December’s news topics included coverage of AI, inflation, the Shakers, and poetry, among others. Links are provided, but some may require subscriptions to access content. Please contact Vige Barrie if you cannot open a link or do not have a subscription.
“30 under 30” – Forbes, Dec. 2
Heidi Wong ’20 was included in this list. Forbes described her as, “a screenwriter, artist, poet, and creator whose videos reach 60 to 70 million viewers each month. Her work has fueled partnerships with Netflix, Sony, Universal, 20th Century Studios, Paramount, and AMC.”
“My Conversation With AI’s Ayn Rand: AI may help higher ed with its viewpoint diversity challenges.” – Inside Higher Ed, Dec. 9
President Steven Tepper wrote this essay.
“Competing by Reinventing the Core” – Franklin Covey Podcast, Dec. 9
In this interview, former Board of Trustees Chair A.G. Lafley ’69 referenced his Hamilton education.
“Out-Competing Rivals: Armed Group Governance and Civilian Attitudes in Colombia” – Political Science Now, Dec. 11
Associate Professor of Government Erica De Bruin discussed what determines the legitimacy of aspiring rulers.
“Latest CPI report signals cooling inflation, with key caveats” – Marketplace, American Public Media, Dec. 18
Professor of Economics Ann Owen discussed the labor market and inflation.
“Awkward! You’re Not the Only One Who Wants to Crawl Out of Their Skin at Holiday Parties. An Awkwardness Researcher Explains Why.” – Slate, Dec. 19
Associate Professor of Psychology Alexandra Plakias discussed this topic.
“The celibate dancing Shakers were once seen as a threat to society” – The Conversation, Dec. 22
Director of Special Collections Christian Goodwillie wrote this essay.
“The Year in Museums: A Relatively Bleak 12 Months With a Few Bright Spots” – Observer, Dec. 24
President Steven Tepper commented on what art is for.
“Bird-ger Kings” – The Loh Down on Science, NPR, Dec. 26
Associate Professor of Biology Andrea Townsend’s study on crow cholesterol levels was featured on NPR stations across the country.
“Universities are playing ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ with Trump, but the game is rigged” – The Hill, Dec. 28
President Emeritus David Wippman co-authored this essay.
“Morning Open Thread: Sitting in the Plainest Light, in the Silk of Morning” – Daily Kos, Dec. 29
Professor of Literature and Creative Writing Jane Springer was one of 13 poets highlighted in this column.
“Facts vs. Clicks: How Algorithms Reward Extremism” – The David Frum Show, The Atlantic, Dec. 31
Charlie Warzel ’10 discussed how our online information became so untrustworthy and how we can
fight back.
Posted January 7, 2026
