Lex Ashcroft's reads

How to be a good person without annoying everyone. "Moral rebels," or people who break from conformity due to personal conviction, often draw ire and irritation from the people around them because they remind us of the shortfalls between our own values and actions. Writing for The Atlantic, Michelle Nijhuis details how moral rebels can craft their language to be more effective (and less provoking) by emphasizing small steps, acknowledging external factors and realities, and highlighting that changing their own ways is an ongoing process.

PFAS: What you need to know. PFAS, a large group of water and stain resistant "forever chemicals," are found in a wide variety of consumer products. These commonly used chemicals can remain in water, soil, and the human body for years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new warnings based on research that shows PFAS are associated with numerous adverse effects, including thyroid disease, liver damage, and certain types of cancer. Writing for The Conversation, Kathryn Crawford explains what some states are doing to protect constituents, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Allie Rudin's reads

How to split chores equitably. In any cohabitation arrangement—whether between family, friends, or partners—there is a distribution of domestic labor among parties. However, questions about who does dishes (and when) or whose turn it is to take out the trash can become a source of frustration and resentment. Writing for Vox's "Even Better," Allie Volpe seeks expert advice on how to approach these questions in a way that promotes equity over equality and ultimately leads to a home with more content occupants.

Why dogs can be so healing for kids. A recent study revealed that children's cortisol levels were more effectively lowered through regular dog interactions than guided meditation sessions, indicating lower levels stress—and seeming to confirm what many dog owners already suspect of the child-canine connection. Writing for New York Times, Catherine Pearson explores what the new research does (and doesn't mean) about dogs, kids, and how they interact, as well as what parents should keep in mind about these insights.