Birmingham saw a big drop in gunfire during New Year's Eve celebrations in 2026. The city's gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, picked up 4, 688 rounds in 597 incidents. That's a lot less than the 6, 270 rounds in 948 incidents from 2024 and way less than the 11, 728 rounds in 1, 531 incidents b
Wolfberry, also known as goji berry, is a superstar in the plant world. It's packed with nutrients and has amazing medicinal benefits. But there's a big problem: root rot disease. This nasty issue can really mess up the plant's growth and quality. Scientists have found a cool solution to this proble
In a quiet neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, a grim discovery was made. A dentist and his wife were found dead in their home. The police are now on the hunt for the person responsible. It all started when coworkers grew worried. Spencer Tepe didn't show up for work at his dental clinic in Athens. The
Cities are getting hotter, and plants are supposed to help. But it's not that simple. In some places, plants can make things worse. This is a big deal because more than half the world's people live in cities. And cities are getting hotter because of something called the urban heat island effect. Sc
Stephen Schwartz, the mastermind behind "Wicked, " made a bold move. He decided not to host a gala at the Kennedy Center. This decision came after changes at the arts center under the Trump administration. Schwartz believes the Kennedy Center is no longer a safe space for free artistic expression.
Up on Mount Hamilton, a historic telescope is in trouble. A fierce storm on Christmas morning tore open the dome housing the Great Refractor telescope. This telescope, built way back in the 1880s, is a big deal in astronomy. It's still a star attraction, drawing crowds to peek through its lens. But
Many people struggle to make ends meet, especially those relying on fixed incomes like Social Security. For some, the monthly check disappears quickly, leaving little for essentials like food. This is a reality for many older adults and low-wage workers who find themselves in a tough spot. They earn
Mike Portnoy, a big name in progressive metal, recently shared his favorite albums of 2025. He's known for his drumming skills, but this list shows he's also a big music lover. His choices are not ranked, but they give a peek into what he enjoys. Portnoy's list is full of progressive rock and metal
A Navy veteran recalls a stark contrast between a past mission of compassion and a recent event that left him disheartened. The veteran, who served on the USS Saginaw from 1978 to 1981, remembers a time when the Navy's role was to save lives, not take them. In 1980, the USS Saginaw was redirected t
The new year is a time to reflect. It's a chance to look at the world and think about what's really important. In a world full of distractions and uncertainties, moments of clarity are rare but valuable. Colleges and universities play a big role in this. They help students think deeply and make sen
