IF

Apr 29 2026CRIME

Jeffrey Epstein’s Hidden Mosque: How He Stole Sacred Art for a Private Island

Epstein’s ambition stretched beyond finance; he wanted to own pieces of the holy places he visited. By using contacts in Middle‑East circles, he managed to acquire fabric that had once draped the walls of Mecca’s Kaaba. Those same textiles later appeared in his New York townhouse, where he posed wit

reading time less than a minute
Apr 29 2026POLITICS

California Governor Debate: A Fresh Look at the Candidates

A debate held at Pomona College drew eight hopefuls for California’s governor seat. The event was watched by students just before the state begins mailing ballots for its June primary. The race is tight, with five contenders hovering near each other in the polls. A televised showdown was seen as a c

reading time less than a minute
Apr 29 2026POLITICS

California’s Billionaire Tax: A Bold Move or a Costly Mistake?

California is testing a new idea that might backfire. The state now has a “billionaire tax” on the ballot, pushed by union leaders who argue it will help fund public services. But the plan has already started a quiet exodus—not of the poor, but of some of the state’s wealthiest residents. Many had s

reading time less than a minute
Apr 29 2026HEALTH

Short bursts of movement and diabetes risk

Small, intense movement bursts throughout the day may help lower the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Scientists studied how quick, vigorous activities that last less than a minute relate to diabetes risk. They also looked at slightly longer bursts of moderate to vigorous movement, up to three

reading time less than a minute
Apr 29 2026WEATHER

A Cop Who Chases Storms in His Free Time

Most people know police officers for traffic stops and patrol work, but one deputy in Illinois does double duty as a weather watcher. Sean Berry has spent years tracking storms while keeping the peace, a hobby that started when he was just a kid. He grew up near Plainfield, where an awful tornado in

reading time less than a minute
Apr 28 2026CELEBRITIES

George Clooney’s New Chapter: Slow‑Down, Philanthropy and a Fresh Focus

George Clooney is about to turn 65, and he has decided to change the rhythm of his life. He told a reporter at a film awards event that he will spend more time on the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which he started with his wife Amal. The couple’s charity works to protect human rights and bri

reading time less than a minute
Apr 28 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Border Collies Keep Charleston Airport Safe

At West Virginia International Yeager Airport, two border collies named Hercules and Ned work full‑time to keep planes clear of wildlife. They patrol the airfield from early morning until late afternoon, chasing birds and small animals away before flights take off or land. The dogs were hired becaus

reading time less than a minute
Apr 28 2026SCIENCE

Animal Sample Banks: How They Fight Wildlife Crime

Biobanks are organized storage places for animal tissues, DNA, and other data that scientists keep safe for long periods. They help researchers study health, protect endangered species, and solve legal cases involving animals. In the field of veterinary forensics, these collections become powerfu

reading time less than a minute
Apr 28 2026HEALTH

Why Kids Today Aren’t Moving Enough—and What Grown-Ups Can Do

More kids now spend hours glued to screens instead of playing outside. Research shows that too much sitting leads to weaker muscles, poorer focus, and even trouble sleeping. Schools used to fill this gap with daily gym classes and recess, but many have cut back due to tight budgets or packed schedul

reading time less than a minute
Apr 28 2026SPORTS

Small tweaks lead to big NBA player gains

Payton Pritchard doesn’t chase trophies or chase stats—he chases sleep, splashes milkshakes for strawberries, and swaps late-night fun for early recovery. That’s the real secret behind his rise from benchwarmer to playoff standout. While most athletes talk about rest, diet, and routine, Pritchard ac

reading time less than a minute