Midwest Flooding Turns Deadly as Indiana Declares Statewide Disaster Emergency
Record flooding across Indiana, Ohio and Illinois has killed at least five people and left more than 150,000 without power, with the White River in Anderson, Indiana reaching a record 24.9 feet.
Latest News
View all →
Editor's Picks
What Is Inflation? How It's Measured and Why It Matters
Inflation shapes everything from grocery bills to interest rates. Here's what it actually measures and how economists track it.
What Is an Index Fund? A Beginner's Guide to Investing
Index funds are one of the most commonly recommended ways to invest for long-term goals. Here's what they are and how they work.
What Is Artificial Intelligence? A Beginner's Guide to How It Works
AI is everywhere in the news, but the term covers a wide range of technologies. Here's a clear, non-technical breakdown of what it actually means.
What Is a Recession? How Economists Define and Track One
The word gets used loosely, but economists rely on specific indicators to determine whether the economy is actually in a recession.
How a Bill Becomes a Law: A Plain-English Guide
From introduction to a president's signature, here is the step-by-step path a bill takes through Congress -- and the many places it can stall along the way.
How the U.S. Electoral College Works
A plain-English walkthrough of how presidential elections are actually decided in the United States, from state electors to the certification of results.
US News
View all US News →
What a Federal Government Shutdown Means and How It Happens
Government shutdowns make headlines every few years. Here's what actually triggers one, which services are affected, and how they typically end.
How the U.S. Electoral College Works
A plain-English walkthrough of how presidential elections are actually decided in the United States, from state electors to the certification of results.
How the U.S. Census Works and Why It Matters
Every ten years, the federal government counts every person living in the United States. Here's how the census works and why the results shape political power and public funding.
How the Supreme Court Decides Which Cases to Hear
The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions each year but hears only a small fraction of them. Here's how the justices decide which cases make the cut.
Politics
View all Politics →
What Is the Federal Debt Ceiling?
The debt ceiling debate returns to Washington every few years. Here's what the debt limit actually is and why it periodically becomes a political flashpoint.
How a Bill Becomes a Law: A Plain-English Guide
From introduction to a president's signature, here is the step-by-step path a bill takes through Congress -- and the many places it can stall along the way.
Business
View all Business →
Understanding Quarterly Earnings Season: What Investors Watch For
Four times a year, publicly traded companies report their financial results. Here's what earnings season is and why it moves markets.
What Is a Recession? How Economists Define and Track One
The word gets used loosely, but economists rely on specific indicators to determine whether the economy is actually in a recession.
Technology
View all Technology →
How Smartphone Cameras Actually Work
Modern phone cameras rely on far more computational processing than most people realize. Here's what happens between pressing the shutter and seeing the photo.
What Is Artificial Intelligence? A Beginner's Guide to How It Works
AI is everywhere in the news, but the term covers a wide range of technologies. Here's a clear, non-technical breakdown of what it actually means.
Science
View all Science →
How NASA Plans and Launches a Space Mission
From early proposal to liftoff, a NASA mission typically takes years of planning. Here's a look at the major stages involved.
What Is Climate Change? The Science, Explained
A clear overview of the scientific consensus on climate change: what's driving it, how it's measured, and what the evidence shows.
What Is CRISPR? A Beginner's Guide to Gene Editing
CRISPR has transformed genetic research and enabled new medical treatments. Here's a plain-English explanation of how it actually works.
How Vaccines Work: The Science Behind Immunization
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens before an actual infection occurs. Here's how that process actually works.
Health
View all Health →
What Is a Balanced Diet? A Practical Guide
'Balanced diet' is a phrase used often but rarely explained. Here's what it actually means in nutritional terms.
How Sleep Affects Your Health, According to Research
Sleep science has advanced significantly in recent decades. Here's what researchers have learned about why sleep matters for the body and mind.
World
View all World →
What Is NATO and Why Does It Matter to the US?
NATO is one of the most significant military alliances in modern history. Here's what it is, how it works, and the role the United States plays in it.
How the United Nations Works
The UN is frequently in the news, but its structure and powers are often misunderstood. Here's an overview of how the organization is set up.
What Is the European Union? A Guide to How It Works
The EU is one of the most significant economic and political blocs in the world. Here's how it's structured and how it makes decisions.
How the World Health Organization Works and What It Does
The WHO coordinates global public health efforts, from disease surveillance to vaccination campaigns. Here's how the organization is structured and funded.
Money
View all Money →
How Mortgage Rates Affect Home Buyers
Even small changes in mortgage rates can significantly affect monthly payments and how much home buyers can afford. Here's how the math works.
What Is Inflation? How It's Measured and Why It Matters
Inflation shapes everything from grocery bills to interest rates. Here's what it actually measures and how economists track it.
What Is a 401(k) and How Does It Work?
A 401(k) is one of the most common retirement savings tools in the US. Here's a breakdown of how contributions, matching, and taxes work.
How Does the Federal Reserve Set Interest Rates?
The Fed's rate decisions ripple through mortgages, credit cards, and savings accounts. Here's how the process actually works.
Lifestyle
View all Lifestyle →
How to Build a Simple Weekly Meal Plan
Meal planning can save time, reduce food waste, and cut grocery costs. Here's a practical framework for building one that actually sticks.
A Practical Guide to Reducing Household Waste
Cutting down on household waste doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Here are practical, sustainable habits that actually make a difference.
Most Read
-
Lifestyle
How to Build a Simple Weekly Meal Plan
Explainers
All Explainers →How Mortgage Rates Affect Home Buyers
Even small changes in mortgage rates can significantly affect monthly payments and how much home buyers can afford. Here's how the math works.
What Is Inflation? How It's Measured and Why It Matters
Inflation shapes everything from grocery bills to interest rates. Here's what it actually measures and how economists track it.
How to Build a Simple Weekly Meal Plan
Meal planning can save time, reduce food waste, and cut grocery costs. Here's a practical framework for building one that actually sticks.
What Is a 401(k) and How Does It Work?
A 401(k) is one of the most common retirement savings tools in the US. Here's a breakdown of how contributions, matching, and taxes work.
How Does the Federal Reserve Set Interest Rates?
The Fed's rate decisions ripple through mortgages, credit cards, and savings accounts. Here's how the process actually works.
What Is an Index Fund? A Beginner's Guide to Investing
Index funds are one of the most commonly recommended ways to invest for long-term goals. Here's what they are and how they work.