OPINION

Apr 15 2026OPINION

Why Facts Matter When You Write a Letter

The Voices page is a space for people who live in Arkansas to share their thoughts. Because the page only shows one letter from each writer every 30 days, it keeps a mix of voices and prevents the same names from filling every issue. In recent years, fewer people have sent letters because some have

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Apr 15 2026OPINION

Masa‑Brownie Strawberry Shortcake

In spring, Arkansas turns into a berry field. Fresh strawberries appear everywhere, from breakfast bowls to lunch salads and evening desserts. The author enjoys them in many ways, often mixing fruit with a simple pastry or sweet topping to create what they call “shortcake. ” A basic version uses str

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Apr 15 2026OPINION

Alaska’s Budget Puzzle: Why Money and Politics Don’t Match

A senator who began her career in the state legislature two decades ago remembers how Alaska’s budget keeps swinging between deficits and surpluses. The state relies on big chunks of federal money or high oil prices to pay for schools, roads and other services. When those sources shrink, the budget

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Apr 15 2026OPINION

Trump’s Shocking Claim: A Lesson in Trust and Truth

A former president posted a photo that made him look like a saint. He then said the picture showed him as a doctor or a Red Cross worker, not a religious figure. The claim was quickly deleted after people cried out. He followed the same pattern he’s used before: lie, blame the press, and ke

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Apr 15 2026OPINION

Why Maine's rich should pay a little more to keep the state strong

Maine has always had a habit of standing up for fairness in taxes. The state is filled with people who work hard and look out for each other, whether it’s helping a neighbor clean up after a storm or contributing more when they can afford it. Wealthy residents, like the speaker who grew up in August

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Apr 14 2026OPINION

Revisiting a law and rethinking how Native housing gets built

Thirty years ago, a law changed how Native communities handle their own housing needs. Instead of waiting for distant agencies to decide what to build, tribes gained control over planning, budgets, and priorities. That shift led to more homes, quicker repairs, and local jobs. But progress didn’t sol

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Apr 14 2026OPINION

Alaska’s charity gaming needs a tech update to help veterans

Alaska’s veteran groups rely heavily on pull-tab games to fund their work, from fixing up buildings to hosting community events. These paper-based games have been the backbone of their income for years. But times have changed. Most people now handle their money, shopping, and social lives through ap

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Apr 14 2026OPINION

Local news in New Jersey is fading—and that could hurt democracy

New Jersey is losing its local journalists faster than almost any other state. Right now, the Garden State has the fewest reporters per person in the whole country. That means fewer people showing up to city council meetings, fewer reporters digging into school budget cuts, and fewer voices keeping

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Apr 13 2026OPINION

Reporter Rumors Spark Debate Over Gender Bias in Sports Media

"Photos of a sports journalist and an NFL coach sharing smiles at a resort have stirred a heated discussion about how women in sports reporting are viewed. The images show the reporter leaning on the coach, a scene that some people see as evidence of inappropriate closeness. Critics argue this fuels

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Apr 13 2026OPINION

Remembering Two Firefighters Who Gave Everything

Two local firefighters died this month while saving others. Jeff Buck and Robert Shick Jr. worked for the Walnuttown Fire Company for decades. Buck joined at 17 and led the company for seven years. Shick started even younger, serving for over 40 years in different roles. Their deaths were sudden. A

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