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Apr 15 2026ENVIRONMENT

Neighbors debate granite mining plan near Columbia

A mining company wants to blast a new granite quarry just six miles from Columbia’s downtown, but locals aren’t welcoming the idea. Heidelberg Materials has asked for permits to dig up 242 acres near Monticello Road, close to colleges and neighborhoods like Haskell Heights. The plan promises to rest

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Apr 15 2026ENVIRONMENT

Building safer materials from volcanic ash

Scientists found that ash from Spain’s 2021 Tajogaite volcano could help make greener building materials. They mixed it with strong alkaline solutions and tested how it behaves in water. The tests showed some metals like molybdenum (Mo) leak out more than allowed for safe landfills. Other experimen

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Senate Pushes for Fast Funding of Border Agencies Amid Political Tensions

Next week, the U. S. Senate might start voting on a bill to give billions more to two key border security groups—Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U. S. Border Patrol. Senate leaders want this done quickly, before senators take a week-long break in early May. The money would keep the

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Apr 15 2026TECHNOLOGY

When Tech Fear Turns Physical: What Recent Attacks Really Mean for AI

A 20-year-old recently tried to set fire to a top AI executive’s home, leaving behind writings about his terror that artificial intelligence could wipe out humanity. Days later, the same house faced another strange incident. Elsewhere, a local politician received gunfire at his door along with a cle

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Europe’s summer flights could face major disruptions as fuel worries grow

Europe’s travel season might not be as smooth as airlines hope. Experts warn that jet fuel shortages could cause big problems as early as May and June, just when airports expect their busiest months. The issue isn’t just about running low—it’s about how long the problem might last. If the Strait of

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Apr 15 2026HEALTH

How gut bugs might help control blood sugar

Some tiny organisms living in our intestines could play a role in keeping blood sugar steady. Scientists have noticed that certain gut residents called Blastocystis might influence how our bodies handle glucose. Not all types of Blastocystis behave the same way—some could be helpful while others mig

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Apr 15 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Cate Blanchett to Play Martha Stewart in New Biopic

Cate Blanchett has been cast as lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart in an upcoming biopic titled “Good Thing. ” The film will be directed by Janicza Bravo, known for her work on “Zola. ” Stewart herself hinted at the project during a red carpet interview, confirming rumors about Blanchett’s involvement.

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

New York tries out city-run grocery stores to help with high food prices

East Harlem was picked as the first location for a new city-run grocery store. The mayor wants to open five of these stores across New York City, with each in a different borough. This move is part of a bigger plan to make life more affordable for residents. The city will pay $70 million to start th

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Apr 15 2026EDUCATION

Small-town teacher builds futures and cooks dreams

Newberry High’s special education room feels like a gym for life skills rather than just a classroom. Students here practice grocery lists, job interviews, and problem-solving instead of just reading from textbooks. One teenager sums it up this way: “She’s not just a teacher—she’s a coach for the ga

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Apr 15 2026HEALTH

What happens when babies grow up with little love and care?

A new look at old records shows how early childhood shapes long-term health. Researchers tracked people who spent their first years in crowded, understaffed orphanages. These places had little warmth or attention for babies. Most grew up with serious emotional and physical gaps. Over six decades, th

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