The idea of adding art to a garden is not new, but it’s often overlooked. A few months ago I started noticing how many neighbors use sculptures and other creative pieces to make their yards more interesting. This trend is especially popular at local botanical gardens, where large statues and life‑si
In a recent ceremony held in East Peoria, reporters from Shaw Local newspapers earned 45 trophies across a range of categories. The honors spanned general excellence, photography, writing, and design, reflecting the hard work of these journalists. Among the standout publications, the Kendall Count
A former missionary turned pope is shaking up old ways of thinking about religion and society. Pope Leo XIV, once known as Father Bob Prevost, started his career in Peru during the 1980s—a time when the Catholic Church was deeply divided. Some priests believed in helping the poor by fighting for the
Shawnee County has taken a quiet but important step toward breathing new life into a historic downtown building. Officials recently approved a plan to support upgrades for Hotel Topeka, a project that could reshape part of the city center. The move allows up to $7 million in bonds to be issued, but
The oil storage tanks in Cushing, Oklahoma – once packed with nearly 400 million barrels – now sit nearly empty. This quiet prairie town, called the pipeline crossroads of the world, has become a symbol of how global conflicts can drain even the largest reserves. When war broke out between the U. S.
Indonesia’s finance chief says investors are still confident, even as the currency and shares fall. He highlighted that government bonds attracted money in the first half of the year, showing steady demand for debt. The minister noted that during June’s early weeks, buyers poured funds into the n
A team of scientists in Australia has produced the biggest chart yet of magnetic fields that stretch between galaxies. The new map shows how invisible forces shape the growth and movement of matter across space, a topic that has puzzled astronomers for decades. Using powerful radio telescopes fro
Teaching isn’t just about test scores—that’s one thing a retired educator proved over two decades in the classroom. Instead of sitting through lectures, her students got to dig in the dirt, track birds, and run science experiments. She believed classrooms should feel alive, not like quiet boxes wher
On a normal Sunday in Idaho, families gathered for a fun horse race event. Suddenly, armed officers arrived in helicopters and armored trucks. What was supposed to be a joyful day turned into chaos. Instead of five people targeted for gambling, 105 were arrested—all on minor immigration charges. Kid
Health insurance isn’t cheap these days. Over the past three years, global healthcare costs have jumped sharply—10% in 2025, 9. 5% in 2024, and now predicted to rise another 10. 3% this year. Companies that provide health coverage feel the squeeze when costs go up, yet one giant in the field is doin
