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Feb 25 2026SCIENCE

When Kindness Meets Faith: A New Look at How We Feel When Others Care

Compassion is often praised for encouraging good deeds and boosting mental well‑being. But what happens inside us when someone shows us care? This question has not been studied much. Researchers plan to gather all available studies on the social and emotional impact of receiving compassion.

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Feb 25 2026POLITICS

Retail Stores Must Report Theft, but No Fines Imposed

In Douglas County, a new rule was approved that tells most retail shops in the unincorporated areas to tell law‑enforcement when someone steals from them. The county changed the original plan, which had set fines up to $1, 000 for businesses that didn’t report a theft. Instead of penalties, the deci

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Feb 25 2026POLITICS

Trial Begins for Those Accused in Rio Councilwoman’s Murder

The highest court in Brazil has opened a courtroom session to hear the case of people charged with killing a city councilwoman and her driver in 2018. A panel of five judges will decide on the fates of former congressman Chiquinho Brazão, his brother Domingos who once served on a city watchdog, t

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Feb 25 2026SPORTS

Boozer’s Big‑Hit Boosts Duke’s Rank

Duke’s star freshman, Cameron Boozer, is drawing national attention as a top NBA draft pick. In a recent game at Notre Dame, he scored 24 points while shooting only eight field‑goal attempts. His efficiency earned Duke a 44‑point win, 100–56. Boozer’s scoring came largely from the free‑throw line.

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Feb 25 2026SPORTS

High School Hoops Highlights: Wins, Records and Surprises

In Bay City, the basketball courts were buzzing with victories and milestones on February 24. The Thunderbolts from Mio kept their winning streak alive, beating Hillman 71‑26 and earning a share of the North Star League title. Player Mia McGregor dominated with 52 points, 14 rebounds and 11 block

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Feb 25 2026BUSINESS

Zappos Drops Big Price Cut on New Balance 530 Sneakers

Zappos is offering a short‑term price drop on the New Balance 530 sneakers. The discount brings the shoe down to $65 from its usual $100 price point. Out of twenty different colorways, thirteen are on sale. The offer lasts only while stock remains, so shoppers should act fast. Customers wh

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Feb 25 2026POLITICS

Casey Means’s Surgeon General Bid: A Wellness Twist on Public Health

Dr. Casey Means, a 38‑year‑old wellness star who runs her own health app and books, will appear before the Senate Health Committee to try for the Surgeon General slot. The hearing was pushed back from October after she went into labor on the day of her original appointment. Means says she wants to

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Feb 25 2026POLITICS

City Council’s Big Budget Moves: From School Fields to Animal Shelters

The council met on Feb. 19 and decided to release $2. 3 million from the city’s free‑cash pile, a move that follows the mayor’s request and the Finance Committee’s nod. The biggest chunk—$2 million—was earmarked for Westfield High School’s new athletic fields. City Treasurer‑Collector Matthew Bar

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Feb 25 2026HEALTH

Smart Ways to Beat Malaria with Limited Money

In places where malaria still thrives, every dollar counts. Recent studies from 2018 to 2025 show how best to spend that money on prevention and cure. Researchers gathered data from many countries that still fight the disease. They looked at which tools—like bed nets, medicines, or mosquito‑killi

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Feb 25 2026TECHNOLOGY

Voice‑Powered Loans: How AI Helps Homebuyers Fast

Better. com, a company that uses artificial intelligence from the start, has built an AI voice helper called Betsy. Betsy talks to people who want a mortgage and can answer questions, check rates, and lock in prices. Each month the system handles about one hundred thousand phone calls. In 2025 alone

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