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Jan 14 2026BUSINESS

From Hot Dogs to Hearts: Nicky V's Big Year in 2025

Nick Versetto, a former financial advisor, took a leap of faith seven years ago and opened Nicky V's, a hot dog and burger joint. He never expected it to grow so quickly. In 2025, he and his wife Krystyna opened four new locations in just a few months. Three are standalone buildings, and three are i

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Jan 14 2026EDUCATION

A Quarter Century of Learning: Santiago Canyon College's Big Night

Santiago Canyon College (SCC) threw a massive 25th-anniversary bash in November, and it was a huge success. The event raised a whopping $124, 000 for the college's foundation, making it the biggest fundraising event in SCC's history. This wasn't just any party—it was a celebration of 25 years of pro

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Jan 14 2026EDUCATION

Building a Future in Farming: IVCC's New Ag Center

In Oglesby, something exciting is growing on the Illinois Valley Community College campus. It's not a crop, but a new building. This is the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center. It's a big deal because it's going to help students learn about farming and agriculture in a modern way.

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Jan 13 2026TECHNOLOGY

How Tech Giants Are Trying to Ease the Burden of AI Data Centers on Local Communities

Big Tech is pouring massive amounts of money into building data centers to support AI systems. These centers demand a lot of electricity, which has led to higher energy bills and environmental worries in nearby areas. In some places, electricity costs have skyrocketed by up to 267% over the past fiv

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Jan 13 2026LIFESTYLE

Retirement Haven on a Budget: Baytown, Texas

Retirement dreams often include warm weather and coastal views, but the high costs in popular spots are pushing people to explore other options. Baytown, Texas, is stepping into the spotlight as a practical choice for retirees. Nestled near Galveston Bay, it offers a mix of affordability and coastal

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Jan 13 2026CRIME

St. Louis Takes Steps to Reduce Crime

St. Louis is seeing a change in its crime rates. This is thanks to new efforts like "Save Lives Now! " and other initiatives. City leaders and businesses are starting to notice the difference. Crime has been a big problem in St. Louis for a long time. But now, things are looking up. The city has be

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Jan 13 2026EDUCATION

Teens Get the Facts: Library and Health Group Team Up for Sex Ed

In Trenton, a unique partnership is making a difference in teen health education. The Trenton Public Library and Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey have joined forces to bring sex education to local teens. This isn't just any old talk. It's a program called "Spill the T

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Jan 13 2026RELIGION

How Faith and Community Helped Asheville Bounce Back

Western North Carolina faced a huge challenge when Hurricane Helene hit on September 27, 2024. The storm caused serious damage, leaving many people without homes. Over 160 Veterans at the Veterans Restoration Quarters, run by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), were among those

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Jan 12 2026LIFESTYLE

Rolling Goodbyes: Virginia Beach Says Farewell to a Skating Legacy

The Haygood Skating Center, a beloved spot in Virginia Beach, has rolled its last wheel after 52 years. The rink, a staple for generations, closed its doors following a final skate night. For many, this isn't just about losing a place to skate; it's about losing a piece of their history. Brandon St

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Jan 12 2026EDUCATION

Teen Leaders of Tomorrow: A Journey of Growth and Achievement

In a world where only a handful of Fortune 500 companies are led by Black CEOs, a unique program is stepping in to bridge the gap. The Leadership Inside-Out program is not just another class; it's an eight-week journey that helps high school freshmen and sophomores navigate the path to success. At W

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