The Big Question Content

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

�ٺ��Ƶ 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 �ٺ��Ƶ, weighs in on the issue.

Is Abortion Law in the US Changed Forever?

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

�ٺ��Ƶ 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 �ٺ��Ƶ sleep medicine expert answers this timely question.

What Is Free Speech, Anyway?

Jocelyn C Anderson — January 09, 2023 - 5:36am

�ٺ��Ƶ experts weigh in on free speech and how far one’s right extends.

Should I Worry About Artificial Intelligence?

Jocelyn C Anderson — December 14, 2022 - 6:20am

Professor Thomas Strohmer breaks down machine learning and the issues with the technology.

What Can We Learn from the Midterm Elections?

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2022 - 6:45am

Ben Highton, chair of the Department of Political Science, weighs in on the results of the midterm election.