CULTURE

Apr 02 2026WEATHER

Dry Threat Looms Over Three Oregon Counties

The governor has named a state of emergency for Baker, Deschutes and Umatilla counties because the rain is far below normal. The drought began in late spring and has not eased, with forecasts showing even less rain for the summer. Officials warn that the lack of water will hurt farmers, ranche

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Apr 02 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Pink Looks, Bold Choices: Rethinking Girly Power

Feminine fashion used to get dismissed as weak or silly. But something has changed recently. Online creators are turning heads with bright colors and playful styles not just to stand out, but to make a point. They wear pink wigs, heavy makeup, and sparkly outfits on purpose. This isn’t just about lo

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Apr 02 2026EDUCATION

How Illinois communities benefited from local education programs in 2025

In 2025, a community education network in Illinois reached over 25, 000 people across three counties—Grundy, Kankakee, and Will—through hands-on learning. The programs covered gardening, youth leadership, farming advice, and health workshops. Every day, about 70 locals took part in these sessions. N

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Apr 02 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A Blast from the Past: Huntington Beach’s Biggest Music Throwback

Mid-November in Huntington Beach isn’t just about sunsets and surf. In 2026, it’s the stage for a music festival that’s bringing back the sounds and styles of decades gone by. Forget modern pop—this is a one-day celebration of goth, punk, and new wave, packed with artists who defined the ’80s and ’9

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Apr 02 2026ENTERTAINMENT

The Price is Right backstage: Old claims spark fresh debates

A new TV show digging into past issues at one of America’s favorite game shows has gotten people talking again. The show looks back at the years when Bob Barker hosted The Price is Right, sharing stories from former staff and models who say things weren’t always great behind the scenes. They describ

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Apr 02 2026SCIENCE

How a fish gene fights deadly infections

Scientists found a protein in farmed tilapia that acts like an infection alarm. Called IRF5, it helps fish cells recognize threats like viruses and bacteria. When attackers show up, IRF5 gets more active in the fish’s head kidney—a place where immune cells are stored. This isn’t just some minor reac

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Mar 31 2026BUSINESS

When Chaos Comes, Leaders Must Speak Clearly

In times when everything feels shaky, leaders have a bigger job than before. They must decide fast and give people a sense of steadiness, but their words can be misread. A quick call to action that is meant to focus a team might feel like extra pressure. Tightening checks on work can reduce risk but

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Mar 30 2026EDUCATION

Philadelphia’s arts scene after a major university leaves

Philadelphia learned a tough lesson in 2024 when a historic arts university shut down. Thousands of students, artists, and teachers had to figure out what comes next. The city’s creative world didn’t collapse, but it did feel the ripple effects everywhere—from classrooms to neighborhood studios. Tw

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Mar 28 2026OPINION

Minnesota Farms: The Backbone of Our Food

The state’s farmers are the unseen heroes that keep our plates full. Minnesota is sixth in overall farm output across the U. S. and leads in more than 20 products, such as sugar beets, turkeys, green peas, hogs, sweet corn, soybeans, sunflower seeds, canola, dry beans and oats. Corn is the fou

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Mar 28 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrities and the Silent‑Storm of Politics

The world of fame is turning into a tightrope walk between speaking out and staying silent. In the past, actors would be criticized for making bold statements that offended or divided people. Now they also face backlash simply for not voicing an opinion on hot topics, a new pressure that feels

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