A high school band is set to shine at a big music event. The Ottawa Township High School Wind Ensemble has been chosen to perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC) in Peoria. This is a pretty big deal. Only four high school bands from across Illinois get this chance each year. The p
Aspen is buzzing with excitement this week, offering a mix of music, theater, and community events. Let's dive in! First up, music lovers can catch Disco Lines at Belly Up Aspen on January 24th. This Colorado-born DJ is famous for tracks like \"Baby Girl\" and high-energy dance sets. If you're into
Sudan is facing a huge problem. Many kids are missing school because of the war. More than eight million children have lost over 500 days of learning since the conflict started in April 2023. This is worse than the school closures during the COVID pandemic. The war has destroyed many schools. Some
The U. S. Senate's plan to create clear rules for cryptocurrency has hit a bump in the road. The delay is not just about timing but also about disagreements and shifting priorities. The Senate Banking Committee has put the brakes on its big crypto bill. This bill was supposed to be a major step in
In Baltimore's Park Heights, a big change is coming. A group of organizations has joined forces to build something new. They have secured $44 million to create a mixed-use community. This project will bring affordable housing and spaces for businesses. The focus is on Belvedere Avenue, near the Piml
Researchers wanted to see how much time kids spend on screens and playing outside affects their learning and feelings. They looked at different groups of preschoolers and how they use their time. Some kids spend a lot of time on screens, while others play outside more. The study aimed to see if thes
A huge AI data center is being built in South Jersey, and not everyone is happy about it. The developer, a French company called DataOne, says this center will be different. They claim it will be eco-friendly and won't hurt the community. But many locals aren't convinced. The center is massive, cov
Crime rates in the U. S. have been going down since the pandemic. This is true for both violent and property crimes. In fact, aggravated assault and burglary rates hit their lowest points last year since the pandemic started. Homicides have also dropped significantly. In 52 of the largest cities, ho
In Thailand, a battle is unfolding against the tobacco industry's clever deceptions. For years, big tobacco has used flashy ads and false promises to lure people into using their products. But now, people are waking up and seeing through the smoke and mirrors. They are realizing that quitting tobacc
Misty Coolidge, a resident of New Gloucester, Maine, made waves recently by winning the title of Mrs. USA. This isn't her first time shining on a big stage. She previously won Mrs. Worldwide in 2022. By day, she runs Coolidge Family Farm, a popular wedding venue in southern Maine. But her real passi
