POLITICAL

Jan 02 2026OPINION

Somalis in Minnesota: Time to Reflect and Act

Recent events have put the Somali community in Minnesota under a harsh spotlight. While it's easy to point fingers at others, it's crucial to look inward. A small group of Somalis has been involved in serious fraud, and this has cast a shadow over the entire community. This is not the time to play

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Jan 01 2026HEALTH

Health Insurance Costs Skyrocket for Millions

A significant number of Americans are facing a sharp increase in health insurance costs as crucial subsidies have come to an end. This change impacts a wide range of people, including self-employed individuals, small business owners, and farmers who rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health c

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Jan 01 2026POLITICS

Stand Up for Every Child's Right to Learn

Education is a basic right. Yet, some groups are working hard to take it away from certain kids. They are making it harder for Black and Brown children to get a good education. They are also trying to erase history and make it difficult for transgender kids to access healthcare, schools, and sports.

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Jan 01 2026POLITICS

Trump Pulls Troops from Three Cities

President Trump recently declared his intention to withdraw National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. He claimed that crime rates in these cities had dropped because of the troops' presence. However, he also hinted that the troops might return if crime rates were to rise again.

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Jan 01 2026OPINION

New Year, New Words: What's Really Changing?

People often start fresh in January. They make big plans. But this year feels different. Words like \'resolution\' are out. Now, it's all about \'intentions. \' Goals are just \'plans. \' And those plans? They're written in pencil, not ink. Some folks still pick a \'word of the year. \' But it's no

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Jan 01 2026ENVIRONMENT

Illinois Says Goodbye to Fluorescent Bulbs

In Illinois, a new law is changing the lighting game. Starting now, stores can't sell or give away certain fluorescent bulbs with screw or bayonet bases. But wait, there's more! In 2027, the ban will also cover pin-base compact fluorescents and linear fluorescents. Why the big change? Some folks, l

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Jan 01 2026LIFESTYLE

New Year's Day Through the Lens of Local News

New Year's Day has always been a big deal for local news. Over the years, newspapers have captured the spirit of the day, showing how communities celebrated and what they worried about. Let's take a look at how things have changed and stayed the same. In 1890, the Sterling Evening Gazette was all a

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Jan 01 2026CELEBRITIES

2025: A Year of Loss and Reflection

In 2025, the world bid farewell to a diverse array of influential figures, each leaving a unique mark on their respective fields. The passing of Pope Francis marked a significant shift within the Catholic Church, as it welcomed its first American pope, a change that sparked both hope and controversy

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Jan 01 2026HEALTH

Health Insurance Costs Skyrocket as Subsidies End for Millions

As the new year began, millions of Americans faced a harsh reality: their health insurance costs shot up dramatically. This happened because special financial help, known as subsidies, ended. These subsidies had been keeping health insurance affordable for many people since the COVID-19 pandemic sta

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Jan 01 2026POLITICS

The FBI's Identity Crisis: How Diversity Efforts Split the Bureau

Nicole Parker, a former FBI agent, has shared her critical view on the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the FBI. She believes these efforts have caused significant division and harm to the agency's core mission. Parker, who served for 12 years, witnessed a growing

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