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Today’s essential reads

12 Things You Should Never Store in an Outdoor Shed

An outdoor shed seems like the perfect place to store a lot of extra stuff from around your house, but here are some items you should really never store in an outdoor shed.

The Whole Country Is Starting to Look Like California

Housing prices are rising fast in red and purple states known for being easy places to build. How can that be?

Researchers Uncover Hidden Ingredients Behind AI Creativity

Image generators are designed to mimic their training data, so where does their apparent creativity come from? A recent study suggests that it’s an inevitable by-product of their architecture.

10 Best Free (or Cheap) Online Classes for Seniors and Retirees

Check out these free or affordable online classes for retirees and grab some extra smarts.

8 “Outdated” Home Trends That Are Worth Revisiting, Designers Say

It’s time to look at these trends through designers’ eyes. Here are 8 home trends designers say are making a comeback.

Fascinating stories

What Our World May Have Looked Like If Neanderthals Hadn’t Died Off

Discover what our world may be like today if Neanderthals hadn’t gone extinct.

Sore Muscles? Leave the Pain Meds Alone

Here’s why doctors want you to stop popping pain relievers like ibuprofen or Advil to treat your sore muscles after a workout.

The Nocturnals

While most people are fast asleep, some ultra-introverts are going about their lives. They challenge a core assumption of psychology: that all humans need social connection.

Republicans Test New Red Line: Denaturalization

The idea of threatening the immigration status of people not born in America has grown increasingly prominent since Trump retook the White House.

Here’s How Trump’s Megabill Will Affect You

Seniors, students, taxpayers, children, parents, low-income Americans and just about everyone else will be affected by the massive tax and spending bill being hashed out in real time on Capitol Hill.

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Tech Giants Play Musical Chairs With Foundation Models

There are five consumer-tech giants — but only three leading AI foundation models.

The World’s Oldest Dessert?

Although chickpeas and beans don't usually belong in a pudding, they are core ingredients in one of the oldest – and, some say, one of the most delicious – desserts in the world.

Blame the “Target Effect” for Your Impulsive Spending Habits

Business strategist Nina Lato explains the “Target effect” and why you can’t just shop for one thing at the retailer.

Trans Troops in US Military ‘In Survival Mode’ As Ban on Serving Kicks In

Two transgender officers say they fear their military careers are over due to Trump’s ban on trans service members.

Donkey Kong Bananza Unearths the Franchise’s Roots and Rips Them Out

A possible must-have Switch 2 title.

One of the Last Living Manhattan Project Scientists Looks Back at the Atomic Bomb Tests

Peter Lax was just a teenager when he went to Los Alamos to join the team that developed the deadly weapon.

CPSC Stresses Firework Safety With 7-Minute Montage of Mannequin Mayhem

‘Do not launch fireworks off your body this July 4th, America.’

The Battle for Orlando: How Epic Universe Could Impact Disney World Theme Park Attendance

The opening of Universal’s Epic Universe ups the stakes in the battle between Comcast and Disney to attract Orlando theme park visitors.

Data Crucial to Hurricane Forecasts Will Continue, but for One Month Only

U.S. officials said they would stop providing the satellite data online on July 31 rather at the end of June.

Health Experts Explain How Yo-Yo Dieting Affects Your Body

Down a few pounds, up a few more... weight cycling can be hard on your health.