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Feb 17 2026EDUCATION

How Tennessee Raised Its School Test Scores

Tennessee students are now scoring better on the big national tests that check reading, math and history. The change shows how strong policies can move a whole state forward. The tests are not just for bragging. They help teachers see where students need help and guide school leaders on what to foc

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Feb 17 2026HEALTH

Improving Multiple Sclerosis Care in Nepal with Simple, Affordable Ideas

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that damages the brain and spinal cord. It usually shows up in young people, but many low‑income countries miss it or treat it poorly. In Nepal, doctors and the public often do not know enough about the condition. People also struggle to get brain scans, lab tests,

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Feb 17 2026FINANCE

Nexperia Secures $60M Boost to Expand Chip Production

Dutch state bank Invest International has agreed to lend Nexperia $60 million, aiming to grow the company’s chip output worldwide. The money will help upgrade factories, raise production rates and boost overall efficiency. This financial support comes after a supply crunch that hit the automotive

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Feb 17 2026BUSINESS

Closing Days of a Footshop Legacy

Footworks, a local shoe repair and orthotics shop that had been part of the community for almost five decades, is closing its doors. The business began in 1978 when Gary Lavoie and his wife Dorothy turned a tax refund into a new venture after their tree‑cutting company failed during a severe blizzar

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Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Mayor Pushes for Change in LA Olympic Leadership

The mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, has urged the chair of the 2028 Olympic planning committee to resign. She said this after documents from the U. S. Justice Department showed emails between the chair, Casey Wasserman, and Ghislaine Maxwell, a known sex trafficker. These messages date back

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Feb 17 2026CRIME

Justice for Two Troopers: A Racial Bias Verdict in Texas

A federal jury in Austin decided that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) had treated two black state troopers unfairly, awarding them almost $1. 7 million in damages. The case was brought by Jerald Sams and Jari McPherson, who said they were routinely overlooked for promotions, faced har

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Feb 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

Kayak‑Kids Save a River: How One Teen’s Journey Changed a Whole Nation

A 17‑year‑old student from Ashland, Oregon, paddled the full length of a once‑dammed river that flows into the Pacific. Over 30 days she and her friends faced rapid waters, narrow channels, and a river that had been cut off by four hydroelectric dams for more than a hundred years. Their trip was the

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Feb 17 2026HEALTH

Urban Trauma Center Tries New Care Approach

A big city hospital tested a new way to help patients who have been hurt or scared. The plan is called Trauma‑Informed Care, or TIC for short. It says staff should treat everyone with care and avoid making them feel unsafe again. The hospital had a pilot program. They taught doctors, nurse

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Feb 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Stars, Sports and Snow: The 2026 Winter Games in Full View

The first day of the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics drew a crowd that went beyond athletes. In the opening ceremony, a famous singer lit up the stage with a show‑stopping performance that showcased Italy’s flair. Later, two well‑known gymnasts were spotted cheering on friends and family at va

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Feb 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Rob Rausch Could Be the Next Star on Dancing With the Stars

Ezra Sosa, a 25‑year‑old fan of the TV dance competition, made headlines by openly asking for Rob Rausch to join the next season. While performing with Hailey Bills on a New York City tour stop, Sosa held up a sheet that read “Rob Rausch 4 DWTS. ” The moment was shared on TikTok and quickly sparked

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