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Trump’s ‘financial situation’ gaffe underscores his Iran war problem
President Donald Trump has governed throughout his second term like a man who wields unconstrained power. It tends to prompt frustrations for him later when the approach runs headlong into reality.
Community Celebrations During Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global
Pokémon GO’s 10th anniversary brings with it the debut of the Genetic Pokémon, Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, in Super Mega Raid Battles. Trainers will need as many fellow Trainers as possible to successfully face these powerful Raid Bosses. To celebrate 10 years of Pokémon GO, for the first time, Pokémon GO Fest […]
This Nonprofit Trains Hikers to Gather Data in Places Scientists Can't Go
Science, family, and hiking come together in American Scientists, a growing nonprofit that trains outdoor volunteers to gather data for research projects.
Challenging your mind can help maintain brain health. Here are steps the Alzheimer's Association recommends.
Howard Community College Featured in 'State of Business' Address
In his Business Outlook Luncheon remarks at Turf Valley Resort last week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball outlined how Howard County “stands on business” through five pillars: managing crises, investing in people, backing businesses, making strategic investments, and preparing for the future. Howard Community College appears by name in the pillar that anchors the others: investing in people. Dr. Ball highlighted the $11 million county investment in HCC’s Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce and Trades Center, which will open this fall. He described the facility as a world-class center with state-of-the-art training in key industries, championed by HCC President Dr. Daria J. Willis, and positioned to help Howard County compete with institutions worldwide. He also recognized HCC’s Complete4Success program, supported by a $3.5 million county investment in 2022, as a continuing driver of certifications and degrees that prepare students to enter Howard County’s workforce ready to contribute on day one. Dr. Ball connected HCC’s work to the broader economic moment in the county, including more than 1,580 apprentices now training across Howard County businesses, up from roughly 1,100 in 2018, and the SPARK program that bridges classroom learning to high-demand industries. Each of these efforts depends on the kind of workforce pipeline HCC is built to deliver. Educational Services is one of the top three employment sectors for county residents, alongside Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services and Health Care & Social Assistance. HCC will award 1,263 degrees next week at its annual commencement ceremony, and every year, that output feeds directly into the industries the County Executive named as drivers of Howard County’s growth. The full picture also includes the families who are not yet there. The 2024 ALICE update from United Way of Central Maryland found that 35,346 households in Howard County, 29% of the total, fell below the ALICE Threshold in 2022, meaning they earned more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living in the county. The Household Survival Budget for a Howard County family of two adults, an infant, and a preschooler reached $118,608 annually, requiring an hourly wage of $59.30 to cover housing, child care, food, transportation, and other essentials. Affluence and economic strain coexist within the same county lines. That gap is the reason higher education and economic development are inseparable. Every certification, associate degree, and apprenticeship credential issued at HCC represents a household closer to crossing the ALICE Threshold and into long-term financial stability. The Bell Center, Complete4Success, Howard P.R.I.D.E., Parent Scholars, and the institution’s transfer-rate gains are significant components of Howard County’s economic mobility infrastructure. HCC is grateful to Dr. Ball for his sustained partnership over nearly eight years of service and for recognizing that this college plays a central role in the economic story Howard County is telling. Standing on business in Howard County means standing alongside the flagship institution that prepares its workforce.
Humans are bad at making complex decisions. AI can call them out
A new tool is designed to help users rank a set of choices – such as job applicants, graduate schools, even Oscar candidates.
Trainer Donates K-9 to Virtua Health in gratitude for lifesaving care
A new K-9 is keeping the Virtua Health community safe and he comes with a heartwarming back story.
Ukraine court orders arrest of Zelenskyy ally Andriy Yermak
Andriy Yermak resigned in November 2025, after investigators raided his home in a sweeping corruption probe.
Rock Creek Entertainment District developer sells UNP-located retail center for $82.25M
An Oklahoma City-based investor group purchased University Town Center from its previous owner, The Rainier Companies, for $82.25 million Monday.
GOP centrists defy Trump and force future House vote on major Russian sanctions bill
A small bloc of GOP lawmakers defied their leadership — and President Donald Trump — by forcing the House to soon take up a major bill to deliver US military support to Ukraine while imposing steep sanctions on Russia.
Meet Chimba Sanga: Zambian physician, public health leader, LinkedIn influencer | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Chimba Sanga, MPH ’26, is using his new training in epidemiology to improve HIV and TB care at home in Zambia.
Canadian-based company ceases operations; dozens of people laid off in Pennsylvania
The company said its financial position has worsened significantly since 2021, and that it had faced additional pressure since 2024 due to the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government, post-pandemic reductions in consumer demand, increased competition from offshore competitors, and ongoing cash constraints.
SoLa Foundation Launches AI and Entertainment Center with Live Nation in Crenshaw
The SoLa Foundation announced the opening on May 8 of the SoLa AI & Entertainment Center Powered by Live Nation, a creative and workforce training hub at 4611 Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles.
Governments May Shape What AI Chatbots Say by Shaping the Data They Learn From
Six studies show how state-coordinated media in AI training data influence model responses about politics—especially in a country’s own language
Adriana Galván and Lisa Lawson on Using Brain Science to Help Gen Z Thrive
Lisa Lawson joins Adriana Galván for a fireside chat about how to better support young people as they navigate the path to adulthood.
How does diet impact brain health? Alzheimer's Association shares nutrition tips with cognitive function in mind.
What’s the Best Way to Brainwash an LLM?
I spent a weekend trying to convince a language model it was C-3PO. Here's what actually worked.
Amid elevated disaster risks Tahoe cannot afford tourism business-driven governance
Local and state governments in 2026 are under more pressure than ever to provide services. These new realities and an uncertain summer came into sharp relief recently in Nevada. During the state’s joint interim standing Government Affairs meeting, lawmakers received an alarming update from Nevada’s head of Emergency Management and Homeland Security about strained disaster […]
House Republican misses another week of votes as health absence strains thin majority
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. will remain absent from Congress for over two months due to an unspecified health issue, with his office saying he will return to a full schedule soon.
Adaption aims big with AutoScientist, an AI tool that helps models train themselves
Adaption's new AutoScientist tool is designed to let models adapt to specific capabilities quickly through an automated approach to conventional fine-tuning.
This daily habit could lower dementia risk by 35%, scientists say
A huge long-term study found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was linked to a much lower risk of dementia, especially before age 75. Researchers say caffeine may help keep brain cells active while reducing inflammation and harmful plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s disease. But more coffee wasn’t better — the protective effect appeared to level off after moderate intake.
How the National Debt Crisis Impacts Health Care for Older Adults
PARC Retreat Explores How Aging, Workforce Strains, and Federal Debt Are Reshaping U.S. Health Care
Norman breaks ground on Rock Creek Entertainment District
Groundbreaking has been held on Rock Creek Entertainment District, a planned $1.1bn (£813.3m/€939.3m), 269-acre mixed-use destination in the city of Norman that will house a new arena for the University of Oklahoma (OU). The groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday (Tuesday) came after Rainier Development Company was appointed by OU Foundation as the District’s master developer on
You should probably eat more fiber. Here's why — and how to do it
The average person eats 10-15 grams of fiber per day, according to the USDA. The problem? That’s WAY under the recommended daily amount. Fiber – a type of carb that our bodies are unable to digest – is prevalent in foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans. And it’s key for everything from feelings of fullness, to gut health, to good poop. That’s why a lot of people online are “fibermaxxing”: trying to meet or exceed the daily recommendation of fiber, in hopes it’ll improve their health. But how should YOU add fiber to your diet… and are the fibermaxxers overdoing it? Gastroenterologist Berkeley Limketkai is here to help parse the science on how little fiber is too little, how much fiber is too much – and, like Goldilocks, how we can figure out the amount that’s just right.Interested in more food and dietary science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Miami Dolphins Rookie Le'Veon Moss Retires Suddenly At 23
With training camp still over two months away, the Miami Dolphins have unfortunately announced that rookie running back Le’Veon Moss won't be present for it. The Dolphins signed Moss as an undrafted free agent on May 8. The talented running back from Texas A&M had 1,767 yards and 22 touchdowns ...
Scientists seek to understand effects of rain falling on snow in the Arctic
When rain falls on snow in the Arctic, ice layers can form on top of and within the snowpack. This increasingly common dynamic can influence the ability of animals, including caribou and muskoxen, to forage and move across the landscape. That, in turn, affects the people who rely on wildlife for subsistence, culture, wellbeing and income. Given the widespread impacts of rain-on-snow events, Colorado State University researchers are studying and modeling their effects in Arctic systems. The work is especially important considering the rapid rate of climate change across the region
Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies of brain cancer at 47
Collins announced his diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma in December
Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies at 47 of brain tumor
Collins spent 13 years as a player in the league for six different franchises.
County health officials urge complete JYNNEOS vaccine series for Mpox protection
San Diego County public health officials Tuesday urged people at greater risk for mpox to get both doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine as cases rise statewide, including reports of the more severe Clade I strain.
First-of-its-kind drainage device helps limit heart failure rehospitalizations
This new catheter-based device for lymphatic drainage showed early potential to be a new treatment option for acute decompensated heart failure.
People in WA prisons get access to 988 mental health crisis hotline
Hotline counselors are trained to contact prisons and get immediate support for incarcerated callers who are at an imminent risk of hurting themselves.
ICE ‘materially violated’ order on warrantless arrests, Colorado judge says
A federal judge ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday to immediately train its Colorado employees about how to lawfully perform warrantless arrests, after the evidence showed officers had little understanding of the requirements. U.S. District Court Senior Judge R. Brooke Jackson wrote that ICE had “materially violated” his prior order that directed immigration […]
Chicago firm pays $91M for Kane County apartments in latest high-dollar deal
The deal is one of the largest in the suburbs so far this year following a $102 million sale in Orland Ridge and a $110 million deal in Crest Hill.
How can movement boost your brain health? Alzheimer's Association unveils new daily challenge
Trump Faces Emboldened Xi in China as Iran War Clips US Leverage
Donald Trump is expecting economic deals and a “wild” welcome this week in China. In reality, he’ll arrive facing an emboldened Xi Jinping, just as his own hand is constrained by the conflict in Iran.
Can The Jumper Be Hacked? Inside Basketball's Next Arms Race
In the summer of 2024, during the WNBA’s Olympic break, several Atlanta Dream players who weren’t competing in Paris had gathered for a midseason training camp of sorts. Anyone watching would have seen what looked like a typical 3-on-3 scrimmage. In reality, it was anything but. The Dream weren’t playing in any ordinary gym, but…
Scientists Discovered Your Brain Wasn’t Empty When You Were Born
Brain development in mice suggests that our brains pare down neural connections as they mature.
OHSU researchers connect tinnitus with elevated serotonin activity in the brain
While far from a cure, the new research could one day help scientists understand how to reverse tinnitus through brain chemistry.
After-School Sports An Overall Boon To Children And Teens, Study Shows
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterTUESDAY, May 12, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Children benefit in both body and mind when they participate in after-school sports, a new study says. Kids in after-school sports show measurable advantages in brainpower, mental health and physical fitness, researchers ...
Business leaders split in Markey-Moulton showdown
Why are some business leaders jumping on the Moulton train for Senate?
Three strangers on a rainy St. Francisville porch write a ‘Loblolly Lullaby’
Sometimes the best days are the ones where you have absolutely no business being in the room. This week's Louisiana at Large is about a St. Francisville songwriters' workshop, a word that sounds like home — and what happened when two strangers decided to help write a loblolly lullaby.
Garmin Forerunner 70: Everything That’s New & Changed!
Everything you need to know about the Garmin Forerunner 70, from the new features to accuracy, and plenty more!
Shortage of beds, staff force Michigan kids out of state for mental health treatment
Michigan kids with serious mental health needs are being sent thousands of miles away from their families to receive proper treatment.
DeepAFM: A deep learning method to decode protein motion
Proteins change shape as they function, and these changes are essential for processes such as drug interactions and cellular activity. Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science developed an AI-based method called DeepAFM that is trained on millions of simulated images representing different protein states, accurately identifying transitions between closed and open states in a protein called SecA. This approach highlights the growing potential of AI to solve complex challenges in biology and medicine.
Tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project advances amid union pushback
The request for a property tax break has given a hospitality union leverage in negotiations over permanent jobs created in the $500 million first phase of the $7 billion mixed-use development.
PAHO urges countries to expand the role of nursing to strengthen health systems in the Americas
Washington, D.C., May 11, 2026 (PAHO) — For International Nurses Day (May 12), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling on countries in the Americas to take decisive action to strengthen and expand the area of advanced practice nursing, which is a key strategy to improve access to health services and build stronger, more people-centered health systems.
Universal, UCF launch school to shape future of themed entertainment
The two Orlando powerhouses announced the launch of the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation, a first-of-its-kind program designed to train the next generation of immersive experience leaders.
Crain's Chicago Business reports: Building on its reputation, Chicago area, City Colleges of Chicago, becomes a force for workforce development
Aon has already hired more than 300 apprentices through its long-running collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago and workforce programs are increasingly designed around employer needs while also addressing barriers to employment.To support the individual needs of students, City Colleges offers wraparound support such as tutoring, internships, apprenticeship and advising. The goal is upward mobility — especially for students from underrepresented communities.
Universal, UCF launch school to shape future of themed entertainment
The two Orlando powerhouses announced the launch of the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation, a first-of-its-kind program designed to train the next generation of immersive experience leaders.
Celebrating Healthcare Week at UConn Health
WFSB surprised the Comprehensive Spine team at the UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute to kick off Healthcare Wekk.
Cognitive scientists found using AI for just 10 minutes impairs brain performance
In new research from CMU, Oxford, MIT, and UCLA, having a GPT-powered assistant ripped away left people fumbling to solve math problems on their own.
The Claude Delusion
If you asked philosophers what the most mysterious thing about the mind is, most of them would say: consciousness. It’s just a really weird thing. An exhaustive physical description of a brain state doesn’t obviously tell us anything about why that state would be associated with the experience of tasting strawberry rather than the experience…
Chicago investment bank Lincoln International seeks $421M in IPO
The Chicago-based firm and some selling shareholders are offering around 21 million Class A shares for $18 to $20 each, according to its filing Monday with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Crossword, May 11: She's A Rainbow
Set the tone for your week and solve our Monday crossword. This week’s puzzle was constructed by Kelsey Dixon, and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Kelsey is a southerner by birth, a Mariah Carey fan by choice, and a Chicagoan by the grace of god. When she’s not busy working as the crossword editor for the Atlantic, she can…
Health professional schools celebrate commencement, academic milestones - UT Health San Antonio
When the 1,190 spring and summer graduates of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s six health professional schools walk across commencement stages this weekend, they will begin the next chapter of careers and advanced training dedicated to improving health and well-being. The achievement is the culmination of countless hours spent in laboratories and study rooms, lecture halls and clinical spaces.
Building on its reputation, Chicago area becomes a force for workforce development
Chicago-area employers, colleges and nonprofits are creatively collaborating to ensure the region's talent pipeline stays robust and adequately filled.
Commentary: More intentional connections will strengthen Chicago’s talent pipeline
Holistic, coordinated support systems are essential to ensure those furthest from opportunity are not left behind.
Schools and nonprofits help people clear barriers to employment when ‘life happens’
Chicago has an entire ecosystem dedicated to helping applicants navigate factors holding them back from securing a job.
Commentary: Dominican University’s Pilsen campus targets a workforce shortage
By removing barriers in higher ed, the River Forest-based institution connects students mainly from the West Side with communities that need their skills and talents.
Massive water main break closes businesses, sends offices into WFH mode in Auburn Hills, Orion
Water main break could take a minimum of two weeks to fix, the Great Lakes Water Authority said.
My dad's dementia care cost $17,000 monthly, drained his life savings
My father with dementia needed full-time care in an assisted living facility. The cost and scarcity of elder care is difficult for families like mine.
This Coloradan can plug his brain into a computer. He’s trying to help turn science fiction into reality
Brandon Patterson, who is paralyzed from the chest down and has limited use of his arms, was the first person in Colorado to have a brain-computer interface implanted into a part of his brain involved in decision-making.
Learner spotlight: Vivian’s path to rights based mental health advocacy
For Vivian Anyango Aola, mental health is deeply personal. Growing up she witnessed people around her struggling with emotional distress without access to support, understanding or solutions. Those early experiences laid the foundations for her work today as a mental health advocate at St. Daniel Comboni mission in Nairobi, Kenya.“Mental health is about feelings – something we all experience every day,” Vivian explains. “Ensuring people are supported in those feelings is what drives my work.” Creating safe spaces and challenging stigmaIn her role, Vivian works closely with people living with mental health conditions and psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Through dialogue, listening and shared learning, she helps create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard and respected. However, stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers.“Witnessing stigma only strengthens my resolve to fight for inclusion, acceptance and equal treatment for all,” she says. Vivian enrolled in the WHO ‘QualityRights in Mental Health’ online, self-paced course available on the WHO Academy learning platform to strengthen her knowledge and advocacy skills. The six-module course provides the foundation for challenging stigma and discrimination and for promoting person-centred, rights-based approaches in mental health.“The course gave me a new perspective,” she says. “It showed me how to support people in ways that respect autonomy and promote recovery, rather than focusing only on treatment.”The importance of language and cultureSince its launch, more than 141 000 people have enrolled in the course globally, and it is now available in 17 languages on the learning platform – the highest number of languages of any WHO course. For Vivian, accessibility is key to transforming mental health systems. “Language is a bridge between professionals and communities,” she explains. “When mental health resources are available in local languages, they reduce misunderstanding, build trust and encourage people to seek help. It also empowers health workers to deliver care in ways that are culturally sensitive and relevant.”In a global evaluation of the course, which analysed data from over 3000 learners, attitudes toward people with mental health conditions improved by 22.78% overall after completing the course, with even greater shifts in low- and middle-income countries (29.18%) compared to high-income countries (20.58%)[1].“The course equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to transform mental health into a more rights-based, inclusive and recovery-oriented system,” explains Vivian. “It reinforces that change is possible. When people understand rights, dignity and recovery, the entire system can begin to shift.”Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use[1] Breaking stigma, discrimination and promoting rights: global evaluation of the World Health Organization QualityRights e-training on mental health, recovery and community inclusion
Illinois road investment impact business competitiveness
Illinois road conditions drive higher costs, delays and safety risks for businesses statewide. Learn why sustained investment is critical.
Why investing in Illinois roads is critical for business competitiveness
A look at how deteriorating Illinois roads impact supply chains, business costs and economic growth across Chicago and downstate regions.
Three enjoyable ways to slow your brain's ageing
Our brains thrive on a challenge, but it doesn't all have to be hard work to see the health benefits. Here are three simple and fun ways to protect your brain as you age.
Opinion | We’re Thinking About Mental Health Diagnoses All Wrong
Neither genetics nor brain scans can distinguish a person with depression, A.D.H.D. or autism from one without.
Could Red Light Actually Heal Your Brain? What the Science Really Says
Red light therapy may do far more than clear skin — emerging science points to real benefits for inflammation, cognition, and cellular health.
AHA Reframes Brain Health as a Lifelong Process
A new AHA scientific statement says sleep, mental health, pollution, and childhood adversity can shape cognitive aging and dementia risk, underscoring that brain health is built across a lifetime.
Lake Orion businesses face financial strain from Oakland County water main break
QVC shareholders fight bankruptcy plan they say favors creditors
QVC shareholders are challenging the retailer’s bankruptcy plan, arguing the company is improperly shifting valuable assets to creditors.
Why Ruin a Good Thing?
All money isn’t good money. It’s a life lesson that must be learned by those with a hunger for increasing their income. Typically, the refrain is used in rags-to-riches style films, where one must confront the reality that desperation leaves them vulnerable to overlooking a trap or taking a dumb risk. In other film styles, […]
Campaign finance disclosures should fight corruption, not fuel political voyeurism
At a time when civic participation is already under strain, expanding the public exposure of ordinary political activity risks discouraging it.
Science 4 Everyone: How much rain do we need to properly moisturize soil?
While the D.C. area did get some rain over the past few days, did it improve the amount of moisture in the soil? Storm Team4 meteorologist and science teacher Ryan Miller checks it out in Arlington, Virginia.
After flying with virtual wings for one week, the brain learns to accept the impossible
The human brain is an incredible organ, capable of constant adaptation and incredible flexibility. It can learn new skills and incorporate new experiences. And, according to a paper published in the journal ...
Chicago Teachers Union wants $8.5 million dues hike to fund politics
“Has your brand become toxic?” This was a pointed question from WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley, posed to Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates in a recent interview. Her immediate response: “I don’t understand the question.” When pressed, Gates added, “The Chicago Teachers Union is not a political party, it is a labor union.” But internal union documents show CTU leadership is trying to skim $8.5 million more from teacher paychecks explicitly for politics, while trying to silence union members critical of Gates’ leadership. Under the proposed dues hike, Chicago teachers would see up to $800 more per year flow from their paychecks to union coffers. The union already takes in more than $40 million a year, mostly from dues. And it spends less than 18 cents of every dollar on teacher representation. The No. 1 reason for the proposed dues hike? Politics. “We must win a majority of the first 21 person fully elected school board in November,” reads the first point in CTU’s member FAQ document.1 This directly contradicts CTU’s promise to members about how leadership uses dues money. The official CTU handbook tells members that the union does not use dues money for politics, so if they are interested in funding political activity, they should consider voluntary donations to CTU’s political action committee. “Our dues are not used for political purposes,” according to the handbook. “So our PAC relies on extra contributions from our members to support progressive candidates and to impact elected officials at the city, county and state levels.” This kind of double-speak is one reason members are concerned about another constitutional change slipped into the dues hike vote, which will take place on May 20-21: an attempt to stop members from holding the union accountable. A proposed amendment to the union constitution tries to place limits on when members may bring a lawsuit against the union for violating members’ rights.2 This provision is clearly a response to members’ lawsuit against union leadership regarding Gates’ years-long refusal to publish audited financial statements. The judge in that case has repeatedly denied the union’s attempts to dismiss it. Teachers opposed to these changes have been circulating this flier, urging members to vote no. What will CTU members get in return for millions of dollars in additional dues? If the 2024 school board elections are any indication—not much. CTU leadership’s record on school board races may not inspire confidence among members. A Chicago Policy Center analysis of a dozen affiliated PACs found CTU spent nearly $2.9 million on school board races in 2024. Of that spending, more than $2.1 million (75%) went to losing candidates. And while CTU-backed candidates lost six of the nine competitive seats overall, they fared worse in their biggest-spending races, losing five of six contests in which the union and its affiliates put up more than $250,000 for their candidate. The Chicago school board elections take place Nov. 3.3 Is another $8.5 million enough to clean up a toxic reputation? Not likely. Update on federal tax credit scholarship: Last week, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she plans to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program. If Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker follows suit, Illinois could unlock $1 billion in donor money statewide for both public- and private-school students. If Illinois does not opt in, that money will flow to other states. The Last Ward reported in February on how Illinois Democrats could unlock at least $100 million in new resources for Chicago public-school students by opting in. Update on the investigation into how Chicagoans learned about a meeting to hike their property taxes: The Last Ward reported in January on an absurd, taxpayer-funded investigation into how local media learned of a planned Chicago school board meeting to hike the district’s property tax levy. That investigation is now complete. Lawyers interviewed two dozen witnesses, and found nothing. Update on Illinois’ muni debt crisis: My colleague Joe Tabor last week published a must-read piece in Crain’s Chicago Business about how Illinois recently rejected south suburban Harvey’s request to be designated a “distressed city.” The saga shows why the state must implement a better structure to assist insolvent local governments, including allowing for the option to pursue debt relief via Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The Last Ward reported in October on how Harvey is tipping the first domino in Illinois’ municipal debt crisis. Mincing Rascals: I joined the Mincing Rascals podcast to discuss the SAFE-T Act, the millionaires tax, and more. My “green light” recommendation: Force Majeure (2014). 1 Notably, the No. 2 reason cited is “resources to fund a state-wide millionaires tax campaign in order to fully fund the state’s school funding formula.” The constitutional amendment necessary to implement a progressive income tax in Illinois recently died in the Illinois House, meaning this question would not appear on the ballot until 2028 at the earliest. 2 There is seemingly no single-subject rule for CTU constitutional amendments. So members only get one vote on the full package. One cannot vote “yes” on the dues hike and “no” on the restriction of members’ rights, for example. 3 Illinois law grants far too much power over local government to unelected officials like Gates. State lawmakers should fix that.
2D exploration horror adventure game remake Midnight Train: New Moon announced for PC
Publisher PLAYISM and developer LydiaBluebell have announced 2D exploration horror adventure game remake Midnight Train: New Moon. It will launch for PC via Steam in 2027 with English, Spanish, Jap…
Inspiring Grad: Macaiah Shendo, UNM College of Population Health
Macaiah Shendo, a student in The University of New Mexico College of Population Health (COPH), is pioneering a new field of brain health care for Indigenous peoples in New Mexico. But if you ask him, he’s no trailblazer. He believes he’s simply doing...
Doctor says: Close the doors, buckle up and put phones away to encourage car safety
"Parents must engage their brains. Put your kids in appropriate car seats," Dr. Scott Hamilton writes. "Teach children early, before the eye-rolling years, to buckle up before the car moves."
New chancellor named at LSUA, ex-New Orleans City Council president leads pro-Ukraine program
Take a look at some of the recent promotions and new hires announced at south Louisiana businesses.
Science & Medicine: For veterans with traumatic brain injuries, AI offers a new weapon against post-traumatic headaches
Hundreds of thousands of veterans live with traumatic brain injuries that can trigger chronic headaches, often made worse by PTSD. A researcher at UT Health San Antonio is using AI to help predict and prevent the pain before it starts.
Holy Cross event focuses on brain health with a rural emphasis
HOLY CROSS, Iowa — For a few hours Saturday morning, the population of Holy Cross likely doubled.
Brain scans reveal a shocking difference between psychopaths and other people
Scientists have uncovered a striking brain difference linked to psychopathy: people with psychopathic traits were found to have a striatum — a brain region tied to reward, motivation, and decision-making — that was about 10% larger on average than those without such traits. Using MRI scans and psychological assessments on 120 participants, researchers connected this enlarged brain region to thrill-seeking, impulsive behavior, and a stronger drive for stimulation.
Scientists discover the brain’s hidden “stop scratching” switch
Scientists have uncovered a hidden “stop-scratching” signal in the nervous system that tells your brain when enough scratching is enough. The discovery centers on a molecule called TRPV4, which acts like part of an internal braking system for itch relief. In experiments involving chronic itch similar to eczema, mice missing this signal scratched less often—but when they did scratch, they couldn’t stop.
Scientists say a critical Atlantic ocean current is weakening and the world could feel the impact
Scientists have uncovered strong evidence that a major Atlantic Ocean current system tied to global climate is weakening. The slowdown has been detected across a vast region of the North Atlantic over nearly two decades. Since this ocean circulation helps regulate weather and temperatures, changes could affect storms, rainfall, sea levels, and even winter conditions in parts of Europe and North America.
Annual Boston walk supports maternal health equity, improving infant health
Supporters gathered at the Hatch Shell despite rainy weather for the annual March for Babies Boston, raising funds for maternal and infant health research.
Ukraine war could be coming to an end, Russia’s Putin says
Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered the most serious crisis in relations between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when many people feared the world was on the...
Holy Cross event focuses on brain health with a rural emphasis
HOLY CROSS, Iowa — For a few hours Saturday morning, the population of Holy Cross likely doubled.
Head Coach Chris Taylor Announces 2026 Men's Sporting Staff - Vermont Green Football Club
Vermont Green FC Head Coach Chris Taylor has announced his staff for the 2026 season. Lee Williamson, Rob Emmett and Jed Sass will return as assistant coaches, and are joined by newcomer Jonah Stekly. Hannah Tremel will return as athletic trainer, supported by Dr. J.P. Begly.
Small-business development center coaches Fort Worth startups
A local small-business coaching center puts on its first in-person training since the pandemic.
Russia marks Victory Day as the Ukraine war drags on
Amid tight security and a partial internet shutdown, Russia marked Victory Day after agreeing to a brief ceasefire in Ukraine. In his speech, Russian president Putin invoked Soviet victory to bolster support for the war in Ukraine.
Scientists say this simple music trick can boost workout endurance by 20%
A new study shows that listening to your own favorite workout music can dramatically boost endurance. Cyclists exercising with self-selected songs lasted nearly 20% longer than when riding in silence, yet they didn’t feel more exhausted at the end. Researchers say music may help people stay in the “pain zone” longer without increasing perceived strain.
Anthropic pins Claude's blackmail on the internet's portrayal of AI
Last year, Anthropic's Sonnet 3.6 model displayed blackmail behavior, prompting a review of AI training data's influence on its actions.
Eduardo Dominguez of VML Health on ‘Chasing the Miracles of Science’ for Sanofi
Eduardo is a global creative director with VML Health. His work includes the groundbreaking “Dogs Without Borders,” in which trained dogs detect cancer through scent, offering early diagnosis in remote regions such as the Amazon, the Sahara,and Los Pueblos Negros. Beyond his creative work, Eduardo regularly writes for medical sector magazines, sharing insights on enhancing Eduardo is a global creative director with VML Health. Over the course of his 10+ year career, he has worked with some of the industry's top talent, delivering projects that have helped improve the lives of thousands.His work includes the groundbreaking “Dogs Without Borders,” trained dogs to detect cancer through scent, offering early diagnosis in remote regions such as the Amazon, the Sahara, and Los Pueblos Negros.
Piedmont University receives federal funds for Forensic Science Program
Piedmont University has been awarded $608,000 in federal funding, through the efforts of Sen. Jon Ossoff, to strengthen its forensic science program and expand workforce development opportunities throughout Georgia. University officials said the funding will help address growing workforce shortages in forensic science and provide enhanced training opportunities for students,
If humans are getting smarter, why are our brains shrinking?
Human brains have been shrinking since prehistoric times, some studies suggest. Whether this is true and why it has happened are debated.
New infusion therapies can put cognitive decline on pause. What Louisianans should know about brain health.
Learn about the five pillars of healthy brain aging and the latest research on cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and strategies for maintaining brain health through lifestyle changes.
Iran Businesses Buckle Under Strain of Record Internet Shutdown
Iran’s record internet blackout is taking a heavy toll on private businesses, with owners and industry officials warning that it could lead to mass layoffs and closures.
‘The odds are not in our favour’: who sets the Doomsday Clock – and what can they tell us about the future of humanity?
With the war on Iran, Ukraine, AI and climate breakdown increasing the likelihood of a nuclear war, the clock stands closer to midnight than ever before. So who decides how many seconds we have left – and can we buy ourselves more time?