ART

Apr 13 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why phones ditched old-school screens for new ones

Two decades ago, tiny OLED screens appeared on flip phones, not because they were trendy, but because they were efficient. Today, every flagship phone slides an OLED panel into its frame, and even budget models are following. The shift happened fast: by 2024, OLEDs outsold LCDs in phones, and the ga

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Apr 13 2026EDUCATION

Local groups team up to spark third-graders' interest in science and film

Basalt Elementary third-graders got a break from regular lessons last Thursday. Instead of worksheets and textbooks, they explored science through short movies. Two local groups—one focused on film, the other on science—set up stations where kids could watch clips and try small experiments. The Asp

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Apr 13 2026OPINION

Iowans Fed Up with Political Parties

Iowa isn't falling for the usual political drama. Unlike D. C. ’s endless bickering, Iowa still values real conversations over blind loyalty. People bond over corn dogs at the fair or long bike rides, not party slogans. But the state’s voting system forces independents into uncomfortable choices. Ov

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Apr 13 2026HEALTH

Heart Attack and Depression: A Two-Way Street?

Studies show that heart attacks and depression don't just happen separately. They often appear together, and each can make the other worse. Researchers dug into past studies to see how these two health issues are connected. What they found wasn't just a one-way road. Instead, it's more like a two-wa

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Apr 13 2026ENVIRONMENT

Chicago 2050: More Weatherproof and Smarter Than Ever

In 2050, Chicago’s South Side near the old U. S. Steel plant looks nothing like the flood-prone area of the early 21st century. The morning after heavy rain, the streets stay dry, and residents barely notice the storm. No homes report flooding. No headlines scream about weather disasters. The city i

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Apr 12 2026TECHNOLOGY

Rare‑Earth Tensions: How China’s Moves Shake U. S. Tech Power

China tightened rules on key minerals like gallium, germanium and neodymium in 2025‑26, saying it needed to guard national security. The U. S. and the EU reacted by bolstering stockpiles, speeding up domestic projects, and seeking new suppliers. Prices jumped, but many saw the shock as short‑term.

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Apr 12 2026SCIENCE

NASA’s Next Moon Mission: Why Artemis III Matters More Than You Think

NASA’s upcoming Artemis III mission isn’t just another spaceflight—it’s a critical stepping stone for humanity’s return to the Moon and beyond. Unlike earlier missions, this one focuses on testing new tech in real lunar conditions before astronauts attempt longer stays. The mission will push the lim

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Apr 12 2026TECHNOLOGY

Smart litter boxes: tracking your cat’s habits with AI

Many cat owners know the litter box is a daily chore, but it’s also a goldmine of health clues. A new smart litter box uses artificial intelligence to track how often cats use it, what kind of waste they leave, and even the weight of their output. Instead of guessing if your cat is feeling well, the

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Apr 12 2026EDUCATION

Faster Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist in Utah

Utah’s colleges are finding creative ways to help students enter high-demand healthcare jobs faster. A new deal between Utah Valley University and Rocky Mountain University brings this idea to life. Top students at UVU can now finish both their bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in physical therapy i

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

Bridging Gaps in Kansas Politics Over Kids’ Meals

Kansas lawmakers meet every January with a mix of debate and hope. A long‑time hunger advocate walks into the Capitol expecting conflict, but finds many politicians willing to listen. When the focus is on school lunches, he teamed up with both parties to push a bill that will let more children eat i

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