ACT

Feb 12 2026HEALTH

Vaping Habits Among Mexican‑American College Students: A Fresh Look

The study explores why many Mexican‑American students in college vape, using a well-known psychology framework that looks at how people learn from each other and their surroundings. Researchers gathered stories and observations to see how personal confidence, beliefs about vaping, and expectations o

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Feb 12 2026ENTERTAINMENT

New Twist in the Cross Series: Matthew Lillard Steps Into a Billionaire Role

A fresh season of the crime drama that follows Alex Cross is already streaming on Prime Video. In this installment, actor Matthew Lillard joins the cast as Lance Durand, a wealthy businessman who begins receiving ominous death threats. The plot pushes Cross and his partner Kayla to protect Durand wh

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Cartel Drones Spark Tension Over Airspace

A sudden stop of flights at El Paso airport last night made clear how much cartels rely on cheap drones. The closure was blamed by U. S. officials on a drone that entered U. S. airspace from Mexico, but other sources say the real reason was a nearby test of a laser‑based anti‑drone system that co

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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 2026SCIENCE

Staying Active or Sitting Still: What the Genes Say About Lung Health

People around the world struggle with lung diseases that cause many deaths. Scientists are trying to understand if how much we move or sit affects the risk of getting these illnesses. A new study used a genetic method called Mendelian randomization to investigate the link between physical acti

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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 2026CELEBRITIES

James Van Der Beek: A Life Remembered

James Van Der Beek, known for his role in Dawson's Creek, passed away at the age of 48. He had been fighting colorectal cancer, a battle he openly discussed in a December interview. He described the journey as incredibly challenging, requiring immense patience, discipline, and strength. Despite the

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Feb 12 2026CELEBRITIES

A Beloved Actor's Journey: James Van Der Beek's Life and Legacy

James Van Der Beek, a familiar face from many TV shows and movies, passed away at 48. His wife shared the sad news on Wednesday. Van Der Beek had been fighting stage 3 colorectal cancer, which he openly discussed in 2024. Many people remember him as Dawson Leery from "Dawson's Creek, " a show that

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Feb 12 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Gainesville's Vibrant February: Music, Theater, and More

Gainesville and Alachua County are buzzing with activities this February. Music lovers can enjoy a variety of performances. Wim Tapley and the Cannons will bring their Americana and neo-soul blend to Heartwood Soundstage on February 13. The next day, Vincent Neil Emerson will perform his folk and co

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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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