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May 04 2026OPINION

Why being called a clown shouldn't bother you

The idea that the word "clown" is used as an insult is more about how people misuse language than anything else. Clowns have a long history tied to entertainment, laughter, and even cleverness in some cultures. They weren't always the red-nosed performers we picture today. Ancient jesters, for examp

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May 04 2026POLITICS

New York Democrats push for more control over election boundaries

New York’s Democratic leaders, led by Governor Kathy Hochul, are pushing to change state rules on drawing congressional districts—again. This move comes after a recent Supreme Court decision sided with Republicans in a Louisiana case, but the Democrats aren’t accepting the outcome. Instead of waitin

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May 04 2026SCIENCE

How Tiny Needles Might Help Heal Brain Damage

Scientists are exploring a surprising tool to help brains recover after strokes: tiny electric pulses delivered through needles. This method, called electroacupuncture, seems to calm down harmful inflammation in the brain and encourage healing cells to take action. The key players are special brain

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May 04 2026TECHNOLOGY

Gadgets That Make Daily Life Easier (And Won’t Break the Bank)

Shopping for useful gadgets under $100 can feel overwhelming—but Best Buy’s top-rated picks prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your daily routine. Among the standout options is a compact speaker that packs serious sound for its size. With over 6, 500 reviews and a near-perfect rating

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Taiwan’s Global Ties Get a Boost from U. S. Support

The U. S. recently highlighted Taiwan as a reliable partner, praising its connections with countries like Eswatini. This statement came as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te made a surprise visit to the small African nation. The trip wasn’t just ceremonial—it showed Taiwan’s determination to keep worki

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May 04 2026SCIENCE

Breeding Better Barley: A Look at the Genes That Fight Early Sprouting

Barley doesn’t always wait to be harvested. Sometimes, rain before cutting triggers premature sprouting in the field, turning starch into sugar and ruining quality. Scientists have now found small genetic differences that help some barley plants resist this problem, called preharvest sprouting. Inst

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May 04 2026SPORTS

Should Boston sports teams trust their gut when making big calls?

The Red Sox just handed Chad Tracy a messy middle-of-the-season manager job. After Alex Cora got fired, Tracy stepped in with only six games to prove himself—hardly enough time to fix a roster that even more experienced coaches struggled with. Instead of giving him the full season to show what he ca

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May 04 2026HEALTH

What affects patients' quality of life before spinal surgery in Asia?

Before someone goes under the knife for a worn-out lower back, many things can shape how they feel about life. A study looked at patients in Asia with different backgrounds. These patients were about to get surgery for long-term back problems. Researchers checked three big areas. First came social

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May 04 2026HEALTH

Everyday Ways to Feel Better During Your 30s and 40s

Around age 35, many women notice their body and moods starting to shift in ways that aren’t always easy to explain. Hormones begin their slow transition toward what’s called perimenopause, which can bring hot flashes, restless nights, and sudden mood swings. These aren’t just small annoyances—they c

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Who really supports LA’s next mayor?

Los Angeles voters face a tough choice in the upcoming mayoral election, with three main candidates vying for support. Among them, the current mayor has the advantage of name recognition but struggles with rising skepticism. She counts on wealthy entertainment figures for backing but must also addre

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