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Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Portland Schools Face Federal Probe Over New Black Student Center

The U. S. Department of Education has launched an inquiry after a complaint claimed that Portland Public Schools engaged in “racial preferencing” by creating the Center for Black Student Excellence. A conservative nonprofit, Defending Education, argued that spending up to $25 million on the cente

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Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Drone Attacks Leave Over 50 Sudanese Civilians Dead

The United Nations has warned that the use of drones in Sudan is causing huge human losses. In just two days, more than 50 people were killed by air strikes that targeted markets and shelters. At least 15 of the victims were children, showing how innocent life is being lost in this war. The

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Feb 18 2026EDUCATION

A Bachelor’s Degree Still Matters – Just Think Differently

College grads today face a new challenge: machines can do many tasks, so people ask if the old four‑year degree still counts. The chatter on social media often paints a bleak picture, claiming that degrees are “useless” or “out of date. ” These loud warnings can mislead families who wonder if they

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Feb 18 2026TECHNOLOGY

Tiny Pores, Big Power: Building Better Flow Battery Membranes

Renewable energy needs a way to store power that is cheap, safe and long‑lasting. Redox flow batteries can do this because they separate the amount of power from the amount of energy stored. They also last many cycles and are inherently safe. The key to a good flow battery is its membrane. The m

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Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Europe’s Quiet Reckoning Over Post‑Soviet Peace

The U. S. ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, told a Washington broadcast that Europe’s relaxed stance after the Soviet collapse is now at odds with the reality of war in Ukraine. He said European leaders are not worried about U. S. support, but rather the growing danger on their own continent as

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Feb 18 2026TECHNOLOGY

Redesign of a Shipyard Office Turns Space into Collaboration

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

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Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Nevada Battles Unlicensed Sports Prediction Site

Nevada’s gaming authorities have filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, a company that runs an online platform where people bet on sports and other events. The state says Kalshi is operating without the required licenses and is letting people under 21 place bets, both of which break Nevada law. The case

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Feb 18 2026BUSINESS

Big Blaze Bashes Fox Valley Sports Storage

A blaze erupted early Wednesday morning at a commercial building in Lake in the Hills that stored snowmobiles, boats and personal watercraft. Firefighters were summoned just before 1 a. m. to the address 8913 South Route 31, where they discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from a metal pole barn.

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Feb 18 2026SPORTS

College Games and Sports Shows Line Up for Thursday

The schedule for Thursday, Feb. 19, brings a mix of college basketball, golf, and other sports to TV screens across the country. First up, fans can catch two college men’s basketball matchups on CBSSN and ESPN2 between 6 p. m. and 9 p. m. The games feature FIU vs. Liberty, Memphis vs. South Flori

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Feb 18 2026RELIGION

The World in Ashes: A Call for Reflection

In Rome, a solemn Mass began the Lenten season with ashes that symbolised more than mortality. The leader of the Catholic Church spoke about a planet “on fire” from war and environmental loss. He described the ash as a reminder of cities destroyed, broken law, and ruined ecosystems. The message w

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