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ben vansumeren

How Exercise Keeps Your Brain Young as You Age

June 7, 2026

A big question in brain science is whether staying physically fit actually helps your brain stay young. Some studies suggest it does—but recent research digs deeper, asking if fitness levels might protect the brain’s wiring, especially in older adults. Scientists looked at over 4, 000 people aged 40

entertainment

Books That Make Hard Science Feel Real

June 7, 2026

Hard science fiction isn’t just flashy spaceships and laser battles—it digs deep into real science and human struggles. These stories mix physics, biology, and engineering with everyday challenges. They don’t just ask “what if? ” They ask “what now? ” and “what’s next? ” What happens when we push te

politics

California’s political mailer game: when fake endorsements get real funding

June 7, 2026

California voters often open their mailboxes to find colorful voter guides that look official but aren’t always honest about who’s behind them. These “slate mailers” pretend to be from respected groups like cops, firefighters, or teachers—organizations that voters trust. In reality, candidates pay t

opinion

Fears and Facts in Maine

June 7, 2026

Maine’s politics have been stirred up by a candidate warning about a threat that isn’t really there. The claim says the state risks being changed by Muslim newcomers, as if laws themselves could bend to faith or tradition. But the state constitution and criminal code already cover everyone equally.

health

Is alkaline water a health booster or just another passing trend?

June 7, 2026

Bottled water labeled as alkaline often gets attention for its mineral additives like calcium and magnesium, which raise its pH above neutral. While regular tap water usually falls below a neutral pH of 7, alkaline water hovers around 8 or 9, leading some to believe it can balance the body’s acid le

environment

Rooftop Gardens: A New Way to Heal

June 6, 2026

Scientists have started looking at rooftop gardens as a fresh route to better health in busy cities. These spaces sit high above traffic, so they are not like parks on the ground. People think green places help us feel calmer, but we don’t know exactly how or why rooftop gardens work. Resea

sports

High School Stars Shine in June Awards

June 6, 2026

Readers on the city’s online portal chose this month’s standout athletes from local high schools, covering performances up to the end of May. Winners can now download and print their own certificates from a shared link, and they’re encouraged to send a photo of the award in use for the newspaper’s g

technology

Europe Moves Away From U. S. Tech: What Happens to Researchers?

June 6, 2026

Europe has begun to cut back on using software from U. S. companies. Scientists and students in the region are noticing a shift. The change is driven by concerns over privacy, data control and national security. The move means that European labs will look for local or open‑source tools. Th

technology

A New Kind of Weighted Vest That Doesn’t Slip or Sizzle

June 6, 2026

Zelus has released a fresh take on weighted vests that promises to change how people train. The new product uses a special mix of silicone and tiny iron pieces that stay put no matter how you move. This means the weight never shifts or pools, which is a problem with older vests that use loose sand o

health

Social Connections and Brain Health: How Work Status Matters Differently for Men and Women

June 6, 2026

The study looks at people over 50 in Europe to see how being employed, retired, a homemaker or unemployed affects their memory and word‑finding skills. It also checks if having many friends, family or community ties can help protect the brain. Data came from a long‑term survey that followed thousan