Buying a house in Maine can feel like climbing a steep hill, especially with high prices and mortgage rates. Yet there are many ways to ease the climb. First‑time buyers can join free or low‑cost education classes that walk them through budgeting, spotting bad lenders and preventing foreclosure. The
A small idea at a pumpkin patch turned into a traveling petting zoo that now visits schools, parties and community events across East Contra Costa County and beyond. Robert and Katy Kerling started the venture after a neighbor asked them to run a petting zoo at a local pumpkin patch in 2023. Their o
"California officials plan to levy a 100 percent tax on money from the former president’s $1. 8 billion relief fund for alleged political violence victims. " "The state’s governor said anyone in California who receives any part of this money will have to pay the full amount back as tax. " "Offic
New York and New Jersey aren’t waiting around to see if ticket buyers get what they paid for at next year’s World Cup. The state attorneys general have launched an investigation into FIFA’s ticketing system after fans flagged issues like seats not matching what they bought. The probe focuses on matc
A fast-growing entertainment company has taken legal action against hidden online critics after two websites popped up accusing it of serious wrongdoing. Gamma, which works with well-known artists, filed a lawsuit in a New York court saying these sites spread lies about its finances and leadership.
After the fireworks explode, people often think only the smoke matters. But tiny bits of leftover firecracker powder pile up along rivers and lake edges because safety rules keep them there. Those piles slowly seep water that carries new chemicals into the streams. Scientists tested how this seepage
The fight against teen smoking has been a major win for public health, with high‑school cigarette use dropping from 30 % to just 1. 7 % in the last decade. Yet a new danger is quietly rising: flavored e‑cigarettes, or vapes. Today about 8 % of high‑schoolers vape regularly, and almost all of them ch
A Philadelphia company that once restored antique doors and furniture is shutting down after failing to complete work for which it had already been paid. The business agreed to a $20, 000 settlement with state officials, promising to return money to customers who never got their items fixed. In exch
After three days of rain, New Jersey finally saw clear skies on Tuesday. But the break didn’t last long. Rain is forecast to return overnight and continue through Wednesday, with possible thunderstorms in some areas. A weather system stuck over the region will bring multiple rounds of showers start
A thick fog blanketed parts of Pennsylvania this morning, but it shouldn’t stick around long. Forecasts suggest it will lift by 10 a. m. , leaving behind sunny skies in central areas like Harrisburg. Temperatures will climb close to 80 degrees—typical for late spring but still warm enough to feel li
