Global fertility is falling fast. The aging populations of rich countries are relying on ever fewer workers to support their economy, dooming those younger generations to a future of higher taxes, higher debt, or later retirement—or all three. Birth rates in middle-income countries are also plummeting, putting their economic development at risk. Practically the only countries set to continue growing are desperately poor. (Novicoff, The Atlantic)
Read MoreMore than 500 influential directors, actors and other notable names in Hollywood and around the world voted on the best films released since Jan. 1, 2000. Here is how their ballots stacked up. (The New York Times)
Read MoreZyn, a brand of smokeless, spit-free nicotine pouches, has found its way into the bloodstream of my generation. NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield popped one in during a game. Tucker Carlson gushed about them on Theo Von’s podcast. (Simon, Christianity Today)
Read MoreThe I.R.S. said on Monday that churches and other houses of worship can endorse political candidates to their congregations, carving out an exemption in a decades-old ban on political activity by tax-exempt nonprofits. (Fahrenthold, The New York Times)
Read MoreThe Scopes trial marked one of the first highly publicized battles in the U.S. between traditionalist and modernist values surrounding science, religion and education — a conflict that continues to this day. The trial left a lasting impression on these debates, according to Adam Laats, a professor of education and history at the State University of New York at Binghamton. (Neuman, NPR)
Read MoreDespite its history of bipartisan support and long success — PEPFAR has been credited with saving 26 million lives around the world — the program’s future is uncertain. The White House Office of Management and Budget, led by Russ Vought, is seeking to cut $400 million in funds already approved for the current fiscal year, through a process known as rescission. (Smietana, Religion News Service)
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