LIFE

Apr 20 2026OPINION

From Sea Captain’s Son to Record Breaker: The Long Life of Geert Boomgaard

Geert Boomgaard’s life spanned more than a century, starting in 1788 when France was still a monarchy and ending in 1899 when the world was on the brink of the 20th century. He grew up in Groningen, a Dutch town where survival was tough, and his father worked as a struggling sea captain. Large famil

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Apr 19 2026ENVIRONMENT

Grand Canyon Guardian: A Scientist’s Lifelong Mission

Kelly Burke grew up in Colorado, always drawn to wide open spaces. In 1986 she moved north to study geology at a university near the Grand Canyon. Her love for the canyon deepened when she helped drive river trips to keep money flowing while finishing her thesis. A chance ride on the Colora

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Apr 19 2026LIFESTYLE

From Healthcare to Havanans: A Surprising Business Shift

Latosha Veney had zero experience with cigars when she took over Tailored Smoke, a Newport News lounge, after a business partnership fell through. Two years later, she's not just running the place—she’s built it into a must-visit spot where smokers gather to relax and socialize. The lounge recently

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Apr 19 2026FINANCE

Finding Purpose After 65: Why Staying Busy Can Cut Your 2026 Tax Bill

Retirement isn't the end of earning—it's a chance to redefine work on your terms. Many who leave full-time jobs face an unexpected challenge: empty days with no clear purpose. Yet research shows that those who fill their time with physical or social activities not only feel happier but often live lo

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Apr 18 2026SCIENCE

Coatis Carry a Common Anaplasma Strain in Brazil’s Forest

In the Iguaçu National Park, researchers collected blood from 73 coatis across three locations. They used PCR tests to look for DNA from several tick‑borne bacteria and parasites: Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, and piroplasms. Almost half of the animals—about 48%—showed Anaplasma DNA, while n

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Apr 18 2026EDUCATION

Balancing Work, School and War: Life in Iran’s Quiet Crisis

Families across Iran are juggling remote learning for their children while managing jobs, all under the shadow of a fragile ceasefire that ended airstrikes but left daily life unsettled. A finance manager in Tehran now brings her 7‑year‑old son to the office, where he attends online classes while

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Apr 18 2026HEALTH

A Quiet Reality: How Rwanda Faces Cancer Deaths

In many parts of Rwanda, people rarely talk about the final moments of life. Even though the government wants to give patients comfort when they are very ill, conversations about dying and caring for those who are near death still stay hidden. Cancer patients often pass away alone or in pain beca

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Apr 18 2026LIFESTYLE

Dogs and Homes: Finding the Right Match

The idea that some dogs are simply “difficult” is misleading. A lot of the traits people find annoying—like constant barking or high energy—were once useful for jobs such as herding or guarding. When a dog that was bred to chase cattle is left alone in an apartment, its natural instincts can feel

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Apr 18 2026OPINION

When the Captain Steps Back: Why One Fire Chief Called It Quits

Jarrod Emes spent years as the voice of calm during emergencies on Berks County’s roads. Dispatchers and crews knew his steady tone meant problems were under control. But behind the radio commands was a growing pile of missed meals, canceled plans, and empty chairs at family events. Volunteering as

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Apr 18 2026HEALTH

How hospital visits reveal hidden struggles in health and wealth

A study in Athens looked at how money issues, mental health, and overall life quality connect for people visiting a big public hospital. Research focused on patients and their family members at a heart clinic. Most people deal with stress from both personal health problems and financial worries. The

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