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Mar 29 2026BUSINESS

EPL Joins Forces With Indovida in a $2 Billion Packaging Deal

The Indian packaging firm EPL is set to merge with Indovida, a plastics company backed by Indorama, in a deal worth around $2 billion. The new group will bring together EPL’s packaging operations and Indovida’s plastic products, creating a stronger presence in the market. Under the agreement, EPL

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Mar 29 2026OPINION

Tech Students Today: Why Smartphones Are Both a Gift and a Challenge in Classrooms

A growing trend shows students pulling out smartphones more than textbooks during lectures. While some argue these devices boost learning by providing instant information, others worry they’re turning classrooms into distraction zones. Research suggests that the average student checks their phone up

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Mar 29 2026BUSINESS

Economic Growth Pushes Central Pennsylvania Forward

Central Pennsylvania counties saw a boost in business and jobs during 2025. In Blair County, a local development group finished 34 projects that added $82. 9 million in new money and kept many jobs safe. Most of the companies they helped are small, with fewer than 20 workers, and they bring life to

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Mar 29 2026EDUCATION

Road‑Ready Careers: How One School Turns Training into Jobs

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, or OSUIT, started in 1946 on a former army hospital site to help veterans jump back into work. The school began with only 500 students and a few basic programs, but it has grown into a national leader in hands‑on technical training. Today it offers

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Mar 29 2026TECHNOLOGY

Buzzy Bluetooth Speakers: A Tiny Friction

The story starts with a simple complaint about a bright‑new pair of Dayton speakers that the reader bought for his desktop. The problem is not the sound quality, but a loud “ding‑dong” that rings every time the speakers connect or disconnect via Bluetooth. He searched online for a way to mute

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Mar 29 2026EDUCATION

Stigma on College Reddit: How Gender, Race and Jobs Mix to Hurt Students

College students on the internet often talk about feeling judged or left out. Researchers looked at more than 300, 000 posts from a popular college forum to see how different kinds of stigma show up. They used a special computer program that can read the tone of a post and spot words that hint at pr

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Mar 29 2026SPORTS

Bennett Stirtz: From Small‑Town Courts to College Stardom

Bennett Stirtz grew up in Liberty, Missouri, a place where basketball relies on hard work and steady practice. Born in 2003, he spent his early years learning the game under the watchful eye of his father, who coached him at Liberty High School. By senior year he was a standout, averaging over 18 po

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Mar 29 2026SPORTS

Lakers’ Secret Weapon: The Six‑Year‑Old Rally Kid

In recent games, a tiny fan in the stands has taken center stage. The child’s name is Jackson Tuyay, but he isn’t on any team sheet or in the box score. Still, his presence has seemed to energize the Lakers during key moments. The first notable game happened on March 14 against Denver. The Lakers w

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Mar 29 2026SPORTS

Father‑Son Pass Turns Into a Moment of Legacy

In the middle of a Lakers win over the Nets, a play that could have been ordinary turned into history. LeBron James passed the ball to his son Bronny, and in a flash of teamwork the younger player shot a three‑pointer that swished through the net. The act was more than an assist on the score sheet;

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Mar 29 2026LIFESTYLE

Living Easy in Billings: A New Home Option for 62+ Residents

A fresh way to live in Billings is coming soon for people who are 62 or older. The Village Cooperative plans to build new homes that let residents avoid the usual headaches of owning a house, such as repairs and maintenance. Instead of worrying about fixing things, residents can focus on hobbies,

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