Surviving the Information Chaos Storm

The Homeopathic Industry Is on the Ropes

Robyn E. Blumner explains how the homeopathy industry is facing growing legal and regulatory challenges as the FDA tightens enforcement against unapproved products and courts increasingly reject industry efforts to preserve special treatment. She argues that despite aggressive lobbying and proposed legislation to shield homeopathy from oversight, science-based regulation and consumer protection are finally beginning to hold the industry accountable for deceptive and unsupported medical claims. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-homeopathic-industry-is-on-the-ropes/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-homeopathic-industry-is-on-the-ropes/] About the Author: Robyn E. Blumner is president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry and executive director of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science. She is a lawyer who previously held posts as a syndicated columnist and editorial writer at the Tampa Bay Times and as executive director of the ACLU of Florida and ACLU of Utah. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

News Bites: From the Tarot Card Reader's Defamation to the Artemis II Record

Julia Lavarnway, William Matthew London, Stephen Hupp, and Benjamin Radford round up notable developments in skepticism and science, from a multimillion-dollar defamation verdict against a self-proclaimed psychic and Tinder's embrace of astrology to political claims about UFOs, Bigfoot pop culture, and the latest space exploration milestones. The collection highlights how pseudoscientific beliefs continue to influence public life even as evidence-based investigations—from courtroom rulings to NASA's Artemis II mission—push back against misinformation and expand human knowledge. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/news-bites-from-the-tarot-card-readers-defamation-to-the-artemis-ii-record/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/news-bites-from-the-tarot-card-readers-defamation-to-the-artemis-ii-record/] About the Authors: Julia Lavarnway is managing editor of Skeptical Inquirer. William Matthew London is the editor of Consumer Health Digest, Quackwatch's free weekly electronic newsletter. Stephen Hupp is the executive director of CSI and editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Benjamin Radford is deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

What Did the So-Called 'Lying Monk' Really See?

Matthew J. Sharps and Jana L. Price-Sharps examine the legend of the so-called "Lying Monk," Fray Marcos de Niza, arguing that psychology—not deception—best explains the myths surrounding his expedition to Cibola. Using examples of source confusion, language ambiguity, misinterpretation, and faulty perception, they show how ordinary cognitive processes can transform modest observations into enduring legends of lost cities, strange beasts, and giants. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/what-did-the-so-called-lying-monk-really-see/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/what-did-the-so-called-lying-monk-really-see/] About the Authors: Matthew J. Sharps is professor of psychology at California State University, Fresno. He is the author of numerous papers and publications in cognitive and forensic cognitive science, including the 2022 book Processing under Pressure: Stress, Memory, and Decision-Making in Law Enforcement (3rd ed.). He has consulted on eyewitness issues in numerous criminal cases and has published several articles in Skeptical Inquirer on the implications of eyewitness principles for erroneous observations and interpretations. Jana L. Price-Sharps is a licensed psychologist who specializes in trauma treatment with forensic and first responder populations. She is a full-time faculty member at Walden University in the Forensic Psychology PhD program and a part-time faculty member in the Department of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. She conducts research on interactive factors in forensic, clinical, and cognitive psychology. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Exploring Robben Island: How the Ghosts of the Past Haunt the Researchers of Today

Malorie Mackey recounts her experiences conducting penguin conservation research on South Africa's Robben Island, exploring how its haunting history, eerie landscape, and lack of environmental control can make even skeptical scientists feel as though they are encountering ghosts. Drawing on psychology research, she argues that stress, uncertainty, and our fear of the unknown help explain why supposedly haunted places can feel genuinely paranormal despite the absence of supernatural evidence. Read this article and find accompanying references at: skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/exploring-robben-island-how-the-ghosts-of-the-past-haunt-the-researchers-of-today/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/exploring-robben-island-how-the-ghosts-of-the-past-haunt-the-researchers-of-today/] About the Author: Malorie Mackey is an investigative journalist who studies anthropology with a specialization in mythology, occult studies, and folklore. As a member of the Explorers Club, host of the show and podcast Weird World Adventures, and creator of MaloriesAdventures.com, she is always excited to investigate the unknown. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Boosting Facts and Busting Myths about Mythbusting

Stefan T. Siegel examines six common misconceptions about mythbusting, arguing that effectively countering misinformation requires more than simply correcting facts—it demands evidence-based strategies that address emotions, identities, and social influences. He advocates a balanced approach that combines mythbusting and fact-boosting, focuses on persuadable audiences, and uses tools such as prebunking, critical thinking, and media literacy to build long-term resilience against misinformation. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/boosting-facts-and-busting-myths-about-mythbusting/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/boosting-facts-and-busting-myths-about-mythbusting/] About the Author: Stefan T. Siegel is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Business Education (IWP) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG). He is the author of international articles and books and has several years of work experience in research and teaching in higher education. He has been awarded prizes for his work. His current research focuses on educational theory, educational myths, professionalization of teachers, science communication, and sustainability education. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]