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Apr 23 2026EDUCATION

Schools in California face stronger rules on handling abuse cases

California’s top lawyer has sent a clear warning to every public school in the state. Rob Bonta, the Attorney General, used a recent legal notice to remind districts that sexual harassment and assault among students are not just bad behavior—they are illegal. The message is simple: schools must act

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Apr 20 2026POLITICS

Ohio’s Senate race gets messy as bribery scandal looms over Republican hopeful

Ohio Republicans are betting big on Jon Husted to keep a key Senate seat, but a years-long corruption mess threatens to sink their campaign. At the heart of the mess? A $1 billion bailout for two nuclear plants that somehow turned into a bribery scheme worth $60 million. The scandal has dragged on f

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Apr 19 2026EDUCATION

Mississippi’s Reading Revival: A Blueprint for Change

Mississippi once hovered at the bottom of national reading rankings, but a shift began in 2013 when new leadership embraced a science‑based approach to literacy. The plan moved beyond simple phonics; it involved overhauling standards, assessments, and accountability to focus on the most struggling s

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Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Why Ohio’s New Bills Could Put Kids’ Mental Health at Risk

Ohio lawmakers are pushing two bills that have mental health experts raising eyebrows. One would let schools bring in untrained religious volunteers to counsel students, while the other would make it harder for teens to get therapy without their parents’ permission. Critics say the first bill’s defi

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Apr 16 2026ENVIRONMENT

Dusty air near California's shrinking lake may be slowing kids' lung growth

California's Salton Sea used to be a vacation hotspot in the mid-1900s with its sandy beaches and celebrity visitors. But decades of water mismanagement have turned this 340-square-mile lake into a drying disaster zone. As water disappears, it leaves behind a toxic mix of old pesticides, heavy metal

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

School Bills Stir Debate: Chaplains vs. Parental Consent

Ohio lawmakers are pushing two new school rules that feel like opposite sides of the same coin. One bill would let public schools invite volunteer religious counselors to talk with students, while the other demands parents sign off before a minor can get any mental‑health care at all. Both proposals

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Apr 15 2026CRIME

Ohio Slaps Prediction Market Platform with Big Fine for Unlicensed Gaming

Ohio regulators hit Kalshi, a popular online prediction market, with a $5 million fine for running sports bets without a proper license. The state’s gambling watchdog announced the penalty in mid-April, calling out the company for ignoring rules that took effect in early 2023. Since then, Ohio has r

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Apr 14 2026EDUCATION

Arkansas steps up in vet education to keep experts local

Arkansas has always relied on farming—poultry, cattle, and crops pump billions into the state’s economy and keep rural towns alive. Yet for years, the veterinarians who safeguard this backbone were scarce because most new vets had to leave Arkansas just to study. The result? The state spent years tr

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Apr 14 2026EDUCATION

New Paths in Health Studies for Ohio Students

Ohio is taking a step forward in expanding educational opportunities for students interested in health careers. A recent collaboration between two state schools is making it easier for undergrads to continue their studies without leaving Ohio. Exercise science majors at Lake Erie College can now smo

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Apr 11 2026OPINION

High Taxes, Low Happiness: Why People Leave California

California’s tax bill is one of the biggest burdens on its residents, especially those looking to retire. The state’s high property taxes and other levies make the total cost of living much higher than in many other places. When people compare how much they pay versus the benefits they receive, Cali

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