THE COLLECTIVE

May 05 2026RELIGION

What the Founders Really Thought About Religion

The idea that America’s founders built a Christian nation gets repeated often, but history isn’t that simple. Many key figures in early U. S. leadership weren’t strict Christians. Some rejected core beliefs, while others stayed vague—leaving room for debate even among experts. This complicates the p

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May 05 2026WEATHER

Stormy Skies Over Chicago Tonight

The wind is picking up over Chicago as weather experts warn of incoming storms starting late Monday. Between 7 and midnight, the skies could open up with heavy rain and lightning that jumps from the ground to the clouds. A few storms may turn more intense earlier in the evening, packing enough punch

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May 05 2026SPORTS

Why Chicago Bears could be Joey Bosa's next smart stop

The Chicago Bears aren’t doing much to upgrade their pass rush this offseason, leaving a gaping hole that still needs filling. Their defense struggled last year, ranking near the bottom for sacks and pressure. With top free agents already signed, the Bears have about $10. 8 million in cap space left

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May 05 2026SPORTS

A Rookie Edge with Rough Edges

The Dallas Cowboys took a gamble on Donovan Ezeiruaku last year, a young pass rusher picked in the second round. They spent over ten million dollars for a four-year deal, betting he’d turn into a defensive star. His first season had ups and downs. Early on, he stood out as one of the few bright spot

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May 05 2026POLITICS

Ruling Holds: Abortion Pill by Mail Stays Legal—for Now

The Supreme Court just hit pause on a Louisiana court’s decision to ban abortion pills sent through the mail. For now, people can still get mifepristone via telehealth and receive it without stepping into a clinic. But this isn’t a final win—it’s just a temporary hold while the justices think it ove

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May 05 2026CELEBRITIES

A Big Night Out With a Side of Protest

The Met Gala’s red carpet was packed with stars this week, but the glitz wasn’t the only thing drawing attention. While models and musicians posed in over-the-top outfits, a group of protesters outside made sure no one forgot about the event’s biggest sponsor: a billionaire known for running one of

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May 05 2026EDUCATION

Behind the scenes: When substitute teachers go above and beyond

The recent awards for substitute educators Esther Yardumian-Smyth and Celia Effrig show that recognizing everyday heroes isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about seeing the quiet power of persistence. While full-time teachers often get the spotlight, these two winners prove that substitute roles c

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May 05 2026POLITICS

NATO Faces New Strains as U. S. Adjusts Troops in Europe

The recent announcement to pull 5, 000 U. S. troops from Germany didn’t shock NATO officials—they expected some shift in American military presence. European nations have slowly been taking more responsibility for their own defense, a shift Trump supports. What raised eyebrows was how the decision w

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May 05 2026LIFESTYLE

Ice Cream Maker Ninja CREAMi drops price just before summer kicks off

The Ninja CREAMi ice cream machine is getting cheaper right as Memorial Day approaches. Walmart has chopped thirty bucks off the usual $199 tag, bringing the price down to $169. This deal only covers Walmart’s special version, which ships with five quick-start settings and two pint-sized bowls. Mos

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May 05 2026POLITICS

Plans brewing for AI rules after recent tech developments

The government is quietly putting together new guidelines for artificial intelligence, focusing on who gets to use the latest tools first. This push came after a major AI launch raised eyebrows among officials worried about cyber risks. Some inside government want early access to these technologies

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