The place where everyday life is shaped by policy is the local government. It decides if schools get enough money, if fire trucks can arrive fast, if homes stay affordable and if families feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Right now those decisions carry extra pressure. City and town leaders m
The recent winter brought more than snow to Lewiston and Portland. A sudden increase in ICE patrols sparked fear among immigrant families, especially those from Somalia, Afghanistan, the Congo, Angola and Ukraine. Their worries were clear in hushed conversations and hurried steps through town street
The idea that Maine could become a cheap source of clean power for the rest of New England is not new. In the past, rail companies and later highways turned the state into a getaway for city folk. That model has worked well for tourism, but it left most of Maine’s natural beauty in private hands and
Senator Dan Foreman faces a tough challenge from Rep. Lori McCann in the next primary. McCann has already proven she can win close contests, beating him by 200 votes in a three‑way race two years ago. In that same year, Foreman won by about 400 votes. The real test is the general election.
The period right after the Super Bowl is a tough patch for Chicago sports writers. No Bulls are in the NBA All‑Star Game, the NHL is on a break for winter events, and the Cubs and White Sox are still in Arizona warming up. With no big local stories or national drama to chew on, the usual routi
Anthony Kim returns to the top after a long break. He had been away from golf for 12 years because of an Achilles injury and personal problems. In March 2024 he joined the LIV Golf tour again. Kim played his first round at Adelaide with a shaky start. He was five strokes behind the leaders, Jon Rah
Scientists have found that the way certain ring‑like molecules bend and twist can be changed dramatically by adding small groups of atoms. These rings, called pillar‑arenes, are used in the design of artificial “molecular cages” that can grab other molecules inside them. The success of these cages d
The state has seen a sharp rise in company bankruptcies, climbing 25 % last year to the highest level since 2013. Nationwide, many people and firms are filing for bankruptcy, but Oregon’s rate is almost four times faster than the national average. High interest rates and inflation are squeezin
Nine people lost their lives after Israeli aircraft targeted areas in northern and southern Gaza. In the north, a tent camp that sheltered displaced families was struck. Four residents were killed there. In the south, a strike hit Khan Younis and caused five deaths. Israeli officials say they
A farmer in a quiet village wanted to meet his neighbors, so he set up a big meal and asked his daughter to invite everyone. Instead of shouting about the feast, she ran out yelling that a fire had broken out and begged for help. A few neighbors came because they were ready to aid her, while others
