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May 07 2026WEATHER

Why the Weather Service is playing catch-up before storm season

The National Weather Service is still rebuilding after major job cuts last year, just as tornado and hurricane season approaches. One forecasting hub in Oklahoma currently has five empty positions, and other offices are losing staff temporarily because experts are being reassigned to cover the World

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May 07 2026WEATHER

Midlands brace for wet and windy night ahead

A change is coming to the Midlands after days of calm weather. A cold front will slide through tonight, bringing back rain and storms that could turn severe. The worst of it looks to arrive between 8 PM and midnight when a few fast-moving storms could pop up in northern parts of the region. Some of

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May 07 2026WEATHER

Snowy day snarls Denver airport travel plans

Denver International Airport woke up to a winter surprise this week when more than five inches of snow blanketed the runways overnight. The early morning storm disrupted air travel plans across the board. By midday, over 280 flights were running behind schedule, with another 34 completely scrapped.

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May 07 2026WEATHER

Plan your Ohio Mother’s Day before the rain moves in

Next Sunday, May 10, is Mother’s Day—time to pick a card or book a brunch. Ohio’s major cities look set for a soggy celebration: expect plenty of clouds and a strong chance of showers all day. Akron peaks around 67°, while Cincinnati could touch 74° but bring an umbrella just in case. The holiday w

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May 07 2026POLITICS

New faces needed in government jobs after big staff departures

After letting go of over 300, 000 workers last year, the federal government is now trying hard to fill those positions and keep the best talent. The push includes a new program called U. S. Tech Force, which brings in engineers for two-year assignments. These workers can stay if they like it or retu

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May 07 2026OPINION

Phones in schools: why a total ban misses the bigger picture

Schools today aren’t just teaching algebra or history—they’re preparing students for a world where phones are everywhere. A complete ban on these devices might seem like an easy fix for distractions, but it ignores a bigger issue: teaching responsible use instead of avoiding technology altogether. T

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May 07 2026LIFESTYLE

Salons stepping up as healing spots for fire survivors

A sudden disaster can leave scars that go far deeper than burned homes. After the Los Angeles fires of early 2025, a group of women found an unexpected path to recovery inside a North Hollywood salon. Braidhouse opened its doors to the Create to Heal program, turning chairs and mirrors into spaces f

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May 07 2026BUSINESS

Helping Springfield families: How a new women’s center is stepping up

Three years ago, a local charity in Springfield started small with $250, 000 in donations. This year it gave away $750, 000. That’s real growth. The money helps women with young kids pay for food, schooling, and work training. Last year’s mid-year jump to $540, 000 came after government food benefit

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May 07 2026BUSINESS

The shifting sands of consumer trends: Tech, travel, and vaping face big changes

While Disney's theme parks saw a slight dip in visitors, the company still managed to impress Wall Street with its streaming profits. The 1% drop in attendance might seem small, but it’s enough to raise eyebrows among investors. Theme park visits often mirror economic confidence, so this dip could h

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May 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books Where Grown-Ups Get the Spotlight

Reading fantasy and sci-fi isn’t just for kids anymore. Many people start with stories about young heroes facing dragons or exploring magical schools. These tales often feature brave but inexperienced characters, making them feel exciting but also a bit unrealistic. Over time, readers grow up—and so

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