BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM According to a new study, young corals generated via IVF and put on several Caribbean reefs fared considerably better than older, naturally occurring corals during the region’s most recent marine heatwave. The study found that 90 percent of these young IVF-bred corals remained healthy, but older corals struggled, with just 25 percent avoiding bleaching during the heat wave. Young IVF corals outlast older colonies Scientists from Secore International, a reef conservation organization, conducted the investigation that yielded these revolutionary results. Dr. Margaret Miller, the study’s lead author and research director at Secore, explained the significance of the findings: “It was a horrible time [during the heatwave]. But I was impressed and surprised that the data came out with such an extreme pattern.” The study focused on elkhorn corals (Acropora palmata) in reefs off Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the United States Virgin Islands, and Dutch Caribbean territories like Bonaire and Curaçao. The juvenile corals, which were bred over the last five years, were able to retain the symbiotic algae that provide them with crucial nutrients, unlike older corals, which expelled their algae and became white—a process known as bleaching. IVF: new hope for coral restoration Traditional coral restoration approaches frequently entail fragmentation, which is the process of breaking corals into pieces and transplanting them to other locations. However, this strategy results in genetic clones and does little to increase the genetic variety required for coral resilience in warmer oceans. In contrast, Secore’s IVF promotes genetic variety. Divers collect coral spawn, which is then fertilized in a laboratory. The resulting juvenile corals are put into reefs and form new colonies. “Natural selection back in the reef environment will choose the best ones,” Miller said, explaining how enhanced genetic variety provides these corals a better chance of survival and adaptation to rising temperatures.  Why are younger corals more resilient? One of the fundamental questions that experts are investigating is why young IVF corals are more heat tolerant than their older relatives. One possibility is that juvenile corals have a better chance of acquiring heat-tolerant symbiotic algae. According to Miller, juvenile corals are “quite exploratory” in their early stages and may experiment with various varieties of algae, some of which are better able to endure heat stress. While this flexibility provides promise, it is unknown if these corals will maintain their resilience as they age. Previous studies reveal that as corals age, they may become more susceptible to heat stress. Heatwaves are the new normal Coral bleaching episodes are becoming more frequent as a result of global climate change. For the past six years, Australia has had a big bleaching episode about every other year. Bleaching events in the Caribbean now occur every five years or so. As temperatures rise, corals, young and old, become increasingly vulnerable to these catastrophes.  The implications are grave. Even if corals survive a bleaching episode, their reproductive capabilities are sometimes impaired for years, restricting their capacity to recover and repopulate reefs. A race against time Dr. Miller noted that, while efforts such as IVF coral propagation are important, they are not a long-term answer in the absence of greater climate action. “So now that the intervals between these heat waves have become so short, coral propagation alone is unlikely to change the fate of these populations,” she pointed out. “We need to address the underlying causes of global climate change. But I think it’s important that we’re supplementing coral populations in the meantime because it might be able to buy us some time.” This study provides a glimmer of hope for coral reefs, which are critical to marine ecosystems but are becoming increasingly endangered owing to climate change. Scientists are working to protect ecosystems for future generations by developing new solutions such as coral IVF and addressing global climate changeThe post Coral reefs take the heat: IVF coral colonies show resilience amid high temperatures first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, celebrates Latines’ significant cultural contributions in the United States. However, it also is an opportunity to address the problems that Latines confront in the workplace. Despite being a substantial worker demographic, Latinos account for only four percent of executive positions in Fortune 500 businesses, according to the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility. Arivee Vargas, a first-generation Latina lawyer and former senior career development leader who now coaches high-achieving women professionals, discusses critical tactics for assisting Latines in the workplace. Here’s how you can take action and make a significant difference. Understanding the barriers that Latines face Latine professionals frequently face structural and cultural obstacles that hinder their job advancement. Vargas emphasizes that the challenges are twofold: “As an individual, what do I have to do to create agency? And then there are the systems that hold Latines back.” These impediments are systematic, and they include a large wage disparity—Latines earn only 54 cents for every dollar earned by their white male peers. Even when Latines seek promotions, they don’t receive them at the same rates. Cultural influences have an important impact. Latines are often raised to value humility and gratitude, which may make them less likely to make the case for raises or promotions. “There’s a weaponization of gratitude that Latines should always be appreciative of what they have,” Vargas explains. This cultural expectation may prevent Latines from seeking the visibility and opportunities they require to advance. 1. Educate yourself and share insights One of the first steps toward becoming a good ally is to educate yourself on the difficulties that Latinos confront. Vargas recommends reading resources like the Lean In State of Latinas in the Workplace report, which sheds light on the systemic barriers that prevent Latinas from reaching leadership positions. The report focuses on topics such as underrepresentation, compensation disparities, bias, and discrimination. Sharing these observations with coworkers can inspire crucial discussions about workplace diversity and inclusion. Hosting a lunch-and-learn event or organizing discussions centered on the report’s findings might help raise awareness and encourage meaningful solutions. 2. Address inequities through data-driven approaches Decision-makers have an important role in creating a more equal workplace. A data-driven approach can assist in identifying areas where Latines have the greatest obstacles, such as hiring, promotions, and retention. Organizations can identify areas where Latine professionals are falling behind and take action to close the gap. Advocating for diverse employment practices is critical. Ensuring Latine participation at all levels of leadership contributes to a more inclusive workplace. Vargas underlines the necessity of encouraging Latine employees to apply for leadership positions and giving them the necessary assistance to advance in those roles. Holding managers accountable for equitable recruiting processes is critical to achieving long-term transformation. 3. Demonstrate true allyship through sponsorship and support True allyship extends beyond symbolic gestures and good words. It entails promoting and sponsoring Latine employees throughout their careers. Vargas emphasizes that true supporters “don’t just say they support Latines; they show it through their actions.” Sponsorship is an effective way to help Latine employees succeed. It involves identifying talented individuals and offering them opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and networking. Offering counsel and advocacy at important stages of their careers can assist Latines in climbing the corporate ladder and attaining success. 4. Challenge stereotypes and stand against bias Latines often encounter negative stereotypes in the workplace, such as being called “fiery” or “sassy.” These biases might result in microaggressions and discrimination. True allies must challenge these beliefs and speak up when they see such behavior. Learning how to pronounce Latine names correctly is a simple but important step. Taking the time to do so demonstrates respect and helps to break down cultural boundaries. Allies should also be mindful of combating microaggressions and teaching others about the necessity of creating an inclusive atmosphere. 5. Track your progress and hold yourself accountable Meeting diversity and inclusion objectives necessitates ongoing evaluation and accountability. Organizations should establish measurable objectives for supporting Latine staff and gauge their success over time. Regularly assessing initiatives ensures that they are effective and that adjustments can be made as needed. Transparency is also important. Organizations that explicitly commit to diversity and inclusion activities can foster trust and demonstrate their commitment to building a truly inclusive workplace. Vargas emphasizes that “holding yourself accountable” is crucial for making sure these goals translate into meaningful change. Creating lasting change Supporting Latines in the workplace is about more than just recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month—it’s about addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that Latines have the opportunities they deserve. Education, sponsorship, and responsibility are critical to creating an atmosphere in which Latinx professionals may succeed. As Vargas notes, “Our culture prioritizes being humble and staying quiet. It is important that Latines also know that it is okay to want more.” By creating workplaces that celebrate Latine voices and contributions, everyone benefits from a more inclusive, equitable environment.The post 5 ways to be a true ally to Latines in the workplace  first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

More fantasy owners bite the dust

This is the nonsense making "Big Brother" come on so late

The NBC-Telemundo poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris with a historically low level of support among Hispanics has begun to trigger some of the usual reactions at MSNBC, including the tired “adjacent to whiteness” trope. WashPost Associate Editor and MSNBC host Jonathan Capehart opened his The Sunday Show segment on the poll by barely being able to put together the words necessary to describe Harris’s 14-point lead among Hispanics in relation to past Democrat nominees: JONATHAN CAPEHART: Trump's rehashing of his race-baiting rhetoric comes as a new NBC News-Telemundo and CNBC poll shows that Harris has a 14-point lead over Trump among Latino voters. 54% to Trump's 40%. Yes, that's a big lead. But it's a shrinking one. Down from- down from what might seem like a big lead it's a shrinking one because…it…Donald…I’m sorry…President Biden had a 36-point lead in 2020, and Hillary Clinton had a 50-point lead in 2016. Per NBC’s writeup of the poll: Vice President Kamala Harris is leading former President Donald Trump among Latino voters. But that advantage has declined to Democrats’ lowest level in the past four presidential cycles, according to a new national NBC News/Telemundo/CNBC poll. Overall, the poll shows that Democratic presidential candidate Harris has lost some ground with Latinos at a time when these consequential voters are more likely than the general electorate to cite the economy and the rising cost of living as top priorities. On both of these issues, Latino voters give Trump the advantage, but a majority of them prefer Harris on temperament, competency and having the necessary mental and physical health to be president. Support for Harris is at 54% among registered Latino voters, according to the poll, while Trump gets 40% and another 6% say they’re unsure or wouldn’t vote. The margin of error in the poll is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. While Harris’ 14-point advantage is an improvement from President Joe Biden’s standing when he was at the top of the ticket, it is still lower than the past leads Democratic presidential candidates enjoyed in 2012 (by 39 points), 2016 (50 points) and 2020 (36 points), according to NBC’s merged polling data from those past cycles. The poll goes on to confirm what we’ve all known to be true: that Hispanics are not a monolith, and that there are many nuanced reasons for the split being the way it is. Namely, immigration no longer being the apex issue that many think it is.  But those who merchandise the idea of Latino identity as defined by politics, there is no such nuance. Watch as Futuro Media founder and frequent MSNBC guest María Hinojosa accuses Trump-supporting Hispanics of essentially being race-traitors: JONATHAN CAPEHART: I'm going to get, we're going to over time. But I am going to squeeze this one more question in and this is for you Maria. And this is from this CNBC-Telemundo poll, that shows the shrinking majority of Latino voters in favor of the Democratic candidate. And as we see, is that… MARIA HINOJOSA: In favor of the Republican candidate. CAPEHART: Well- this is the one, it's supposed to be with Vice President Harris at 54%. A 14 point lead. Is that it? The bottom number? Yeah. So there it is. The bottom number. So she has a 14-point lead but it has been shrinking after each consecutive presidential election from 2016. Why is that? Why is the Democratic share of the Latino vote shrinking? HINOJOSA: And what I said to you when we asked the question was, Latinos want to be white. They want to be with the cool kids. They want to be- I'm asking Latinos all the time and they say,”well…ese Donald Trump es tan buen negociante. He’s such a good businessman. It’s like: no, he's not. He had bankruptcies. But they don't want to be identified with all of those other immigrants that Donald Trump speaks so badly of- including me as a Mexican immigrant. So they’re like: “we’d rather re- let’s be with him.” But those numbers? They could cost Kamala Harris the election. Everything that I’ve been saying that Latinos could push her over the top, these are the numbers that could also take her down. It is a disgusting trope as old as time, the “adjacency to whiteness” trope that the left fires off against minorities they cannot control or easily persuade to fall in line. I’ve spoken in the past about the wrath of spurned gatekeepers.  There are a slew of race merchants that have a hard time getting over the idea that increasing numbers of Hispanics are not going to conform to prefabricated notions of identity, and are going to assert independence. There is a little over a month left until the election. From here on out, it’s only going to get worse.  

The subject line of the PBS email read: “How a trans youth care ban affects this family.” Inside was an essay based on a PBS News Hour segment on the travails of a transgender teen from Texas, after a new state law forbid “gender-affirming” medication that will somehow transform teenage girl Rhyan into a boy. The plight of “transgender” teenagers in Texas are the new specialty subject of PBS’s White House correspondent Laura Barron-Lopez, who doesn’t seem to have much to do on that beat these days. Her fawning story on Wednesday was awful. The newsletter version, “compiled by Joshua Barajas,” was worse. Growing restrictions on the rights of transgender Americans in states across the U.S. have forced many families with trans loved ones to make difficult decisions. Forty-five bills focused on restricting rights for trans people -- across areas like education, health care and civil rights -- have passed statehouses so far this year, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker, an independent research organization. Donald Trump and JD Vance, have pushed anti-trans rhetoric to extremes on the campaign trail. PBS News Hour followed one family’s journey to access essential care, and explores what lies ahead for trans rights. Like Barron-Lopez before him, Barajas relayed the tale like a sympathetic feature story, with no analysis of the science or ethics of teenage “transitioning” through hormone replacement therapy, which wasn't mentioned by name. It was a big day for Rhyan. With the help of a volunteer pilot, the 14-year-old and his mom, Mia, rode a small passenger plane to Albuquerque, New Mexico, more than 600 miles from home. Rhyan made sure to pack his digital camera, snapping photos of the pretty sights thousands of feet in the air. Mountaintops jutting from the earth. Sheets of rain in the distance. The two had been waiting for more than a year for a much-needed doctor’s appointment. Rhyan and Mia live in Texas, the largest of 26 U.S. states that have passed laws that restrict or ban gender-affirming medical care for trans youth. Months before the state’s gender-affirming care ban went into effect last year, Rhyan’s doctor could no longer see him. The teen had to stretch out his testosterone prescription until the family could find a solution. No, transgenders weren't being denied "medical care" by Republicans. There is no "medical" need for gender-denying treatments. In recent years, the upswell of Republican-led efforts across the country to restrict medical care for transgender people has forced families with trans kids to seek treatments elsewhere. PBS used junk science to further the transgender cause. A first-of-its-kind study published this week in Nature found an increase in the number of suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary youth aged 13-17 living in states that have enacted at least one anti-trans law. In the 19 states included in the study, suicide attempts in this age group rose by anywhere from 7 to 72 percent in a single year. Not mentioned: All researchers on the study were current or former members of the trans-activist group The Trevor Project, which works to help "transition" children, making this report emotional blackmail disguised as an objective study on teen suicide. The confident title of the study (“State-level anti-transgender laws increase past-year suicide attempts among transgender and non-binary young people in the USA.”) is not supported by the results found, and the methodology of using personal surveys to collect its figures invites imprecision. Plus, as we know, correlation is not causation. GOP lawmakers in several states have enacted a range of restrictions that affect trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people. The bills aim to block their participation in school sports, bathroom usage and access to certain health care services. The Supreme Court, is set to review Tennessee’s gender-affirming care ban for trans youth. Republicans are not trying to block “gender nonconforming” students from schools or bathrooms, but only demanding they acknowledge biological reality, and that biological boys don’t belong in girls’ sports or bathrooms. It’s no surprise that in July 2024, PBS News won an Excellence in Transgender Coverage Award from NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists (lucky they didn't run out of alphabet!).

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recently released a video emphasizing the need for “media literacy” and the importance of “reining in the media environment.” What she is actually pushing for is legislation that could suppress truthful information contradicting the narrative promoted by anti-American mainstream media outlets.The concept of “media literacy” is often portrayed as a tool of enlightenment for our youth. However, what’s marketed as media literacy in K-12 education may be one of the most insidious forms of indoctrination in recent times, especially when driven by organizations like the News Literacy Project. This development should concern every parent, educator, and citizen who values the future of free thought.How can we expect future generations to think independently if they spend their formative years parroting the narratives of a select few?NLP claims to be a nonpartisan initiative aimed at equipping students with the tools to navigate today’s media landscape. However, a closer examination tells a different story. The organization’s leadership, ambassadors, and affiliated reporters overwhelmingly support the radical left, creating a clearly biased environment (refer to pages 8 and 9 in our NLP exposure tool). All the media partners it considers “credible sources” come from left-wing legacy media companies.Students are being taught to trust only legacy media outlets — those that often follow government narratives — while independent journalists and alternative media sources, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), are dismissed as “media illiterate” and labeled as dangerous misinformation.When educators teach children to rely only on mainstream media and government agencies for information, they condition them to accept a narrow narrative. The implicit message becomes clear: If your sources don’t align with government-approved narratives, your inquiry is invalid.This isn’t media literacy. It’s media manipulation.The real power behind the “media literacy” scam lies in how it distorts language. When bad actors like AOC talk about “misinformation” or “disinformation,” they aren’t referring to factual inaccuracies. These terms are weaponized to silence dissenting opinions.Anything that challenges the prevailing narratives of government agencies or progressive organizations gets tagged as dangerous misinformation. This stifles open discussion and marginalizes opposing viewpoints. Instead of teaching students to engage critically with ideas, they are trained to accept a prescribed viewpoint without question.NLP’s initiatives go beyond curating information. The organization is essentially teaching children to weaponize the concept of “hate speech.” Its version of media literacy frames questioning certain societal shifts or expressing traditional values as potential hate speech.For example, arguing that biological sex is immutable or advocating for secure borders isn’t just considered a difference of opinion — it’s branded as dangerous speech. This approach not only suppresses free speech but also conditions children to fear expressing thoughts that don’t align with progressive ideology, narrowing the marketplace of ideas to a rigid, ideologically driven path.This approach to media literacy does more than inform — it reforms. It reshapes how children perceive reality, not through critical analysis but through the lens of radical social justice. This creates a subtle, yet pervasive form of censorship where questioning becomes synonymous with spreading misinformation or hate.The impact of these programs is not theoretical; it’s already being felt in classrooms across the country. With the NLP active in all 50 states and several schools requiring its media literacy curriculum for graduation, we now face a situation where K-12 educational institutions are not just failing to promote critical thinking but actively dismantling it.How can we expect future generations to think independently if they spend their formative years parroting the narratives of a select few?Government-run K-12 education actively conditions children to live within controlled narratives. This goes beyond shaping how they consume media — it’s about molding future voters, thinkers, and leaders to fit a specific political agenda, ultimately undermining the democratic process, which thrives on diverse and informed opinions.Parents, educators, and policymakers need to recognize this for what it is: a scam cloaked in the noble guise of media literacy. True media literacy should empower students to question, analyze, and form their own opinions based on a broad spectrum of sources, not confine them to a curated selection that fits one political ideology. Education should encourage critical thinking, challenge assumptions, and engage with a variety of perspectives.The fight for genuine media literacy — where students learn to navigate the information landscape with skepticism and critical thought — isn’t just about education; it’s about preserving the essence of our Constitution and the nation itself.We must reject any program that limits discourse or demonizes dissenting views in favor of a singular narrative. Our schools must not become factories of conformity under the guise of media literacy. America's future depends on free minds, informed not by coercion but by choice.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said Sunday that Israel needs to finish off Hezbollah for good.

WASHINGTON, DC—After learning about devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene, Biden agrees to send $15 billion more to Ukraine and another $8 billion to Israel. At a press conference, Biden appeared deeply moved by the destruction caused by the hurricane, which battered large parts of the southern United States. After a long pause, during which aides reportedly whispered “North Carolina” into his earpiece, the president leaned into the microphone and said, “This is a real crisis. And that’s why today, I’m proud to announce that we will be sending an additional $15 billion to the brave people of Ukraine.” Reporters, initially confused by the response, soon erupted into applause. CNN correspondent Rhonda Feelgood praised Biden’s “global perspective.” “He’s not just focused on domestic concerns, he sees the big picture,” she gushed. “While people may be suffering in the flooded streets of North Carolina cities, at least Ukraine will have more HIMARS systems.” Meanwhile, FEMA officials are reportedly still waiting on funds to help repair the damage caused by the hurricane. When asked for comment, a senior Biden official responded, “Look, the president’s doing everything he can. These things take time. Ukraine, on the other hand, needed that $15 billion yesterday. Also, have you seen their TikToks?” Vice President Kamala Harris echoed the sentiment in her signature style: “When we talk about hurricanes, and we talk about Ukraine, we are really talking about the wind of change. That’s why it’s time for us to uplift, and when we uplift, we lift, and that lifting is an upward movement. And Ukraine—well, you get it.” As for the hurricane survivors, one resident of Baton Rouge summed it up: “I lost my home, my car’s underwater, but I’m just glad Ukraine’s getting what it needs.” The post BREAKING: After learning about devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene, Biden agrees to send $15 billion more to Ukraine appeared first on Genesius Times.