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Feb 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Joliet's Cultural Cash Conundrum: Can They Strike the Right Balance?

Joliet is stepping up its cultural game, but money matters are complicating things. The city is rolling out the red carpet for performers, musicians, and educators to enliven City Square and Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park. However, the big question is: how much can Joliet really afford to pay the

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Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Voting Rules: Who's Really Affected?

In Maryland, voters don't need to show ID when they vote. They only need it to register. This makes Maryland one of 14 states that don't require ID at the polls. Other states do, but some let people skip the photo ID if they have a good reason. Why is this a big deal? Some people think ID rules sto

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Feb 17 2026SCIENCE

How Storytelling Affects Trust and Connection

People often share personal stories to teach others and help them make choices. But how do we know if these stories are true? A study looked into this. It found that when someone tells a story with lots of details, people believe it more. They also feel more trusting and empathetic towards the story

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Feb 17 2026OPINION

Standing Firm: A Gym Member's Fight for Free Expression

In a bold move, a California gym-goer chose to challenge the growing trend of political intolerance. Katie Zacharia, a loyal member of a local cardio kickboxing gym, found herself at the center of a heated debate when she was asked not to wear her Trump hat during classes. The trouble started when

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Feb 17 2026EDUCATION

Anchorage School: Where Every Child Finds Their Path

Inlet View Elementary in Anchorage is not just a school; it's a place where kids from all backgrounds come together to learn and grow. The school's teachers and staff work hard to make sure every child gets the support they need to succeed. They don't just teach lessons; they help kids understand th

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Feb 17 2026EDUCATION

A Science Teacher's Journey to Inspire Young Minds

Danielle Jo White Yelito, a dedicated educator from Massachusetts, has earned a prestigious spot in the 2026 Educator Ambassador program with the Science Communication Lab. This initiative empowers teachers to bring real-world science and storytelling into their classrooms, making learning more enga

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Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Trump's Backdoor Role in Iran Nuclear Talks

The U. S. President, Donald Trump, recently mentioned he would have a part in the upcoming discussions between the U. S. and Iran. These talks are scheduled to start soon in Geneva and focus on Iran's nuclear program. Trump clarified that his involvement would be indirect, but he still thinks it's c

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Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Political Tug-of-War: Funding Fights and Border Security

A heated debate is unfolding in Washington, D. C. , as politicians clash over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. At the heart of the issue is a disagreement on border security policies, with Republicans pushing for stricter immigration enforcement and Democrats advocating for a straigh

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Feb 17 2026EDUCATION

Columbia University Takes Action Against Staff Linked to Epstein

Columbia University has taken disciplinary action against two individuals connected to its dental school. This follows the release of documents by the Justice Department. These documents showed that the two people helped Jeffrey Epstein's girlfriend get into the school without going through the usua

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Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Putting Europe First: Why Countries Should Work Together

Germany's finance chief, Lars Klingbeil, recently spoke out about the need for European Union (EU) countries to put aside their own interests and work together. He believes that the EU is at a crucial point where unity is more important than ever. Klingbeil made these comments before a meeting of EU

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