview with a planetary scientist

Dr Farzana Meru, assistant professor and planetary scientist, shares how planets come to be in this interview. Protoplanetary discs are swirling, dusty, and gaseous formations that form and revolve around stars. Some 4,000 extra-solar planets have already been discovered, and through these protoplanetary discs more are on the way.

itk Astronomers discover first known second-generation planet orbiting the remains of the dead own · sim 0.42 · keep 0.36 · score -31

#57 · curiosity May 19, 2026

Analysis of more than 130,000 runners in Tel Aviv events during a seven-year period indicated that the runners were 10 times more likely to experience heatstroke than serious cardiac problems. Scientists suggest that runners should take 10 to 14 days to acclimate to a hot climate before tackling a serious run.

itk Medical professionals link heat waves to a 25% increase in medical complications among pre own · sim 0.46 · keep 0.43 · score -8

#58 · curiosity Apr 8, 2026

Learn the history of food science breakthroughs from the 20th century

Long after humans developed the means to produce sufficient food to feed civilizations, scientific research focused on a wide variety of objectives, such as developing methods to preserve food quality (accomplished via frozen food), speeding up cooking (leading to the microwave), and lowering the cost of sweetening food, which high fructose corn syrup provides.

itk People who eat ultraprocessed meals have higher insulin and blood sugar levels shortly aft own · sim 0.40 · keep 0.72 · score -11

#59 · experiences Aug 12, 2026

Explore a database of more than 220,000 shipwrecks, the largest compilation to date.

Historians estimate that less than 1% of shipwrecks have been explored. Only about 189,000 locations of the 220,000 wrecks on the site are known.

This database features over 80,000 images, with related news updated on a rolling basis.

etc Seven-year-old's beach walk cracks a 300-year-old shipwreck mystery. sibling · sim 0.49 · keep 0.52 · score -7

#60 · curiosity Oct 6, 2026

'Jaws' creators regret making sharks the monsters

Both Peter Benchley, the author of the original 1974 novel, and Steven Spielberg, the director of the blockbuster film based on it, acknowledge that the film's popularity has led to the stigmatization of the mostly harmless creatures.

etc Meet South Korea's new obsession, Bukangi the shark. own · sim 0.40 · keep 0.51 · score -7

SCOTUS Returns, Book Bans, and Bukangi the Shark