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How Belkin's History in the U.S. Market Quietly Reshaped What Consumer Hardware Could Do

How Belkin's History in the U.S. Market Quietly Reshaped What Consumer Hardware Could Do

From a garage in California to a global powerhouse, explore how Belkin's focus on essential accessories quietly became the backbone of modern tech.
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10 biggest questions entering the 2026 high school flag football season

10 biggest questions entering the 2026 high school flag football season

As flag football continues to grow, so do the storylines surrounding it. Here's what you should look out for during the 2026 season.
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California Lawmakers Advance Bill to Preserve Refinery Safety Rules Amid Industry Opposition

California Lawmakers Advance Bill to Preserve Refinery Safety Rules Amid Industry Opposition

California lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 966, a union-backed proposal aimed at codifying existing oil refinery worker safety protections into state law. This effort comes in response to a legal settlement between state regulators and the oil lobby, which is leading to revisions of current safety rules. The bill seeks to safeguard workers' rights to refuse dangerous tasks, participate in safety reviews, select their own safety representatives, and anonymously report hazards. This legislative push follows significant incidents, including a 2012 Chevron refinery fire in Richmond that led to 15,000 people seeking medical attention, and a recent explosion at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery. The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), representing the oil industry, opposes the bill, arguing it would undermine the 2024 legal settlement.
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Wildfire Smoke Poses New Challenges for U.S. Power Sector

Wildfire Smoke Poses New Challenges for U.S. Power Sector

Wildfire smoke is emerging as a significant challenge for the U.S. power sector, particularly in the West, where solar energy is a growing source of electricity. According to a report by the Insurance Journal (published on August 17, 2026), smoke from wildfires can reduce solar energy output by scattering and absorbing sunlight, which is critical for photovoltaic panels. During California's 2020 wildfire season, solar resources near major fires dropped by 11% to 17% for global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and by 32% to 42% for direct normal irradiance (DNI). This reduction in solar output coincides with periods of high electricity demand due to heatwaves, creating a dual challenge for grid operators. Additionally, wildfire smoke complicates solar forecasting and increases stress on transmission systems, which are essential for transporting renewable energy over long distances.
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Voorhees Township Landfill to Transform into 13.5-Acre Solar Field

Voorhees Township Landfill to Transform into 13.5-Acre Solar Field

A former landfill in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, which has been closed for over 50 years since 1972, is slated for transformation into a 13.5-acre solar field. This project is part of New Jersey's Community Solar Energy Program, designed to expand access to renewable energy and reduce utility bills for residents. The solar panels are expected to cover approximately half of the 35-acre property. Upon completion, more than half of the energy generated by this solar field will be specifically allocated to low- and moderate-income households, according to a township administrator. The program allows households using the state's four major electricity providers to subscribe to a participating solar facility and receive renewable credits on their bills without needing to install solar panels on their own properties.
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U.S. Renewable Methanol Market to See Significant Growth Driven by IRA Incentives

U.S. Renewable Methanol Market to See Significant Growth Driven by IRA Incentives

U.S. Renewable Methanol Market to See Significant Growth Driven by IRA Incentives
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Savor's Carbon-Based Fats Achieve Up to 98% Emission Reduction in Third-Party Audit

Savor's Carbon-Based Fats Achieve Up to 98% Emission Reduction in Third-Party Audit

Savor's Carbon-Based Fats Achieve Up to 98% Emission Reduction in Third-Party Audit
USA Today USA Today
‘Despicable' or unfortunate? Lawmakers' fury amid USS Lincoln crisis

‘Despicable' or unfortunate? Lawmakers' fury amid USS Lincoln crisis

Republican lawmakers have largely remained silent about reported conditions on the aircraft carrier, not criticizing Donald Trump or defending him.
1Weather 1Weather
Wind Energy Expands Across U.S., Led by Texas and Oklahoma

Wind Energy Expands Across U.S., Led by Texas and Oklahoma

Wind energy continues to grow in the United States, with Texas leading as the state with the most operational wind turbines. In 2025, wind power accounted for 10.5% of the nation's total net electricity generation. Oklahoma has also made significant strides, with the Traverse Wind Energy Center, featuring 356 turbines and a capacity of 999 MW, becoming the state's largest wind farm. California, while historically a leader in wind energy, now lags behind Great Plains states like Iowa and Oklahoma due to their stronger winds and open landscapes. Analysts predict steady growth in both onshore and offshore wind energy, contributing to the decline of coal and reducing reliance on natural gas.
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President Trump's DOJ Pressures California Over Constitutional Violations in Women's Prisons

President Trump's DOJ Pressures California Over Constitutional Violations in Women's Prisons

President Trump's Justice Department (DOJ) has identified constitutional violations in several California women's prisons, citing failures to protect female prisoners from sexual abuse and harassment by staff. The DOJ is now demanding that California implement changes to address these issues, which it states violate the Eighth and 14th Amendments. The investigation, initiated under the Biden administration and continued under President Trump, uncovered patterns of staff sexual misconduct, inadequate safeguards, and failures in reporting mechanisms. Despite these findings, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) maintains its adherence to a zero-tolerance policy under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and claims to meet federal standards, even though the DOJ's new investigation found issues beyond PREA compliance.
USA Today USA Today
Wings vs. Fever live updates: Score, highlights, latest on Caitlin Clark's health

Wings vs. Fever live updates: Score, highlights, latest on Caitlin Clark's health

The last four No. 1 overall WNBA draft picks are under the same roof for the Dallas Wings game vs. the Indiana Fever on Friday. Live updates here.
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Watch as SpaceX launches rocket on classified mission in California

Watch as SpaceX launches rocket on classified mission in California

SpaceX will provide a livestream of a secretive mission for the US Space Force launching Saturday, Aug. 15 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base.