ANN

Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Massachusetts Health Milestone and Gubernatorial Debate Sparks Local Buzz

The state’s health insurance landmark will be highlighted on Monday at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, where former governors and current leaders gather to mark twenty years since the 2006 law that brought coverage to nearly all residents. The gathering will feature speeches from Gov. Maura Healey a

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Apr 12 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Gurnee’s Big Summer Fun: A Half-Century of Thrills Ahead

Gurnee’s favorite amusement park is turning 50 this summer, and it’s pulling out all the stops to make sure visitors feel the excitement. The park opens for its regular season on April 25, giving guests two months to get used to the rides before the real celebration kicks off on June 20. That’s when

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Apr 11 2026LIFESTYLE

Survival Stories from Extreme Adventures

Two climbers clung to a rocky cliff in New Zealand for three freezing nights after their rescue beacon activated. Heavy rain and poor visibility delayed their extraction until conditions improved. Though they used a makeshift shelter, waterlogged gear made survival difficult. One climber’s family ra

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Apr 10 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Free sports on your screen without the big bills

Television doesn’t always demand money for sports anymore. A growing number of channels now stream games for free with ads built into the breaks. These so-called FAST channels skip the big-ticket events but offer smaller leagues and niche sports that rarely make cable lineups. Indoor soccer, for exa

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Apr 09 2026FINANCE

Budget Meeting Chooses Projects for Next Year

The town’s Select Board and Finance Committee met to decide how much money would go toward new projects. They looked at the town’s total budget of $34. 66 million, which is about $1. 83 million less than last year’s amount. A big part of that money, 57 percent or $16. 47 million, is for the lo

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Apr 09 2026ENTERTAINMENT

When Music and Health Care Join Forces

A band known for bold performances just teamed up with a major health organization to offer something unexpected at their concerts. Florence + the Machine, famous for their dramatic stage shows, is working with Planned Parenthood to set up booths at some tour stops. These booths won’t sell merch—the

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why Boulder’s Growth Plan Needs a Reality Check

Boulder’s approach to managing its future has always stood out for balancing growth with environmental limits. But the latest draft of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan takes a risky turn by loosening the strict rules that kept development in check for decades. One big change? Dropping the old n

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Apr 08 2026SPORTS

How young hockey players get better support in the USHL system

The USHL just made big changes to how it helps young hockey players grow both on and off the ice. Starting now, all 16 teams in the league will follow the same set of rules to support players. This includes help with travel costs, extra schooling, and money back for serious training or injuries that

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Apr 08 2026POLITICS

Elyria narrows Oberlin Road to ease traffic

Elyria is reshaping Oberlin Road to cut congestion. The city council just approved turning four lanes into three, adding bike paths and a left-turn lane. Most of the $812, 000 cost comes from outside grants, so local taxes won’t cover it. Engineers say fewer lanes will actually move cars faster by m

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Apr 07 2026BUSINESS

Starting smart beats rushing in for new business owners

Many new owners rush to launch without planning, believing speed beats strategy. The push to "just start" comes from the idea that hesitation kills momentum. Yet without clear direction, these businesses end up chasing every passing trend instead of building something meaningful. Their marketing zig

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