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Apr 02 2026LIFESTYLE

Connecting for Health: Small Chats, Big Gains

A recent book argues that talking to strangers can be as good for our body as walking a mile. The author says research links helping others to lower inflammation, while chasing personal pleasure can raise it. She warns that feeling alone or facing injustice triggers an inner alarm that pushes us tow

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Apr 02 2026POLITICS

Legal battle heats up over Massachusetts marijuana policy change

Four cannabis entrepreneurs in Massachusetts have taken legal action to stop a potential statewide vote that would reverse recreational marijuana sales while keeping medical cannabis legal. The group, all active participants in state programs designed to right past wrongs in drug enforcement, filed

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Apr 02 2026BUSINESS

Batavia’s Jewelry Store Turns 21 with a Diamond Raffle and Trunk Show

A local jewelry shop in Batavia is throwing a party to celebrate 21 years in business—a milestone that doesn’t just mark time but also cements its place in the community. Instead of just blowing out candles, K. Hollis Jewelers is rolling out a celebration packed with estate jewelry, free snacks, and

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Apr 02 2026SCIENCE

Music Training and Brain Skills: What Happens When You Learn an Instrument

Learning an instrument does more than help you play songs. Research shows it sharpens how the brain handles sights and sounds together. Musicians often spot mismatches between what they hear and see faster than non-musicians. This isn’t just about music—it affects how they read emotions and process

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Apr 02 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Pink Looks, Bold Choices: Rethinking Girly Power

Feminine fashion used to get dismissed as weak or silly. But something has changed recently. Online creators are turning heads with bright colors and playful styles not just to stand out, but to make a point. They wear pink wigs, heavy makeup, and sparkly outfits on purpose. This isn’t just about lo

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Apr 02 2026EDUCATION

How Illinois communities benefited from local education programs in 2025

In 2025, a community education network in Illinois reached over 25, 000 people across three counties—Grundy, Kankakee, and Will—through hands-on learning. The programs covered gardening, youth leadership, farming advice, and health workshops. Every day, about 70 locals took part in these sessions. N

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Apr 02 2026EDUCATION

Don’t wait until later—pharmacy students train early to be ready for real-world work

Most pharmacy schools now use Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) to measure how well students can handle real pharmacy tasks by themselves. These EPAs cover everyday jobs like giving patients the right medicine or explaining how to take a pill. After deciding which skills matter, schools lin

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Apr 02 2026EDUCATION

Jewish students feel unsafe at UIC

Last month a group of graduate students studying at the University of Illinois Chicago described how their campus work turned confrontational when they tried to share information about people still held hostage by Hamas. Three dozen protesters surrounded them, yelling phrases like “baby killers” and

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Apr 02 2026POLITICS

Trump’s Favorite Phrase About Iran Doesn’t Really Mean Much

The phrase "ahead of schedule" has become the go-to line for those backing recent actions against Iran. Politicians and officials repeat it often, but what does it actually mean? When pressed, leaders adjust their wording slightly—sometimes it’s "ahead of schedule, " other times "on plan" or "on pac

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Apr 02 2026OPINION

City Park Golf Course: A Baton Rouge staple worth keeping

Baton Rouge has long been known for its community spaces that bring people together, and City Park Golf Course stands out as one of them. This course isn’t just about golf—it’s where many locals learned the game, practiced their swings, or enjoyed a quick nine holes after work. But as cities grow an

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