OPINION

May 18 2026OPINION

Lessons in faith from stepping into unknown churches

Many people avoid unfamiliar places of worship without really knowing why. One person shared how, as a young teen, they refused an invitation to visit a church just because they had never set foot inside before. At the time, stepping into that space felt like crossing an invisible line. Years later,

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May 18 2026OPINION

When Papers and Prayer Rugs Aren't Safe in Detention

In Torrance County, some people held in detention have faced more than just confinement. Reports show authorities breaking basic rules by seizing personal and legal items that hold meaning. Detainees say officials took away documents tied to ongoing court cases, including papers meant to protect rig

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May 17 2026OPINION

Rent Control Isn’t the Fix for Housing Prices

A group of city leaders in Massachusetts has spoken out against a plan that would force every town to follow the same rent‑control rules. The proposal, set for a 2026 vote, would apply one rule to all 351 municipalities. It ignores the unique needs of each community. Worcester, the state’s sec

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May 17 2026OPINION

Rural Power and the Biofuel Boost

The new biofuel tax credit, known as 45Z, is a big deal for farmers and small towns in the Midwest. It promises to bring billions of dollars back into local economies by encouraging people to make biofuel right where the feedstock grows. Farmers, grain elevators, truck drivers and even local busi

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May 17 2026OPINION

Why solar and wind farms are facing resistance in rural America

The idea of cleaner energy sounds great on paper, but many rural communities are pushing back hard against massive solar and wind projects popping up in their backyards. What started as a wave of excitement about renewable energy has turned into a heated debate between landowners, developers, and ne

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May 17 2026OPINION

Lee County’s Dangerous Roads Need a Better Solution Than Painted Lanes

Florida roads are notorious for being risky for people walking or biking. Lee County, with its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, is no exception. Every year, families in the area face preventable tragedies when pedestrians and cyclists are hit by cars. Advocates say painted bike lanes on fast roa

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May 17 2026OPINION

Teachers and Taxpayers: Two Big Issues in Southwest Florida

This year, local schools closed with heartfelt thanks to teachers who give extra time and care to students. Naples Park Elementary stood out for one family, especially. Their granddaughter thrived there, thanks to teachers who went beyond textbooks and tests. Yet while educators work hard, other com

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May 17 2026OPINION

Portland’s Creative Pulse is Fading Fast

Portland still brags about being a city where art and small businesses thrive. But the places that once made it special are disappearing—not all at once, but one by one, like ice melting in spring. Rents are skyrocketing, forcing artists, writers, and shop owners to work extra jobs just to scrape by

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May 16 2026OPINION

Scientists, Politics and Food: A Mixed‑Bag Review

The article starts by pointing out that chasing endless economic growth is not a solution for the planet’s limits. A United Nations report, led by António Guterres, calls for new measures that look beyond GDP. It suggests 31 indicators—many tied to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals—to capture h

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May 16 2026OPINION

California’s New Platform Misses the Mark

The state rolled out a new online tool aimed at boosting civic participation and restoring faith in politics. The idea sounds promising, but many voters see it as a façade after the recent vote that ended independent redistricting. A majority chose to keep partisan control over how districts are dra

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