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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Fixing Michigan’s old dams: Why a billion-dollar plan matters

Michigan has over 2, 500 dams, most built more than a century ago to power mills or control water. Many now leak, crack, or no longer serve their original purpose. Between 2021 and today, the state spent $44. 5 million trying to fix the worst ones. Experts say that’s not nearly enough. A new report

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Apr 29 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why oak trees struggle to grow in Mediterranean forests

Mediterranean oak forests face a tough challenge: acorns rarely survive long enough to become new trees. A study in a protected area in Italy showed that most acorns disappeared within days after being planted, eaten by animals like mice and jays. The researchers tested four oak species, from large

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Apr 29 2026TECHNOLOGY

Gadgets that shaped everyday life before smartphones

Back in the mid-20th century, technology wasn’t about endless apps or doomscrolling—it was about solving real, small problems around the house. Boomers remember when gadgets were built for one job only, like slicing bread or mixing drinks, not for tracking steps or ordering groceries. Kitchen tools

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Apr 29 2026HEALTH

Stitching Up the Future: How Gut Sutures Stay in the Game

Doctors have trusted gut sutures for decades, but supply shortages have made them harder to find. Instead of backing away, one company is doubling down. They’re putting money into their gut suture line to keep these trusted tools available for surgeons. Gut sutures have been a go-to for many surgeri

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Forgotten Facts: The Disappearance of Early COVID Records

When COVID-19 first spread in 2020, governments worldwide scrambled to track every detail. Yet somehow, many critical records from those early months vanished from official databases. Instead of proper storage, some ended up buried in personal email accounts, making them nearly impossible to retriev

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Virginia’s Redistricting Fight Shows How Maps Shape Power

Virginia is caught in a legal tug-of-war over who controls the state’s political map. Last week, voters approved a new congressional district plan drawn by Democrats, which could flip four GOP-held House seats in November. But a county judge quickly blocked the results, calling the referendum illega

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Apr 29 2026HEALTH

Your Smile’s Secret Role in Staying Healthy Longer

Your mouth is more than just a tool for talking and eating. It acts like a front window showing whether your body is running smoothly inside. While people chase expensive wellness trends, they often overlook how their smile connects to bigger health issues. Studies now show that gum problems, even w

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Apr 28 2026HEALTH

Surveillance of Antibiotic Use in Developing Nations

In many countries with limited resources, doctors and pharmacists lack reliable data about how medicines are used. Without this information, it is hard to see where antibiotics are overused or where bacteria have become resistant. A new project plans to fix this by linking two digital tools: e

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Apr 28 2026CRYPTO

Israel Launches First Shekel‑Backed Stablecoin

The Israeli regulator has given the green light for a new stablecoin tied to its national currency. Bits of Gold, a Tel Aviv‑based crypto exchange, received permission after a two‑year review and trial run. The token, named BILS, works on the Solana blockchain. Fireblocks helped secure it a

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Apr 28 2026POLITICS

FDA Looks Ahead to New Biologics Director

The Food and Drug Administration is preparing for a new leader at its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Last month the agency announced that Vinay Prasad, who has worked as an oncologist and was vocal about U. S. drug policies, would step down by the end of April. The decision to replace

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