WILHELMINA W WITCHIEPOO

Jun 03 2026POLITICS

Education Seat Battle: Sparks vs Sams in Orange County

When the polls closed at 8 p. m. on Tuesday, the results for the Orange County Board of Education District 5 race were posted. Lisa Sparks, who has already served two terms on the board, led Jason Sams by a wide margin. Sams works as an advisor at Roosevelt University, focusing on humanities and so

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Jun 03 2026HEALTH

How the Hidden Parts of Tumors Shape Cancer Treatment

When doctors attack a tumor with modern medicine, they don’t just fight cancer cells. They also face an entire hidden neighborhood inside each growth. This neighborhood includes not only the cancer itself but also the immune system’s soldiers, the body’s repair workers, and the scaffolding that hold

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Jun 03 2026POLITICS

Who Should Lead U. S. Intelligence?

William John Pulte is now acting director of national intelligence. He’s never worked in intelligence before. His biggest qualification seems to be helping Trump target political opponents. While critics argue he lacks experience, supporters see him as the perfect loyalist. Pulte’s work at the hous

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Jun 03 2026FINANCE

Property Tax Changes in Westport: Who Pays More Now?

Westport recently adjusted its property tax system for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The town’s tax rate dropped from 18. 86 to 13. 2, but that doesn’t mean everyone will pay less. The big shift comes from a property revaluation that increased home values far more than commercial ones. Over five years, r

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Jun 03 2026SCIENCE

How the gut talks to the brain when protein runs low

When protein levels drop, the gut doesn’t wait for permission—it picks up the phone and calls the brain directly. Scientists recently uncovered a two-lane highway linking the stomach and brain that flips cravings from sugar to protein without delay. In fruit flies, the gut releases a hormone-like si

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Jun 03 2026CRIME

How Soldiers on Streets Affect Crime in Washington D. C.

When the National Guard arrived in Washington D. C. last summer, their main job was to stand in busy spots like parks and near government buildings. These places often see quick thefts—like someone grabbing a phone or wallet when no one is looking. The new study shows these visible troops did help c

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Jun 01 2026ENVIRONMENT

The hidden danger after Helene: Why North Carolina's forests are still a ticking time bomb

When Tropical Storm Helene swept through Western North Carolina in fall 2024, most people focused on the dramatic flood images. But the storm left behind a far less visible problem—one that’s getting worse with time. Over 822, 000 acres of forest were damaged, turning once-healthy trees into a massi

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May 31 2026HEALTH

Smart Ways to Enjoy Summer Safely Outdoors

When the sun shines bright and the days grow longer, parks and recreation spots become hotspots for summer fun. But the same sunshine that boosts moods and keeps energy levels high can also pose hidden dangers. While outdoor activities like sports, games, and picnics bring communities together, heat

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May 31 2026TECHNOLOGY

Blue Origin’s Latest Setback Could Be a Game-Changer

When a rocket explodes during testing, the damage isn’t just physical—it ripples through schedules, contracts, and rivalries. Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket suffered just such a fate, leaving its launch pad in pieces and its future plans in limbo. The incident happened during a routine test fire, a

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May 30 2026FINANCE

Rising Interest Rates? Pick These Four ETFs

When rates climb, most investors think bonds will fall. Yet some exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) are built to thrive in that environment. These four funds focus on income, but they do it differently from the usual bond baskets. The first fund keeps a short‑duration schedule. By staying close to the ma

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