RAL

Feb 25 2026POLITICS

A New Surgeon General on the Horizon

The Senate health committee will hear from Dr. Casey Means, a 38‑year‑old wellness advocate, on Wednesday as she seeks the top public health post in Washington. The meeting was pushed back from last October after Means unexpectedly went into labor the day she was scheduled to appear. During her t

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Feb 25 2026POLITICS

Data Centers: The New Battleground for Local Politics

In many states, voters are starting to see data centers as a serious issue that can sway elections. A recent poll showed only 28 % of people would stop a new data center if it was built within three miles of their home, while the same number were unsure and 37 % supported it. The numbers differ slig

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Feb 24 2026HEALTH

Exploring What Makes Weight‑Loss Programs Work

The study looked at how weight‑loss programs are put together. In the UK, most money goes to programmes that try to change behaviour. But there is a lot of difference between them: who runs the sessions, how food and exercise are discussed, and what extra techniques they use. The researchers

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Feb 23 2026POLITICS

Education Dept. Outsources Jobs to State and Health Agencies

The U. S. Department of Education has begun handing over parts of its work to other federal bodies, a move that aims to reduce the size and reach of the education agency. Two new agreements were announced, each giving a different department specific duties that used to belong to Education. One part

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Feb 18 2026SCIENCE

How Flies Keep Their Rhythms in Check

Flies, like many creatures, have internal clocks that help them stay on schedule. These clocks control when they sleep, eat, and do other important things. But not all flies stick to the clock perfectly. Some are more flexible, and this flexibility might help them survive when things get tough. One

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Feb 18 2026SCIENCE

Neural Biomaterials: 25 Years of Progress and What's Next

The world of neural biomaterials has seen big changes over the past 25 years. New tools and methods have popped up to tackle issues in the spinal cord and nerves. This journey mirrors the work of a key researcher in the field. The last few decades have brought some major breakthroughs. These advanc

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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 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 16 2026EDUCATION

How to Make Learning Better for New Surgery Residents

New surgery residents often feel lost. They are not sure what they need to learn. A group wanted to change this. They wanted to make a plan. This plan would help new residents. It would give them what they need. First, they talked to the residents. They asked what they needed. They wanted to know w

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Feb 15 2026BUSINESS

Domestic Mining Push: A New Path for Critical Minerals

American companies that build batteries, cars and tech gadgets depend on graphite. China supplies most of it, making the U. S. vulnerable to supply cuts or price hikes. A new law encourages domestic mining projects like Graphite One’s Alaska deposit, the biggest graphite site in America. The bill as

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