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May 25 2026POLITICS

The Ballroom Buzz: Trump’s Fancy Fix vs. Real Money Woes

The White House is currently turning a room into a high-security ballroom, and the president keeps bringing it up. Over 40 times this year alone—9 times in just May so far—Donald Trump has pitched the project, even calling it “peanuts” compared to broader economic struggles. Critics see it as a trop

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May 25 2026POLITICS

Why is a Florida politician rushing into marriage again so fast?

A Florida politician known for mixing politics with online drama got married quietly in a small Catholic church over the weekend. The groom, James Fishback, had just split from his crypto-influencer girlfriend named Francesca—not long before that, he showed up at campaign events calling her his “wif

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May 25 2026BUSINESS

Why Jobs Matter More Than You Think for California Home Prices

California’s housing market moves in strange ways. One big reason? Jobs. When work is easy to find, home prices usually climb. But when jobs dry up, so do price gains—sometimes they even drop. Looking back to 1990, the best years for job growth in California saw home prices jump nearly 8% a year. D

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May 25 2026HEALTH

Young strokes rising: What younger adults need to know about silent risks

More adults in their 20s to 40s are ending up in hospitals after strokes, a trend that flips the old assumption that strokes only happen to older people. High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity—once linked mostly to older age groups—are now common in younger adults too. Many don’t even realize th

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May 25 2026ENVIRONMENT

Extra eyes on a risky chemical tank in California

Fire crews in Orange County got lucky over the weekend when they spotted what looks like a narrow split in the side of a big storage tank holding 7, 000 gallons of methyl methacrylate. That flammable goop is used to make the clear plastic windows you see in airplane canopies and TV screens. The spli

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May 24 2026ENVIRONMENT

How food and festivals keep indigenous communities in central India connected to nature

The people living in the forests of central India have a lifestyle deeply tied to the land. Their daily routines and special celebrations aren’t just about tradition—they’re about survival, respect, and passing down knowledge. For these groups, food isn’t just something you eat; it’s a way to honor

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May 24 2026ENVIRONMENT

Trading clothes and skills for fun and savings in Salem

In Salem, Oregon, a growing local movement is proving that you don’t need cash to refresh your wardrobe or learn new things. Circular Salem turns everyday swapping into community events that help families save money and cut down on waste. Started by two residents who saw a gap in how people connect

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May 24 2026SCIENCE

Science Explained: When Even Experts Need a Dictionary

Science communicators often describe their jobs as constant learning. They translate complex research into words everyone can grasp. But what happens when the research itself feels like another language? That’s the daily reality for those breaking down cutting-edge science. Take plasma physics. Exp

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May 24 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Roy Rogers’ legacy rolls into town with a free museum event

On June 20, the Polo Historical Museum at 113 N. Franklin Ave. opens its doors for a special afternoon dedicated to Roy Rogers, the singing cowboy who shaped Western entertainment for decades. Instead of just another small-town exhibit, this event mixes history with hands-on stories, letting visitor

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May 24 2026ENVIRONMENT

Pope Leo speaks out against toxic waste profits in Italy

Pope Leo recently visited Acerra, a town in southern Italy known for its history of illegal toxic waste dumping. The area, sometimes called the "Land of Fires, " has faced serious pollution for decades. Local residents have suffered health problems due to waste mismanagement. The Pope wanted to show

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