PACT

Apr 19 2026OPINION

Maine’s Future: Turning AI Into a Job‑Boosting Tool

The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) keeps growing, with some experts warning that machines could replace millions of workers across the United States. While fears are real, other voices argue that new tech will also create fresh roles requiring different skills. The question for Maine is ho

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Apr 19 2026HISTORY

Local heroes: How St. Louis shaped the nation

St. Louis may be known for its iconic arch and deep-fried foods, but its real claim to fame might be the people who grew up there and went on to leave a mark on the whole country. From scientists to artists, this city has produced individuals who didn’t just blend into the background. Take Chuck Ber

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers in Virginia: A Hidden Health Cost

Virginia hosts the world’s biggest cluster of data centers, a stretch known as “Data Center Alley. ” The region grew because it sits close to Washington, D. C. , offers cheap land, and has long‑standing tax breaks. Today, most of these facilities are in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax counties,

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Apr 18 2026EDUCATION

Balancing Work, School and War: Life in Iran’s Quiet Crisis

Families across Iran are juggling remote learning for their children while managing jobs, all under the shadow of a fragile ceasefire that ended airstrikes but left daily life unsettled. A finance manager in Tehran now brings her 7‑year‑old son to the office, where he attends online classes while

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Can drilling companies dodge past damage?

For years, oil companies have dug canals through Louisiana’s wetlands, changing the landscape forever. One parish took Chevron to court, arguing the company harmed the environment long ago. A jury agreed, ordering Chevron to pay $745 million. But the company fought back, saying much of its work happ

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Apr 18 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Why Famous Faces Don’t Always Fill Seats Anymore

Hollywood used to bank on star power alone. A single well-known name on a movie poster meant sold-out shows, regardless of the plot. That trick worked for years—think back to superhero hits like Iron Man in 2008—but times have changed. Studios now play it safer, betting on pre-existing stories from

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Apr 17 2026BUSINESS

Why AI Won’t Replace All Businesses Just Yet

Some entrepreneurs believe AI can build apps from simple English instructions, but not all industries face the same risk. A well-known tech leader recently argued that companies relying on physical logistics and hands-on operations may survive this shift better than pure software firms. His reasonin

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Apr 17 2026LIFESTYLE

A Local Diner’s Last Call

A Carmel Valley staple that served breakfast for decades is closing its doors for good. Wagon Wheel, known for its fluffy pancakes and cowboy-style decor, will shut down on May 22 unless a buyer steps in. The diner started as a small food stand in the 1960s, serving farmworkers before growing into a

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Apr 17 2026WEATHER

A snowy road, a fast-moving truck, and a family’s life changed forever

On a cold winter day near Welches in Clackamas County, a pickup truck lost control on a slippery road. The driver, a 39-year-old man, was heading west when his white Dodge Ram skidded, crossed the road, and crashed into a tree. The crash left one person dead and two others badly hurt. The only one w

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Apr 16 2026ENVIRONMENT

How Clean is Clean Enough? Bacteria and Our Rivers

Nothing we flush ever really disappears. Most of it ends up in a treatment plant where armies of bacteria quietly get to work, breaking down what we send down the pipes. In cities with advanced systems like the A2O process, wastewater passes through three stages—first without oxygen, then with limit

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