U S NEWS

Jun 18 2026SCIENCE

Early Plague Hits Lake Baikal Hunters 5, 500 Years Ago

Scientists have found evidence that a deadly disease struck hunter‑gatherers near Lake Baikal in Siberia about 5, 500 years ago. The bacteria responsible was an early form of Yersinia pestis, the same species that caused later pandemics. However, these ancient strains did not yet have all the tools

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Jun 18 2026POLITICS

Ballot Paper Shortages Spark Parliamentary Investigation in South Korea

South Korean lawmakers began a 45‑day inquiry into the National Election Commission after voters faced paper shortages during local polls on June 3. The probe was approved in a full‑assembly vote and will look at both the central commission and regional bodies. The issue sparked street protests,

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Jun 18 2026POLITICS

India and Ukraine Push for Stronger Partnership

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that working closely with India could make both nations stronger. He made the remark after a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit in France. Zelenskiy highlighted that there is great potential for joint projects that car

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Jun 18 2026SCIENCE

Why Some People Reject Evolution: A Social View

Surveys show most people accept evolution, but a group still doubts it. Researchers examined nine large surveys from the UK, Canada, Australia, US, Argentina, Spain and Germany. Two of these studies were done in 2017, while the other seven took place in 2023. The results confirm that belief in

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Jun 18 2026SPORTS

Quick sniff, big question: Why smelling salts are popping up in soccer

Soccer players aren’t usually known for dramatic pregame rituals. But a strange trend is creeping into the locker rooms of top teams. Instead of sipping water or doing light stretches, some players are pulling out small black tubes, cracking them open, and taking a sharp inhale of a pungent white po

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Jun 18 2026POLITICS

Utah's Primary Battles: Who’s Really Calling the Shots?

Utah’s upcoming primary elections are shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown, with incumbents facing tough challenges and outside money flooding races. In one of the most watched contests, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams—a longtime political figure—now finds himself in an unexpectedly close race

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Jun 18 2026POLITICS

Why a High-Tech Ocean Network Costing Taxpayers $386 Million Faces Sudden Cuts

Scientists and lawmakers are raising alarms after learning that a massive network of ocean sensors—built over years at a cost of $386 million—could be dismantled by 2027. The system, made up of more than 900 instruments spread across coastal waters from Oregon to Greenland, has spent the last decade

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Jun 17 2026EDUCATION

Teachers on Temporary Permits: A Growing Challenge in South Bend

South Bend schools are turning to teachers with emergency permits to fill gaps caused by a nationwide shortage, a move that raises concerns about student learning and equity. Emergency permits allow educators who hold at least a bachelor’s degree to teach for one school year without full certificati

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Jun 17 2026SCIENCE

Risk of Tiny Plastic Particles in the Lungs

Scientists tested how small pieces of polyethylene, a common plastic, affect rat lungs when put directly into the airway. They used both medium‑sized and ultra‑small particles to see if they cause harm. The results show that these tiny plastics can damage lung tissue, raising concerns about similar

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Jun 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

New Sword Art Online Game Lets Players Create Their Own Hero

Sword Art Online fans have a new adventure to look forward to. Bandai Namco will launch a fresh title called Echoes of Aincrad on July 9, 2026. Instead of following the story of Kirito or Asuna, players will step into a brand‑new character. This choice lets gamers experience the classic dea

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