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May 14 2026ENVIRONMENT

Florida Stops Sloth Imports After Tragic Deaths at Closed Orlando Zoo

Florida has put a temporary hold on bringing sloths into the state after many of the wild‑caught animals died at a now‑closed attraction in Orlando. The two‑month pause was ordered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to stop new imports while it reviews rules for keeping these a

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May 10 2026POLITICS

Florida’s new voting maps: who really benefits?

Florida lawmakers recently approved a plan to redraw voting districts, shifting the balance to give Republicans an even stronger grip on the state’s 28 U. S. House seats. The new setup would turn a 20-8 Republican majority into a lopsided 24-4 split. That’s a big change from just a few years ago, wh

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May 08 2026POLITICS

How Maine's Climate Plans Hold Up Nationally

Maine's governor leaves behind a strong green track record. Her policies helped push clean energy jobs and cut oil use in homes. That matters because Maine’s fishing industry, worth over $600 million, depends on stable weather. The state’s tourism also relies on clean air and water. Clean energy is

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May 06 2026POLITICS

Shining a Scientific Light on Maine’s Future

Maine’s bees buzz not only for honey but also for the health of our land. They act like tiny detectives, gathering pollen and nectar that reveal hidden chemicals in soil, water, and air. Because of this role, a beekeeper from Portland who measures dangerous PFAS levels in his own hives sees the urge

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May 06 2026EDUCATION

Florida schools test a different take on U. S. history for college credit

Florida is rolling out a new history course this fall, one that skips the traditional AP U. S. history route. Instead of using the College Board’s well-known program, the state created its own version called FACT U. S. History. The goal? To give students another way to earn college credit while avoi

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May 05 2026BUSINESS

State Farm Faces Big Penalties Over LA Wildfire Claims

California regulators say State Farm mishandled claims from the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. The department is seeking up to $4 million in fines if the company is found guilty of willful violations. State Farm denies any wrongdoing and says it has already paid $5. 7 billion in wildfire claims

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May 05 2026POLITICS

Fixing Maine's Government: Why Change Matters

Maine's government has a long-standing problem that few people discuss openly. Over the past few years, the state legislature has shifted from working together to pushing through decisions with minimal input from opposing views. This shift started when the budget process became controlled by a singl

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May 03 2026OPINION

Travel Rewards: A Hidden Power Behind Maine’s Economy

Maine is famous for its beaches, mountains and friendly towns. People from all over the country visit to see the fall colors, taste fresh seafood or simply relax on the coast. Tourism is not a side business in Maine; it is a main source of money and jobs. In 2024, the state’s visitors added nearly

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May 02 2026POLITICS

Red‑Box Campaigns: A Maine Ethics Review

Maine’s watchdog will look into a tactic called “red boxing” used by three Democratic candidates for governor. The commission received a complaint from an attorney who said a campaign posted a red‑boxed message that might lead outside groups to advertise for the candidate. The complainant also

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Apr 30 2026WEATHER

California’s Summer: What to Expect When Weather Forecasts Can’t Be Sure

California’s summer weather for June to August looks set to lean warmer than usual, but don’t expect a clear trend in rain. The National Weather Service’s latest outlook calls it “equal chances” for precipitation, meaning anything—from dry patches to sudden downpours—could happen. The forecast relie

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