Today’s Big Story

Fireflies Are Surging

But the bioluminescent bugs of summer still need our help to stave off extinction

I used to love catching them when I was kid. Every summer, I’d go to bed with a small terrarium near my window that flickered with the little lightning bugs I’d caught earlier. And this summer, it seems like Americans of all ages are catching firefly fever. Social media is glowing with videos and photos of the twinkling bugs. The summer surge is a welcome sight, as experts fear some firefly species may be dwindling due to a range of usual factors.

In case you hadn’t heard, the world’s firefly population have been declining for the past few decades—blamed on everything from light pollution to pesticides and habitat loss. Now there's a ray of hope: A recent study suggests there’s reason to be optimistic for these insects. They’re more prevalent this summer than they have been in years.

According to Popular Science, residents across the U.S. have been seeing a spike in firefly numbers in recent weeks. Parts of Pennsylvania, Illinois, and even primarily urban areas like Washington D.C. and New York City have experienced an uptick in this summertime natural wonder. Their yellow, green, or red glow when paired with chirping crickets or cicadas buzzing are signals of hot and hazy summer days. While there may be as many as 2,400 species of firefly on Earth, these insects are still in trouble.

If you want to help, create a welcoming environment. Fireflies thrive in sheltered areas that will protect their eggs as they develop, but will also conceal themselves during the day. They seek out moist soil and long grasses to lay their eggs and take shelter and thrive in covered foliage. Thanks to all the rain we’ve had lately, American lightning bugs are thriving.

Oh … and despite their name, fireflies are not flies at all. They are a type of beetle in the family Lampyridae. Their signature flashes are signals emitted to attract mates. And those blinking butts aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—a 2019 report highlighted their ecological benefits. The larvae of the species primarily feed on snails and slugs, both of which damage plants. These insects also contribute to the diets of many creatures in the animal kingdom, especially various spider species. Environment America also shares that some species feed on pollen and nectar, benefiting many flowering plants.

Trump’s Epstein Mess Gets Messier

New revelations that the Attorney Genera told the president his name was listed, followed by a GOP revolt

The swirl of Jeffrey Epstein drama surrounding President Donald Trump is deepening amid growing defiance by some Republicans and despite the administration’s inflammatory attempts at distraction. Late Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that when Justice Department officials reviewed what Attorney General Pam Bondi called a “truckload” of documents related to Epstein earlier this year, they discovered that Trump’s name appeared multiple times.

The news will continue to fuel accusations of a conspiracy and cover-up since the administration has refused to release the files. Trump said last week in response to a journalist’s question that Bondi hadn’t told him that his name was in the files. Speaking with ABC News, he went on to claim that they contained material manufactured by Democrats. But, of course, the two men were indisputably friends for many years—part of overlapping power circles in New York City.

But more information is likely to come out soon. A Republican-led House subcommittee on Wednesday passed a Democrat’s motion to subpoena the DOJ’s Epstein documents. The surprise bipartisan vote passed, 8-2, with three of the panel’s Republicans joining with Democrats. The subpoena calls for the Epstein files in the Justice Department’s possession to be provided to Congress, but the names of the victims to be redacted. It also calls for communications between former Biden officials and the Justice Department related to the Epstein matter, in addition to depositions among some major figures, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and former FBI Director James Comey.

Miller High Life's Boozy Push-Pop

The frozen treat is inspired by a dive bar drink

The Champagne of Beers is expanding its realm and is now dabbling in frozen treats. The iconic Miller High Life just debuted the Spaghett-sicle, a push-pop inspired by a dive bar spritz. It follows a recent campaign that pays homage to barebones watering holes all over the land, with products like dive bar cologne in the mix.

For those who don’t know, the Spaghett is a refreshing and low-rent take on a fancy spritz, a blend of aperitif (like Campari) and a lemon wedge thrown into a bottle of Miller High Life. I actually discovered this in Tokyo two years ago and wrote about my experience, along with tips on making your own.

As for the frozen version, it’s crafted in an old school push-pop style, like you’d find from your local ice cream truck. According to The Manual, the frozen pops are available via Goldbelly or through Tipsy Scoop stores in locations like D.C., Nashville, Portland, and New York City. Men’s Journal got a taste and said the pop “is slightly bitter, a touch sweet and quite refreshing.” It’s playful, fun to eat, and offers a much-needed cool down during the hottest stretch of the year.

The Long Read

Nature is full of species for which sex and gender are more fluid

Don’t let stress get you down.