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Apr 26 2026SCIENCE

Why redheads are getting more common over time

Red hair might seem rare, but its genes are actually becoming stronger than ever. A huge study from Harvard looked at DNA from over 16, 000 people who lived across Europe and parts of the Middle East over the last 18, 000 years. The research team spent seven years gathering and comparing this geneti

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Apr 25 2026TECHNOLOGY

Smart Glasses Help Blind Runners Chase the London Marathon

Blind runners are using new AI‑powered glasses to chase a dream that once seemed impossible. Tilly Dowler, who has only about 10 % of her sight left, began running last year after a couch‑to‑5K program. Now she trains for the London Marathon with her boyfriend as a guide and Oakley Meta Vangua

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Apr 25 2026SCIENCE

NASA’s new flying lab: a 777 turned into the ultimate Earth detective

NASA just got a hand-me-down plane that used to fly thousands of passengers around the world. But this isn’t any ordinary jet—it’s now the biggest flying science lab in the agency’s fleet. After a year of heavy-duty upgrades in Texas, the former Japan Airlines Boeing 777 landed at NASA’s Langley Res

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Apr 25 2026LIFESTYLE

New seats for business class travelers on Boeing 787s

Airlines are upgrading their business class seats on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, set to roll out between 2026 and 2027. These upgrades aim to attract premium passengers by offering more comfort and privacy. Some airlines are going all out with fancy suites, while others are trying bold new seat designs

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Apr 25 2026BUSINESS

Airport shops keep local names alive but not their original essence

Portland’s airport now has two new small shops that borrow names from local businesses. One is called Sheridan Fruit Company, named after a grocery that closed in February after 110 years. The other is Topaz Farm, a nod to a farm on Sauvie Island that reopened in 2020 under a new label. Both shops s

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Apr 24 2026ENVIRONMENT

Fire Risk Alert: How Wind and Dry Air Spark Worries Across Half the Country

A large stretch of land from the northern plains down to the southwest is under a serious fire risk warning. The unusually warm air, bone-dry conditions, and gusty winds have created a perfect storm for wildfires to start or spread fast. This isn’t just a small local issue—it covers areas from North

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Apr 23 2026HEALTH

Do Insurance Plans Affect Knee Injury Recovery?

Research shows that young patients with Medicaid often face longer waits before getting help for knee injuries compared to those with private insurance. A new study looked at how quickly people see doctors after a meniscus tear and how that affects their healing. The findings suggest delays in care

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Apr 23 2026WEATHER

What’s Next for Midlands Weather?

The Midlands have enjoyed clear skies and dry conditions for days, with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 80s. This break from rain might feel welcome, but it comes with hidden drawbacks. Wildfire smoke drifting in from Georgia has turned the air hazy, prompting an alert for sensitive grou

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Apr 23 2026BUSINESS

Trump government offers Spirit Airlines a financial lifeline

A struggling airline known for its bright planes and rock-bottom fares could get a government rescue package. Officials are close to approving up to half a billion dollars in loans for Spirit Airlines, but in return they’ll receive warrants that give them a potential ownership stake. This deal follo

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Apr 23 2026POLITICS

Taiwan Leader’s Flight Blocked: A Look at China’s Growing Influence

For the first time ever, a Taiwanese president had to cancel an entire foreign trip after three African countries suddenly blocked their airspace. The governments of Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked flight permits for Taiwan’s president, forcing him to skip a major event in Eswatini. Th

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