Fourth Estate | Life & News

Thursday, February 26, 2026

As traditional media outlets struggle to hold power to account, citizen watchdogs can still make a splash. Man_Half-tube/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

Business

Watchdog journalism’s future may lie in the work of independent reporters...

Staff Writer - October 6, 2025

Alex Volonte, University of Florida In September 2025, podcaster Pablo Torre published an investigation alleging that the NBA’s Los...

EXPLORING NATURE

Portland cement, widely used for concrete, is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Photovs/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Business

Polymers from earth can make cement more climate-friendly

Staff Writer - February 12, 2026

Alcina Johnson Sudagar, Washington University in St. Louis Concrete is all around you – in the foundation of your...

There is still a great deal unknown about RNA and its modifications. Christoph Burgstedt/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

RNA is key to the dark matter of the genome −...

February 10, 2026

A farmer near Quemado, Texas, prepares to take hay to cattle amid the drought in June 2022. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Sixth year of drought in Texas and Oklahoma leaves ranchers bracing...

February 9, 2026

A baby orangutan was seized by Thai police in an anti-trafficking operation in May 2025. Thai police Central Investigation Bureau via AP

New technologies are stepping up the global fight against wildlife trafficking

February 8, 2026

U.S. skier Rosie Brennan leads a group during the women’s team sprint classic cross-country skiing competition at the 2022 Winter Olympics. AP Photo/Aaron Favila

What Olympic athletes see that viewers don’t: Machine-made snow makes ski...

February 5, 2026