The Big Question Content

How Can People and Wildlife Better Coexist?

Russell L Thebaud — May 19, 2025 - 9:00am

Living with wildlife is just something we do, whether we’re waiting for turkeys to cross the road at 51�Թϱ�� or watching a coyote trot across a field at dawn.

But as people and the built world expand into natural habitats, wild and domestic animals — including humans — are increasingly sharing the same spaces, with mixed results. Interactions with large carnivores tend to conjure the strongest feelings, from awe and wonder to fear and anxiety.

What Explains the Increase in Online Hate Speech?

Jocelyn C Anderson — March 04, 2025 - 2:00pm

Over the past few years, there have been extensive changes in content moderation policy on social media platforms. As companies like X and Meta loosen these policies, users have reported an increase in hate speech. So what caused this shift?

How Could Tariffs Affect Consumers, Business and the Economy?

Russell L Thebaud — February 18, 2025 - 12:55pm

Tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. are not new, but today they are being discussed as much broader tools in a more complicated world.

Since before the Constitution was signed, tariffs have reduced the competitiveness of American enterprise and increased the cost of goods. Today, they are proposed to bring back U.S. manufacturing jobs to communities that provided the president his strongest support while also being leveraged as expansive geopolitical tools with uncertain consequences.

Can Butterflies Be Saved from Extinction?

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 18, 2024 - 10:00am

Summer is peak butterfly season, but this year many noticed not as many as usual — and that’s due to a decline that’s been in effect for some time.

Contributing factors to this decline include the effects of climate change, land use alterations and agricultural pesticides. A recent study performed in dozens of counties across five states showed an 8% decline in butterflies in fields treated with pesticides, with monarchs declining 33%.

Is Political Polarization Unique to the US?

Jocelyn C Anderson — October 28, 2024 - 12:57pm

About 10 years ago, political scientist James Adams saw something troubling. New polls asked Americans whether they agreed or disagreed that people in the opposing political party weren’t simply wrong but evil. Nearly half of people from both political parties agreed.

The responses didn’t surprise him. Adams studies political polarization measured by how people feel about others in their own and opposition political parties. By those measures, sharpening negativity had been growing since at least the 1990s and continues today.

How Does Immigration Affect the United States?

Russell L Thebaud — August 19, 2024 - 2:52pm

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, immigrants made up 13.9% of the total population in 2022. Among them are highly skilled workers who fill critical gaps in high tech industries as well those who construct the buildings in which we live and who plant and harvest the foods we eat. Some arrive seeking greater opportunity while others bring hope simply for a life free from persecution and poverty.

Can Legal Cannabis Succeed in the U.S.?

Jocelyn C Anderson — May 21, 2024 - 2:42am

51�Թϱ�� economists Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner have been studying the industry for years.

Does Widening Highways Ease Traffic Congestion?

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 20, 2024 - 2:22am

Susan Handy, professor of environmental science and policy at 51�Թϱ��, weighs in on the issue.

Is Abortion Law in the US Changed Forever?

Jocelyn C Anderson — October 04, 2023 - 3:10am

51�Թϱ�� School of Law Martin Luther King Professor Mary Ziegler examines a few of the issues at hand.

Is Daylight Saving Time Bad for Your Health?

Jocelyn C Anderson — March 07, 2023 - 6:30am

A 51�Թϱ�� sleep medicine expert answers this timely question.