US

May 11 2026RELIGION

Vatican Visitor Joins Taiwan’s 60‑Year Buddhist Charity Milestone

A Vatican representative recently traveled to Taiwan for the 60th anniversary of the Tzu Chi Foundation, a Buddhist charity known worldwide for its disaster relief work. The visit comes at a time when the Holy See is looking to strengthen ties with China, yet it also maintains one of only twelve for

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Hantavirus on Cruise Ship Sparks Political Storm Over Health Staffing Cuts

A recent outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship has stirred a heated debate in Washington. The virus, carried by rodents, caused three deaths and eight illnesses among passengers. Some travelers have already returned home while authorities watch for further spread. Senator Chuck Schum

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May 11 2026HEALTH

Hantavirus Alert: Cruise Passenger Tests Positive

A French traveler from a recent cruise has tested positive for hantavirus after being flown back to Paris. The patient was one of five French crew members who returned home from the MV Hondius in early May. Symptoms appeared during the flight, prompting hospital treatment that worsened overnight. T

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Downtown DeKalb’s New Sip‑and‑Shop Plan: A Mix of Support and Skepticism

"City officials are pushing a new entertainment district that would let people carry one drink in a special cup while walking between shops and restaurants. The idea is to boost foot traffic after dark, making downtown a lively spot for diners, shoppers and moviegoers. A council vote is set for Mond

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May 11 2026HEALTH

A Broken Family, A Chance for Healing

The youngest child in a family of five feels isolated after growing up with constant punishment. Both sisters were treated alike by their mother, who used fear and physical discipline to control them. When one sibling committed a mistake, the mother would line up everyone and threaten collective pun

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Trump Rejects Iran Offer, Oil Prices Rise

Trump quickly shot down Iran’s reply to a U. S. peace plan, saying it was “totally unacceptable. ” The president posted the comment on Truth Social and gave no extra explanation. Iran’s response called for an end to fighting everywhere, especially in Lebanon where Israel battles Hezbollah figh

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May 11 2026POLITICS

South Korea Set for China‑US Trade Talks

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will head a delegation to South Korea for trade talks with U. S. counterparts on May 12‑13, the Ministry of Commerce announced. The meetings aim to build on agreements made in earlier talks and a 2023 summit in Busan, where leaders of both countries discussed key ec

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May 11 2026OPINION

Stability Over Speculation: Why Worcester Needs Rent Limits

Rent control in Worcester has become a shouting match, with one side saying housing is a right and the other warning that any rule will kill growth. The real issue is how landlords treat apartments: as long‑term homes or quick profits. The upcoming ballot question only touches buildings with five o

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May 11 2026TECHNOLOGY

Remi’s Rhythm: A Young Girl’s Journey With Eye‑Gaze Tech

Remi Schreiber, a 7‑year‑old from Spokane Valley, shows how technology can turn challenges into music. She was born with a brain injury that left her with cerebral palsy and limited speech, but she now plays a digital piano solo on screen using eye‑gaze control. The device, made by Tobii Dynavox,

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May 11 2026HEALTH

British Paratroopers Drop Supplies to Island Facing Virus

A small team of British soldiers and doctors jumped from a big airplane to Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most isolated island. They brought medicine and oxygen because a man on a cruise ship was sick with a possible hantavirus infection. The flight started from England, stopped in Ascension Island,

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