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May 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

Amazon changes its TV brand name but keeps the same software

Amazon is giving its smart TVs a new name. Instead of Fire TV, they will now be called Ember TVs. The change mostly affects the physical TVs Amazon makes itself. Other brands that use Amazon’s software will still sell their devices under the Fire TV name. This could make it easier for shoppers to te

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May 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

Men, Climate and the Real Costs

A new study brings together more than 20 scientists from 13 countries to examine how certain male behaviours affect the planet. The research looks at patterns of consumption, travel and leisure that are linked to higher carbon footprints. The paper argues that the link between masculinity and clima

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May 08 2026TECHNOLOGY

Drones on the City Watch: Minneapolis’ New Idea

Minneapolis is thinking about adding drones to its emergency toolkit. City Council member LaTrisha Vetaw has asked staff to investigate how drones might help with 911 calls. The goal is to see if a drone can reach an incident faster than people on the ground, give first responders a better vie

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May 08 2026OPINION

River Guardians: A Call for Clean Water

The Penobscot River runs through the heart of a nation that has watched it flow for millennia. Its banks have taught people how to fish, gather, and live in harmony with the land. In spring, the river awakens as ice melts and water rushes faster. The people call this time “People of the Dawn”

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May 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

How Common Grass Weeds Beat the System to Survive

This grass isn’t just sitting around waiting to die—it’s actively planning its next move. Egyptian crowfoot grass, a tough C4 weed, doesn’t play fair with crops like rice or sugarcane. Scientists tested how this plant handles tough conditions like temperature swings, salty soil, and dry spells. Unde

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May 08 2026POLITICS

How Maine's Climate Plans Hold Up Nationally

Maine's governor leaves behind a strong green track record. Her policies helped push clean energy jobs and cut oil use in homes. That matters because Maine’s fishing industry, worth over $600 million, depends on stable weather. The state’s tourism also relies on clean air and water. Clean energy is

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May 08 2026TECHNOLOGY

The real cost of AI’s rapid growth

AI is often sold as a magical solution—fast answers, easy profits, and endless possibilities. But that shiny image hides a messy truth. Behind the scenes, giant data centers hum with energy use that rivals small cities. They gobble up water like it’s unlimited, even as local supplies dry up. And the

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May 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

Holyoke says goodbye to rat poison on public land

Starting next month, Holyoke will stop using poison to control rats on city property. The City Council voted unanimously to ban a group of strong rodenticides called second-generation anticoagulants. The move follows concerns about how these chemicals affect more than just rats—they can harm pets, b

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May 07 2026POLITICS

Trump’s Business Ties: Drones, Crypto and Steel Deals

Three different businesses— a Florida drone maker, a crypto investor, and a European steel company— all show links back to former President Trump. After his time in office, the president and people close to him signed contracts that have sparked debate about potential conflicts of interest. The f

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May 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Better shows for kids: Why fun learning beats just fun

Kids laugh more than adults, but keeping them focused for an hour isn’t child’s play. At the Chocolate Church Arts Center, professional performer Jack Golden turned that challenge into a masterclass for elementary students. Instead of another forgettable school trip, the kids got a high-energy show

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