POLICY

Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Walk‑and‑Sip Downtown: New Drink Rules Aim to Boost Foot Traffic

DeKalb is considering a fresh idea that lets adults carry one drink in a city‑approved cup while strolling through downtown. The plan, part of an Entertainment District proposal, would let diners and shoppers enjoy a beverage on the go between restaurants, bars, and other venues. The city hopes this

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Rising Trade Tensions: Small Businesses vs Big Tariff Plans

The debate over new U. S. tariffs is heating up again after the Supreme Court stopped President Trump’s emergency duties last year. Companies that import goods from overseas are worried that higher taxes could ruin their operations, while some U. S. manufacturers think the extra costs would level th

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Science Claims Under New Label: A Closer Look

A recent executive order announced a push for what the administration calls “Gold Standard Science. ” The phrase sounds strong, but it may simply be a marketing term that hides how science is used in policy. The order asks agencies like NASA and the Department of Energy to report on how they meet th

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Conservative Clubs in Schools Spark Free‑Speech Debate

Recent moves by Republican governors to support Turning Point USA chapters in public high schools have ignited a sharp discussion about student expression and religious neutrality. Governors in eight states announced plans to partner with the group, urging that schools allow a conservative club c

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Apr 15 2026OPINION

Alaska’s Budget Puzzle: Why Money and Politics Don’t Match

A senator who began her career in the state legislature two decades ago remembers how Alaska’s budget keeps swinging between deficits and surpluses. The state relies on big chunks of federal money or high oil prices to pay for schools, roads and other services. When those sources shrink, the budget

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Naphtha Shortages Hit Japan’s Factory Floor

Japanese firms that rely on naphtha, a key oil by‑product used in adhesives and paints, are cutting orders or lowering production after delivery delays and price hikes. The trouble began last week when more than a dozen companies, including Toto and Asahi Kasei, warned that their supplies were unrel

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Crypto Stakes of a Fed Nominee: A New Look

Kevin Warsh, the man named by President Trump to run the Federal Reserve, has just filed a 69‑page financial report that clears him for his upcoming Senate hearing. The paperwork shows he and his wife own at least $192 million together, but the most eye‑catching part is how much of that comes from c

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Maine’s Upcoming Vote on Transgender Athlete Rules

Maine is gearing up for a major vote in November that could decide whether transgender students can play school sports and use facilities matching their gender identity. A recent public hearing in Augusta gave people a chance to debate the issue, but lawmakers already decided not to move it forward.

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Keeping Great Teachers in Pennsylvania’s Classrooms

Pennsylvania is spending time and money to train new teachers, but too many leave after just a few years. That waste of resources hurts students the most. Two lawmakers—one who became a teacher and another who went into public service—teamed up to propose a solution. They believe the state should in

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Boston’s fresh plan to handle Mass and Cass this summer

This summer, Boston is rolling out a new way to deal with the well-known issues at Mass and Cass. Instead of just cracking down on crime, the city wants to guide people into addiction treatment. The plan relies on teams like NEST, which stands for Neighborhood Engagement Safety Team. These teams wor

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