YouTube celebrated its 20th birthday this year, and while a lot has changed over the years, one thing has stayed consistent: Pop culture continues to be defined by the ways creators and fans use video. This is especially evident in the end-of-year Trending Topics, Top Creators, Top Songs, Top Songs on Shorts, and Top Podcasts lists in the U.S. (Buxton, YouTube)
Read MoreThe holiday season is here, and with it, a present for fans of end of year data and marketing: Spotify Wrapped is here! And Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has been named its most-played artist for a fourth time, dethroning Taylor Swift. (Sherman, AP News)
Read MoreThe truth is: Bible movies are more diverse and weirder than ever. These productions are just one facet of the genre. And when you look at how the Bible has shown up at the movies for the last century, it’s obvious that this is not new at all. (Wilkinson, The New York Times)
Read MorePaganism is the most popular spiritual destination for British Christians who convert to another faith, outstripping Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, a study has found. (Burgess, The Times)
Read MoreA University of Oklahoma graduate student is on leave from teaching duties after giving an undergrad a zero on an assignment. The junior, seeking a degree in psychology, is accusing the instructor of discrimination because she cited the Bible. (Ramos, NPR)
Read MoreNew Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin (D) issued a subpoena in 2023 — part of an investigation into whether a chain of faith-based, antiabortion pregnancy centers were deceiving clients and donors by falsely suggesting they offered abortion referrals. (Jouvenal & Somasundaram, The Washignton Post)
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