IRON

May 03 2026ENVIRONMENT

Solar Power: Facts, Fears and the Real Cost of Clean Energy

The world has seen two kinds of science in recent years: life‑saving vaccines and myths that scare people away from clean energy. Solar panels are a clear example of the former, yet some communities still think they bring danger. Solar energy captures light from the sky instead of burning coal, so

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers: Big Power, Big Pollution

A recent study shows that data centers across the United States are not just busy with computers; they also generate a hefty environmental toll. The research, carried out by an economist at Carnegie Mellon, looked at almost 2, 800 data centers in operation in 2025. Using public information fro

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026SCIENCE

Alaska’s Climate Shift: A Personal Farewell

For three decades, deadlines have been a constant companion, shaping the rhythm of my work. The pressure once felt like an ache, but repeated exposure turned it into a familiar habit. I have spent many years navigating the complex world of scientific communication, sharing findings with local newspa

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026ENVIRONMENT

Earth Day Ideas From Vermont’s Young Writers

Vermont teachers and students joined forces to celebrate Earth Day by writing essays, poems, and short stories about the state’s natural beauty. The contest ran from February to mid‑April and welcomed fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from towns like Bennington, Burlington, and Windsor. More than

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026POLITICS

Drone war widens in Ukraine as daytime strikes surge

Early last month, Ukrainian skies turned into a battleground not just at night but from morning through afternoon. Over 400 drones flooded the airspace in just seven and a half hours. Most never reached their targets. Nighttime strikes have long been Russia’s preferred playbook since the conflict be

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026OPINION

Science in America: Who’s Really Calling the Shots?

Earlier this year, a group of top science advisors got the boot. All twenty-two members of the National Science Board—experts nominated for their lifetime achievements—were removed before their terms ended. These weren’t random picks; they were carefully chosen from universities, industries, and res

reading time less than a minute
May 01 2026POLITICS

Why the EPA budget fight matters beyond Washington

Lawmakers squared off this week over future funding for the nation’s main pollution watchdog, the EPA. Democrats argued the agency is abandoning its job to keep air and water clean, warning that half-funding requests would gut state programs that test wells, treat wastewater, and track cancer-causin

reading time less than a minute
May 01 2026POLITICS

Royal visit highlights local pride and shared history

A king and queen’s tour through Virginia last week didn’t just pass through famous landmarks—it wove together small-town charm and national memories. King Charles III and Queen Camilla ended their U. S. trip with stops in Front Royal, a quiet town at the edge of Shenandoah National Park. Instead of

reading time less than a minute
Apr 30 2026POLITICS

Budget Battle: EPA Faces Big Cuts in Congress

The Senate is turning its attention to a sharp proposal that could cut the Environmental Protection Agency’s funding by 50 percent. The plan, backed by President Trump’s administration, would slash the agency’s budget to $4. 2 billion, a dramatic reduction that would end many of the programs that ha

reading time less than a minute
Apr 30 2026ENVIRONMENT

Students Help Earth and Get a Prom Boost

Lake City High School students set up a week‑long Earth celebration in the school hallway. The event ran while exams and student government elections were happening, giving everyone a break from studying. A committee led by senior Asa Sutton ran the booths. She sold zinnia flowers in composta

reading time less than a minute