T

May 17 2026TECHNOLOGY

Smart Switches: Simple Upgrades for a Smarter Home

Smart home gadgets aren’t just for new houses with all the latest tech. Even in older homes packed with regular appliances, smart switches can add modern convenience without breaking the bank. These small devices plug into existing fixtures and give basic machines new superpowers. Instead of replaci

reading time less than a minute
May 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

County upgrades library with cleaner heating tech

Pitkin County is swapping old gas boilers for a sleeker electric heat pump system at two key buildings. Instead of burning fuel to make heat, these pumps move existing warmth from the air outside into the rooms, cutting energy waste. The county expects this switch to slash greenhouse gases from its

reading time less than a minute
May 17 2026EDUCATION

Music program changes spark debate in Highlands schools

A proposed shift in how music classes are scheduled at Highlands schools has parents and students concerned about what might disappear from the curriculum. The debate centers on whether to consolidate certain electives that don’t have enough students to run separately, like music theory and jam band

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026POLITICS

Trump’s China Trip Ends with a Question on Taiwan Arms

After wrapping up his final meetings in Beijing, President Trump left China with a mix of progress and uncertainty. He had talks with Xi Jinping on trade, technology, the Iran conflict and, most critically, Taiwan. While both leaders said they had made strides in easing tensions, the island issue st

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026POLITICS

Tech CEOs Face Congress Over Kids’ Online Safety

The Senate Judiciary Committee has called for a big hearing on June 23, inviting the heads of Meta, TikTok, Google and Snapchat. The purpose is to ask them how they protect children on their platforms. Both sides of Congress are worried that young users can see bad content, get addicted or be tar

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI Success Starts With a Strong Base

The first step to making AI work is to make sure the rest of your business runs smoothly. If the network is shaky or apps keep lagging, AI will only make those problems faster and more obvious. It won’t fix broken connections or slow servers; it will simply push bad data into decisions. Next, think

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026TECHNOLOGY

Mercedes Beats the Clock with Tech‑Heavy Upgrades

Mercedes has chosen to push technology ahead of looks in its newest S‑Class, GLE and GLS cars. The company has decided not to wait for a full redesign cycle. Instead, it is giving the models new “brains” and engines while keeping most of the outside shape. The move comes as car makers face chang

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026FINANCE

Pershing Square Picks Microsoft: Why the Tech Giant Still Matters

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital has added Microsoft to its portfolio, showing confidence in the company despite a shaky start to the year. The investment comes after Ackman highlighted Microsoft’s two main business engines: the M365 productivity suite, which powers everyday tools like Word and

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026HEALTH

Nurses on the Front Lines: Their Views on Voluntary Assisted Dying

In many parts of Australia, voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is now legal. Yet the opinions of nurses who work in critical care units are far from settled. Recent research sought to uncover how these professionals feel about VAD and whether they would be willing to take part in it. The study mix

reading time less than a minute
May 16 2026SPORTS

Nate Diaz: Roots, Identity, and the Road Ahead

Diaz is a 41‑year‑old fighter who grew up in Stockton, California, but spent much of his youth in nearby Lodi. He went to Tokay High School and still feels a strong connection to the 209 area code that ties both cities together. His family background is mixed: his father Robert has Mexican roots,

reading time less than a minute