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Jan 15 2026EDUCATION

Books Under Fire: The Growing Trend of Banning Literature in the U. S.

In recent times, a concerning trend has emerged across the United States. Books are being banned at an alarming rate. This is not just about a few titles here and there. It is a widespread issue affecting schools and libraries nationwide. The reasons behind these bans vary. Some argue that certain b

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Jan 15 2026SPORTS

Kingston's Winter Sports Fest: A Fun Look at Local History

Kingston is getting ready for a fun-filled winter sports event. The Springer Market Square will be the place to be. It's all about celebrating sports and the city's history. The Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) is behind this event. They want to make it a hit for everyone. First up

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

America's Slipping Quality of Life: A Wake-Up Call

The United States often prides itself on being a global leader, especially in military strength. However, when it comes to the well-being of its citizens, the country has a lot of catching up to do. A recent study using the Social Progress Index shows that the U. S. ranks 32nd out of 171 countries i

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Jan 15 2026SPORTS

Lakewood Ranch's Sports Teams Shine Bright in January 2026

Lakewood Ranch's sports teams had a fantastic start to the year. The girls soccer team, led by coach Cole Richardson, faced some big changes. They lost key players, including top scorer Olivia Hadad. But they found new talent, like freshmen Alyssa Pistone and Kiley Mulligan. Coach Richardson also ma

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Jan 15 2026ENVIRONMENT

Building Stronger Communities: A Guide to Bioregional Living

Bioregional living is all about focusing on the area where you live. It's about using local resources, supporting local businesses, and making decisions that benefit your community and the environment. This approach is gaining traction as people seek to reduce their reliance on global systems and bu

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Jan 15 2026SCIENCE

Boosting Ethanol Power: Tiny Branched Metal Sheets Do the Trick

Scientists cooked up a cool new way to make tiny metal sheets with branches. These sheets are made of three metals: palladium, gold, and silver. The branches make the sheets look like tiny, flat trees. This special shape gives them lots of surface area, which is great for reactions. These branched

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Jan 15 2026BUSINESS

A Local Favorite Says Goodbye: Five on Black in Billings Shuts Down

Five on Black, a well-known spot in Billings, has decided to close its doors for good. This news comes as a surprise to many who loved the place. The decision to shut down was not easy, but the owners felt it was the right time to move on. The restaurant had been a go-to place for locals and visito

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Jan 15 2026SCIENCE

A New Way to Make Important Chemicals

Scientists have found a clever way to make special chemicals called α, α-dichlorosulfoxides. They used a method that involves electricity and two common chemicals: methyl sulfoxides and dichloromethane. This method is simple and does not need any fancy metals or extra chemicals to work. It can make

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Jan 15 2026OPINION

How Treating Others Well Can Change the World

The Golden Rule is an old idea. It tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated. This idea is not new. It shows up in many cultures and religions. For example, Jesus said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. " In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad taught, "None of you truly believ

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Jan 15 2026HEALTH

Chicago's West Side: A Tale of Two Neighborhoods

Chicago's West Side tells a stark story of inequality. Just five miles from the Loop, where life expectancy is a high 87. 3 years, neighborhoods like West Garfield Park see residents living on average 20 years less. This gap, driven by factors like crime, drug use, and lack of resources, has persist

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