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Apr 05 2026SPORTS

Final Four Showdown: Who Will Beat the Big Dogs?

The 2026 NCAA Tournament is ending in Indianapolis, where four top teams will play for the championship. Two of them are powerhouses that have won many games this season, and two others have made strong runs too. No surprise teams are in the mix; each squad has believed it can win for months, and th

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Apr 05 2026EDUCATION

Community Expo Turns Into a Family‑Friendly Hub

RSU 22 Education Foundation turned its March 21 gathering into a lively mix of learning, fun and community bonding. The event drew more than 300 people to Hampden Academy, where local businesses, nonprofits and civic groups set up booths that sparked conversations all day. The organizers added a

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Apr 05 2026BUSINESS

A Lifetime of Hands-On Craftsmanship Keeps One Plating Shop Shining

Fifty years ago, a teenager in Sterling discovered a side hustle that would outlast his school years—and his factory job. Gary Schultz started by building a plating machine in his dad’s garage to customize parts for his motorcycle project. Friends took notice and asked him to plate their parts too.

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Apr 05 2026BUSINESS

Florida’s Business Boom: Why Companies Are Trading New York and California for the Sunshine State

In 2026, Florida is seeing a steady stream of major companies leaving states with high taxes and strict regulations behind. Why? The state offers something simple but powerful: lower costs, business-friendly rules, and a lifestyle that attracts both companies and employees. Tech and finance firms a

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Apr 05 2026POLITICS

California’s problems: Could one leader really be behind it all?

Jillian Michaels, known for her tough-love fitness advice, has lived in California long enough to see its economy crack under pressure. Expenses keep climbing while public services seem to stay the same. Gas, housing, taxes—every cost hits a new record, yet roads stay pothole-ridden and schools stru

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Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

StarLux’s New A350‑1000: A Fresh Take on Long‑Haul Business Class

StarLux Airlines is making a bold move with its newest Airbus A350‑1000s, aiming to set a new standard for premium travel. The carrier has already received 18 of the aircraft and is using them as its flagship long‑haul model. By adding more business‑class seats—40 instead of the 26 found on its olde

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Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

New Food and Fun Spots Coming to Biddeford

Biddeford is getting a mix of new restaurants and entertainment venues. A fast‑food chain that sells chicken sandwiches will replace an old Italian restaurant on a downtown lot. The site, once home to Olive Garden, was torn down last year and is ready for a fresh building. Chick‑fil‑A has already re

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Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

Reno’s Small Shops Face a Credit Card Crunch

The growth of Northern Nevada has been driven by local inventiveness and the ability to reach customers quickly. But a new federal bill could slow that progress. The Credit Card Competition Act would change the rules for how card payments are routed. Supporters say it will cut fees, but experts war

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Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

Black Businesses Struggle as Texas Changes Rules, While Big Names Push Forward

Texas recently changed how it certifies minority-owned businesses, leaving over 15, 000 companies in limbo overnight. Before the change, these businesses could compete for state contracts worth billions. Now, most have lost their certification, forcing them to start from scratch. The shift came thro

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Apr 04 2026POLITICS

Why California’s Problems Matter More Than You Think

California is often seen as the golden state—a place of innovation and prosperity. But behind the headlines, many residents struggle with failures that don’t fit the dream. Housing costs have soared to levels that make ownership nearly impossible for middle-class families. Homelessness has turned in

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