What: Washington Post columnist Heather Long breaks down research from Nobel Prize-winning economist Claudia Goldin on the global fertility decline. Goldin found that steep drops in fertility can be explained by how quickly women entered the workforce after World War II and how slowly men’s ideas about shared domestic responsibilities caught up.
Key line: “In places where men do more around the house, fertility rates are higher; where they do less, rates are lower. Goldin’s research doesn’t advocate a specific policy, but suggests that couple equity is key – where each partner’s contribution is recognized.”
Source: Washington Post
Do Women and Men Need Different Amounts of Sleep?
What: In response to social media chatter, The New York Times examines whether women truly need more sleep than men. While one sleep expert dismisses any difference, survey data suggest women report slightly more sleep yet also more insomnia.
Key line: “Research indicates that on average, women experience lower quality sleep than men – with a significant percentage rarely waking up feeling rested.”
Source: New York Times
All the Cuts at Federal Health Agencies (For Minimal Savings)
What: The Washington Post details sweeping cuts across federal health agencies, including the FDA and CDC, raising concerns about public health capacity.
Key line: “The cuts swept across agencies from emergency preparedness to the NIH, leaving patient advocacy groups deeply alarmed.”
Source: Washington Post