Lifestyle features from around the web

From defenders to skeptics: The sharp decline in young Americans’ support for free speech

Support among young people for allowing controversial or offensive speech has dropped sharply.
Americans across all generations still value free speech. But for younger Americans, especially, that support is less strong and seems increasingly conditional.

5 tips to make your DIY projects easier this summer

Dremel shares five tips for summer DIY projects: Plan carefully, gather the right tools, choose durable materials, break down tasks, and double-check measurements.

Special education and Trump: What parents and schools need to know

The Hechinger Report outlines step-by-step how dismantling the Education Department might alter services for students with disabilities.

Domestic violence services are in jeopardy, providers say

The Trace reports how the Trump administration's push to cut federal grants has domestic violence groups considering layoffs, reduced hours, and shelter closures.

Earth's orbit is filling up with junk. Greenhouse gases are making the problem worse.

Grist reports that by the end of the century, a shrinking atmosphere could create a minefield for satellites.

Learn about what service dogs can do, and what it takes to certify and protect them

Ollie used data from the Animal Legal and Historical Center to examine requirements for certifying a service dog and how they vary by state.

How One Nonprofit Is Changing the Way We Fight Human Trafficking

Many people are working on ways to put an end to human trafficking—and you can, too.

(NAPSI)—An estimated 49.6 million people are experiencing forced labor or forced marriage on any given day worldwide. (Source: International Labour Organization, Walk Free, and IOM, 2022) Human …

How much does the average wedding cost?
Experian explains that average wedding costs vary significantly based on region and guest count, with an average cost of about $280 per guest.
Knitting, cheerleading, fishing: This is what a cellphone ban looks like in one school district
The Hechinger Report reveals that by pairing an expansion of extracurriculars with its cellphone ban, a Washington state district has seen a drop in absenteeism and more student engagement.
10 melatonin alternatives for sleep
Life Extension shares that melatonin supplements are often recommended as the first choice to support healthy sleep, but since melatonin supplementation may not be appropriate for everyone, alternative sleep supplements may offer the support needed for healthy rest.
Tick bites are on the rise. Here's how to protect yourself.
Northwell Health partnered with Stacker to examine the reasons behind rising rates of tick bites and the expanding regions where they are reported.
Higher ed's dubious deal with prison health care
Economic Hardship Reporting Project and The Chronicle of Higher Education investigate university-run prison health care systems in Texas, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Pope Francis encouraged Christian-Muslim dialogue and helped break down stereotypes

Tributes being paid to Pope Francis at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Lahore, Pakistan, on April 22, 2025.

Francis’ approach to Christian-Muslim dialogue differed notably from his predecessors, writes a scholar who studies interfaith dialogue.

Are you mentally healthy? 15 signs to look for

Rula details how you can improve your emotional well being with the right support.

Americans are overconfident about understanding their blood pressure—and may avoid getting needed treatment

The Conversation reports on research that even though most Americans don't know the normal or healthy range for blood pressure, they think they do—which is cause for serious concern.

This public college was taken over by the far-right—a warning for the future of higher ed

Economic Hardship Reporting Project, Teen Vogue and Lux Magazine report that North Idaho College, a two-year community college, might go under because issues with the board of trustees threaten its accreditation.

Rewilding death in the Appalachian mountains

Reasons to be Cheerful reveals a growing conservation burial movement that is challenging the funeral industry's environmental footprint while healing the land.

What makes middle school even worse? Climate anxiety.

Grist explains the serious feelings students have about climate change and that most teachers don't know how to help.

Spring Yard Work? Remember Safety First

Spring = yard work. When gearing up for spring yard work, remember to give your mower, trimmer, and other tools a quick safety check first. Use fresh fuel, clean it up, and keep kids and pets clear.

(NAPSI)—If you’re like most people, spring is the time to get out your lawn equipment to shape up your yard. But before you fire up your lawn mower, trimmer, and other yard gear, the Outdoor …

Kidney disease is the third-fastest-growing cause of death globally. Here's why doctors are sounding the alarm.

Compare Dialysis Centers examined CDC data and other sources to explore kidney disease risk factors and why the condition has been on the rise. 

The best streaming playlists for every type of workout

Hers pumped up the music and found the best streaming playlists to help you stay in your target heart rate zone for any workout.

The surprising reason fewer children will travel home for Mother's Day this year
TruckInfo.net researchers analyzed data from various U.S. agencies to better understand why and where adult children live with their parents.
This is the most popular men's hairstyle in every state
Hims says a good hair day can go a long way—but what constitutes "good" differs dramatically by region so it presents a state-by-state look at the most coveted styles for men.
How one state sent residents' personal health data to LinkedIn
The Markup reports that after California's health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign, the exchange is reviewing its website practices.
Chronic pain is extremely common. What is it, and why is it so hard for many Americans to get relief?
What's behind the phenomena of chronic pain, and why is it so hard to solve? Compare Inpatient Rehab examined CDC data to uncover differences in pain and treatment.
Head Start is turning 60. The federal child care program may not make it to 61.
The Hechinger Report explains that providers operating on 'razor-thin margins' worry about the possibility of deep cuts from the Trump administration.  
More Lifestyle coverage
The sooner you get ready for retirement, the better off you’ll be. Prepare today at ThisIsPretirement.org.

“Pre-Game” to Greater Things in Your Retirement

(NAPSI)—Planning for retirement can feel daunting. However, no matter your age, taking small steps today can better set you up for retirement in the long run. If you’re in your Pretirement years …

Why This Ingredient Is a Woman’s Best Friend During Menopause

(BPT) - Menopause and perimenopause are a natural part of a woman's life. It signals the end of her menstrual cycle and tends to occur between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the transition can bring …

A Clean Energy Manufacturing Renaissance

A Clean Energy Manufacturing Renaissance

(NewsUSA) - We are in an era of unprecedented energy demand growth, driven in large part by the rise of artificial intelligence, the rapid expansion of data centers and an unprecedented increase of …

RECORD ENERGY USE DEMANDS AN ALL-OF-THE-ABOVE APPROACH

(NewsUSA) - U.S. energy demand is surging at an unprecedented rate. With economic growth, technological advances, and industrial expansion, our country’s energy demand is projected to grow by …

Beware of AI-Driven "Pop Up" Tech Firms Like SPRX Masquerading as Tax Professionals

Beware of AI-Driven "Pop Up" Tech Firms Like SPRX Masquerading as Tax Professionals

(Tax Watch America) - It's tax season and consulting firms are touting their quick and easy services to relieve the stress caused by filing complex returns.However, this year, businesses should be on …

10 ways Mental Health Awareness Month has made a difference—and how you can get involved

Blueprint highlights the ways that the celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month each May has championed the nation's mental well-being and offers ways it has transformed the approach to mental health.

The real guide to dopamine detox: Pros, cons, and practical ways to try it
Thriveworks explores whether a dopamine detox is really worth doing. Discover the proven benefits, common misconceptions, and ways to do it to lower overstimulation and regain focus in daily life.
Americans might love Cinco de Mayo, but few know what they're celebrating
The Conversation explains the real history behind the Mexican-American holiday.
6 tips for designing your own custom sofa
DreamSofa offers a step-by-step guide to designing custom furniture to suit your style.
Are You Missing the Signs? 5 Health Conditions Women Often Overlook
(BPT) - Sometimes your body sends signals that something's not quite right, but those signals don't always match what you'd expect. Many common health conditions show up differently in women than in …
Most popular and emerging diamond shapes by state
VRAI looks at the most popular and emerging diamond shape trends in select states—and the styles that may complement them best.