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Apr 11 2026BUSINESS

New Mexican Food Spot Set to Open in Medford

A new Mexican grill will soon open its second branch on 495 Riverside Ave. in Medford’s Wellington area, taking over a former Smashburger site that shut down last January after more than ten years. The owners, led by Marycela Rodenzo, have secured a Common Victualler License from the city council, w

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Apr 11 2026BUSINESS

Kuku Smith’s Battle to Keep Her Beauty Store Alive

Kuku Smith stands outside her shop on Georgia Avenue, holding up T‑shirts that cost $25 each. The owner of a small beauty supply store that opened in 2019 is fighting an eviction notice while trying to keep her business running. She says the pandemic hit hard because she had just started and was

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Apr 11 2026EDUCATION

A New Chapter for Olin’s Innovation Leader

Markus Baer, who heads executive education and teaches about how people behave in groups at Olin Business School, was named the Knight Family Professor on February 18. The ceremony happened in the Charles F. Knight Center, a building that already carries the Knights’ name. Baer shared that this tit

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

Arkansas Pushes for Less Federal Control Over Schools

Arkansan leaders want to cut back on rules set by the U. S. Department of Education, saying they block progress in local schools. They have asked parents and teachers to share their thoughts by May 7 before sending three requests for special permission. The move comes as the federal agency is shrink

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

The Quiet Shift on the Supreme Court Bench

A president who wants to keep his court solid has told reporters that he hopes the two oldest justices, Alito and Thomas, will stay on for many more years. The comment came after they joined a dissent against the court’s decision to strike down President Trump’s tariff plan. Neither justice has spok

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

Estonia Says Child Social‑Media Bans Won’t Fix Things

Estonia stands alone in the EU, refusing to ban kids from social media. The country’s education minister argued that blocking platforms won’t solve the real issues, and warned children will always find a way to access them. Research shows that too much time online can lead to depression, anxie

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Apr 11 2026EDUCATION

Summer Days That Keep Kids Growing

The heat is coming, and many families look forward to trips, playtime, and a break from school. But for young children, the pause in classroom life can shake up routines that give them security and readiness to learn. Community Education steps in with a mix of programs that keep kids active, healthy

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Apr 11 2026HEALTH

Healthy Habits for Latino Teens: A New Family Program

Latino kids in the U. S. face higher obesity rates than other groups, and a new program seeks to change that by meeting families where they are. The plan builds on the idea that people learn best when they see role models and get hands‑on practice, a concept known as Social Cognitive Theory. The cre

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Apr 11 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Flower‑filled Highway Tunnel Turns Community Hub

The tunnel beneath the highway near North Forest Glen Drive has become a local landmark thanks to a mural that feels like a living garden. A former elementary art teacher, who grew up in the nearby Sauganash area, stepped forward when the Forest Glen Community Club asked for ideas. He sent in four c

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Apr 11 2026HEALTH

Weight and Smiles: How Body Size Affects Dental Happiness

The research looked at how feeling good about one’s mouth changes when someone is overweight or not. Researchers compared two groups: people who are obese and those with a normal weight. They measured how each group talked about their dental comfort, pain, and overall enjoyment of eating or talking.

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