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Apr 13 2026EDUCATION

Local groups team up to spark third-graders' interest in science and film

Basalt Elementary third-graders got a break from regular lessons last Thursday. Instead of worksheets and textbooks, they explored science through short movies. Two local groups—one focused on film, the other on science—set up stations where kids could watch clips and try small experiments. The Asp

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Apr 13 2026HEALTH

Understanding measles protection in kids after early vaccination

Vaccination experts worry about kids catching measles before they get their shots. That’s why some countries give the first measles vaccine at just six months instead of the usual twelve. South Africa tested this idea by giving babies their first dose at six months and a booster at one year. The goa

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Apr 13 2026ENVIRONMENT

Nature’s Classroom: How Outdoor Education Builds Youth and Community

Kids today spend far more time staring at screens than exploring outdoors—sometimes up to seven hours daily. That’s a trend that worries educators, especially when combined with the growing political divide over how much we should even care about environmental issues. A new documentary, however, doe

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Apr 13 2026RELIGION

How America's Early Ideas Shape Its Success Today

Back in the 1700s, many leaders saw education as key to building a strong nation. Noah Webster, famous for his dictionary, was one of them. He believed schools should teach values that match the country’s beliefs. For America, he argued, that meant following Christian principles. Some people still p

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Apr 12 2026ENVIRONMENT

Community Green Day Sparks Hope in DeKalb

The campus of Northern Illinois University buzzed with excitement on Saturday as DeKalb County Earth Fest returned for its third year. The celebration, built through a partnership between DeCarbon DeKalb and the university, aimed to connect people with nature without heavy guilt. The opening keynot

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Breaking the Blockade: A New Aid Mission to Gaza

A group of about thirty boats is preparing to leave Barcelona on Sunday, carrying medical supplies and other help for people in Gaza. The plan is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which hopes to open a path through Israel’s blockade. Last year the same organization sent around forty ships, but Isra

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Apr 12 2026EDUCATION

Hands-on Fun and Learning at Free Kids Festival This Weekend

This weekend brings a special event where creativity meets learning for free. The festival known for blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) opens its doors again. Kids don’t just watch—they jump right into building, experimenting, and discovering. Local groups team up to s

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Apr 12 2026HEALTH

Support and Trust: The Role of Doulas in Black Maternal Care

The idea that someone would need a professional to help them through childbirth might seem odd to some, but for many Black mothers, it’s a necessity. A doula isn’t just an extra pair of hands—it’s someone who understands the cultural and systemic challenges these women face. One doula, who stepped i

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Apr 12 2026LIFESTYLE

Knitting fans gather in Chicago for a weekend of yarn, creativity, and connection

Every year, a quiet Chicago neighborhood transforms into a lively hub for yarn lovers. Over 2, 000 people gather at YarnCon, a free weekend event that started in 2007 as a small market for local crafters. Today, it draws sellers from Illinois and beyond, offering everything from hand-dyed threads to

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Apr 12 2026EDUCATION

Faster Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist in Utah

Utah’s colleges are finding creative ways to help students enter high-demand healthcare jobs faster. A new deal between Utah Valley University and Rocky Mountain University brings this idea to life. Top students at UVU can now finish both their bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in physical therapy i

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