IRON

Feb 18 2026RELIGION

The World in Ashes: A Call for Reflection

In Rome, a solemn Mass began the Lenten season with ashes that symbolised more than mortality. The leader of the Catholic Church spoke about a planet “on fire” from war and environmental loss. He described the ash as a reminder of cities destroyed, broken law, and ruined ecosystems. The message w

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Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Alabama's New Bill: Business Over Environment?

Alabama's state representatives have given the green light to a bill that puts a big limit on how the state can make rules to protect the environment. This bill, called SB 71, says that state agencies can't make environmental rules that are stricter than what the federal government says. It passed w

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Feb 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change: A Threat to Our Health and Safety

In early 2026, a significant shift occurred in U. S. climate policy. The administration decided to revoke a 2009 finding that identified six greenhouse gases as threats to public health. This move was met with criticism, as many experts argue that climate change poses serious health risks. Extreme

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Feb 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

Kayak‑Kids Save a River: How One Teen’s Journey Changed a Whole Nation

A 17‑year‑old student from Ashland, Oregon, paddled the full length of a once‑dammed river that flows into the Pacific. Over 30 days she and her friends faced rapid waters, narrow channels, and a river that had been cut off by four hydroelectric dams for more than a hundred years. Their trip was the

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Feb 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

A Green Giant's Fight for the Hudson

Richard Ottinger, a name not many know, but his work changed the course of history. He lived a long life, 97 years, and spent a good chunk of it fighting for the environment. He was a Democrat, but his family was Republican. He switched sides when he was a young lawyer in the 1950s. He served in Con

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Feb 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

Goats Take Over Fire Station for Green Cleanup

In a twist that might make you smile, a fire department in Missouri has swapped out loud machines for a herd of hungry goats to keep their land tidy. The West Metro Fire Protection District decided to try something different. They hired goats to clear out pesky weeds and overgrown plants around Stat

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Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Choosing the Best Candidate for Illinois 52nd House: A Closer Look

In the upcoming Democratic primary for Illinois' 52nd House District, two candidates are stepping up to challenge the current Republican representative. Erin Chan Ding, a journalist and progressive advocate, is going head-to-head with Maria Peterson, a former lawyer and small business owner. Both ca

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Feb 17 2026POLITICS

California and Britain Team Up for Green Energy, Trump Not Happy

A recent deal between California and Britain to work together on clean energy has sparked some strong reactions. The agreement focuses on things like wind power and aims to open up California's market to British companies. But not everyone is on board with this plan. Former President Donald Trump h

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Feb 16 2026ENVIRONMENT

Turning Trash into Treasure: How Old Shrink Wrap Gets a New Life

Ever wondered what happens to all that shrink wrap after it's used? It turns out, it can be turned into something new and useful. A special process called STRAP is making this possible. It takes old shrink wrap, full of inks, glue, and even bits of paper, and turns it into clean, clear plastic. Thi

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Feb 16 2026HEALTH

Boosting Surgeons' Skills: The Power of Peer Coaching

Surgeons face high-stakes situations every day. They must think fast and make split-second decisions. These decisions can mean the difference between life and death. But how do they keep their skills sharp once they've finished their training? One way is through peer coaching. This is where surgeon

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