WA

May 05 2026EDUCATION

Behind the scenes: When substitute teachers go above and beyond

The recent awards for substitute educators Esther Yardumian-Smyth and Celia Effrig show that recognizing everyday heroes isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about seeing the quiet power of persistence. While full-time teachers often get the spotlight, these two winners prove that substitute roles c

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May 05 2026LIFESTYLE

Ice Cream Maker Ninja CREAMi drops price just before summer kicks off

The Ninja CREAMi ice cream machine is getting cheaper right as Memorial Day approaches. Walmart has chopped thirty bucks off the usual $199 tag, bringing the price down to $169. This deal only covers Walmart’s special version, which ships with five quick-start settings and two pint-sized bowls. Mos

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May 05 2026ENVIRONMENT

How War Destroys Nature—and Peace Could Help Fix It

Over a year ago, fighters in a long-running conflict put their weapons down in a dramatic gesture. The scene wasn’t newsworthy just because of the symbolic act—it was notable because the fighters were asking a bigger question: What happens to the land and nature after war ends? This isn’t just about

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May 05 2026POLITICS

Small businesses get a big shout-out in Washington

Every year, the U. S. sets aside a week to recognize the millions of small businesses that keep the economy moving. This time around, one Utah company stood out among the honorees. Beacon Commercial Door and Lock, a Salt Lake City business run by third-generation owner Chad Riches, was singled out f

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May 05 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Why one writer’s strange book won the biggest book prize

A single novel changed everything for Daniel Kraus. The book, called Angel Down, has just one long sentence that mixes horror, war memories, and poetry. It starts with soldiers in World War I finding something strange tangled in barbed wire—an angel. Critics always put Kraus in the horror corner, bu

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May 04 2026WEATHER

Warm Days Ahead, Then a Rainy Surprise

Boston will feel the heat first. The week starts with a strong warm front, raising temperatures by about 15 degrees from Sunday. Sunny skies are expected and the high should reach the low 70s. Breezes will keep the air moving, with gusts up to 28 mph. On Tuesday, temperatures climb a bit more. The

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May 04 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Tech Stories That Make Us Think Twice

Science fiction often does more than predict cool gadgets—it shows us how tech could twist human behavior in unsettling ways. While some shows paint a shiny future, others dig deeper into the cracks. This one series started as a sharp look at how new tech might mess with real life. Early on, it aske

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Taiwan’s Global Ties Get a Boost from U. S. Support

The U. S. recently highlighted Taiwan as a reliable partner, praising its connections with countries like Eswatini. This statement came as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te made a surprise visit to the small African nation. The trip wasn’t just ceremonial—it showed Taiwan’s determination to keep worki

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Britain and EU join forces to back Ukraine with billions

The UK is preparing to join a massive EU loan package for Ukraine, signaling stronger European defense collaboration. This move follows pressure from the US to reduce NATO’s reliance on American support. British businesses might benefit from contracts tied to the loan, especially in defense, as Ukra

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Iowa passes strict new criminal laws

Iowa just approved a set of new penalties for crimes that supporters call "firm but fair" and critics warn could fill prisons faster than they can handle. The changes include longer sentences for violent acts and stricter rules for repeat offenders. Lawmakers debated for weeks before pushing it thro

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