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May 16 2026EDUCATION

Behind the Scenes: Two Longtime School Supporters Get Big Recognition

Two women who have quietly shaped the Highland Local Schools experience for years will finally get their moment in the spotlight. Kristine Nerlich, a high school science teacher with nearly two decades under her belt, and Koula Makris, a community volunteer since 2014, were named winners of the 2026

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May 16 2026BUSINESS

A Small Business Says Goodbye After Four Decades in Altoona

A family-owned leather shop that spent 40 years in Altoona is shutting its doors for good. The store, known for hand-stitched belts, boots, and motorcycle jackets, will hold its final sale on May 25. Its closing comes after the longtime manager—a woman who ran the shop for nearly three decades—passe

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May 16 2026HEALTH

Local women’s health care gets a boost in Siloam Springs

For years, women in Siloam Springs and nearby towns had to travel to get basic women’s health care. The closest options vanished in December when the local women’s center shut down after nearly three decades. That gap is now filled by a newly expanded clinic on Progress Avenue. The building used to

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May 15 2026SPORTS

High School Sports Highlights: Wins, Records and Awards

The day kicked off with a burst of excitement on the courts, fields and courts. A team that had been the top seed in boys’ volleyball surprised everyone by losing at home, showing that even favorites can stumble. Meanwhile, a standout player from O’Bryant tied the school’s record for assists in b

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May 15 2026RELIGION

Buddhism and Power: How Thailand Blends Faith and Authority

Thailand stands out as a unique case where Buddhism isn't just a religion—it’s deeply tied to the country's political structure. The connection goes back centuries, starting when Indian monks first introduced the teachings of the Buddha to the region. Unlike Christianity or Islam, Buddhism doesn’t r

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May 15 2026SCIENCE

Turning plant pigments into high-purity medicine: a smarter way to clean up safflower extracts

Every year, farmers harvest safflowers—bright orange flowers used in teas and dyes—to extract a compound called HSYA. This natural pigment shows promise against inflammation and blood clots, but the crude extract is messy: only about one-fifth of it is the active ingredient. To turn this into medici

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May 15 2026CELEBRITIES

Celebrities with partners outside the spotlight

Some of the biggest names in entertainment have chosen partners who aren't famous, showing that fame doesn’t always dictate who people fall for. Taylor Lautner, better known for his role in the Twilight movies, started dating his future wife Taylor Dome when she was just working toward her nursing l

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May 15 2026POLITICS

Better Forest Care Needs Smart Choices Not Big Chop

The U. S. Forest Service looks after nearly 200 million acres of public lands spread across the country. Forests and grasslands need regular care to stay healthy and safe. Many experts have pointed out that the agency could work more closely with local groups, tribes, and state teams to improve fore

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May 15 2026LIFESTYLE

Rethinking luxury: The real markers of a good life today

A few decades ago, luxury meant flashing designer labels and expensive cars. Today, the people who truly live well have moved far beyond that. Real luxury isn’t about loud displays or expensive items. Instead, it’s about rare experiences, thoughtful choices, and personal freedom. It’s less about own

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May 15 2026HEALTH

Why sitting too much could be harming Morocco’s health

Sitting around too much is quietly becoming one of Morocco’s biggest health threats. As people spend more time parked in chairs—whether at work, in cars, or at home—health experts worry about the rise of long-term illnesses that don’t spread from person to person. These illnesses, called noncommunic

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