PACT

Feb 12 2026EDUCATION

Celebrating a Music Mentor Who Shaped Lives

Edward P. Norris III, a teacher from Smithtown who runs the choral program at Glen Cove High School, will be honored as the 2025 Educator of Note by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. The award ceremony takes place on March 20 in Stony Brook, where Norris will receive his plaque a

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Feb 12 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers: A Growing Concern for Illinois

Illinois is facing a big challenge with data centers. These huge facilities are popping up quickly, and they're causing some problems. They use a lot of water and electricity. This is making people's bills go up. Plus, they might be hurting the environment. A new law called the Power Act is being p

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

How Powerful People Talk About Race

Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy and influential figure, had a strong interest in race science, a discredited idea that claims racial differences in intelligence are genetic. In 2016, he shared an article from a white supremacist website with Noam Chomsky, suggesting that race and IQ are linked. This idea

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Bangladesh's Big Vote: A New Chapter After Youth-Led Change

Bangladesh is voting today in a big election. This is a big deal. It comes after a huge change in 2024. Young people, called Gen Z, led protests. They forced out the long-time leader, Sheikh Hasina. Now, the country is choosing new leaders. This election is important. It could bring stability to Ba

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Politicians Under Fire: A Global Crisis of Violence and Harassment

Politicians around the world are facing a troubling rise in violence, threats, and harassment. A recent survey by a global organization revealed that a significant number of elected officials have experienced some form of abuse, with women being targeted more frequently, especially in online spaces.

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Feb 12 2026BUSINESS

UK's Finance Chief Eyes Europe for Economic Boost

The UK's finance minister, Rachel Reeves, has made it clear that strengthening ties with Europe is key to economic growth. She believes that among the major global economic powers - the US, China, and Europe - Europe holds the most potential for the UK. This is because of its close proximity, making

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Feb 12 2026ENVIRONMENT

Southern Storms: A Tale of Loss and Lessons

The South is still feeling the effects of a recent storm that brought snow, ice, and destruction. Many people lost their lives, and thousands are dealing with the aftermath. Homes and businesses were damaged, and many people had to go without power for over a week. But the most noticeable damage wa

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Feb 11 2026POLITICS

Jobs in the US Start the Year Strong, but Numbers Hide a Slowdown

The latest jobs report, due Wednesday, is expected to show unemployment staying at 4. 4 percent. The Fed watches this figure closely because it helps gauge the labor market’s health, especially after President Trump tightened immigration rules. Those limits cut the number of new workers who can e

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Feb 11 2026BUSINESS

Closing of Oakland’s Athletic Club: A Last Game

The Athletic Club in Oakland has closed its doors after eight years of serving fans and friends. The final day coincided with the Super Bowl, adding a bittersweet note to its farewell. A post on Instagram announced the closure and thanked patrons for their support. Co‑owner Miles Palliser expressed

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Feb 11 2026WEATHER

Snowy Breeze and Chill: A Quiet Winter Day

The day will feel cooler than the numbers suggest, with a high that tops out at 31 degrees but feels closer to 21. Overnight temperatures will dip to about 22. Winds from the west‑northwest gust at around 15 miles per hour, and a few light flurries are expected. AccuWeather says less than an inch of

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