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Feb 13 2026POLITICS

Scott County Rejects New Power Plant Rules

The county board made a surprising decision to reject the proposed ordinance that would have regulated new power plant developments. The vote was close, with a few members favoring the restriction and others opposing it. Those in favor argued that the ordinance would protect local air quality, limit

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Feb 13 2026ENVIRONMENT

Hidden Smoke: Why Roseland Still Feels Uncertain

The blast at Smitty’s Supply in August left the Roseland community breathing heavy fumes and feeling unsure about what lay behind the soot that settled on their roofs. The fire was followed by a long period of cleanup and repeated assurances from officials that there was no immediate danger, but the

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Feb 13 2026EDUCATION

Learning the Coast at Fort Ross

The coast of Sonoma County is a living classroom. Fort Ross, inside the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, turns this shoreline into a place where people can see, study and help protect marine life. A team called the Fort Ross Conservancy runs a Coastal Academy that offers two main pr

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Feb 13 2026SPORTS

Kids Soccer Injuries: Why Growth Matters

In soccer, growing kids face unique injury risks that adults do not. A new study shows that the way a child’s body changes can lead to problems that are different from those seen in older players. The research points out that a child’s bones, muscles and joints are still developing, which makes c

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Feb 13 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Prologue Partners With Spy‑Writer David McCloskey for New Projects

David McCloskey, the former CIA analyst who turned his experience into bestselling spy novels, has signed an exclusive multi‑year first‑look agreement with Prologue Entertainment. The deal gives the independent studio rights to adapt his current and future books into film and television, with McClos

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Feb 13 2026ENTERTAINMENT

New Play Hub Opens and High‑Speed Internet Arrives

A fresh entertainment spot is set to welcome visitors on March 7. The Clubhouse Family Fun Centre, built by Nittany Valley Sports Centre, will offer a mix of arcade titles and virtual reality adventures. Among its attractions is a first‑in‑North America six‑person VR starship that guides players thr

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Feb 13 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A Fresh Hangout Below The Forge

In late January, a new spot opened in downtown Salem’s historic building known as The Forge. The venue sits on the basement floor at 285 Liberty St. NE and offers a relaxed space for gatherings of all kinds. The owner, Nat Borchers, runs Back Line Real Estate and co‑owns The Forge. He used to play

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Feb 13 2026LIFESTYLE

When Respect Becomes a Service

A Chinese gig‑app that let people pay for someone to bow at Lunar New Year celebrations was shut down after users complained. The service showed a worker in orange, kneeling before an elderly couple, and many people found the idea offensive. Critics said turning filial piety into a paid act hurt

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Feb 13 2026POLITICS

A Quiet Town Stands Together After Tragedy

In the small community of Tumbler Ridge, located deep in British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains, leaders from across Canada gathered to honor those lost in a recent shooting that shocked the nation. Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with opposition figures Pierre Poilievre and Yves‑François Blanchet, pu

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Feb 13 2026POLITICS

Bangladesh’s New Leader Promises Big Changes

The Bangladesh National Party has taken control after a long wait, winning a strong majority in last week’s elections. Tarique Rahman, son of the party’s founder, is expected to become prime minister and bring a fresh direction after two decades out of office. Rahman’s campaign slogan, “Bangladesh

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