New & Noteworthy List for December 2025

Highlights the unprecedented growth of Austin and San Antonio in terms of population, employment, manufacturing, traffic, in-migration, school attendance, and airport enplanements. Reflects on the implications of growth for the infrastructure of this burgeoning urban corridor, including water and energy supplies and housing affordability.

Explores the political divide in America through research, storytelling, and reflections on first-hand experiences. Encourages finding ways to build bridges while maintaining personal and political values. Provides practical actions, strategies, and steps to facilitate difficult conversations.

Examines the political history of West Texas from 1876 to 1976 and its impact on the rise of political conservatism in the U.S. Focuses on the contributions of political players and citizens along with the cultural, economic, and demographic factors that shaped the political identity of the region. Addresses the origin and philosophy of cowboy conservatism and its role in the emergence of the New Right.

Assesses the state of admissions in higher education following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA), which effectively eliminated affirmative action programs in colleges and universities. Analyzes the SFFA along with conservative and liberal interpretations of the opinion and posits there are weaknesses in both interpretations. Asserts that universities still have legal opportunities to foster diversity and remain consistent with the Court’s ruling.

Discusses the history and global economic impact of land ownership. Explains how land exerts influence on the modern world, including shaping housing, banking, and geopolitics. Details the risks of land-centric economies, which are vulnerable to boom-and-bust cycles and land traps. Analyzes the land histories of Colonial America, the U.S., China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

Investigates how infectious disease threats have been handled in the past and explores possibilities for preventing future pandemics. Chronicles scientists’ global efforts to combat infectious diseases, detect outbreaks early, develop new interventions, and prepare for future pandemics. Addresses challenges to preventing pandemics, including misinformation; societal distrust of science; cycles of panic and neglect; and politics.