SC

May 14 2026EDUCATION

Highlands Schools Keep Taxes Steady Despite Budget Gap

The Highlands School District plans to keep its property tax rate unchanged for a fourth straight year, even though the upcoming budget shows a $4 million shortfall. Finance Director Paul Paradise notes that only eight districts in the county have avoided tax hikes over the past three years, and

reading time less than a minute
May 14 2026CRIME

School bomb threats in Tennessee: What happens when 911 gets fake calls

On a Tuesday in May, over half a dozen schools in middle Tennessee locked down after someone called 911 saying there were bombs inside. Police rushed to each building, students huddled in classrooms, and parents showed up at gates unsure if their kids were safe. When officers searched every room, th

reading time less than a minute
May 14 2026SPORTS

Game Night Preview: Key Sports Showdowns to Watch on May 13

The NBA playoffs heat up with the Cleveland Cavaliers facing the Detroit Pistons in Game 5, a matchup where home advantage plays a huge role. Detroit has been nearly unstoppable at home this season, winning eight of their last nine games there, while Cleveland struggles on the road with zero wins in

reading time less than a minute
May 14 2026SCIENCE

Physics and Poetry Collide in a Scientist's New Universe Story

A physicist who blends science and poetry has just dropped a fresh book that flips the script on how we think about space and time. The new release skips the usual heavy math explanations and instead cruises through the cosmos using rhythm, words, and personal reflection. Early readers noticed how t

reading time less than a minute
May 14 2026SCIENCE

A Real-Life Look at Brain Tech for Paralysis

Brandon Patterson, a 41-year-old man paralyzed from the chest down after a car crash, is testing something futuristic: a brain-computer interface. Unlike most tech that tracks movement signals, his setup implants electrodes in a part of his brain linked to decision-making. Researchers hope this appr

reading time less than a minute
May 14 2026LIFESTYLE

L. L. Bean’s tough tote bag gets a fresh makeover

The classic L. L. Bean Boat and Tote started as a rugged ice-hauling bag back in the day. Now it’s a closet essential that blends toughness with a laid-back style. Made from heavy canvas, it laughs at heavy loads—groceries, workout gear, beach toys, you name it—without breaking a sweat. The flat bot

reading time less than a minute
May 14 2026TECHNOLOGY

A Tiny Chip That Could Change How We Explore Space

Space missions face a big problem: their computers are slow and outdated. Most current chips, like the RAD750, rely on old technology that struggles with modern tasks. That’s where a new NASA-Microchip project comes in. They’ve created a small but powerful processor called HPSC, designed to handle t

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026SCIENCE

Milk Mix‑Up: Spotting Coconut in Cow’s Milk

A new test can quickly find coconut milk hidden in dairy. The method uses a special light that shows how the two drinks glow differently. Scientists shine three colors of light on milk samples and record their glow patterns. They found that two natural dyes – one from tryptophan and another

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026SPORTS

Top Boys Volleyball Stars in Michigan

The sport of boys volleyball has just started its first season as a state‑recognized competition, sparking excitement across Michigan. As regional tournaments loom in just over two weeks, teams are sharpening their skills to vie for the state title. To spotlight individual talent, a list of st

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026SPORTS

Winners Rise as Bay County Teams Break Streaks

The high school sports scene in Bay County has seen a shift. On Senior Day, Central’s softball squad snapped a 24‑game losing streak by beating Flushing and Ogemaw Heights, ending their long drought. The Wolves played with freedom and joy, a change the coach praised for showcasing their team culture

reading time less than a minute