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martin rafferty

Utah's SB268: Why Learning About Religion in U. S. History Matters

February 14, 2026

Utah has a new law, SB268. It lets teachers talk about religion in U. S. history. This is a big deal. For years, schools have been scared to teach this stuff. They thought they might get sued. But now, they can explain how religion shaped America. Think about the Pledge of Allegiance. Utah kids say

health

Salem's Youth Mental Health Lifeline Faces Shutdown

February 14, 2026

Salem is about to lose its only safe space for young people struggling with mental health. The Salem Drop, a youth mental health drop-in center, is closing its doors because of big funding cuts. This is a huge blow to the community, especially since Oregon is already struggling with mental health is

sports

Inter Milan Weighs Selling French Forward for Summer Budget Boost

February 13, 2026

Inter Milan is looking at the possibility of parting with French striker Marcus Thuram to help fund major upgrades during the upcoming transfer window. The club’s leadership has been discussing how best to build a stronger squad for next season, and Thuram’s departure could bring in a large sum of m

sports

New Faces, New Roles: UVA Football Shakes Up Coaching Staff

February 13, 2026

UVA Football is making some big moves! Coach Tony Elliott just announced some new roles for his team. ShaDon Brown is now the cornerbacks coach, and Joey Orck is taking over as the offensive line coach. Elliott is pretty happy about this. He thinks it shows that the program is all about helping both

lifestyle

Exploring St. Paul's Black History Month Events

February 13, 2026

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions of African Americans. St. Paul is hosting a variety of events to celebrate this month. From educational talks to lively markets, there's something for everyone. The Minnesota History Center is kicking things off with a screening of

sports

Race of Speed and Mishaps at Bahrain Test

February 12, 2026

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led the pack during the second morning of Bahrain’s pre‑season test. He clocked a 1m34. 273s lap, beating McLaren’s Lando Norris by four-tenths of a second. Norris set his best time on medium tyres, while Leclerc ran softs throughout the session. The British driver finishe

celebrities

Celebrities Rally Around James Van Der Beek's Family After His Passing

February 12, 2026

James Van Der Beek, known for his role in Dawson's Creek, passed away at 48, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and six children. His battle with stage III colorectal cancer, diagnosed in 2023, was not just a physical struggle but also a financial one. The family faced significant expenses due to his

opinion

Pittsburgh's Hidden Black History: A Story Worth Telling

February 12, 2026

Pittsburgh has a rich Black history that many people don't know about. In the late 1700s, free Black men helped create Allegheny County. In the 1800s, Pittsburgh was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. A neighborhood called Lower Hill, then known as Arthursville, was a major hub. John B. Vashon,

sports

Red Bull’s Verstappen Dominates Bahrain Pre‑Season Test

February 11, 2026

Verstappen was the first driver to take the Bahrain International Circuit after a long break, and he stayed on top for the entire morning session. The 2024 pre‑season test is the first of two three‑day runs, and all 11 teams are back after Williams missed the previous event in Barcelona. The test

politics

Border Agent’s Praise Sparks Debate Over Chicago Shooting

February 11, 2026

A federal official named Gregory Bovino, who directs immigration raids in Chicago, sent a congratulatory email to the Border Patrol agent who fired five shots at a 30‑year‑old woman from Chicago. The email praised the agent’s “excellent service” and urged him to keep working hard. The message is pa