POLICIES

Dec 10 2025OPINION

Letters to the Editor: A Mixed Bag of Thoughts

In the bustling city of Philadelphia, a reader expressed relief after learning about a federal law designed to protect religious institutions. The law, known as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, was amended to include religious sites. The reader questioned why the Department of Justice

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Dec 09 2025TECHNOLOGY

Tech's Biggest Flops of 2025: Who Let This Happen?

In 2025, several tech giants faced serious backlash for their actions. OpenAI, for instance, came under fire for its handling of a tragic incident involving a teen's suicide. The company's initial response seemed appropriate, but it quickly unraveled. They formed a "wellness" advisory council withou

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Dec 09 2025POLITICS

The Growing Divide: Abortion Laws in the U. S.

The U. S. is seeing a stark contrast in abortion laws across different states. Recently, North Dakota brought back a near-total ban on abortions. Texas passed a law that lets private citizens take legal action against doctors from other states who send abortion pills into Texas. On the other hand, C

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Dec 06 2025BUSINESS

Mind Matters: The Hidden Struggle of Small Business Employees

In today's world, employees in small businesses are more worried about their mental well-being than physical safety at work. This shift is notable, especially considering the current social and political climate. It's also interesting to see how this aligns with the values of younger generations, li

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Dec 06 2025EDUCATION

Why Oregon's Reading Crisis Needs a Fresh Approach

Oregon is facing a serious issue with student literacy. Governor Tina Kotek is pushing for better reading education, but the state's universities are not fully on board. The governor formed a panel to improve how future teachers are trained. The panel suggested using more research-backed teaching m

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Dec 05 2025POLITICS

New Rules for Work Permits: What's Changing and Why?

The U. S. government has decided to shorten the time work permits last for certain immigrants. This includes refugees, people seeking asylum, and others who are legally protected in the U. S. The new rule means these permits will only be valid for 18 months instead of the current 5 years. This chang

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Dec 04 2025HEALTH

Gabapentin Rules: A State-by-State Look

Gabapentin is a drug that more and more people are using. It's often prescribed for nerve pain and other conditions. But there's a catch: some people might misuse it. This has led to different states making their own rules about gabapentin. From 2016 to 2024, half of the states and territories in t

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Dec 04 2025POLITICS

A Surprising Pardon: Trump Frees Texas Congressman

President Donald Trump made headlines by pardoning Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife. This move came as a shock to many, especially since Cuellar has been vocal against President Joe Biden's immigration policies. Trump claimed that the couple was targeted for their political views, ca

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Dec 04 2025POLITICS

Washington's Crime Crisis: Who's in Charge?

In the wake of a tragic shooting involving National Guard troops in Washington, D. C. , the debate over who should handle the city's crime crisis has heated up. The incident, which left one soldier dead and another critically injured, has sparked a discussion about the role of Congress in addressing

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Dec 03 2025POLITICS

Minnesota's Somali Community: Facts and Fictions

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the U. S. Over 84, 000 people of Somali descent live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area alone. Many fled war and found safety in Minnesota's welcoming environment. Most are U. S. citizens, with 87% of foreign-born Somalis having gained citizenship.

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