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pat spencers

Russia’s Return to the Paralympics: A New Chapter

February 18, 2026

Russia will send a small delegation to the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy, ending over ten years of sports isolation. The move follows growing support among international sporting bodies to lift the long‑standing Olympic ban on Russian athletes. It also opens the possibility for a full Russian team

sports

Curious Curling Draws Big Bets at Milan Cortina Games

February 18, 2026

Curling, a sport known for its smooth stone slides and strategic sweeping, has become a surprising hotspot for bettors during the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. While hockey traditionally dominates wagering, oddsmakers are noticing a sharp rise in interest for curling matches, especially after th

technology

AI Watch: Who’s Monitoring Health Insurers’ Use of Technology?

February 18, 2026

Health insurers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to streamline claims, detect fraud, and predict patient needs. But who keeps an eye on how these powerful tools are being applied? A growing number of regulators and watchdog groups are stepping up their scrutiny. The Centers for

politics

Texas Attorney General Files Suit Against Children’s Hospital Over Transgender Care

February 18, 2026

The state’s top prosecutor has taken legal action against a local children’s medical center, claiming that the facility is committing fraud by providing gender‑affirming treatment to minors. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital’s services violate state Medicaid rules, suggesting that the care is

health

A Long‑Term Friendship Built on Shared Health Challenges

February 18, 2026

The 95‑year‑old Rosine, who calls herself Neni, lives alone in a bright condo she bought after her husband died. She still keeps busy: baking, attending board meetings, scrubbing floors, and dusting a chandelier that needs little work. She makes her bed every morning no matter how tired she feels, a

weather

Wildfire Chaos: A Chicago‑Sized Blaze Sweeps Two States

February 18, 2026

The sky turned orange over Oklahoma and Kansas when the Ranger Road Fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon, quickly expanding to a size that rivals Chicago. In just eight hours the blaze consumed an area equivalent to three or four football fields every second, leaving over 145, 000 acres scorched and no

education

Bringing Gender‑Specific Medicine to Life Through Play

February 18, 2026

The field that tailors treatment to a patient’s sex is gaining traction, yet medical schools still lag behind in teaching it. A national gathering of doctors tried a fresh idea to change that. Instead of the usual lectures, organizers introduced a game called “The RAMS Hunt. ” Players were split

science

Bananas Near Brazil’s Mining Site May Be a Health Hazard for Kids

February 18, 2026

Scientists have found that bananas grown close to the Doce River estuary in Brazil could be risky for children under six. The danger comes from metals left over after a 2015 dam collapse that released mining waste into the area. Researchers from Brazil and Spain tested bananas, cassava, and cocoa pu

politics

Eagan Holds Off on Big Tech Buildings for a Year

February 18, 2026

The Eagan City Council decided to pause any new data center or crypto‑mining projects for a full year. The rule stops construction near homes within 500 feet or if the site would use more than 20 megawatts of power. The pause ends on February 17, 2027 unless the council votes earlier. During this w

sports

Nate Williams: From G‑League Grind to Golden State

February 18, 2026

Nate Williams began his life in Rochester, New York. He grew up on the court, practicing every day with friends and family. His talent caught the eye of high‑school coaches at University Prep Charter, where he led his team with strong numbers. Later, he moved to Prolific Prep in California for more