NORTHWESTERN U S THE INSTITUTE

Jun 03 2026SCIENCE

Tracking Chemicals in Water: A Fresh Way to Understand Public Exposure

Scientists are finding new ways to detect hidden chemicals in wastewater by using advanced lab tools and clever data tricks. Instead of only looking for known pollutants, they created a smarter approach that spots hundreds of mystery chemicals at once. By analyzing water from nine major treatment pl

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Jun 03 2026LIFESTYLE

Small Touches That Make Gardens Special

Summer arrives in the Pacific Northwest, bringing longer days and perfect weather for outdoor projects. Instead of focusing only on plants, gardeners can add personal flair that turns yards into unique spaces. Some choose bold metal sculptures while others prefer quiet glass accents. A rusted corten

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Jun 03 2026POLITICS

Sweden Considers Raising Social Media Age to 15

Sweden might soon require kids under 15 to get a parent's okay before joining social media. A government group recently said this could help protect young users from endless scrolling and its effects on their health. Right now, Swedish kids can sign up at 13 with parental permission. But officials b

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Jun 03 2026POLITICS

How Party Leaders Pick Their Battles in Close Races

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer didn’t mince words this week when he stood before reporters. “We have our pick in Maine, ” he declared, naming Graham Platner as the party’s top Senate candidate even though Platner’s campaign has faced one controversy after another. Just days ahead of Maine’s

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Jun 03 2026POLITICS

Bannon’s Political Playbook Gets a Sharp Critique

Scaramucci isn’t holding back in calling out Steve Bannon, labeling him as a destructive force in American politics. In a recent post on X, he didn’t mince words, calling Bannon “the worst human being you can meet. ” But the criticism didn’t stop there. Scaramucci also acknowledged Bannon’s intellig

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Jun 03 2026WEATHER

Getting Ready for Rain Before the Weekend Warm-Up

The Great Lakes high pressure has kept things warm and mostly dry for early June across Wisconsin. That pattern holds through Wednesday with clear skies and temperatures reaching the mid-80s. South winds will pick up, giving a preview of what’s coming next. Clear nights make for comfortable sleeping

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Jun 03 2026TECHNOLOGY

Mac Menu Bar Hacks: Skip the Widgets and Try These Free Tools Instead

The Mac menu bar has been a key part of Apple computers for decades, mostly serving as a control panel for system settings. While it’s flexible enough to add app shortcuts, it doesn’t always work smoothly with modern needs like quick battery checks or calendar updates. Some features, like Bluetooth

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Jun 03 2026SPORTS

Future of IPL: Is a Schedule Change Coming Soon?

The IPL just wrapped up another intense season, but behind the scenes, big plans are brewing. After a tough 2026 tournament—where extreme heat and sudden monsoons made life difficult for players and fans alike—the league might move to a completely different time of the year. Officials are considerin

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Jun 03 2026SPORTS

Plano scores big with Dallas Stars arena plan

The Dallas Stars hockey team is switching up their game plan by eyeing a new home in Plano, Texas. Instead of staying downtown, the team wants to build a massive entertainment hub near The Shops at Willow Bend, a spot already popular for shopping and dining. The project could cost around $1 billion

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Jun 03 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI models face new government checks before public launch

The U. S. government just changed the rules for powerful AI tools. Instead of waiting for these systems to hit the market, officials now want a sneak peek—up to a month early. President Trump signed an order asking AI companies to hand over their most advanced models for review before wider release.

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