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Dec 26 2025EDUCATION

Loan Relief for Students: A Slow and Uncertain Journey

The Department of Education has a massive backlog of student loan applications. As of November 30, 802, 730 applications for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are still pending. This delay is causing stress for many borrowers. In November, the department approved loan discharges for 170 borrowers

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Dec 26 2025FINANCE

Crypto's Rollercoaster Ride: Fed's Moves and Market Moods in Early 2026

In late 2025, the Federal Reserve made three interest rate cuts, hoping to cool inflation and boost jobs. But crypto markets didn't cheer. Instead, Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and other cryptocurrencies dropped, losing over $1. 45 trillion in value from their October highs. This unexpected reaction

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Dec 26 2025EDUCATION

Local Students Shine in Higher Education

Sophie Mercer, a forensic science student from Santa Clarita, has earned a spot in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's University Honors Program. This program is quite competitive, and Sophie is one of 739 students chosen this year. That's a big jump from the previous record set in 2019. To get in

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Dec 26 2025ENTERTAINMENT

The Unexpected Launch of a Science Icon

Back to the Future Part 3 might have ended, but its legacy lived on in an unexpected way. In 1991, CBS launched an animated series based on the popular movie franchise. Though it only ran for two seasons, this show left a mark that extended beyond the screen. The animated series introduced a new ti

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Dec 25 2025BUSINESS

New Businesses Pop Up Across Central Pennsylvania in 2025

In 2025, central Pennsylvania saw a wave of new businesses opening their doors. From healthcare to retail, these new spots are changing the local scene. Let's dive into some of the most interesting additions. Healthcare got a boost with new clinics and hospitals. Oak Street Health opened a clinic i

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Dec 25 2025TECHNOLOGY

Smart Retail Gets a Boost: Hanshow and Cambridge Team Up for Next-Gen Tech

A big name in digital retail tech, Hanshow, is teaming up with the famous University of Cambridge. They're joining forces to explore new ways to use wireless tech in stores. This isn't just about making shopping smarter. It's about making it more efficient and sustainable too. Cambridge is known fo

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Dec 25 2025HEALTH

Helping Immigrant Teens Navigate Health Challenges

Immigrant teens often find it difficult to access health information. They face unique obstacles that other young people may not encounter. Cultural norms and societal attitudes can create barriers to getting the support they need. This is where technology, like mobile apps, can step in and make a r

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Dec 25 2025POLITICS

St. Paul Schools' Big Spend on Tax Vote

St. Paul Public Schools didn't hold back when it came to convincing voters to support a new tax levy. They spent a whopping $125, 000 to get the word out. This included everything from lawn signs to YouTube videos featuring parents, students, and teachers. They even hired a consultant to help with t

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Dec 25 2025EDUCATION

Teachers Leading the Way in AI Education

In the world of education, teachers are often the unsung heroes. They see the daily challenges and know what students need. This is why DonorsChoose, a nonprofit, focuses on helping teachers get the resources they ask for. The organization has a unique view of what's happening in classrooms across A

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Dec 25 2025EDUCATION

Nursing Schools Face Hurdles Due to Loan Rule Changes

A recent decision by the Education Department has sparked concern among nursing schools and professionals. The department's new rules limit borrowing for certain graduate programs, including nursing. This has led to worries about a potential shortage of advanced nursing professionals. Several Repub

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