REPUBLICAN STATE

Nov 25 2025HEALTH

Justice Delayed: Missouri's Mental Health Exam Backlog

In Missouri, a serious issue has come to light. People accused of crimes and needing mental health exams are stuck in jail for way too long. A group of concerned citizens has taken the state to court. They want the Missouri Department of Mental Health to speed things up. The lawsuit, filed recently, is asking for big changes. It names the department and several stat...

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Nov 25 2025HEALTH

Maine's Small Businesses Face Health Insurance Crisis

Maine's small business owners are in a tough spot. They're worried about a big jump in health insurance costs. This could happen if certain tax credits from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) stop. These credits help keep premiums affordable. Without them, many families could face huge bills. Take Ossian Riday, a self-employed software developer from Topsham. He shared h...

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Nov 25 2025LIFESTYLE

Mark Pappas: A Life of Service and Seafood

Mark Pappas, a beloved figure in the Baltimore restaurant scene, passed away at the age of 93. He was known for his warm hospitality and dedication to his guests. His restaurants, particularly Pappas Restaurant, became famous for their seafood and welcoming atmosphere. Pappas was born in Greece and moved to the United States in 1956. He started working for his uncle...

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Nov 25 2025EDUCATION

Building Big Things at Apollo: What's Happening Next?

Big changes are coming to Apollo Campus in St. Cloud. Voters in School District 742 gave the green light to two major construction projects. The first one is a storm shelter and a secure entrance. The second is a new multi-purpose athletic facility. Both projects are set to kick off in 2026. The storm shelter project is a big deal. It will have seven phases and will...

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Nov 25 2025SPORTS

From the Mat to the Field: How Wrestling Shaped a Future Buckeye

Nick Lautar, a standout tight end from Lebanon High School, has a unique story that sets him apart from other football recruits. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Lautar's athleticism caught the eye of college coaches, but it was his background in wrestling that truly piqued their interest. Lautar's journey to becoming a top tight end prospect began in H...

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Nov 25 2025FINANCE

Brookfield's Big Money Moves and Hot Topics

Brookfield's Finance Board had a lot on their plate at their last meeting. They talked about money, buildings, and even a cell tower that's got people talking. First, they celebrated winning a big state grant. After three tries, they got $406, 159 to spruce up Four Corners. This isn't just any small project. It's part of a bigger plan to make walking and biking safe...

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Nov 25 2025CRIME

A News Anchor's Fall from Grace: The PPP Scam and Its Aftermath

A former news anchor, Stephanie Hockridge, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for her part in a massive pandemic loan scam. This scam involved siphoning over $63 million from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a government initiative aimed at helping small businesses during the pandemic. Hockridge, who once worked for Phoenix’s ABC15, will now serve her t...

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Nov 24 2025POLITICS

Justice Prevails: Legal Flaws Lead to Dismissal of Charges

A federal judge recently made a significant ruling. She dismissed criminal charges filed against James Comey and Letitia James. The reason? The judge found that the person who initiated these charges, Lindsey Halligan, was not properly appointed to her position. Halligan was supposed to serve as the interim U. S. attorney. However, the judge determined that her appo...

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Nov 24 2025POLITICS

Ukraine Peace Talks: A Closer Look at the Challenges

The United States has proposed a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, but it's facing some serious hurdles. The Kremlin hasn't even commented on the recent talks in Geneva, and European leaders feel left out because they weren't consulted when the plan was drafted. They're also skeptical about the plan's details, especially since it involves commitments from them, like b...

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Nov 24 2025POLITICS

The Justice Department's Shake-Up: What's Really Happening?

The Justice Department (DoJ) is going through big changes. Some say these changes are not good. The number of lawyers working there has dropped a lot. About 5, 500 lawyers and other workers have left since the current administration started. This includes people who were fired, quit, or took early retirement. The DoJ used to have around 10, 000 lawyers, but now there...

reading time about 2 minutes