CU

Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Mental Health in America: A Call for Change

The film “No One Cares About Crazy People” is a short documentary that will play at Columbia College’s Film Row Cinema on Saturday. After the screening, a panel with director Gail Freedman will discuss the movie’s message and its ties to Chicago. The soundtrack is written by Jeff Tweedy, a singer

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Trump Pushes for Record Defense Spend as Pentagon Eyes New High‑End Weapons

The U. S. administration is asking Congress for the biggest defense budget hike in 75 years, aiming to reshape the military’s industrial base and introduce cutting‑edge systems. The proposal includes a 44 % rise in the overall budget for fiscal year 2027, starting this October, and a 77 % jump in

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Apr 07 2026HEALTH

Hookah and Social Circles: Why Tobacco Sticks in Arab American Communities

Research shows tobacco use is more common among Arab Americans than some other groups, especially hookah smoking. Scientists wanted to find out why cultural habits and social groups play a big role in this trend. Instead of just looking at personal choices, they studied how family, friends, and comm

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

China Steps Up Energy Push While Middle East Tensions Rise

China’s leader Xi Jinping wants the country to build a stronger energy system fast. The push comes as conflicts in the Middle East shake up global fuel supplies. China isn’t talking much about the war itself but wants to make sure its power stays steady no matter what happens abroad. Xi didn’t ment

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

NASA’s science budget faces another big cut—what’s really at stake?

For the second year in a row, a new budget plan suggests slashing NASA’s science spending by nearly half. If passed, missions studying planets, stars, and Earth’s climate could be delayed or scrapped entirely. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch soon, and missions to Titan and near-

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Dancing for Dollars: How a 70s Disco Hit Became a Gen Z Wealth Hack

A 1979 disco anthem is getting a modern twist as Gen Z’s go-to tool for attracting money. Anita Ward’s “Ring My Bell” isn’t just a nostalgic throwback—it’s being framed as a sonic charm for financial luck. TikTok users swear by looping the track daily, mixing it with affirmations like “cancel my deb

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

Community Fixers Bring Life Back to Broken Belongings

In Southern California, a quiet movement is giving old items a second chance. Volunteers at Repair Cafés spend weekends turning junk into usable treasures. A broken phone, a jammed sewing machine, even a cracked vase—nothing is too small for their attention. Among them is David Duran, a handyman who

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Apr 07 2026SCIENCE

Sweet Potatoes Change Color When Stressed - Here's How

Sweet potatoes aren’t just orange or white anymore. Purple varieties pack a powerful antioxidant punch thanks to anthocyanins, the pigments that give blueberries and red cabbage their deep colors. But when these plants don’t get enough phosphorus—a key nutrient—they change how they make these health

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Wrestling Fans in Unexpected Places

Celebrities often get labeled by their most famous roles, but many have a secret passion for wrestling that surprises fans. This isn’t just about watching occasional matches—some stars have built decades-long relationships with the sport. From childhood collectibles to surprise appearances at live e

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Apr 07 2026BUSINESS

Covey Gardens throws a party to mark its second year in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach’s latest small business milestone isn’t just about cutting a ribbon—it’s a chance for locals to see what all the buzz is about. Covey Gardens, now two years into its run at 1590 S. Coast Highway, is hosting a public open house on April 16 at 5 p. m. The event packs in more than just a c

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