YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL

May 25 2026HEALTH

What Really Shapes Your Gut Health? The Overlooked Players in Your Digestive System

Your gut isn't just about food. It’s a living ecosystem full of bacteria, and those tiny organisms react to way more than just what’s on your plate. A recent deep dive into research shows that diet is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Habits like sleep and exercise play a role, the environment

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May 18 2026POLITICS

Reducing School Costs Through State‑Wide Health Coverage

School districts in Maine are facing a sharp rise in health insurance expenses. In one district with more than 600 staff members, premiums have climbed by over $1 million, pushing the total employer outlay to nearly $10 million. These figures only represent the portion paid by schools; employees the

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May 17 2026EDUCATION

Public colleges face tough questions about their future

Public universities were built to lift people up, not shut them out. But today, many wonder if these schools still serve the public good. Rising costs make families hesitate before signing up. Some question whether degrees still lead to good jobs. Others doubt if universities are spending money wise

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May 08 2026EDUCATION

Finding time for free play in school

Schools often focus on structured lessons, but a new study suggests something simple might help kids more: free play. Researchers looked at 125 elementary students in a high-poverty area. The kids were split into groups that got 12 weeks of 45-minute free play sessions either in fall or spring. The

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May 07 2026OPINION

Phones in schools: why a total ban misses the bigger picture

Schools today aren’t just teaching algebra or history—they’re preparing students for a world where phones are everywhere. A complete ban on these devices might seem like an easy fix for distractions, but it ignores a bigger issue: teaching responsible use instead of avoiding technology altogether. T

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May 03 2026OPINION

Teachers and nurses deserve real respect, not just online words

Schools used to be places where adults actually worked with kids, not battlegrounds. Teachers once had room to teach without constant fear of insults, threats, or budget cuts. Now many quit because the job has become harder than it needs to be. Some parents and politicians seem to think teaching is

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Political Jokes and Media Responsibility: A Late-Night Debate

Public figures often clash over where comedy ends and offense begins. A recent argument highlights this tension after a late-night host made a joke about Melania Trump, sparking a debate about media responsibility and political speech. A top advisor to the first lady called for the host’s removal, c

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Apr 29 2026HEALTH

Your Smile’s Secret Role in Staying Healthy Longer

Your mouth is more than just a tool for talking and eating. It acts like a front window showing whether your body is running smoothly inside. While people chase expensive wellness trends, they often overlook how their smile connects to bigger health issues. Studies now show that gum problems, even w

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Apr 25 2026HEALTH

Cortisol: The Hormone You Can’t Live Without (But Isn’t Your Enemy)

Your body runs on a hidden schedule you never see. Before your alarm even rings, a quiet chemical alarm goes off—cortisol. This isn’t a villain sneaking around; it’s your morning starter, gently nudging your heart rate up, waking up your brain, and unlocking energy stores so you can move, think, and

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Apr 24 2026HEALTH

Rethinking HIV Laws: Are Strict Rules Really the Best Defense?

Public health debates often clash over how to handle diseases like HIV. Russia once took a hard stance, making it a crime to spread HIV through actions like unprotected sex or needle sharing. The idea was simple: punish those who put others at risk to slow the epidemic. But over time, experts began

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