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May 17 2026OPINION

Portland’s Creative Pulse is Fading Fast

Portland still brags about being a city where art and small businesses thrive. But the places that once made it special are disappearing—not all at once, but one by one, like ice melting in spring. Rents are skyrocketing, forcing artists, writers, and shop owners to work extra jobs just to scrape by

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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 16 2026CRIME

Special Education Aide Arrested Over Child Abuse Charge

A 27‑year‑old former special education aide from a Huntsville elementary school was taken into custody this week on accusations of torturing a child. The aide, who had worked at Jones Valley Elementary since August 2025, voluntarily surrendered to police on Thursday. She faces a felony charge of wil

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May 16 2026BUSINESS

Sony Announces the Exit of Long‑Serving Communications Leader

Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced that Stacy Weitz will leave her position as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at the end of this month, after ten years with the studio. Weitz began her career at Sony in 2016 as Vice President of Corporate Communications and was promoted

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May 16 2026POLITICS

Impact of Politics on Mental Well‑Being

Politics can feel like a storm that blows through our everyday lives. It changes how we think, how we talk, and even how safe we feel in our own homes. When new laws are announced or leaders speak loudly, people often notice a shift in their mood and stress levels. A teacher might see her student

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May 16 2026EDUCATION

Behind the Scenes: Two Longtime School Supporters Get Big Recognition

Two women who have quietly shaped the Highland Local Schools experience for years will finally get their moment in the spotlight. Kristine Nerlich, a high school science teacher with nearly two decades under her belt, and Koula Makris, a community volunteer since 2014, were named winners of the 2026

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May 16 2026EDUCATION

Science Fun Day: How Rides Teach Physics Better Than a Textbook

Every spring, Utah’s Lagoon amusement park turns into a giant science lab for students. Instead of just screaming on roller coasters, thousands of kids from Utah and nearby states spend the day measuring forces, testing designs, and proving how physics rules their favorite rides. The event isn’t new

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May 16 2026POLITICS

Higher Learning: Who Really Benefits From Diversity Rules?

Colleges keep finding sneaky ways to keep race-based admission policies alive even after the Supreme Court said they were illegal. The twist? Medical schools now tie funding to reaching certain diversity targets – but studies show those targets don’t actually help patients. Schools push teachers to

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May 16 2026SPORTS

Local schools shine in track and field as new sports facilities open

Two high school teams made headlines this weekend by winning county championships, just as their schools prepared for major upgrades. Ocean City’s girls team and Egg Harbor Township’s boys team took top honors at the Atlantic County meet, proving their strength in hurdles and sprints. Brianna Growal

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May 16 2026EDUCATION

More Books, Less Screens: How Schools Are Shifting Back to Basics

Richardson schools will cut down on screen time starting next year, replacing tablets and apps with old-school writing and books. Students in first through fourth grade will get no more than twenty minutes of screen time daily, while fifth and sixth graders are limited to half an hour. Older student

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