THE BAR

May 20 2026CRIME

U. S. Opens New Probe Into Former Venezuelan Leader

The United States is starting a second criminal investigation into former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, which could lead to more charges against him. A U. S. Justice Department employee and another insider said the probe is being handled by the Miami office of the U. S. Attorney’s Office and

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May 20 2026OPINION

Threats to a San Diego Mosque: A Lesson in Hate

The tragedy at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday shook a community that had once seemed safe. Two young men, aged 17 and 18, entered the mosque‑school complex during a busy time and killed three adults. Their attack was both an assault on a place of worship and a school shooting, marking the

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May 20 2026POLITICS

Portland’s Big Building Dilemma

The city is rethinking a plan that would have turned the school district’s office into a family shelter. The proposal, which would cost about $14 million to renovate, was dropped by the finance committee last week. The building on Cumberland Avenue is 56 000 square feet and currently houses the d

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May 20 2026POLITICS

Group of Seven Heads Up: China’s Export Surge Draws Global Attention

The Group of Seven finance leaders recently turned their focus toward China’s large‑scale export activity, using data from the International Monetary Fund to highlight how this strategy may be harming other economies. The meeting’s agenda included a discussion on global trade imbalances, with off

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May 20 2026WEATHER

Heat Wave Forces Schools to Cut Days

The summer heat in New Jersey has become so intense that several schools are shortening their days. Teachers and students alike will leave school early on Wednesday because the temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s. This follows a very hot Tuesday, and high humidity has made the h

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May 20 2026SCIENCE

Earth’s Hidden Layer: How Tiny Particles Tell a Big Story

The Sanjiang Plain was explored through 287 cores taken from nine deep holes. Scientists measured rare earth metals, common rock elements, acidity and plant leftovers in each layer. Their goal was to see how these metals stack up from the surface down and what shapes that pattern. The metal story i

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May 20 2026SPORTS

Knoxville Smokies Face a Rough Start in Series Opener

The Knoxville Smokies came back to Covenant Health Park on Tuesday, but they struggled to get their offense going and lost 3‑1 in the first of a six‑game set against the Montgomery Biscuits. Yenrri Rojas began the game for the Smokies, giving up six hits and three runs over five innings. He struc

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May 20 2026EDUCATION

UNM Faculty Fight Back Against Big Health Cost Jump

The University of New Mexico’s faculty union is standing up against a planned 13. 1% rise in health‑insurance premiums that could cut into teachers’ paychecks next year. The union says the hike would make it harder for staff to afford their own coverage, especially those with families. One assist

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May 20 2026EDUCATION

A Call for Change: The Young Generation’s Chance to Fix the Planet

The ceremony at Arizona State University on May 11 was marked by a surprise guest who is better known for leading heroes in film than delivering speeches. The actor, who earned an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters for his conservation work, used the moment to urge new graduates to take resp

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May 20 2026OPINION

A Game of Generations

The author is set to attend a Red Sox match with his son, a friend and the friend's child. They plan to sit behind the iconic Green Monster, cheer loudly, enjoy hot dogs, and sing “Sweet Caroline. ” After the game, he anticipates a pang of guilt because his lifelong devotion to the team no longer ho

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