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The Strongest Spiderweb on Earth Is Spun Only by Females (Maria)

The author writes, “Bark spiders are some of nature’s best engineers. They spin webs that stretch across entire rivers in Madagascar; their silk is stronger than steel — and the toughest on Earth. But only females craft the mightiest webs, according to a new study in Integrative Zoology. Researchers tested the silk strength of two bark spider species; in some cases, the female spiders’ silk was more than twice as strong as that of males. This likely stems from the fact that average adult females are more than three times the size of males. … Understanding what makes these spiders’ silk so strong could hold clues to developing durable fibers that could regenerate human skin and help repair bones.”

Video: ‘Domestic Terrorism’: Leaked DOJ Memo Targets ‘Anti-Americanism, Anti-Capitalism, Anti-Christianity’ (Reader Jim)

From Democracy Now: “A leaked memo by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directs the Justice Department and FBI to compile a list of groups that may be labeled ‘domestic terrorism’ organizations based on political views related to immigration, gender and U.S. policy. The memo was obtained by independent investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein, who joins [Democracy Now] to discuss how it expands on President Donald Trump’s NSPM-7 directive following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which ordered a national strategy to investigate and disrupt groups the administration claims could incite political violence.”

For US Businesses, Tariff Complexity Is ‘Death by a Thousand Papercuts’ (Dana)

From the Cato Institute: “This year, a large amount of virtual ink has been devoted to US tariff policy — and for good reason. Yet, most of this discussion has focused on the big picture — average tariff rates, big deals, and major actions or exemptions — while ignoring an issue that’s just as important, if not more so: the new tariffs’ unprecedented and, for many American businesses, crippling bureaucracy and complexity.” 

Chernobyl Radiation Shield ‘Lost Safety Function’ After Drone Strike, UN Watchdog Says (Sean)

The author writes, “A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its ‘primary safety functions including the confinement capability.’”

The Trump Administration’s Data Center Push Could Open the Door for New Forever Chemicals (Laura)

From Wired: “The EPA is prioritizing review of new chemicals to be used in data centers. Experts say this could lead to the fast approval of new types of forever chemicals — with limited oversight.”

Nearly 1,000 Acres Near Yosemite National Park Returned To California Tribe (Reader Steve)

The author writes, “Nearly two centuries after the Southern Sierra Miwuk people were displaced from present-day Mariposa County, 900 acres of land west of Yosemite National Park have been returned to the tribe.”