D

Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Gabon Cuts Off Social Media Amid Security Fears

The Gabonese government has halted access to several online platforms, saying that certain posts could harm the nation’s unity and safety. The decision was announced by the country’s communication regulator, which did not list specific sites that were affected. In practice, users in Gabon found Meta

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Nevada Takes Legal Action to Stop Kalshi’s Sports Betting Platform

Nevada gaming officials have filed a lawsuit to prevent Kalshi, an online prediction market, from offering contracts that let residents bet on sports like football and basketball. The case is part of a larger fight over whether state regulators can oversee companies that allow financial bets through

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Health Reporting Wins Big Award

A leading health news site has earned a top journalism prize for its coverage of the changes in federal health policy under the last U. S. president. The award highlighted stories that traced how the Food and Drug Administration was reshaped, how scientific research funding shifted, and what these m

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Science Conference Turns into Political Show

The American Association for the Advancement of Science gathered in Phoenix from Feb. 12-14 to share research and ideas. When attendees entered, registration badges listed gender pronouns like they/them and xe/xem, sparking debate over their relevance to science. The opening ceremony mixed a N

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026SCIENCE

Boosting Perovskite Solar Cells with New Self‑Assembled Layers

Scientists have long used a material called Me‑4PACz, or Me4, as a layer that pulls holes out of inverted perovskite solar cells. The layer is handy, but it often clumps together in solution and does not spread well over the next layer. Because of this, the contact between layers is weak and the cry

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026CRIME

Teacher Charged with Child Abuse Still on Staff?

A teacher at Lower Richland High School, Eric Marshall Favor Jr. , 29, faces serious accusations in Marion County. The charges include second- and third‑degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, conspiracy, and aiding prostitution involving a child. The case began on Feb. 10 when the sheriff’s of

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026CRIME

A Wrongful Prison Sentence Over a Natural Drug

Ameen Alai, a father and body‑building coach, was sentenced to four years in federal prison on September 16, 2025. The charge was a single count of felony drug distribution, even though he never sold or handed out the drug in question. That drug was ibogaine, a plant‑derived alkaloid that some peopl

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026CELEBRITIES

Celebrating Stars on February 18

John Travolta, who will be 72 this year, is one of the most famous names celebrating today. His middle name is Joseph, a small detail that fans sometimes forget. Molly Ringwald turns 58. She recently appeared in the movie “Run Amok, ” showing she still loves to act. Yoko Ono, a 93‑year‑old singer

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026EDUCATION

Barbour’s Quiet Fight for Equality

William “Wilbur” Miller Barbour grew up in Middletown and later made a name for himself far beyond his hometown. After finishing high school there, he went on to study at Elizabethtown College and then pursued a career in social work. He joined the National Urban League, where he helped plan program

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026HEALTH

Skin Inflammation and Male Sexual Health

The rise in erectile problems among men is a growing public concern that goes beyond simple lifestyle choices. Recent studies point to a strong link between these issues and certain immune‑driven skin conditions, suggesting that the body’s own defense system may be playing a hidden role in sexual fu

reading time less than a minute