Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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Harrisburg’s Music Hub Faces Shutdown After Tax Row

February 18, 2026

The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC)—a 15‑year cultural landmark that has hosted music, comedy, and community events—has announced its permanent shutdown. The decision follows a long‑standing dispute over unpaid amusement taxes and the city’s refusal to renew essential health and mercantile lic...

politicsliberal

Artists Demand Berlin Film Festival Speak Up on Gaza

February 18, 2026

Artists Call for Clear Stance on Gaza Over 80 artists who have been part of the Berlin Film Festival have signed a public letter. They want the festival to speak clearly about the war in Gaza. The letter was published in Variety, a magazine for the entertainment industry. It asks the festival ...

politicsliberal

Park Signage Lawsuit: History and Science in the Crosshairs

February 18, 2026

A coalition of conservationists, historians, and scientists has filed a lawsuit against the current federal administration. The suit challenges new rules that have prompted the removal or alteration of educational displays across national parks in the United States. Background March 2025: An exec...

politicsconservative

Portland Schools Face Federal Probe Over New Black Student Center

February 18, 2026

The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation after a complaint alleged that Portland Public Schools engaged in racial preferencing by creating the Center for Black Student Excellence. Defending Education, a conservative nonprofit, contended that spending up to $25 million on the cen...

politicsliberal

Canada Stands Its Ground: A Fresh Look at Identity and Independence

February 18, 2026

The idea that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States sparks debate across borders. Some voices say it is a serious threat, while others view it as an exaggerated claim. The conversation has moved beyond political talk into everyday life. Canadian Pride in Everyday Symbols Canadia...

politicsliberal

Science Conference Turns into Political Show

February 18, 2026

Date & Location: Phoenix, Feb. 12‑14 -- A New Kind of Badge Registration badges included gender pronouns: they/them xe/xem Sparked debate over the relevance of pronouns in scientific contexts. -- Opening Ceremony | Element | Detail | ||--| | Native American dance | Performed at...

politicsconservative

Alabama's New Bill: Business Over Environment?

February 18, 2026

Alabama's state representatives have approved a bill that significantly restricts the state's ability to create environmental regulations stricter than federal standards. Bill Overview Bill Name: SB 71 Vote: 68-34 in favor Key Provision: State agencies cannot enforce environmental rules stricte...

politicsneutral

Trump's Name Takes Flight: A Look at the Latest Branding Move

February 18, 2026

The Trump Organization has taken a bold step by filing for trademarks on airports using the president's name. But it doesn't stop there—they're also targeting shuttle buses, umbrellas, and flight suits. This move comes amid a heated debate in Florida over renaming the Palm Beach airport after Trump....

politicsconservative

New FDA Warning Page Vanishes, Raising Concerns Over Autism “Cures”

February 18, 2026

The Food and Drug Administration quietly removed a government webpage that had warned about harmful autism treatments such as chelation, hyperbaric oxygen, chlorine dioxide and raw camel milk. The site was taken down at the end of 2025 because it had not been updated since 2019, according to a state...

politicsliberal

Big Money, Big Debate: California’s Wealth Tax Clash

February 18, 2026

California voters are in the middle of a heated showdown. On one side, Senator Bernie Sanders is holding a rally in Los Angeles, urging people to tax the richest citizens so that everyone pays their fair share. He is hoping his speech will give a boost to a campaign already trying hard to get the me...

politicsliberal

Drone Attacks Leave Over 50 Sudanese Civilians Dead

February 18, 2026

The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the use of drones in Sudan is resulting in massive civilian casualties. Over 50 people killed in just two days of air strikes targeting markets and shelters. At least 15 victims were children, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent life in this ...

politicsliberal

Health Reporting Wins Big Award

February 18, 2026

A leading health news site has earned a top journalism prize for its coverage of the changes in federal health policy under the last U.S. president. The award highlighted stories that traced how the Food and Drug Administration was reshaped, how scientific research funding shifted, and what these mo...

politicsliberal

The U. S. Office of Chaos: A New Look at the Trump Era

February 18, 2026

The narrative that the current administration operates like a large criminal group has gained traction. Proponents argue it: Spreads misinformation and diverts public trust. Steals money from ordinary citizens through illicit channels. Misuses state power to harm people, especially minorities. ...

politicsliberal

Trump's Immigration Policies Lose Ground, Poll Reveals

February 18, 2026

A recent survey reveals a drop in public support for Donald Trump's immigration policies. The poll, conducted over four days, found that only 38% of respondents approved of his handling of immigration. This marks a decrease from the previous month and a significant drop from the early days of his re...

politicsliberal

Crypto Developers Urged to Keep Legal Safety Net

February 18, 2026

The Senate Banking Committee is asked to keep a bill that shields crypto builders from prosecution. A group that supports the blockchain industry sent a note to the committee, pushing for a law called the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act. The act was first drafted in 2018 and updated recent...

scienceneutral

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...

scienceliberal

Hydrogen Turbine Breaks Record, Powering a Greener Future

February 18, 2026

A team at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has surpassed NASA’s long‑standing benchmark by running a completely compressorless turbine for 303 seconds—a full 53 seconds longer than the previous record of 250 seconds. How It Works No compressor: Traditional turbines waste about half of their ...

businessneutral

Farmers Gather for Big Meeting in Grand Island

February 18, 2026

The Aurora Cooperative hosted a large gathering last week, drawing more than 700 people who work in farming and ranching. The event took place at the town’s center and included students from local high schools who are part of the Future Farmers of America. During the meeting, the company’s chief ...

businessneutral

SolarEdge’s 2025 Results: Growth, Challenges and a Look Ahead

February 18, 2026

Revenue & Margins Q4 2025: $335.4 M (slight dip, still robust inverter & battery sales) GAAP Gross Margin: 22.2% (up from 21.2%) Non‑GAAP Gross Margin: 23.3% (improved after trimming one‑time costs) Operating Expenses & Losses Operating expenses rose to $122.8 M from $107.3 M Operati...

businessconservative

Palantir’s Big Move: From Colorado to Miami

February 18, 2026

A leading AI firm has shifted its main office from Denver to Aventura, just north of Miami. The company’s new address is 19505 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2350. This relocation follows a previous move from Palo Alto to Denver in 2020, driven by disagreements over Silicon Valley culture. Palantir’s CEO...

healthneutral

Measles Makes a Comeback on College Campuses

February 18, 2026

Measles is back, and it's hitting college campuses hard. Recently, over 40 students at a private college in southwest Florida were diagnosed with the virus. This isn't an isolated incident. Schools across the country are seeing similar outbreaks, putting unvaccinated students at risk. College ...

healthneutral

Understanding Melanoma: What You Need to Know

February 18, 2026

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can spread quickly to other parts of the body. It starts in the cells that give skin its color. Spotting it early is crucial for effective treatment. Spotting Melanoma One way to check for melanoma is by using the ABCDE guide: Asymmetrical: ...

healthneutral

Playing to Stay Healthy: How Games Change Health Habits

February 18, 2026

Public health is all about getting people to adopt healthier habits. But how do you make that happen in a world where everyone is glued to their screens? The answer might be in games. Yes, you heard it right. Games are not just for fun anymore. They are being used to encourage healthy behaviors. Q...

educationneutral

Springfield Schools: A Shift in Control

February 18, 2026

Springfield, MA - Big changes are happening in the Springfield school system. Eight schools are preparing to leave the Empowerment Zone and return to the Springfield School Department's control. Schools Making the Transition The following schools are moving: Duggan Academy Van Sickle Academy C...

entertainmentneutral

Celebrities Turning a New Leaf on February 17, 2026

February 18, 2026

February 17, 2026, marks a special day for many stars. It's not just about getting older. It's about celebrating their journeys and the fun facts that make them unique. Rene Russo, now 72, has left a big mark on the Marvel universe. She played Thor's mom, Frigga, in multiple MCU films. Her role bro...

educationliberal

Teen Stress Today Can Leave Long‑Term Mental Wounds

February 18, 2026

Study Scope Researchers tracked 4,714 students born in the early ’90s from London schools over many years. Key Findings Students who reported feeling squeezed by schoolwork at 15 did not see a mood rebound after exams. Depression rates rose annually up to 22 years old, peaking at ...

entertainmentneutral

Disney's Tough Stance: Stars Who Faced the Consequences

February 18, 2026

Disney is known for its family-friendly image, but behind the scenes, it has a strict policy when it comes to controversial behavior from its stars. Over the years, several celebrities have found themselves out of a job after their actions sparked outrage. Jimmy Kimmel Host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! ...

cryptoneutral

Quantum Computing Threats and Bitcoin: Should Coins Be Frozen?

February 18, 2026

Bitcoin’s safety hinges on a mathematical algorithm called ECDSA—a system that, with today’s computers, is virtually unbreakable. Yet experts warn that quantum computing could one day reverse the relationship between public and private keys. If a quantum machine can derive a private key from a pu...

celebritiesneutral

Celebrities Take the Ice: Stars at the 2026 Winter Games

February 18, 2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy captivated more than just athletes and fans. Hollywood icons, musicians, and sports stars flooded the venues in Milan and Cortina, turning the Games into a star‑studded spectacle. A Colorful Cast of Characters Snoop Dogg – Took on the role of Team USA’s honorary ...

celebritiesneutral

From Stylist to Star: The Rise of a Fashion Icon

February 18, 2026

Rachel Zoe once joked that fame landed on her like a surprise gift. She described herself in a hotel room, wrapped in a simple cotton robe while a makeup artist added subtle highlights to her face. Behind the glamor, she was preparing for a major fashion event at Lincoln Center, surrounded by design...

celebritiesneutral

Syracuse's Hidden Gems: Where Stars Dine in the City

February 18, 2026

A well-known comedian is set to perform in Syracuse and is on the hunt for the best local eateries. Todd Barry, who has been in many movies and TV shows, will be at the Syracuse Funny Bone on February 18. Before his show, he asked fans on social media for recommendations on where to eat alone i...

educationneutral

LAUSD Faces Tough Choices: Job Cuts on the Table

February 18, 2026

The Los Angeles Unified School District is at a crossroads. Big changes might be coming. The Board of Education is considering a plan that could mean fewer jobs. This isn't a done deal yet. But if they proceed, many people could lose their jobs. Why Is This Happening? Money is tight. The ...

educationliberal

Barbour’s Quiet Fight for Equality

February 18, 2026

From Middletown to the Nation’s Stage William “Wilbur” Miller Barbour grew up in Middletown, where the seeds of his lifelong commitment to social justice were first planted. After graduating high school, he attended Elizabethtown College and then pursued a career in social work. His journey led him...

technologyneutral

Redesign of a Shipyard Office Turns Space into Collaboration

February 18, 2026

The new office for Imabari Shipbuilding’s Marugame site was finished in 2025. It covers 8, 489 square metres and is located on a former industrial plot that once stretched over 0. 88 km². Architects Yano Toshihiro and Eriko Aoyama, working with designer Rin Nishikawa, saw a chance to bring together...

technologyliberal

Indian Studio Teams Up With AI to Make Next‑Gen Films

February 18, 2026

Abundantia Entertainment and InVideo have teamed up to launch a new film studio that will rely entirely on artificial intelligence. The venture is backed by ₹100 crore (about $11 million) and promises to be the biggest AI‑film commitment in India so far. The announcement came during the India AI ...

technologyliberal

Safeguarding Faces in the AI Age

February 18, 2026

The recent rise of a chatbot that could generate and share millions of sexualized images of real people sparked a debate about how to protect individuals from digital misuse. Congress already banned posting deep fakes that show people in intimate acts, but experts argue the law should also cover a...

technologyliberal

Apple CarPlay Gets a New Streaming Boost

February 18, 2026

Apple’s latest iOS update hints at a game‑changing feature for long‑haul drivers: Apple TV support on CarPlay. A beta build of iOS 26.4 references Apple TV code, and a separate report confirms the “Video In Car” feature unveiled at WWDC 2025 is being integrated into the system. -- How It Works ...

sportsneutral

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano: A Fight Outside the UFC Ring

February 18, 2026

Ronda Rousey is back, and this time, her fight won't be under the UFC's watch. She's taking on Gina Carano, and it's happening on Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). This is a big deal, not just because it's a comeback fight, but because it's not under the UFC's belt. Why This Fight Matter...

sportsneutral

Taking Charge: How to Turn Blame into Progress

February 18, 2026

In the high-stakes world of endurance racing, things don't always go as planned. Sometimes, equipment fails, and you're forced to retire early. It's frustrating, but it's also a chance to learn. The key lesson? It doesn't matter whose fault it is. What matters is what you do next. When Things ...

sportsliberal

Curious Curling Draws Big Bets at Milan Cortina Games

February 18, 2026

A Surge in Wagering on a Traditionally Quiet Sport Curling, known for its gliding stones and precise sweeping tactics, has surged as a hotbed of betting activity during the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. While hockey traditionally dominates wagering, oddsmakers are noting a sharp rise in interes...

sportsconservative

College Games and Sports Shows Line Up for Thursday

February 18, 2026

College Basketball (Men’s) CBSSN & ESPN2: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. FIU vs. Liberty Memphis vs. South Florida Additional regional matchups College Basketball (Women’s) ACCN & SECN: 6 p.m. start ESPN: 7 p.m.: NC State vs. Duke Later: Stanford vs. Miami BTN: 10 p.m.: Washington vs. UCLA Other Spo...

sportsneutral

Baseball for All: How One League is Changing the Game

February 18, 2026

The Miracle League at the Keith Family YMCA gives around 100 players a chance to enjoy baseball in a way that works for them. This league is not just about playing a game; it's about building confidence and having fun. Players' Stories Tommy Love and Graham Hedrick are two players who love being ...

educationneutral

The Hidden Value of High School Sports

February 18, 2026

High school sports are booming, with more kids playing than ever before. But with this growth comes a lot of pressure. Kids are training harder and earlier, and families are feeling the heat to perform. It's not just about having fun anymore; it's about winning and getting ahead. The Bigger Pictur...

crimeliberal

A Wrongful Prison Sentence Over a Natural Drug

February 18, 2026

Ameen Alai, a body‑building coach and father, was sentenced to four years in federal prison on September 16, 2025. He faced a single felony count of drug distribution for ibogaine—a plant‑derived alkaloid used by some as an alternative to traditional addiction treatments. Yet, the prosecution ...

weatherneutral

Snow Surprise on Sugarloaf Ridge Trail

February 18, 2026

The first flakes of the season fell on the top 100 feet of Bald Mountain, the highest point in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, on Tuesday morning. Visitors who had set out for a typical hike were caught off guard by the light cover of snow, giving them an unexpected winter feel in early February. B...

crimeliberal

Bike Rumble Turns Hate Crime: A Quick Look at the Case

February 18, 2026

A man named Travis Bonn was caught on video using a hateful slur against a Black woman while riding his bike near a fast‑food spot on 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The woman was just getting out of her car after work and waiting to enter a one‑way street when Bonn approached with an air ho...

opinionliberal

Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post: A Lesson in Trust

February 18, 2026

A Chance Meeting in 2017 In 2017, a chance meeting with Jeff Bezos left a lasting impression. Sitting at a dinner in Italy, the owner of the Washington Post spoke passionately about investing in journalism. He promised to grow the newsroom and turn the paper around. "At the time, this wa...

religionconservative

The World in Ashes: A Call for Reflection

February 18, 2026

A solemn Mass marked the start of Lent, featuring ashes that symbolize more than mortality. The newly elected Pope spoke of a planet “on fire” from war and environmental loss, using the ash as a reminder of cities destroyed, broken law, and ruined ecosystems. “Many feel powerless when the world...

crimeneutral

Teacher Charged with Child Abuse Still on Staff?

February 18, 2026

A teacher at Lower Richland High School, Eric Marshall Favor Jr. , 29, faces serious accusations in Marion County. The charges include second- and third‑degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, conspiracy, and aiding prostitution involving a child. The case began on Feb. 10 when the sheriff’s of...

financeliberal

Navient's Long-Awaited Compensation: A Closer Look

February 18, 2026

Major Student Loan Player Starts Compensation Following CFPB Settlement Navient, a key player in the student loan industry, has commenced sending payments to borrowers allegedly wronged by the company. This follows the establishment of a $100 million fund by the U.S. consumer financial watchdog...