AMANDA LEIGHTNER

Nov 07 2025BUSINESS

Rochester Takes a Big Step to Boost Local Businesses

Rochester is now part of a nationwide project to make it easier for small businesses to succeed. The city was picked to join the Regulatory Justice Initiative, which aims to remove unnecessary rules that slow down entrepreneurs. This project is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and Cities Work at the Institute for Justice. Mayor Kim Norton is excited about this o...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 05 2025POLITICS

Texas Democrats Move Forward in Special Election Race

In a recent special election, two Democrats, Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards, secured their spots in a runoff to fill a vacant seat in the Texas House of Representatives. This seat, previously held by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, is located in a district that has been consistently Democratic. The election was notable for its diverse field of candidates. A to...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 04 2025EDUCATION

Harvard's Grade Grumble: Students Push Back on Tougher Grading

Harvard University is facing a wave of student discontent. The reason? A recent internal report suggested that the school's grading system needs a major overhaul. The report, written by Dean of Undergraduate Education Amanda Claybaugh, pointed out that A grades have become way too common. In fact, 60% of undergraduates are now receiving A's, compared to just 25% two ...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 02 2025POLITICS

Voters Take Center Stage: A Look at Key Races and Issues

In several states, voters are making important decisions that could shape the political landscape. These elections are not just about choosing leaders but also about sending messages to national parties. In New York City, the mayoral race is heating up. Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is challenging former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent....

reading time about 2 minutes
Nov 02 2025POLITICS

Food Lines Return to Houston as SNAP Benefits Stall

Houston is seeing a familiar sight: long lines of cars waiting for food aid. This time, it's not due to a pandemic, but because of uncertainty around SNAP benefits. The Houston Food Bank set up a large distribution site at NRG Stadium to help families in need. People started arriving before sunrise, hoping to secure food for their families. Angelina Alonzo was one o...

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Nov 01 2025POLITICS

California's Redistricting Battle: Who Will Have a Say?

In the small town of Loomis, California, people are worried about their future. This place, with its 7, 000 residents and single-family homes, is known for its suburban concerns like traffic and high gas prices. Right now, it's represented by a Republican in Congress. But a big vote is happening that could change everything. The vote is about redrawing the lines of ...

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Oct 26 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Megan Fox's Bold Style and Recent Life Updates

Megan Fox, the famous actress and recent Sports Illustrated cover star, stepped out in Los Angeles wearing a striking outfit. She chose a corset with a bold, bloody pattern and a high-cut skirt that fluttered in the wind. Completing her look were nude heels, making her ensemble both daring and elegant. Fox attended a special screening at the Academy Museum for the f...

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Oct 23 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Stacey Gross: From Stage to Screen

Stacey Gross, a bubbly meteorologist with a love for Prosecco and upbeat chatter, has been captivating audiences since her debut in 2024. Her story, told through the lens of a weather forecast, blends humor and heartbreak while tackling serious issues like consumerism and climate change. The play, written by Brian Watkins, uses laughter as a tool to deliver tough me...

reading time about 1 minute
Oct 22 2025TECHNOLOGY

Building Bridges with Light: Amanda Borrett's Mission

Amanda Borrett sees infrastructure as a tool to bring people together. She has spent nearly 20 years in the broadband industry, working to make sure everyone has access to the internet. As the Vice President of Business Development at eX2 Technology, she helps communities turn their tech ideas into reality. Borrett leads a team that designs and builds fiber networks...

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Oct 21 2025CELEBRITIES

Where Did They Go? Stars Who Left Hollywood in the 2000s

Some actors and actresses who were huge in the 2000s decided to leave Hollywood. They chose different paths, and some even came back. Let's see what they're up to now. Amanda Bynes was last seen in the 2010 movie Easy A. She was great in it, but she left acting to try fashion. She's had some public struggles with her mental health too. Brandan Fraser took a break f...

reading time about 3 minutes