Political researchers say America is deeply polarized politically, but that the problem is not as extreme as people think. Surveys show there is a messy majority in the middle who share views that cross partisan lines. (Langfitt, NPR)
Read MoreEtsy witches hit the zeitgeist last year due to a series of viral videos and a controversial article about Etsy witches hexing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but in recent months, longtime spellcasters have begun exiting the platform. (Post, Religion News Service)
Read MoreArtificial intelligence chatbots are increasingly becoming a regular part of life for American youth. Two new surveys show that nearly two-thirds of tweens and teens use AI chatbots. While most kids use the technology for help with school work, and for companionship and emotional support, certain uses were linked with worse mental health symptoms. (Chaterjee, NPR)
Read MoreOn Tuesday, the Supreme Court hears arguments in a case that pits the Catholic Church against taxpayer funded school programs for all 4-year-olds in Colorado. At issue is whether religious schools may refuse to admit the children of gay and trans parents in violation of a state law that bars discrimination. (Totenberg & Hopz, NPR)
Read MoreHundreds of thousands of protesters inspired by frustrated high school students took to the streets across France on Saturday in a third consecutive weekend of demonstrations over living costs and education. Youth-led protests were also held elsewhere in Europe, including in Germany and Portugal. (Nouvian, AP News)
Read MoreAfter a prolonged decline, religion in the United States has shown signs of strength and stability in recent years.Since 2020, steady percentages of U.S. adults have said they identify with a religion, pray daily, consider religion to be very important in their lives and attend religious services at least monthly, according to the newest Pew Research Center surveys. (Smith et al., Pew Research)
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