Clever Raccoon Brains Can Clarify Human Intelligence, Too

Kelly Lambert The Conversation
In addition to their impressive brains, raccoons’ dexterous hands play a key role in their cognitively creative escapades. Researchers have found that raccoon forepaws map onto their cerebral cortex in a similar manner to human hands.

The Democratic Base Is Social Democratic

Harold Meyerson The American Prospect
It took profound transformation of Americans’ social and economic lives by deregulated and financialized capitalism to push Democrats left. It’s time that the media reconsider what constitutes the party’s new mainstream.

Leaked Security Memo: “De-Escalation Is Key”

Ken Klippenstein KlipNews
Before Renee Good’s killing, immigration authorities sent agents a warning: “For safe and effective vehicle extractions, de-escalation is key.” It was signed by the head of the agency’s compliance directorate.

Friday Nite Videos | January 16, 2026

Portside Portside
That's How Every Empire Falls | John Prine. 60,000 Trump Voters Just Elected a Socialist. Minnesota Tells ICE To F**k Off. "Who's Shitting on Who?" What Bernie Learned Running For President.

Sid Caesar!

Paul Buhle Portside
The most informative of all studies of humor on US television in its early golden years, this biography deserves wide reading. For readers sympathetic to today’s protests against media-created monsters it will offer reflections on what comedy can do