CHRISTINE BENZ

Nov 27 2025LIFESTYLE

Smart Packing Hacks for Light Travelers

Traveling light can be a game-changer, but it requires some clever packing. Here are some smart products that can help you pack light and make the most of your carry-on space. First up, a neck pillow with hidden storage. This isn't just any neck pillow—it can hold enough clothes for a few days, helping you avoid checked baggage fees. It's a lifesaver for those who w...

reading time about 4 minutes
Nov 26 2025EDUCATION

Ridgefield Schools: New Leaders, Student Stars, and Big Talks

In Ridgefield, the school board just picked new leaders and had a busy meeting. Tina Malhotra is now the board chair, Jonathan Paradiso is vice chair, and Christine More is the secretary. Everyone agreed on these choices without any arguments. The meeting wasn't just about new leaders. Students from Ridgefield High School's Educators Rising club showed off their wor...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 23 2025CRYPTO

Bitcoin's Wild Ride: A Banker's Bold Take

Christine Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank (ECB), has never been a fan of Bitcoin. She's been vocal about her doubts, even when the cryptocurrency's value was soaring. In a recent chat on the College Leaders in Finance podcast, she was reminded of her past comments about Bitcoin being "worth nothing. " She stood by her words, calling it a risky bet. Wh...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 14 2025HEALTH

TV Show Sparks Surge in Drug Searches: What's the Deal?

A recent study has uncovered an interesting trend: after the release of the third season of the popular TV show "The White Lotus, " there was a significant increase in online searches for lorazepam. This drug, also known as Ativan, is a type of benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego, analyz...

reading time about 2 minutes
Nov 13 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Cleveland's Weekend Fun Guide: From Music to Magic

Cleveland is buzzing with activities this weekend, offering something for everyone. Music lovers can catch live performances by 10, 000 Maniacs, The Academy Is. . . , and Queensrÿche, each bringing their unique sound to the stage. If theater is more your thing, there's a mix of classic and contemporary plays, from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" to the modern ...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 12 2025SCIENCE

Light-Driven Chemistry: A New Way to Make Useful Molecules

Scientists have found a clever way to make special molecules using light. They used a simple method that doesn't need metals or strong chemicals. Instead, they used a special compound called trifluoromethyl thianthrenium triflate, or TT-CF3+OTf-, which is easy to make and stable in air. This method is special because it uses visible light to trigger a reaction. The ...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 12 2025SPORTS

Atlanta's Big Bet on Women's Soccer: A New NWSL Team Joins the Game

Atlanta is getting a new soccer team, but not just any team. This one's for the NWSL, and it's a big deal. The league just gave the green light to a new team in Atlanta, set to start playing in 2028. They'll call Mercedes-Benz Stadium home, the same place where Atlanta United and the Falcons play. This isn't just any expansion. The NWSL is charging Atlanta a whoppin...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 11 2025ENVIRONMENT

Pennsylvania's Plastic Problem: Health and Safety at Stake

Pennsylvania is home to a growing petrochemical industry, but at what cost? The state's residents are paying a high price for the plastic produced by facilities like Shell's plant in Beaver County. This plant, which received millions in tax breaks, has not only underperformed economically but has also put the health and safety of nearby communities at risk. The prod...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 07 2025CELEBRITIES

Life with Multiple Wives: Kody Brown's Honest Take

Kody Brown, known for his unconventional family setup, has opened up about the challenges of polygamy. In a recent chat on "Special Forces, " he shared that having four wives and 18 kids wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. He admitted that his marriages ended in three divorces and he wouldn't go down that road again. Kody was once married to Meri, Janelle, and Christi...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 07 2025HEALTH

Sleep Drugs and Brain Boost: A Closer Look at Zolpidem and Clobazam

Insomnia is a common sleep problem. It's tough to treat. A recent study looked at two drugs: zolpidem and clobazam. They wanted to see how these drugs affect the brain and sleep. The study checked serum BDNF levels. BDNF is a protein that helps brain cells grow. It also looked at sleep quality and how patients felt in their daily lives. Zolpidem and clobazam are bo...

reading time less than a minute