FUNDING

May 01 2026BUSINESS

AI and robotics get big money bets in latest funding wave

Money keeps pouring into startups building the invisible layers that make AI useful in real life. Instead of flashy apps or chatbots, investors today are backing the systems that keep machines running 24/7. Think robotic arms building homes, AI lawyers reviewing contracts, or trading bots working ar

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Students and Teachers Ask: Is Climate Science Really Open About Its Funding?

A fresh study noticed something odd about climate papers that link global warming to stronger storms. Out of 331 experts listed on 82 papers, none had declared any personal or financial links to groups with a clear agenda. That turns out to matter because papers paid for by environmental charities w

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Apr 29 2026OPINION

Finding a better way for Alaska's schools

Alaska's schools face tough problems today. Many classrooms have fewer students than before. Some people think closing schools is the only answer. But that misses the real issue. Years of decisions have left schools struggling. Money problems make it hard to help students. When schools can't give k

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Fixing Michigan’s old dams: Why a billion-dollar plan matters

Michigan has over 2, 500 dams, most built more than a century ago to power mills or control water. Many now leak, crack, or no longer serve their original purpose. Between 2021 and today, the state spent $44. 5 million trying to fix the worst ones. Experts say that’s not nearly enough. A new report

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Apr 28 2026OPINION

San Diego’s Arts: A Call to Keep the Beat Alive

A city budget shows what a community values. In San Diego’s upcoming plan for 2026‑27, the mayor proposed cutting $11. 8 million from arts funding. That move signals to residents that the city no longer sees culture as essential. The Old Globe, a local theatre, argues otherwise. Arts generate more

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Apr 28 2026POLITICS

Chaos Behind Climate Reports

The next big climate study, called the Seventh Assessment Report or AR7, is supposed to be finished by 2029 for a major global meeting. But the group that writes it, the IPCC, is stuck in Bangkok where member countries could not agree on a timetable. This marks the fifth time in a row that the sched

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Apr 28 2026EDUCATION

Parents and teachers protest Lee County schools' budget choices

A big crowd is gathering outside Lee County schools' main office in Fort Myers this Wednesday evening. They're not happy about planned budget cuts and teacher job losses. The protest runs from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at 2855 Colonial Blvd. People are upset about losing teachers and programs they care about.

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Apr 28 2026EDUCATION

School spending cuts hurt Anchorage students more than you think

Alaska’s school funding has dropped behind other states in a big way. While most states increased education spending by 26% from 2017 to 2022, Alaska only managed a 13% increase — barely enough to cover rising costs. Even when adjusted for Alaska’s high living expenses, the state still spends 15% le

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Apr 28 2026POLITICS

Big Changes Coming to Portland's Sports Arena

Portland is at a turning point with its main sports arena, Moda Center. The building is 31 years old and hasn’t had major updates since it opened. Leaders want to spend $365 million from state bonds to renovate it. They also need the city and county to add $222 million more. The goal is keeping the

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

House Faces Funding Twist While Homeland Security Stands on Edge

The House is set to tweak a Senate‑approved bill that would fund most parts of the Department of Homeland Security, sparking fears of a pause in money for agencies that keep the country safe. A senior House speaker said the change would keep the core idea intact but make sure no agency gets left

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