GOV

May 16 2026ENVIRONMENT

What we know so far about Maine’s lumber mill fire chaos

A fire tore through a century-old lumber mill in Searsmont on Friday morning, sending thick smoke over Route 131 and forcing emergency crews to deal with explosions inside the site. The blaze erupted just after 10 a. m. and raged for hours, turning a place that’s been family-run since the 1800s into

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May 15 2026BUSINESS

Family‑Run Firm Keeps Government Benefits on Track

In a field where big investors have pushed many companies into standardised, cost‑cutting models, one small family business has stuck to its original approach. The market for managing benefits for federal contractors—cleaners, security staff, mail carriers and others—has grown increasingly comple

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May 15 2026POLITICS

Can business leaders really run the government like a company?

Washington has seen a wave of people switching from private business to public service. Many are tech investors and entrepreneurs who rose to fame by backing high-risk, high-reward ventures. Now, they're in charge of huge budgets and policy decisions that could shape the economy for years. These le

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May 15 2026POLITICS

South Carolina’s Public Health Chief Steps Down After Rough Ride

South Carolina just wrapped up its 2026 legislative session, and with it, the state’s top public health official is packing up his desk. Dr. Ed Simmer, who took charge of the Department of Public Health during the pandemic, left the building on May 14 when the legislature refused to give him a perma

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Latvia's Political Turmoil Over Drone Flights

Latvia’s government just lost its tight grip on power after a key party ditched its support, shaking up the country’s leadership. The ruling coalition crumbled when the left-wing Progressives party pulled back, blaming Prime Minister Evika Silina’s handling of strange drone sightings over Latvian ai

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May 14 2026CRIME

Brazil’s bold plan to rein in crime groups with cash and tech

Brazil’s government just rolled out a $2. 2 billion program to fight powerful gangs like Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho. The plan puts federal and local teams under one roof, aiming to cut crime financing, upgrade prisons, solve murders better, and lock down borders. It’s not just

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Northside Park Gets Green Light for Build

The City of Missoula has finally given the okay to start building a brand-new park near the north side of town. This project has been in the works for a while, with locals keeping an eye on updates. The park is planned to cover a good chunk of land, offering green space and recreational spots for fa

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May 14 2026POLITICS

A governor’s last stretch: what Alabama’s final months could focus on

Alabama’s governor spent her latest public appearance highlighting past wins instead of diving into current debates like redistricting. Her speech at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber event focused on economic growth and school improvements, leaving out any questions about ongoing political figh

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May 12 2026POLITICS

New Local Pay Rule Passes Despite State Objections

The city recently approved a new rule about how much workers must earn in small businesses. Government leaders voted yes even though state officials warned them it could cause legal trouble. Normally, when higher-level leaders say no, cities listen. This time, they didn’t. Not everyone agrees with

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May 12 2026POLITICS

Science Advice in Danger: Why Losing the National Science Board Matters

Over two thousand researchers signed a letter last week warning that getting rid of the National Science Board weakens America’s position against countries like China. The board, created in 1950, used to guide how taxpayer money supports science and engineering research. Its twenty-plus members, app

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