POLICY

Feb 15 2026BUSINESS

Future‑Proof CEOs: Balancing Trade, Tech and Tomorrow

Chief executives today face a maze of challenges that feel heavier than ever. Trade rules from the U. S. administration keep changing, forcing leaders to decide whether and how loudly to respond—especially when those rules touch workers, shoppers and investors. At the same time, artificial intell

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Feb 15 2026FINANCE

Rising Minimum Wage Sparks Job Crunch for Young Workers

The Bank of England’s policy adviser, Catherine Mann, warned that a steep climb in Britain’s minimum wage for younger employees has pushed up joblessness among 18‑to‑24‑year‑olds. Recent data show this group’s unemployment rate hit 13. 7% in the last quarter of 2023, a jump from 10. 2% three years e

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Tax Cuts for Oregon Workers, Not the Rich

Oregon lawmakers are pushing a bill that would lower taxes for more than 200, 000 families and give a $25 million credit to local businesses that create good jobs. The proposal aims to fix the state’s budget gap created by federal tax cuts that largely benefited billionaires. If the current fede

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Feb 15 2026OPINION

Maine’s Future: Energy Power or Vacation Spot?

The idea that Maine could become a cheap source of clean power for the rest of New England is not new. In the past, rail companies and later highways turned the state into a getaway for city folk. That model has worked well for tourism, but it left most of Maine’s natural beauty in private hands and

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

A Fresh Look at the Upcoming GOP Race

Senator Dan Foreman faces a tough challenge from Rep. Lori McCann in the next primary. McCann has already proven she can win close contests, beating him by 200 votes in a three‑way race two years ago. In that same year, Foreman won by about 400 votes. The real test is the general election.

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Feb 15 2026OPINION

South Portland’s Housing Dilemma: Why the Mahoney Center Wins Over Homes

South Portland’s city council set a 2025 plan to turn the old Mahoney Middle School into a community hub, while also aiming to add more affordable homes for middle‑income families. The 2026 agenda repeated the housing push and added a bond vote for city buildings in November. In practice, the Mahon

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Feb 15 2026TECHNOLOGY

Europe’s New Tech‑Security Blueprint

The 62nd gathering in Munich began on February 13, 2026, and it feels different from past meetings. For many years the conference was all about aircraft, soldiers, and treaties. Now cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure sit right next to tanks on the agenda. German lead

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Budget Crunch Hits Maryland Schools

The state’s biggest education plan is still in motion, but the money needed to keep it running is a growing worry. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future calls for huge spending, and the only way lawmakers see to pay is by raising taxes and fees. Because of this, critics ask: Will the extra money re

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Feb 15 2026BUSINESS

Rising Beef Prices: Why the Herd Is Shrinking and Costs Are Soaring

The price of beef has jumped faster than most other grocery items, climbing 15 % over the past year. Ground beef is hitting record highs, while chicken and milk prices stay flat or barely rise. Farmers blame a shrinking cattle population. The U. S. herd is the smallest it has been since the 1950s,

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Judges Avoid Climate Bias in New Manual

A new guide for judges was almost full of climate alarm. The Federal Judicial Center released a 1600‑page manual that explains science for courts. Its latest edition added a 100‑page climate chapter. The chapter said that human activity is the main cause of weather disasters. That claim,

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