Why Kids Should Clean Their Tongue Daily & 10 Easy Ways To Do It
Maintaining your child’s oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing teeth cleaning their tongue is equally important. A child’s tongue can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, which contribute to bad breath, plaque buildup, and even oral infections. With kids often indulging in sugary foods and drinks, and sometimes skipping parts of their dental routine, their tongues are especially vulnerable.
Why Kids Should Clean Their Tongue Daily & 10 Easy Ways To Do It
Maintaining your child’s oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing teeth cleaning their tongue is equally important. A child’s tongue can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, which contribute to bad breath, plaque buildup, and even oral infections. With kids often indulging in sugary foods and drinks, and sometimes skipping parts of their dental routine, their tongues are especially vulnerable.
Mountain View Moves to Ban Flavored Tobacco and Vape Products to Curb Youth Nicotine Use
Mountain View is preparing to implement a citywide ban on the sale of flavored tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and vape-related products. The initiative aims to curb nicotine use, particularly among teens and young adults, following growing concerns about the health impacts of vaping and flavored tobacco. The City Council voted 6-1 to direct city staff to develop a local ordinance in partnership with Santa Clara County. The proposed ordinance would align Mountain View with other n
Mountain View Moves to Ban Flavored Tobacco and Vape Products to Curb Youth Nicotine Use
Mountain View is preparing to implement a citywide ban on the sale of flavored tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and vape-related products. The initiative aims to curb nicotine use, particularly among teens and young adults, following growing concerns about the health impacts of vaping and flavored tobacco. The City Council voted 6-1 to direct city staff to develop a local ordinance in partnership with Santa Clara County. The proposed ordinance would align Mountain View with other n
Dr. Maria Gamell Named Cedar Hill ISD Superintendent Finalist
Cedar Hill, TX – Cedar Hill Independent School District has announced Dr. Maria Gamell as the sole finalist for the position of superintendent following a comprehensive selection process. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Thursday, highlighting Gamell’s extensive experience and vision for educational leadership. With 24 years of service in the field of education, Dr. Gamell most recently
Dr. Maria Gamell Named Cedar Hill ISD Superintendent Finalist
Cedar Hill, TX – Cedar Hill Independent School District has announced Dr. Maria Gamell as the sole finalist for the position of superintendent following a comprehensive selection process. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Thursday, highlighting Gamell’s extensive experience and vision for educational leadership. With 24 years of service in the field of education, Dr. Gamell most recently
Future of Google's Mountain View Housing Plans Uncertain as Middlefield Park Faces Sale
In a significant shift from earlier commitments, google is now exploring the sale of middlefield park, a major development site in the east whisman area of mountain view. The 40-acre property had been slated to become a centerpiece of the city’s residential expansion plans, with a proposal that included 1,900 housing units, a 2.4-acre affordable housing dedication, and 1.3 million square feet of office space. Now, the tech company is reconsidering its role in the project and is seeking
Future of Google's Mountain View Housing Plans Uncertain as Middlefield Park Faces Sale
In a significant shift from earlier commitments, google is now exploring the sale of middlefield park, a major development site in the east whisman area of mountain view. The 40-acre property had been slated to become a centerpiece of the city’s residential expansion plans, with a proposal that included 1,900 housing units, a 2.4-acre affordable housing dedication, and 1.3 million square feet of office space. Now, the tech company is reconsidering its role in the project and is seeking
Santa Clara Democrats stick with dual endorsement for San Jose District 3 runoff
The Santa Clara County Democratic Party has confirmed it will not revise its dual endorsement in the upcoming June 24 runoff election for San Jose’s District 3 city council seat. This decision upholds the party's earlier support for both Gabby Chavez-Lopez and Anthony Tordillos, despite the two now facing off against each other in the final round of voting. The move reflects longstanding party practices and strategic considerations specific to the unique nature of this race.
Santa Clara Democrats stick with dual endorsement for San Jose District 3 runoff
The Santa Clara County Democratic Party has confirmed it will not revise its dual endorsement in the upcoming June 24 runoff election for San Jose’s District 3 city council seat. This decision upholds the party's earlier support for both Gabby Chavez-Lopez and Anthony Tordillos, despite the two now facing off against each other in the final round of voting. The move reflects longstanding party practices and strategic considerations specific to the unique nature of this race.
Shark Attack Closes Montara State Beach in Bay Area
Montara State Beach in San Mateo County was shut down over the weekend after a surfer narrowly escaped a shark attack, according to officials. The incident took place at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, when Jens Heller, 42, of Albany, had a close call in the waters just 15 minutes into his surf session. According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, a shark bit into Heller’s surfboard, knocking him off. Fortunately, the shark released its gr
Shark Attack Closes Montara State Beach in Bay Area
Montara State Beach in San Mateo County was shut down over the weekend after a surfer narrowly escaped a shark attack, according to officials. The incident took place at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, when Jens Heller, 42, of Albany, had a close call in the waters just 15 minutes into his surf session. According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, a shark bit into Heller’s surfboard, knocking him off. Fortunately, the shark released its gr
DC landlord fined $1M in rent inflation case involving pricing software
A major landlord in Washington, D.C. will pay over $1 million and commit to changing its rent-setting practices following accusations of participating in a price-fixing scheme that affected thousands of rental units. The move comes after legal action alleging the use of software to manipulate rent prices across more than 50,000 apartments in the District. The property management company involved owns approximately 9,000 units in the city and is the first of several landlords named
DC landlord fined $1M in rent inflation case involving pricing software
A major landlord in Washington, D.C. will pay over $1 million and commit to changing its rent-setting practices following accusations of participating in a price-fixing scheme that affected thousands of rental units. The move comes after legal action alleging the use of software to manipulate rent prices across more than 50,000 apartments in the District. The property management company involved owns approximately 9,000 units in the city and is the first of several landlords named
Santa Clara considers paid parking to fix long-term budget deficit
Santa Clara city officials are evaluating the possibility of introducing paid parking at several city-owned locations, including the historic Franklin Square and the Santa Clara Convention Center. This potential change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the city's finances as future budget projections reveal growing deficits. Although Santa Clara’s proposed 2025-26 fiscal plan currently projects a $9.3 million surplus, forecasts over the subsequent five years ind
Santa Clara considers paid parking to fix long-term budget deficit
Santa Clara city officials are evaluating the possibility of introducing paid parking at several city-owned locations, including the historic Franklin Square and the Santa Clara Convention Center. This potential change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the city's finances as future budget projections reveal growing deficits. Although Santa Clara’s proposed 2025-26 fiscal plan currently projects a $9.3 million surplus, forecasts over the subsequent five years ind
Himanta Sarma Shuts Down Pak's Brahmaputra Water Threat
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has firmly dismissed recent concerns voiced by Pakistan over the potential threat of China halting the Brahmaputra River's flow to India. Responding to speculation on social media that raised fears about the river being used as a geopolitical weapon, Sarma labelled the rhetoric as baseless and rooted in fear-mongering rather than facts. In a post on X , Sarma dismantled th
Himanta Sarma Shuts Down Pak's Brahmaputra Water Threat
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has firmly dismissed recent concerns voiced by Pakistan over the potential threat of China halting the Brahmaputra River's flow to India. Responding to speculation on social media that raised fears about the river being used as a geopolitical weapon, Sarma labelled the rhetoric as baseless and rooted in fear-mongering rather than facts. In a post on X , Sarma dismantled th
Dublin, Camp Parks To Celebrate U.S. Army’s 250th
The city of Dublin, California, in partnership with Camp Parks, will host a major public celebration on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Don Biddle Park to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The event will feature a wide array of tributes and interactive experiences highlighting the Army’s long and storied history, both nationally and within the local community. This family-friendly celebrat
Dublin, Camp Parks To Celebrate U.S. Army’s 250th
The city of Dublin, California, in partnership with Camp Parks, will host a major public celebration on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Don Biddle Park to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The event will feature a wide array of tributes and interactive experiences highlighting the Army’s long and storied history, both nationally and within the local community. This family-friendly celebrat
Pleasanton Fifth Graders Lead Inspiring Service Projects
Over 60 fifth-grade students from Fairlands Elementary School in Pleasanton made a powerful impact on their school and city through a showcase of student-led service projects at the annual CAP Fair. Held on May 20, the fair gave students a platform to present 19 group initiatives that addressed pressing local and global issues. Students spent months identifying problems in their communities, researching solutions, an
Pleasanton Fifth Graders Lead Inspiring Service Projects
Over 60 fifth-grade students from Fairlands Elementary School in Pleasanton made a powerful impact on their school and city through a showcase of student-led service projects at the annual CAP Fair. Held on May 20, the fair gave students a platform to present 19 group initiatives that addressed pressing local and global issues. Students spent months identifying problems in their communities, researching solutions, an
Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha Phase 2 Begins
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya has entered Phase 2 of its grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony, with rituals starting on June 3 and continuing through June 5. As a precursor to this sacred event, a grand Kalash Yatra was flagged off from the banks of the Saryu River on Monday evening, moving through key city points such as Veena Chowk, Ram Path, Singar Haat and Rang Mahal Barrier before reaching the temple premises.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha Phase 2 Begins
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya has entered Phase 2 of its grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony, with rituals starting on June 3 and continuing through June 5. As a precursor to this sacred event, a grand Kalash Yatra was flagged off from the banks of the Saryu River on Monday evening, moving through key city points such as Veena Chowk, Ram Path, Singar Haat and Rang Mahal Barrier before reaching the temple premises.
Sports Science Host John Brenkus Dies at 54 After Battle With Depression
John Brenkus, the visionary co-creator and host behind the Emmy Award-winning series "sports science," has died at the age of 54 following a difficult battle with depression. The announcement was made by Brinx tv, a media company Brenkus founded, in a heartfelt statement released on Sunday. The news has left a deep impact on the sports media community and fans of the groundbreaking television host, who redefined how sports and science were combined for public education and entertain
Sports Science Host John Brenkus Dies at 54 After Battle With Depression
John Brenkus, the visionary co-creator and host behind the Emmy Award-winning series "sports science," has died at the age of 54 following a difficult battle with depression. The announcement was made by Brinx tv, a media company Brenkus founded, in a heartfelt statement released on Sunday. The news has left a deep impact on the sports media community and fans of the groundbreaking television host, who redefined how sports and science were combined for public education and entertain
Santa Clara's Agrihood residents report air quality and fire hazard complaints
Just steps away from Santa Clara’s bustling Santana Row and Valley Fair shopping centers lies the Agrihood Sustainable Community, a housing development originally praised for offering dignified, eco-friendly living for low-income and formerly homeless seniors. Promised as a place of healing and nourishment, the complex boasts a 1.5-acre urban farm meant to foster community through shared gardening. But nearly two years since its much-celebrated opening at 76 N. Winchester Boulevard, the
Santa Clara's Agrihood residents report air quality and fire hazard complaints
Just steps away from Santa Clara’s bustling Santana Row and Valley Fair shopping centers lies the Agrihood Sustainable Community, a housing development originally praised for offering dignified, eco-friendly living for low-income and formerly homeless seniors. Promised as a place of healing and nourishment, the complex boasts a 1.5-acre urban farm meant to foster community through shared gardening. But nearly two years since its much-celebrated opening at 76 N. Winchester Boulevard, the
Hajj 2025 Begins June 4: Sacred Journey of Islam Explained
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, will be held this year from June 4 to June 9, 2025, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Over one million Muslims from around the world are expected to gather in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this spiritually significant journey. Each year during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims who are physically and financially able make the pilgrimage a
Hajj 2025 Begins June 4: Sacred Journey of Islam Explained
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, will be held this year from June 4 to June 9, 2025, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Over one million Muslims from around the world are expected to gather in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this spiritually significant journey. Each year during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims who are physically and financially able make the pilgrimage a
Preity Zinta, Nita Ambani Show Emotions in IPL 2025 Thriller
The emotions that unfolded after Punjab Kings pulled off a stunning win over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 perfectly captured the essence of a high-octane T20 thriller. While Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta celebrated with uncontainable joy on the field, Mumbai Indians’ owner Nita Ambani was left heartbroken, reflecting the “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham” vibe of the night. It took 11 year
Preity Zinta, Nita Ambani Show Emotions in IPL 2025 Thriller
The emotions that unfolded after Punjab Kings pulled off a stunning win over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 perfectly captured the essence of a high-octane T20 thriller. While Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta celebrated with uncontainable joy on the field, Mumbai Indians’ owner Nita Ambani was left heartbroken, reflecting the “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham” vibe of the night. It took 11 year
Megha Vemuri Banned From MIT Graduation Over Gaza Speech
Indian-American student Megha Vemuri, who served as president of MIT’s Class of 2025, has been banned from participating in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s undergraduate commencement ceremony. The decision came after she delivered a strongly worded pro-Palestine speech during a campus event held just one day prior to graduation. Vemuri was set to play a prominent role as marshal during the cer
Megha Vemuri Banned From MIT Graduation Over Gaza Speech
Indian-American student Megha Vemuri, who served as president of MIT’s Class of 2025, has been banned from participating in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s undergraduate commencement ceremony. The decision came after she delivered a strongly worded pro-Palestine speech during a campus event held just one day prior to graduation. Vemuri was set to play a prominent role as marshal during the cer
Pulkit Arya Gets Life for Ankita Bhandari Murder
In a landmark verdict that stirred memories of a crime that shook the nation, a Kotdwar court in Uttarakhand on Friday sentenced Pulkit Arya, son of a former BJP leader, and two others to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. Arya, along with resort manager Saurabh Bhaskar and employee Ankit Gupta, was found guilty after a 14-month-long trial that drew widespread media and public attention. Ankita was employed at Vanantara Resort in the Y
Pulkit Arya Gets Life for Ankita Bhandari Murder
In a landmark verdict that stirred memories of a crime that shook the nation, a Kotdwar court in Uttarakhand on Friday sentenced Pulkit Arya, son of a former BJP leader, and two others to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. Arya, along with resort manager Saurabh Bhaskar and employee Ankit Gupta, was found guilty after a 14-month-long trial that drew widespread media and public attention. Ankita was employed at Vanantara Resort in the Y
San Ramon Residents Asked to Shape Mental Health Plans
San Ramon residents and others in Contra Costa County are being asked to help shape the future of local mental health and behavioral services. As the county prepares to redesign its Behavioral Health system for the 2026–2029 cycle, officials are inviting the public to participate in a survey and virtual town hall forums to gather input. The initiative is led by Contra Costa Health Services, which is seeking input on topics such as access to mental health care, substance use tr
San Ramon Residents Asked to Shape Mental Health Plans
San Ramon residents and others in Contra Costa County are being asked to help shape the future of local mental health and behavioral services. As the county prepares to redesign its Behavioral Health system for the 2026–2029 cycle, officials are inviting the public to participate in a survey and virtual town hall forums to gather input. The initiative is led by Contra Costa Health Services, which is seeking input on topics such as access to mental health care, substance use tr
Santa Clara housing market slows in spring 2025 but opens new window for buyers
The spring 2025 housing market in Santa Clara has surprised many by falling short of expectations that it would be another hot season of soaring demand and quick sales. While this time of year typically ignites intense competition among buyers, the market has instead cooled slightly, creating a rare opportunity for those looking to purchase a home. With local inventory levels up nearly 40%, buyers are discovering more room to negotiate as sellers adjust to new realities in a landscape defined by uncertainty and fluctuating mortgage rates. One of the most notable shifts in the Santa Clara market has been the increase in available listings, which has offered buyers more choices and reduced the intensity of bidding wars. Interest rates, which hover near a 25-year average, still remain high enough to affect purchasing power, yet they are more stable now compared to earlier in the season when volatility in the stock market wreaked havoc on mortgage rates. The result has been a more balanced market—one that benefits well-prepared buyers who have been waiting for a moment like this. Clint Moore, a real estate agent active in Santa Clara, observed that confusion over broader economic policy and ongoing instability in financial markets have had a chilling effect on buyer confidence. Some prospective buyers have seen their down payments shrink due to falling stock values, while others are hesitant because of employment concerns. This general atmosphere of caution has led to a less frenzied pace in home sales compared to recent years. Michelle Perry, another local agent, highlighted how even modest rate increases have been affecting buyers significantly, especially first-timers. She shared an example of a young family trying to use retirement savings to qualify for a modest FHA loan. When they started house hunting, the mortgage rate was around 6.25%, making a monthly payment on an $800,000 townhome approximately $5,800. Just a couple of weeks later, the rate climbed to 7.25%, pushing their monthly payment up by an additional $500—an increase they could no longer afford or qualify for. Such rate fluctuations have made timing critical and home affordability a moving target for many. As May draws to a close, there is cautious optimism that mortgage rates have stabilized somewhat, allowing buyers to make more confident decisions. On the seller side, however, this market shift has meant reevaluating long-held expectations. Price reductions, once rare, are becoming common, and contingent offers are increasingly accepted as sellers realize that pricing strategies from earlier in the year are no longer effective. Moore emphasized that sellers need to be realistic and that agents must have honest conversations about what homes can actually command in today’s market. That said, there remains one major exception to the overall market cool-down—the luxury home segment. Properties in and around Palo Alto and Los Altos, particularly those near Stanford University, are experiencing explosive growth. Dave Walsh, an industry executive, noted that luxury homes priced above $5 million are seeing intense demand, with sales up nearly 80% year over year. Median home prices in Palo Alto are now around $4.2 million, and in Los Altos, they have reached $5.7 million, reflecting a red-hot market for high-end buyers less affected by mortgage rates. Michael Gordon, president-elect of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, stated that buyers are now more critical about the homes they view. With more listings on the market, they are scrutinizing property condition, location, and amenities more thoroughly. Homes that are well-maintained and priced appropriately continue to generate strong interest, suggesting that while the market overall may be softening, good properties are still moving quickly. This year’s spring housing season in Santa Clara has begun to shift from the seller-dominated dynamics of the past into a more balanced market, offering buyers a much-needed break from previous years of fierce competition. The current window of opportunity may be short-lived, however. Experts anticipate that the usual surge in sales may simply be delayed to early summer, and buyers who act now may benefit from reduced competition and more flexible negotiations. Perry pointed out that less competition means more negotiating power and long-term savings. While mortgage rates can be refinanced later, the purchase price determines the property taxes a homeowner will pay over the long run, making it a crucial factor in affordability. Gordon added that preparation and timing are key. Many of his clients have spent years getting ready, and now they are finally able to buy homes that were once out of reach. Ultimately, the 2025 Santa Clara spring housing market presents a unique scenario—less frenzy, more choices, and a greater sense of balance. Whether buyers will seize this opportunity before the next upswing remains to be seen, but the current climate certainly favors those who are prepared to move quickly and strategically.
Santa Clara housing market slows in spring 2025 but opens new window for buyers
The spring 2025 housing market in Santa Clara has surprised many by falling short of expectations that it would be another hot season of soaring demand and quick sales. While this time of year typically ignites intense competition among buyers, the market has instead cooled slightly, creating a rare opportunity for those looking to purchase a home. With local inventory levels up nearly 40%, buyers are discovering more room to negotiate as sellers adjust to new realities in a landscape defined by uncertainty and fluctuating mortgage rates. One of the most notable shifts in the Santa Clara market has been the increase in available listings, which has offered buyers more choices and reduced the intensity of bidding wars. Interest rates, which hover near a 25-year average, still remain high enough to affect purchasing power, yet they are more stable now compared to earlier in the season when volatility in the stock market wreaked havoc on mortgage rates. The result has been a more balanced market—one that benefits well-prepared buyers who have been waiting for a moment like this. Clint Moore, a real estate agent active in Santa Clara, observed that confusion over broader economic policy and ongoing instability in financial markets have had a chilling effect on buyer confidence. Some prospective buyers have seen their down payments shrink due to falling stock values, while others are hesitant because of employment concerns. This general atmosphere of caution has led to a less frenzied pace in home sales compared to recent years. Michelle Perry, another local agent, highlighted how even modest rate increases have been affecting buyers significantly, especially first-timers. She shared an example of a young family trying to use retirement savings to qualify for a modest FHA loan. When they started house hunting, the mortgage rate was around 6.25%, making a monthly payment on an $800,000 townhome approximately $5,800. Just a couple of weeks later, the rate climbed to 7.25%, pushing their monthly payment up by an additional $500—an increase they could no longer afford or qualify for. Such rate fluctuations have made timing critical and home affordability a moving target for many. As May draws to a close, there is cautious optimism that mortgage rates have stabilized somewhat, allowing buyers to make more confident decisions. On the seller side, however, this market shift has meant reevaluating long-held expectations. Price reductions, once rare, are becoming common, and contingent offers are increasingly accepted as sellers realize that pricing strategies from earlier in the year are no longer effective. Moore emphasized that sellers need to be realistic and that agents must have honest conversations about what homes can actually command in today’s market. That said, there remains one major exception to the overall market cool-down—the luxury home segment. Properties in and around Palo Alto and Los Altos, particularly those near Stanford University, are experiencing explosive growth. Dave Walsh, an industry executive, noted that luxury homes priced above $5 million are seeing intense demand, with sales up nearly 80% year over year. Median home prices in Palo Alto are now around $4.2 million, and in Los Altos, they have reached $5.7 million, reflecting a red-hot market for high-end buyers less affected by mortgage rates. Michael Gordon, president-elect of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, stated that buyers are now more critical about the homes they view. With more listings on the market, they are scrutinizing property condition, location, and amenities more thoroughly. Homes that are well-maintained and priced appropriately continue to generate strong interest, suggesting that while the market overall may be softening, good properties are still moving quickly. This year’s spring housing season in Santa Clara has begun to shift from the seller-dominated dynamics of the past into a more balanced market, offering buyers a much-needed break from previous years of fierce competition. The current window of opportunity may be short-lived, however. Experts anticipate that the usual surge in sales may simply be delayed to early summer, and buyers who act now may benefit from reduced competition and more flexible negotiations. Perry pointed out that less competition means more negotiating power and long-term savings. While mortgage rates can be refinanced later, the purchase price determines the property taxes a homeowner will pay over the long run, making it a crucial factor in affordability. Gordon added that preparation and timing are key. Many of his clients have spent years getting ready, and now they are finally able to buy homes that were once out of reach. Ultimately, the 2025 Santa Clara spring housing market presents a unique scenario—less frenzy, more choices, and a greater sense of balance. Whether buyers will seize this opportunity before the next upswing remains to be seen, but the current climate certainly favors those who are prepared to move quickly and strategically.









