ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Apr 07 2026FINANCE

Debt, the New Reality: Why Teens Must Learn Money Now

High schoolers face a future where debt is the norm, not the exception. Recent data shows household borrowing has shot up to nearly $19 trillion, with mortgages topping $13 trillion and student loans climbing past $1. 6 trillion. Credit card debt has also surged, reaching over $1. 3 trillion i

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Apr 03 2026EDUCATION

How Can Schools Help Students Work Well With AI Tools?

Schools today face a new challenge: teaching students how to handle AI without losing important human skills. AI tools are everywhere now, from chatbots that explain homework to apps that grade essays. But just teaching students how to use these tools isn’t enough. The real goal should be helping th

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Mar 30 2026EDUCATION

The College Debate: Who’s Really in Charge?

Higher education has lately felt like a battleground where ideas clash as fiercely as politics. The University of New England has organized a talk to ask whether universities should stay neutral, or if the government must step in to keep balance. The event is free and open to anyone who wants to l

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Mar 25 2026EDUCATION

Inclusive Schools Make Everyone Feel Better

Schools that welcome all kinds of students can help every teen feel happier and more confident. A new study shows that when high schools promote respect for LGBTQ teens, even those who are not part of the group feel more connected to their classmates and society. The researchers asked 287 straigh

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Mar 18 2026POLITICS

A New Senate Hope: Illinois Votes for a Black Woman with Big Support

Illinois voters have chosen a new face for the Senate, electing a Black woman who has long worked under Governor JB Pritzker. The win shows how powerful state politics can be when a governor’s backing is combined with substantial outside money. The campaign began when the incumbent senator, Richard 

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Feb 18 2026EDUCATION

The Hidden Value of High School Sports

High school sports are popular, but they're not just about winning games. They're a big part of school life. They help students learn important skills like working together, staying committed, and taking responsibility. These lessons are valuable for life, not just for the game. But there's a lot o

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Feb 17 2026CRIME

A Sad Day on Highway 1: One Life Lost

Highway 1 in Mendocino County saw a tragic event on Monday, February 16th. A motorist lost their life when their vehicle collided with a tree. The crash happened around 1 p. m. between Gualala and Point Arena. The road was shut down right after the incident but was reopened by 3:30 p. m. The car in

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Feb 14 2026SPORTS

Local High School Athletes Shine in Recent Wins

High school athletes from the Cincinnati area have been making waves in their respective sports. The recent voting period, which ended on February 13, highlighted standout performances from various teams and individual players across different sports, including basketball, bowling, wrestling, swimmi

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Feb 12 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers: A Growing Concern for Illinois

Illinois is facing a big challenge with data centers. These huge facilities are popping up quickly, and they're causing some problems. They use a lot of water and electricity. This is making people's bills go up. Plus, they might be hurting the environment. A new law called the Power Act is being p

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Feb 10 2026EDUCATION

Teachers Strike in San Francisco: Schools Shut, Families Struggle

Schools in San Francisco were closed on Monday when teachers walked off the job for the first time since 1979. The strike was sparked by demands for better health care and higher pay. About 50, 000 students were affected because parents had to find new child‑care and meals. Union leaders an

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