In an era when technology has helped solve many of the problems that once disrupted sleep — cold nights, dangerous fires, disease-carrying pests, and the lack of light or climate control — a significant number of Americans are still struggling to get a good night’s rest.
Modern households often come equipped with central heating, air conditioning, and comfortable mattresses. Over-the-counter medications and advanced sleep diagnostics are widely available. Yet, data from the National Health Interview Survey and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine show that sleep problems remain widespread and unevenly distributed.
In 2020, 14.5% of U.S. adults reported difficulty falling asleep most days or every day. Nearly 18% had trouble staying asleep. These figures reveal that despite improvements in the conditions surrounding sleep, many people continue to wrestle with insomnia, poor sleep quality, and inconsistent sleep duration.
The Historical Contrast
Looking to the past, sleep conditions were far more challenging. Before the Industrial Revolution, families often shared beds in small, poorly insulated homes. Nighttime brought risks not only from the elements but from fire, insects, and crime. According to historian A. Roger Ekirch, nighttime insecurity shaped both how people slept and how they prayed. A full, uninterrupted night of rest was rare.
Today, most Americans no longer sleep beside livestock or fight off lice in their beds. But the problems keeping people awake have changed, not disappeared.
A Modern Sleep Crisis
Despite comfortable bedrooms and quieter streets, many people find themselves unable to sleep well — or enough. One significant factor is lifestyle.
Many people delay sleep in what psychologists refer to as revenge bedtime procrastination — the decision to stay up late for personal time after a long day of work or caregiving. Others scroll through distressing or attention-grabbing content on their phones late into the night, despite widespread awareness that screen exposure near bedtime interferes with the brain’s natural preparation for sleep.
Caffeine, alcohol, and erratic sleep schedules further compound the problem. Even those who try to “optimize” their sleep may end up making things worse. The use of sleep-tracking devices, strict nighttime routines, and supplements can sometimes foster anxiety and overattention to sleep metrics — a cycle that leads to more, not less, insomnia.
“We’re trying to have our cake and eat it, too,” says Ekirch. “The less time we accord to sleep, the more perfect we want it to be for when we do nod off.”
Behavioral and Biological Challenges
Some people are biologically inclined to need more sleep than others. These “long sleepers” may require up to ten hours of rest per night — a difficult goal to achieve in a culture that rewards productivity and constant availability. For shift workers, whose schedules may require alternating day and night shifts, sleep is often broken, inconsistent, and insufficient.
About 20% of American workers fall into this category. According to sleep psychologist Dr. Jade Wu, people in this group may suffer from shift-work sleep disorder, which is marked by excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or both. The condition is more common among people of color, who are overrepresented in lower-wage and overnight work.
Sleep Disparities by Race and Income
Sleep problems are not evenly spread across the population. People living in poverty, working irregular shifts, or residing in noisy, unsafe, or poorly ventilated environments are more likely to experience sleep disruptions. In 2020, 21.9% of people with family incomes below the federal poverty level had trouble falling asleep. That number dropped to 12.6% among households with incomes twice the poverty level or higher.
Race also plays a role. Non-Hispanic White adults were more likely to have trouble staying asleep (21%) than their non-Hispanic Black (15.4%), Hispanic (10.6%), or non-Hispanic Asian (8.7%) counterparts. However, Black adults were more likely to work alternating shifts and experience sleep disruptions tied to job demands.
Stress from discrimination has also been linked to poor sleep outcomes. The same groups facing housing instability, noise pollution, and environmental hazards also tend to experience greater health and sleep disparities.
Women consistently report more sleep issues than men. In 2020, 17.1% of women said they had trouble falling asleep most days, compared to 11.7% of men. Women were also more likely to have trouble staying asleep.
The Role of Environment
Where a person lives can directly impact how well they sleep. People in rural or nonmetropolitan areas — often with limited access to healthcare, fewer housing options, and more environmental noise — tend to report more trouble falling and staying asleep.
In 2020, 17.1% of adults in rural areas had trouble falling asleep, compared to 12.7% of adults in large metropolitan areas. Likewise, 22.4% of rural residents had difficulty staying asleep, compared to 14.4% in central cities.
Environmental factors such as bright streetlights, high temperatures, loud traffic, or a general lack of security can all impact one’s ability to fall and stay asleep.
Beyond Advice: Limits of Standard Sleep Tips
The standard sleep hygiene tips — keeping a room cool, dark, and quiet; avoiding screens; and sticking to a bedtime routine — can be helpful. But for many people, particularly those with unstable work schedules or caregiving responsibilities, such advice may seem unrealistic.
“Stress, anxiety, weird work schedules,” says clinical social worker Jessi Pettigrew, “can lead to the development of sleep disorders like insomnia or circadian rhythm disorders.”
For people living with babies, long commutes, or irregular hours, behavioral suggestions can feel out of touch. Even those with ideal conditions may find themselves lying awake, mentally checking off their sleep hygiene steps — a habit that can make things worse.
“What you see in people with insomnia is that they’re trying too hard,” says Wu. “They’re tracking their sleep too closely. They are perfectionistic about their sleep hygiene… trying to achieve a certain number of hours or a certain score on their sleep tracker.”
What Can Be Done?
Experts suggest focusing less on perfection and more on creating a sustainable routine. People in noisy or hot environments can try fans, blackout curtains, or earplugs. For others, especially those with ongoing issues, seeing a sleep specialist may help identify treatable conditions such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
But the most important step, Wu says, may be letting go of the obsession with ideal sleep. “One thing that can help,” Pettigrew adds, “is just saying, I’m going to trust my body to take care of this.”
Sleep has never been free from challenge. But while the threats of fire and pestilence have faded, a new set of modern, social, and systemic factors has emerged to take their place. Some of these barriers are deeply embedded in society — income inequality, racial discrimination, demanding work hours — and cannot be solved by weighted blankets or better alarms.
Still, the human body remains built for rest. The science is clear: sleep is essential to mental, emotional, and physical health. And while our tools have advanced, the solution may be simpler than we think — to allow ourselves the time, space, and trust to sleep
Hall of Fame quarterback and former Denver Broncos executive John Elway will not face criminal charges after the death of his former agent and business partner, Jeff Sperbeck, following a golf cart accident earlier this year. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation, determining the incident was a tragic accident with no evidence of foul play or impairment.
The event occurred on April 26, 2025, at The Madison Club, a private resort community in La Quinta, California. Sperbeck, 62, fell from the back of a moving golf cart driven by Elway. He suffered blunt force trauma to the head, later identified by the Riverside County coroner as the cause of death. Sperbeck passed away four days later at a nearby hospital.
Authorities reported that video evidence and witness interviews revealed no signs of reckless driving or intoxication. “I’ve looked at video 100 times and there’s no explanation as to why he fell off, he just fell off,” Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told Denver's 9NEWS. “We talked to everyone involved. There was nothing criminal.”
The final report cited the manner of death as accidental. Sperbeck had been standing at the rear of the golf cart alongside television personality Johnny Devenanzio, also known as Johnny Bananas, when he suddenly fell backward.
At the time of the incident, Elway was part of a group returning home from a private event at the resort. The group had opted to skip the nearby Stagecoach music festival due to poor weather. According to sources familiar with the evening, Elway’s son and his group were in a cart ahead of the one driven by Elway. Elway’s girlfriend and Sperbeck’s wife were seated in the front. No erratic behavior, sharp turns, or collisions occurred, witnesses stated.
Devenanzio immediately called for help, prompting Elway to stop the cart. Sperbeck’s wife, Cori, rushed to assist her husband. A 9-1-1 call followed, during which Elway appeared calm and coherent, according to Sheriff Bianco. “He was very articulate. He was very responsive. It was a normal urgent conversation,” Bianco said, noting there were no signs of impairment.
Paramedics arrived shortly after the call. Sperbeck was transported to a hospital with a severe head injury but did not survive. His organs were donated.
Jeff Sperbeck was a longtime NFL agent, representing over 100 players, coaches, and executives. He maintained lasting relationships with many of his clients, including Elway. Their professional partnership began in the early 1990s and later extended into business ventures, including 7Cellars, a wine brand co-founded by the two.
Elway served as the Denver Broncos' general manager from 2011 to 2020, overseeing the team’s Super Bowl 50 victory. During his tenure, and long after his playing career, Sperbeck remained by his side, often traveling with him to west coast games.
In a statement following Sperbeck’s death, Elway expressed deep sorrow: “I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck. There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me.”
Sperbeck’s death comes four years after he played a key role in organizing tributes for another client and friend, coach Greg Knapp, who was struck and killed by a distracted driver. Sperbeck helped Knapp’s family establish the Coach Knapp Memorial Fund, which promotes awareness of distracted driving. That cause continues, with NFL coaches participating in annual stair climbs to honor Knapp’s memory.
Following Sperbeck’s passing, his family and friends gathered on June 7 at his high school alma mater, Jesuit High School in Sacramento, for a Celebration of Life. Elway was among the attendees.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office will make a formal announcement confirming the conclusion of the case. “It’s over,” Sheriff Bianco said. “There was nothing new revealed. This was a tragic accident.”
No charges will be filed. The findings provide a measure of closure to the families and individuals involved in the April incident.
Polybius, a Greek historian from the second century BC, spent much of his life trying to answer a central question: Why do civilizations rise and fall? His theories, recorded in a comprehensive history of Rome, sought to explain the remarkable success of the Roman Republic and why it managed to expand rapidly, while other civilizations, like his own Greek city-state of Megalopolis, crumbled.
Polybius lived through a pivotal period in history. As a member of the Greek upper class, he witnessed the relentless advance of the Roman Republic, which had already overrun much of the Greek world, including his own city. His first-hand experience as a hostage in Rome provided him unique insight into Roman governance and its power structure. Over the course of his captivity, Polybius developed an understanding of Rome’s success that became the cornerstone of his historical analysis.
Polybius believed that civilizations, much like living organisms, follow a natural cycle of birth, growth, maturity, stagnation, and eventual collapse. This cyclical view of history was not original to him—Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle had also proposed similar ideas. However, Polybius took the concept further with his theory of "anacyclosis," a seven-stage cycle of government. In his model, each form of government—monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy—eventually degenerates into its corrupted counterpart: tyranny, oligarchy, and mob rule, respectively. The cycle ends when a new strong leader emerges, starting the process anew.
Polybius applied this theory to the history of Greek city-states like Athens, which moved from kingship to tyranny, then aristocracy, and finally democracy, only to collapse into chaos. He observed that this cycle seemed to repeat across civilizations, often ending in collapse and the rise of a new leader.
The puzzle that fascinated Polybius, however, was why Rome seemed to avoid the same fate. After the fall of its kings in the 6th century BC, the Romans established a republic, a system that, for Polybius, represented a mix of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. The Roman system distributed political power across different groups—magistrates, the Senate, and the people—creating a balance that prevented any one group from becoming too powerful. This unique structure, he argued, was the key to Rome’s success and its ability to conquer the Mediterranean world in just over half a century.
Polybius described the Roman Republic as a “mixed constitution,” where the elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy worked in harmony to check one another’s power. This equilibrium, he believed, protected Rome from the inherent corruption that led to the downfall of other civilizations.
While Polybius praised Rome’s political structure, he also noted that the Republic was not immune to corruption. Over time, ambitious leaders like Julius Caesar would rise, undermining the Republic's institutions and eventually leading to its collapse. By the end of the first century BC, Rome transitioned from a republic to an empire under Augustus, signaling the end of the system that Polybius had admired.
Despite the eventual failure of the Roman Republic, Polybius’ analysis remains valuable. His theories of governance, particularly his concept of anacyclosis, continue to serve as a framework for understanding the rise and fall of civilizations. The questions he raised about political stability and the cyclical nature of power are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.
Polybius’ insights influenced later thinkers, including Thomas Aquinas, Niccolò Machiavelli, and even the American Founding Fathers. John Adams, in particular, referenced Polybius in his writings, considering his ideas on mixed government to be crucial in the formation of the United States Constitution.
Though the Roman Republic ultimately failed, the lessons from Polybius' analysis offer valuable perspectives on the forces that shape civilizations and the challenges of sustaining political systems over time.
Meta is facing significant criticism over its use of copyrighted books to train its artificial intelligence models, following allegations that the company exploited pirated content from the LibGen database. The controversy centers around Meta's use of LibGen, a widely known “shadow library” containing millions of pirated books and academic papers. In January, court documents revealed that Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, authorized the use of LibGen’s vast collection to train the company’s Llama 3 AI model.
LibGen houses over 7.5 million books and 81 million research papers, many of which are uploaded without the permission of the original authors or publishers. As a result, numerous writers have found their works included in this database without their consent, raising alarms about the ethical implications of using such pirated content in AI development.
The Society of Authors (SoA), which represents writers in the UK, has condemned Meta’s actions, labeling them as illegal and damaging to the creative industries. SoA chair Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin argued that the process of writing a book can take years, and that the unauthorized use of these works by Meta undermines the livelihood of authors, many of whom already earn limited financial rewards for their efforts.
A separate group of authors, including high-profile names like Ta-Nehisi Coates and Jacqueline Woodson, has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. accusing Meta of copyright infringement. These authors contend that Meta knowingly used pirated content from LibGen to improve the performance of its AI systems, without offering compensation or recognition for their intellectual property.
Meta, for its part, has defended its actions, with a spokesperson stating that the company respects intellectual property rights and that its use of data to train AI models is consistent with existing laws. However, the dispute raises larger questions about the boundaries of copyright in the context of rapidly advancing AI technology.
Meta’s decision to rely on LibGen instead of negotiating licensing agreements with authors and publishers has drawn particular criticism. Critics argue that Meta, with its substantial financial resources, could have easily struck deals with content creators to use their works in a lawful and ethical manner, rather than resorting to pirated material. This approach, some say, highlights a troubling pattern of prioritizing speed and cost savings over respect for intellectual property rights.
The legal battle over Meta’s use of LibGen is part of a broader conversation about the ethical challenges of AI development. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, there is growing concern about how companies source the data that powers these systems. In particular, the use of pirated content to train AI models has raised red flags about the potential exploitation of creators and the long-term implications for intellectual property laws.
Other companies in the AI industry have faced similar criticisms. OpenAI, for instance, has been accused of using LibGen in the past for training its models, although it denies using the database in recent years. The issue of pirated content and AI training is becoming a significant point of contention, with some calling for clearer ethical guidelines and legal frameworks to address the challenges posed by AI technology.
In response to Meta’s alleged actions, a number of creators have filed lawsuits, seeking compensation and pushing for a reexamination of how companies collect and use data for AI training. These lawsuits could have far-reaching implications for the AI industry, potentially reshapmpressive outputs, their reliance on pirated content rmpressive outputs, their reliance on pirated content rmpressive outputs, their rempressive outputs, their rempressive outputs, their reliance on pirated content rmpressive outputs, their reliance on pirated content rmpressive outputs, their reliance on pirated content raises critical questions about the fairness and ethics of using such material to develop profitable technologies.
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome could establish important precedents for how companies can access and use copyrighted content to train AI models. The issue is not just about the books or the authors involved—it is about the broader ethical and legal framework governing the intersection of technology, intellectual property, and creative labor.
In the coming years, the resolution of these disputes will likely shape the future of AI development and intellectual property rights. How companies handle content creators' works will be a key factor in determining the ethical direction of AI technology and its place in society.
China has sharply criticized the United States for imposing heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing the U.S. of unilateralism and economic bullying. The response came after President Donald Trump announced a significant tariff increase on Chinese imports, bringing the total tariff rate on some products to 54%. This decision, part of Trump’s “Liberation Day” policy, has ignited tensions between the two economic giants and prompted a series of countermeasures from Beijing.
The tariff hike, which added a 34% levy to existing tariffs, was seen by China as a direct attack on its economy and a violation of international trade rules. A Chinese foreign affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, condemned the move, stating that the U.S. was prioritizing its own interests over global economic stability. Lin further argued that such actions harm not only China but the broader global economy, which is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. decision to unilaterally impose tariffs, he said, undermines the rules-based international trade system.
In response, China has initiated a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging the legality of the U.S. tariffs. Beijing also moved to restrict the imports of certain U.S. goods and limited exports of rare earth minerals, which are crucial to various high-tech industries. These actions are seen as a direct counter to the tariffs, signaling China's intent to protect its economic interests and retaliate against what it views as protectionist behavior by the U.S.
Despite these moves, experts suggest that China’s efforts may not force the U.S. to reverse its decision in the short term. Jude Blanchette, director of the Rand China Research Center, noted that while the tariffs could hurt China economically, particularly in the short term, the U.S. administration appears less concerned with market fluctuations than in previous years. Blanchette emphasized that China’s countermeasures, such as restricting exports, are unlikely to cause the U.S. to back down.
There is also growing uncertainty within China regarding U.S. policy direction. Some reports suggest a shift in U.S.-China relations, particularly surrounding the issue of TikTok. A deal had been in the works for the Chinese company ByteDance to sell its popular app to an American buyer, but the announcement of the new tariffs led Beijing to call off the agreement. This decision reflects China’s reluctance to make concessions under pressure, especially when it comes to issues involving national security and technological sovereignty.
Further complicating matters, the U.S. policy on Taiwan appears inconsistent. Recently, Taiwan’s top security official, Joseph Wu, visited Washington for talks, a move that was widely recognized as a diplomatic gesture between the two. However, the visit came amid reports of personnel changes in the U.S. administration, including the firing of several officials involved in China-related policy. These changes have added to the confusion over the U.S. stance on China and Taiwan, and Beijing is closely monitoring any developments that could affect the delicate balance of cross-strait relations.
On the global stage, the United States’ actions are being met with a mixed response. The European Union, along with other key liberal economies such as the UK and Australia, has expressed concerns over the potential for a global trade war. While these nations share some security concerns regarding China, they are also looking to expand economic ties with China as a counterbalance to U.S. trade policies. In March, the European Union’s trade chief met with Chinese officials, emphasizing the need to resist unilateralism and support multilateral trade systems.
Despite the tensions, China remains committed to its policy of self-reliance. Since the first round of U.S. tariffs under President Trump, China has focused on reducing its dependence on foreign imports and boosting domestic consumption. This policy, known as “zili gengsheng” or “self-reliance,” may help mitigate some of the negative effects of the tariffs. China’s leadership, including President Xi Jinping, is prepared to weather short-term economic setbacks in favor of long-term strategic goals. In fact, some economists believe that the tariffs may ultimately encourage a shift toward greater domestic consumption, which could help rebalance China’s economy over time.
The U.S. tariffs, while painful for Chinese exporters, could potentially help China move towards a more sustainable economic model, though such a shift would take time. Nevertheless, the broader impact on global trade and economic relations remains uncertain. With escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, the world is left wondering how these developments will affect global markets and the future of international trade.
In the meantime, President Trump’s tariff policies are already shaking global markets. The threat of a prolonged trade war has raised fears of a global recession, with analysts predicting a potential slowdown in economic growth. As the situation develops, the U.S. and China will likely continue their economic tug-of-war, with each side trying to protect its own interests while navigating the complexities of international relations.
Alexander Ovechkin's remarkable achievement of 895 career goals has placed him at the top of the NHL's all-time goal-scoring list. This milestone marks the end of Wayne Gretzky’s longstanding record, a feat that once seemed untouchable. Ovechkin’s ability to score goals consistently over a 20-year career has redefined what is possible in the world of hockey.
Ovechkin reached his 895th goal in a game against the New York Islanders, surpassing Gretzky’s previous record of 894 goals. Gretzky set that record in 1994, a number that stood for over two decades. Ovechkin’s record-setting goal came in the second period, solidifying his place in hockey history.
The Russian winger’s journey to this milestone began when he was drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in 2004. His debut in the 2005-06 season immediately signaled his potential, as he scored 52 goals in his rookie year — one of the highest totals for a first-year player in NHL history. This was only the beginning, as Ovechkin would go on to lead the league in goals a record nine times, a mark that no other player has surpassed.
Ovechkin’s scoring ability has remained impressive throughout his career. Even at the age of 39, in his 20th NHL season, he has continued to produce. In recent years, his goal-scoring pace has not slowed significantly. He scored 42 goals at the age of 39 and 31 goals at 38, numbers that many players in their prime would envy. Over the last four seasons, he has scored 165 goals, showing that age has not diminished his ability to find the back of the net.
In comparison, other current players like Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and Evgeni Malkin, while all elite talents, are far behind Ovechkin in terms of career goals. Crosby, in his 20th season, has 273 fewer goals than Ovechkin, while Stamkos and Malkin are hundreds of goals behind. The distance between Ovechkin and his peers underscores the magnitude of his achievement.
To put this into perspective, players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, who are often considered among the best goal-scorers of this generation, are nowhere near Ovechkin’s total. Draisaitl has 399 goals after 11 seasons, and McDavid has scored 361 in 10 seasons. For either of them to catch Ovechkin, they would need to maintain an extraordinary pace for at least 20 more seasons — a highly unlikely scenario.
Ovechkin’s achievement becomes even more impressive when considering the era in which he played. The NHL has become more defensively focused over the years, with goal-scoring at a premium. Despite these challenges, Ovechkin has adapted and found ways to remain one of the most dangerous players on the ice. His powerful shot, physical presence, and knack for scoring have made him a dominant force for two decades.
Looking at the all-time leaderboard, Ovechkin stands alone at the top with 895 goals. Gretzky, who retired in 1999 with 894 goals, remains second on the list. Gordie Howe, with 801 goals, and Jaromír Jágr, with 766, round out the top four. Ovechkin’s record is particularly significant because he achieved it in an era that featured tighter defensive play, making it more difficult for players to score at the rates of earlier generations.
While Ovechkin’s achievement is monumental, it is important to note that records like these can be influenced by longevity. Unlike Gretzky, who retired at 38, Ovechkin shows no signs of slowing down as he approaches 40. He may continue to add to his total for several more years, further cementing his legacy.
Ovechkin’s career has not just been about accumulating goals; it has been about consistency and excellence over an extended period. He has been one of the most durable and reliable players in the NHL, with only one season where he failed to score at least 30 goals (2020-21, when the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic). His ability to remain at the top of his game for so long is a testament to his work ethic and skill.
As Ovechkin continues to break records and achieve milestones, his place in hockey history is secure. His 895 goals, achieved with the Washington Capitals, represent more than just a personal accomplishment. They stand as a symbol of what is possible with dedication and talent. Ovechkin’s legacy as the greatest goal-scorer in NHL history is now firmly established, and future generations will look to him as the standard for excellence in the sport.
In a world where sports records are often broken, Ovechkin’s goal-scoring achievement feels different. It’s a record that might never be broken again.
Joselyn Chimbo, a 17-year-old from New York, has been named the grand prize winner of the New York Public Library’s (NYPL) National Teen Art Contest. Her winning artwork highlights the importance of the freedom to read, a theme that has become more pressing due to a rise in book bans across the United States.
Joselyn’s painting honors her grandmother, who immigrated to the United States, granting Joselyn the opportunity to learn and access books. She reflects on the history of illiteracy in Indigenous communities, where access to education was often withheld as a tool of oppression. Joselyn’s grandmother, she writes, was denied literacy due to economic barriers, which prevented her from gaining social and economic mobility.
This history fuels Joselyn’s advocacy for the freedom to read. “Literacy was withheld from Indigenous communities like my grandmother’s as a tool of oppression,” Joselyn states. “Those left illiterate were exploited and experienced a lack of economic and social mobility due to the massive cost of an education.”
Joselyn’s artwork, which will be featured in the upcoming issue of Teen Voices magazine and exhibited at the NYPL flagship location, depicts a young girl reading a book that opens to a shadow of orange and red dust, representing knowledge. The image also portrays matriarchs and their children, symbolizing the sacrifices made by women in her family to ensure future generations had access to education. Joselyn sees this as a reminder to support and ensure the right to learn and read for all people, of all ages.
The contest is part of the NYPL’s annual Freedom to Read campaign, which aims to address the growing issue of book bans and challenges. According to PEN America, more than 10,000 books were banned during the 2023-2024 school year, many of which feature LGBTQ characters or characters of color. Since 2021, PEN America has documented over 16,000 book bans in public schools, marking a rise in censorship not seen since the McCarthy-era Red Scare.
Joselyn’s work stands as a reminder of the critical role that access to books plays in personal and societal growth. “The freedom to read can connect back to the art I usually enjoy making,” she says, noting that her art often reflects her cultural identity.
In addition to the prestige of winning the contest, Joselyn will receive a grant to support her education. She plans to use the award to purchase supplies for her freshman year of college.
Joselyn joins 17 other winners from across the country who submitted artwork representing the power of reading. Her achievement highlights the ongoing importance of safeguarding the freedom to read, particularly in an era where books are increasingly being challenged and banned.
Joselyn's message is clear: access to books is not just a personal right but a generational one, with the power to shape the future.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, 23andMe, a prominent genetic testing company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The move comes after years of financial difficulties and struggles to find a sustainable business model. Once valued at over $6 billion, the company’s market worth has now dropped to below $25 million, as its stock plunged dramatically, losing nearly 50% of its value in a single day.
Founded in 2006, 23andMe gained popularity for its saliva-based DNA testing kits, offering consumers insights into their ancestry and potential health risks. However, the company’s business model—based on consumers taking the test only once—has limited its revenue growth. Despite being a leader in personal genomics, 23andMe has never turned a profit.
The bankruptcy filing is the latest chapter in the company's turbulent history. In 2023, it suffered a significant data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 7 million customers. This breach, alongside other operational struggles, led to a reduction in its workforce by about 40% in November 2024.
CEO Anne Wojcicki, a co-founder of 23andMe, resigned following the bankruptcy announcement but will remain on the company's board of directors. In a statement on social media, Wojcicki expressed disappointment over the bankruptcy filing, stating that she believed her resignation would put her in the best position to pursue an independent bid for the company. She also voiced her continued support for the company’s future.
Despite the filing, 23andMe assured customers that its operations would continue as normal during the bankruptcy process and that its data protection practices would remain in place. However, the bankruptcy has raised significant concerns, particularly around the privacy of the genetic data the company has collected over the years. With 15 million customers, many of whom submitted saliva samples to the company, the issue of safeguarding sensitive genetic information has become a critical point of contention.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an urgent consumer alert in response to 23andMe’s financial troubles. The alert, released on March 21, 2025, encouraged Californians to exercise their rights under the state’s strict privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA). Bonta urged 23andMe users to consider requesting the deletion of their genetic data and the destruction of any biological samples stored by the company.
Bonta’s warning comes amid growing concerns that 23andMe’s financial instability could lead to the sale or transfer of its customer data to new ownership. This raises the possibility that consumers’ sensitive information could be used in ways they had not initially consented to, potentially violating privacy rights.
23andMe’s privacy issues are not new. The 2023 data breach was followed by a $30 million settlement, and the company has been under increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and privacy advocates. Congressional representatives, including Colorado's Jason Crow, have raised alarms about the implications of storing genetic data, with concerns that such information could be used for surveillance or other invasive purposes.
As the company enters a court-supervised sale process, there is uncertainty about its future. Potential buyers will be required to comply with relevant privacy laws, but the fate of 23andMe’s genetic database remains unclear. The company has assured customers that their data will be protected, but critics argue that proactive measures by consumers are necessary to safeguard their privacy.
The bankruptcy filing highlights the risks associated with companies handling sensitive personal data. 23andMe’s troubles also reflect broader issues within the business world, particularly concerning the wave of companies that went public through special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) during the pandemic. Once a high-flying trend, SPACs have proven to be an unstable path to public markets. Data from the financial analytics firm Debtwire shows that 23andMe is one of 40 former SPACs that have filed for bankruptcy since 2022.
The company went public in 2021, capitalizing on the popularity of genetic testing. Its brief period of high valuation sparked interest in genomics, but the company’s financial difficulties have now overshadowed its earlier success.
For customers who are concerned about their privacy, 23andMe offers the option to delete their data through its website. Californians can follow specific steps to permanently delete their data, but the company’s bankruptcy filing complicates the process. As 23andMe navigates its financial restructuring, the future of its business—and the security of its users’ genetic information—remains uncertain.
The 23andMe bankruptcy serves as a cautionary tale for consumers and companies alike. As the firm works through its court-supervised process, the focus remains on how it will handle its vast repository of sensitive genetic data and whether customers can trust that their information will remain secure.
In February of 1791, as Vermont was on the cusp of joining the United States, a letter appeared in the Vermont Gazette under the pen name “Clergyman.” It spoke to the state’s economic and moral potential, urging Vermonters to embrace the production of maple sugar on an industrial scale. At the time, most local sugar production was for personal use, not commerce, but the writer argued this could be a missed opportunity for prosperity.
The letter highlighted the economic difficulties that Vermonters faced during the transition from winter to spring, a time often marked by muddy roads and little work. Yet, during this period of inactivity, the writer saw a chance for local farms to focus on an industry that had deep roots in the region: maple sugaring. Maple syrup production, a practice inherited from the indigenous peoples of the Northeast, could provide not only a reliable source of sweetness but also a key economic opportunity for the state.
Clergyman’s plea was also a call for economic independence. He argued that Vermonters should look inward and create their own sugar rather than rely on imported cane sugar, which was largely produced through the exploitation of enslaved people in the Caribbean. Recent events, such as hurricanes and uprisings in the Caribbean, had disrupted the sugar trade, driving prices higher. This, Clergyman contended, was an opportunity for America to take control of its own sugar production, keeping money within the economy rather than sending it abroad.
The writer saw maple sugar production not just as an economic opportunity, but also as an act of patriotism. He made the case that by producing their own sugar, Vermonters could contribute to the nation’s self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on foreign goods. He emphasized that maple sugar had advantages over imported sugar, including longer shelf life and easier storage, making it a viable and practical choice for Americans.
Another argument in favor of expanding maple sugar production was the ethical consideration of the time. Clergyman pointed out that sugar production in the Caribbean was reliant on the enslavement of Africans. By shifting to maple sugar, Americans could weaken the economic basis for slavery. This anti-slavery argument was part of a broader movement, both in the U.S. and Europe, that sought to reduce the profits of sugar plantations and diminish the demand for enslaved labor. In fact, some prominent Americans, including Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, saw the expansion of maple sugaring as a moral alternative to the consumption of slave-produced sugar.
Vermonters, according to Clergyman, had a unique opportunity to capitalize on their natural resources. He proposed that farmers devote more attention to maple sugaring during the spring months, when other work was limited. He suggested that if farmers worked collectively, Vermont could generate substantial economic value. Clergyman even calculated that Vermont could be “four thousand pounds richer” in just one season if the state made a concerted effort to increase maple sugar production.
Moreover, Clergyman’s letter argued that Vermont’s economic future should not be dependent on imports. The state had a valuable resource in its abundant maple trees, and it was up to the farmers to take full advantage of that. He believed that reliance on foreign goods, such as molasses, rum, and imported sugar, was not only unnecessary but also detrimental to the local economy.
Although Clergyman's economic arguments were compelling, he also made an emotional appeal, lamenting the tendency of some people to apologize for using homemade maple sugar, as if it were inferior to imported sugar. He decried the habit of proudly serving Caribbean sugar, which he felt was an affront to local resources and efforts. For Clergyman, there was a deep sense of pride in producing one’s own sugar, and he argued that this local production would offer farmers greater dignity and financial independence.
The letter’s message resonated with broader movements of the time. As the new United States sought to establish its identity, there was growing interest in promoting domestic industries and avoiding the reliance on foreign imports. Even figures such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, during a visit to Vermont later that year, recognized the potential of maple sugaring as a path to economic and moral independence. Jefferson, in particular, saw the value in planting maple trees at his Virginia estate, although the climate there proved unsuitable for sugar production.
Clergyman’s call for a shift in agricultural focus was not just about making money or producing sugar. It was about shaping the future of Vermont and the United States in a way that was economically and ethically sustainable. By advocating for maple sugar production, Clergyman envisioned a future where Americans would produce goods locally, contribute to their economy, and help diminish the moral stain of slavery.
Though Vermont’s maple sugar industry grew over time, it did not immediately transform as Clergyman had hoped. Nevertheless, his message continued to influence national conversations about self-sufficiency and the ethics of production. In the years that followed, maple sugar became an integral part of Vermont’s identity, and the state continues to be one of the leading producers of maple syrup in the country today. The lessons from Clergyman’s 1791 letter still resonate in Vermont’s maple sugaring traditions, which remain a symbol of local pride and self-reliance.
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David Liu, a prominent molecular biologist, is leading a revolution in gene editing that promises to reshape the future of medicine. As a professor at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Liu has developed two groundbreaking technologies—base editing and prime editing—that offer unprecedented precision in altering the DNA sequence, paving the way for more effective treatments of genetic diseases.
Liu's work was recently recognized with the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, awarded for his contributions to gene-editing technologies. Liu plans to use the $3 million prize to support his charitable foundation, which funds further research and initiatives in the field.
DNA is made up of four chemical bases—A, G, T, and C. Mutations in these sequences can cause a variety of genetic disorders. Historically, gene-editing technologies have been limited in their ability to correct these mutations. CRISPR-Cas9, for example, can cut the DNA but often introduces errors during the repair process, making it more effective at disrupting genes than correcting them.
Base editing, developed by Liu’s team, offers a solution by using a modified Cas9 protein that avoids cutting both strands of the DNA. This allows the technology to precisely convert one base to another—such as changing a C to a T or a G to an A—without the risk of creating new errors. Liu’s team has shown that this method can correct about 30% of the mutations known to cause genetic diseases. The first clinical trials involving base editing have shown promising results, including a breakthrough treatment for AATD, a rare genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver.
Despite its success, base editing cannot address all types of genetic mutations. To expand its capabilities, Liu and his team introduced prime editing in 2019. This technique allows for the correction of longer stretches of faulty DNA, including insertions or deletions of base pairs, making it more versatile than base editing. Prime editing works similarly to a word processor’s "find and replace" function, offering the ability to rewrite DNA with greater accuracy.
Prime editing has already been used to target diseases like cystic fibrosis, which is caused by a missing section of DNA. In one of the most notable trials, Liu’s team demonstrated how prime editing could correct the mutation responsible for cystic fibrosis, providing hope for future treatments. The technology has since been made freely accessible to the scientific community, allowing researchers around the world to build on Liu’s work.
While base editing and prime editing have shown considerable promise in treating genetic diseases, there are still challenges to overcome. Prime editing, for instance, is still limited in its ability to edit larger stretches of DNA, and delivering these tools to the right parts of the body remains a significant hurdle. Liu’s team is working on methods to deliver these molecular tools to specific tissues, such as the heart, liver, and brain, using viral vectors and other innovative strategies.
Looking ahead, Liu is focused on developing treatments for rare genetic diseases, which collectively affect hundreds of millions of people globally. These diseases, often overlooked because they are divided into many different conditions, could be treated using the advanced tools Liu has developed. His goal is to create mutation-agnostic therapies that can address multiple genetic mutations at once, offering a universal treatment option for patients with various genetic disorders.
The impact of Liu’s work extends beyond human medicine. He has also applied gene-editing technologies to agriculture, co-founding the company Pairwise Plants, which uses base editing to create crops that are more nutritious and resistant to diseases.
Liu’s contributions to science have been widely recognized. His work has not only advanced gene-editing technologies but also shifted the landscape of medicine, providing new possibilities for the treatment of genetic diseases. However, he remains quick to credit his team of students and collaborators, acknowledging that their efforts have been integral to the success of these groundbreaking technologies.
In his acceptance speech for the Breakthrough Prize, Liu emphasized the importance of supporting scientific institutions, particularly the National Institutes of Health, which faces challenges under the current administration. He expressed concern over efforts to dismantle the funding systems that support critical research and innovation in the United States.
David Liu’s work represents a significant step forward in gene editing, and as research continues, it holds the potential to transform how genetic diseases are treated, offering hope to millions of people worldwide.