E SMITH

May 23 2026POLITICS

How a politician spent over $300k fighting sexual misconduct claims

Eric Swalwell’s campaign has spent more than $313, 000 on legal fees to handle sexual misconduct allegations, according to recent financial reports. This money went to a New York law firm handling his defense. Within weeks, two payments—one for $250, 000 and another for $23, 251—were recorded under

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May 22 2026CRIME

Big gatherings, big changes: safer alumni events in Birmingham

Every summer, Birmingham schools buzz with alumni events, bringing together former students to catch up and celebrate. But some of these gatherings have turned dangerous, with shootings happening near schools and parks where events take place. Last year saw a serious injury when a woman was caught i

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May 22 2026HEALTH

VR Helps Doctors Spot Child Abuse Faster—But Not Everyone Can Use It Yet

Every year, hospitals treat kids with injuries that don’t match their parents’ stories. Broken bones, bruises, burns—these aren’t accidents, but doctors sometimes miss the warning signs. When they do, a child can slip back into danger before anyone realizes what’s happening. Training programs usuall

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May 22 2026HEALTH

Pain beyond the gut: How science is trying to crack the code of chronic belly pain

Every fifth adult carries a daily burden that stays hidden unless they decide to speak up. The ache isn’t in an arm or a leg; it’s deep inside the belly, turning everyday meals into possible threats and nights into endurance tests. For many, this pain is a guest that never leaves, yet doctors often

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May 22 2026CRIME

Two teens with troubled pasts behind mosque shooting in San Diego

Eighteen-year-old Caleb Vazquez left a mental health facility the morning before he and a 17-year-old partner carried out a deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque, leaving three people dead. Police had previously flagged Vazquez after a welfare check at his home last year, following a 911 call about

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May 21 2026POLITICS

Eswatini’s Quick Deal With U. S. Deportees Sparks Legal and Human Rights Debate

Eswatini agreed to hold U. S. deportees in a short time after the Trump administration asked African countries to take them back, even though questions about the program’s legality were already raised. The deal was made after a private meeting between Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and the U. S. cha

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May 21 2026HEALTH

Sleep Smart: Quick Tricks to Drift Off Faster

Eating a balanced mix of fruits, veggies, nuts and lean proteins can help your body make melatonin, the hormone that tells you it’s time to sleep. Skipping sugary drinks and limiting caffeine or alcohol gives your brain a better chance to wind down. Try breathing in a steady rhythm: inhale for four

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May 20 2026POLITICS

Energy Projects Get a Boost When Permits Are Clear

Energy projects across the United States can move faster if the rules for getting permits are made simpler and more reliable. Even when politics is heated, many lawmakers agree that better permitting would help build new power plants and offshore wind farms. If the current Congress acts before its t

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May 20 2026HEALTH

How Our Cells Stay Balanced: The Silent Protector Inside You

Every cell in your body faces a constant battle against damage from harmful molecules. These molecules, called free radicals, are natural byproducts of life—but too many can speed up aging and trigger diseases. A key player in this fight is a protein called NRF2. Scientists once saw it as a simple a

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May 20 2026BUSINESS

Power Plants Face a Costly Gamble: Gas or the Future?

Energy companies are investing heavily in natural gas power plants, betting they’ll stay profitable for decades. But here’s the catch—renewable energy is getting cheaper by the year, and soon, running a new gas plant might cost more than powering it. Gas plants once looked like a smart upgrade from

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