WEST VIRGINIA ILLINOIS OHIO

Apr 25 2026POLITICS

How the US and EU plan to shake up the minerals trade

Western powers are stepping up their game to reduce their heavy reliance on a single player for vital raw materials. The United States and the European Union have just signed a fresh deal to work together on securing supplies of critical minerals. These minerals are the backbone of modern industries

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Apr 23 2026OPINION

Virginia weighs risky dental cuts in budget squeeze

Virginia lawmakers face tough choices as they look for ways to balance the state budget. One proposal under review would limit Medicaid dental coverage for adults—a move that might seem like quick savings but could actually cost more in the long run. Research shows that when states cut dental benefi

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Apr 20 2026EDUCATION

How Virginia schools are turning snow days into learning days

Virginia schools have quietly transformed how they handle winter weather in recent years. Instead of canceling classes entirely, many now use remote learning to keep students on track. This shift didn’t happen overnight—it took time, trial, and lessons from the pandemic. Before, schools often had to

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Apr 20 2026POLITICS

Ohio’s Senate race gets messy as bribery scandal looms over Republican hopeful

Ohio Republicans are betting big on Jon Husted to keep a key Senate seat, but a years-long corruption mess threatens to sink their campaign. At the heart of the mess? A $1 billion bailout for two nuclear plants that somehow turned into a bribery scheme worth $60 million. The scandal has dragged on f

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers in Virginia: A Hidden Health Cost

Virginia hosts the world’s biggest cluster of data centers, a stretch known as “Data Center Alley. ” The region grew because it sits close to Washington, D. C. , offers cheap land, and has long‑standing tax breaks. Today, most of these facilities are in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax counties,

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Apr 18 2026SPORTS

South Shore Sports Highlights: Wins, Home Runs and Big Plays

West Bridgewater’s softball squad continued its hot streak on Friday, overpowering Old Rochester with a 16‑8 finish. The Wildcats’ lineup exploded for nine runs in each of their seven spring games, a record run that kept opponents on the back foot. Two‑run home runs from Alanna Fidalgo, Lacey Roche

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Mississippi River’s Changing Flow: What’s Endangering Wisconsin’s Waters?

Western Wisconsin’s rivers and streams are facing growing problems, and experts warn the situation could get worse. Heavy rains and melting snow don’t just fill up creeks—they carry pollution, dirt, and even salt from roads straight into the Mississippi River. That extra water isn’t always harmless.

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Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Why Ohio’s New Bills Could Put Kids’ Mental Health at Risk

Ohio lawmakers are pushing two bills that have mental health experts raising eyebrows. One would let schools bring in untrained religious volunteers to counsel students, while the other would make it harder for teens to get therapy without their parents’ permission. Critics say the first bill’s defi

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

School Bills Stir Debate: Chaplains vs. Parental Consent

Ohio lawmakers are pushing two new school rules that feel like opposite sides of the same coin. One bill would let public schools invite volunteer religious counselors to talk with students, while the other demands parents sign off before a minor can get any mental‑health care at all. Both proposals

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Apr 15 2026CRIME

Ohio Slaps Prediction Market Platform with Big Fine for Unlicensed Gaming

Ohio regulators hit Kalshi, a popular online prediction market, with a $5 million fine for running sports bets without a proper license. The state’s gambling watchdog announced the penalty in mid-April, calling out the company for ignoring rules that took effect in early 2023. Since then, Ohio has r

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