MATT HOUGAN

Nov 23 2025POLITICS

Budget Leaks: What's the Big Deal?

The government is playing a game of hide and seek with the Budget. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says it's no big deal. But others aren't so sure. For months, the media has been buzzing with rumors about tax hikes. Businesses and consumers are left in limbo, unsure of what's coming. Former Bank of England economist Andy Haldane blames this uncertainty for the ...

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Nov 23 2025SPORTS

Football Fever: Sunday's NFL Showdowns and How to Catch Them

Sunday is packed with NFL action, and there's plenty to keep fans glued to their screens. The day kicks off with a pre-game show featuring Matthew Berry on Peacock at 11:00 AM ET. Later, the main event is the clash between the LA Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium. The Rams, riding a five-game winning streak, are the top team in the NFC, while the Bucc...

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Nov 23 2025EDUCATION

Is More Money Always Better for Schools?

In Southwestern Pennsylvania, the idea that more money equals better test scores isn't always true. Some schools spend a lot per student but don't see high test results. Why? Because it's not just about the money. Things like where the school is and who the students are make a big difference. Experts say that schools with more students who need extra help, like thos...

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Nov 23 2025HEALTH

Lab Mistakes: Why Early Steps Matter in Testing

In the world of healthcare, lab tests are crucial. They help doctors figure out what's wrong and how to treat it. But what if the test results are wrong? That's a big problem. Most mistakes happen before the test even starts. This is called the pre-analytical phase. It's like setting up a recipe wrong before you even start cooking. In a big hospital in Saudi Arabia,...

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Nov 23 2025EDUCATION

A Special Day of Giving and Growing at Altoona High

At Altoona Area High School, a unique tradition brings students and staff together in a way that goes beyond typical classroom learning. The Friendsgiving event is a big deal, not just for the delicious food but for the sense of community and personal growth it fosters. This year, nearly 70 Life Skills students took charge of planning, preparing, and hosting a Thank...

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Nov 23 2025CRYPTO

Bitcoin's Path: What's Next for the Crypto Market?

Bitcoin's journey has been a wild ride, and it's not showing signs of a dramatic crash anytime soon. Lyn Alden, a macroeconomist, thinks the crypto market isn't ready for a major downturn. She believes the current cycle isn't driven by the usual four-year pattern tied to Bitcoin's halving events. Instead, it's influenced by bigger economic factors and growing interes...

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Nov 23 2025SCIENCE

How Our Brain Uses What We See

The occipitotemporal cortex (OTC) in our brain is quite the multitasker. It's not just about recognizing faces, bodies, or scenes. It's about using what we see to guide our actions. Some researchers argue that we should shift our focus. Instead of just looking at categories like faces or places, we should see how the OTC helps us act on what we observe. This makes s...

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Nov 23 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Isaac Asimov's Thoughts on Star Trek: A Vision of Peace and Progress

Isaac Asimov, a giant in the world of science fiction, had a lot to say about the impact of "Star Trek. " His thoughts on the show were not just about its entertainment value but also its deeper message. Asimov was known for his own groundbreaking works like "Foundation" and "I, Robot, " which laid the groundwork for many sci-fi concepts we see today. In 1973, Asimo...

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Nov 23 2025SCIENCE

Unlocking the Brain's Hidden Network: The Power of Gray and White Matter Teamwork

The brain is like a bustling city, with different areas working together to keep things running smoothly. For a long time, scientists have focused on the gray matter, which is like the city's main offices where important decisions are made. But now, they're starting to realize that the white matter, like the roads connecting these offices, also plays a crucial role i...

reading time about 2 minutes
Nov 23 2025BUSINESS

The Ups and Downs of Running Your Own Show

Starting a business is not just about having a great idea. It's about being ready for the rollercoaster ride that comes with it. You might think being your own boss means no one tells you what to do. But in reality, you answer to everyone - customers, suppliers, and employees. Are you ready for that responsibility? Time and money can be unpredictable. Some days, you...

reading time about 1 minute