ADVOCACY

Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Mental Health in America: A Call for Change

The film “No One Cares About Crazy People” is a short documentary that will play at Columbia College’s Film Row Cinema on Saturday. After the screening, a panel with director Gail Freedman will discuss the movie’s message and its ties to Chicago. The soundtrack is written by Jeff Tweedy, a singer

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

From Brewery Owner to City Hall: Why Business Skills Matter in Local Government

Running a small business and serving in government might seem like two totally different jobs, but one candidate believes the skills overlap more than people think. Though many argue that governments should operate like companies, others point out that public service has unique challenges. With fift

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Apr 06 2026HEALTH

Why Neurosurgeons in New Mexico Face Unfair Shots in Court

New Mexico’s doctors get judged by raw numbers—like how 0. 7% account for half the malpractice payouts in the state. But putting neurosurgeons in the same group as skin doctors misses a key fact: brains and spines are far riskier to operate on. Research shows neurosurgeons are sued far more often th

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Mar 29 2026OPINION

Tech Students Today: Why Smartphones Are Both a Gift and a Challenge in Classrooms

A growing trend shows students pulling out smartphones more than textbooks during lectures. While some argue these devices boost learning by providing instant information, others worry they’re turning classrooms into distraction zones. Research suggests that the average student checks their phone up

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Mar 26 2026HEALTH

“Brain Health Starts at Home: A Personal Call to Action”

Shon Lowe’s story shows how one woman turned a family crisis into a lesson for everyone. Her mother, Terrie Montgomery, began buying the same items repeatedly and losing track of details—small signs that were easily ignored in many households. In Black communities, these hints are often swept

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Mar 22 2026OPINION

Coaches, Parents, and Young Athletes: A New Path for Mental Health

In Colorado, a new law called “Alyssa’s Act” is being discussed. It focuses on mental health for kids who play sports. The idea came after a family tragedy involving a young athlete named Alyssa. She loved soccer and skiing, but her life ended after several concussions. Researchers say head injuries

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Mar 11 2026HEALTH

The Hidden Cost of “Pre‑Approval” in Health Care

Many people think health insurance is simple: you pay a premium, and the company covers what your doctor recommends. In reality, most patients must first ask for permission before a treatment can be paid for. This step, called prior authorization, often turns simple care into a long battle. Take th

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Mar 07 2026POLITICS

Science and Democracy Rally in Kane County

Local groups plan a protest on Saturday to defend science and democratic values. The event will start at 10 a. m. outside the Kane County Circuit Clerk’s Office and run until 11:30 a. m. The organizers include Indivisible Fox Valley Rising, Fox Valley Activists, Batavia Democrats, Geneva Democrats,

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Feb 18 2026EDUCATION

Barbour’s Quiet Fight for Equality

William “Wilbur” Miller Barbour grew up in Middletown and later made a name for himself far beyond his hometown. After finishing high school there, he went on to study at Elizabethtown College and then pursued a career in social work. He joined the National Urban League, where he helped plan program

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Feb 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

A Green Giant's Fight for the Hudson

Richard Ottinger, a name not many know, but his work changed the course of history. He lived a long life, 97 years, and spent a good chunk of it fighting for the environment. He was a Democrat, but his family was Republican. He switched sides when he was a young lawyer in the 1950s. He served in Con

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