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May 12 2026SCIENCE

Brain cells that change roles: What this new study tells us about brain health

Scientists recently corrected a key research paper about brain cells called microglia. These tiny cells act like the brain’s cleanup crew and defense team mixed together. Instead of being identical, they switch between different roles depending on what the brain needs at the time. This flexibility h

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May 12 2026POLITICS

Science Advice in Danger: Why Losing the National Science Board Matters

Over two thousand researchers signed a letter last week warning that getting rid of the National Science Board weakens America’s position against countries like China. The board, created in 1950, used to guide how taxpayer money supports science and engineering research. Its twenty-plus members, app

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May 12 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Finding Holiday Magic on Disney’s Stage

Every winter, Magic Kingdom turns into a snowy dreamland with two big holiday shows. One features Olaf and friends turning Cinderella Castle into a festive wonderland before Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff take over in sparkling costumes. The other is a high-energy dance show packed with holiday music and

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May 12 2026BUSINESS

When Art Clashes With Rules: A Small Business Story

A new restaurant in Garland is facing a tough choice—keep its eye-catching mural or follow the rules. The owners, a local couple, spent months planning their dream spot, La Esquinita Panaderia y Taqueria. They wanted to celebrate their faith and culture with bright colors and meaningful symbols. But

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May 12 2026TECHNOLOGY

Testing the brain’s power to control movement

Brandon Patterson, paralyzed from the chest down after a car crash nine years ago, depends on family help for daily tasks like getting out of bed or pouring coffee. But scientific progress has offered him a new role—not just a test subject, but an active participant in pushing boundaries. Unlike typ

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Downtown DeKalb’s New Sip‑and‑Shop Plan: A Mix of Support and Skepticism

"City officials are pushing a new entertainment district that would let people carry one drink in a special cup while walking between shops and restaurants. The idea is to boost foot traffic after dark, making downtown a lively spot for diners, shoppers and moviegoers. A council vote is set for Mond

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May 11 2026TECHNOLOGY

Remi’s Rhythm: A Young Girl’s Journey With Eye‑Gaze Tech

Remi Schreiber, a 7‑year‑old from Spokane Valley, shows how technology can turn challenges into music. She was born with a brain injury that left her with cerebral palsy and limited speech, but she now plays a digital piano solo on screen using eye‑gaze control. The device, made by Tobii Dynavox,

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Grants frozen again: How federal cuts hit Indigenous research at UC Berkeley

Last month, federal officials hit pause on at least 18 research grants at UC Berkeley, despite a judge just months ago telling them to stop canceling grants. One of those frozen was a $1. 4-million project at the Lawrence Hall of Science that trains Ohlone youth to build mixed-reality exhibits about

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May 11 2026HEALTH

Gut Health and Kidney Stones: What’s the Connection?

Doctors often notice that people with kidney stones also struggle with stomach issues. This new research digs into why that happens. Scientists compared the gut bacteria of patients with kidney stones to those with healthy guts. They didn’t just look at poop samples—they used surveys about stomach p

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May 11 2026LIFESTYLE

Has Time Square’s Most Troubled Building Finally Found a Way Out?

A tower that once promised luxury over Times Square now stands as a symbol of New York’s persistent building problems. Built in 1930 as a grand hotel with over 600 rooms, it even had its own underground bus terminal. But barely a year later, the Great Depression forced it into foreclosure before it

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