GOVERNANCE

Apr 28 2026FINANCE

Who’s Watching the Watchmen? Willis Lease Payouts Under Fire

Willis Lease Finance Corporation has been handing out some seriously big checks to its top boss, Charles F. Willis IV. Since 2022, his annual pay has jumped from $6. 2 million to $14. 2 million, with more than half of it paid in company stock. That’s a lot of paper wealth—especially when the company

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Apr 28 2026POLITICS

Why US AI policy needs to rethink its approach to global cooperation

A Vermont senator is catching flak for inviting Chinese AI officials to a Washington discussion, raising questions about America's tech strategy. Bernie Sanders will share a panel with two prominent figures from China's AI governance scene—both tied to government-backed committees. Critics argue thi

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Apr 27 2026BUSINESS

Share Buyback Signals New Growth Phase for Racing Game Company

A racing game developer has just repurchased nearly a million shares of its own stock, buying 904, 395 Class A shares from Driven Lifestyle Group LLC at $4. 11 each. The price was based on the average of the last five days’ closing prices, a figure that the company feels reflects its recent shift to

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Could Maine handle a political outsider turning things around?

Maine isn't just dealing with high costs and weak schools – it's facing deeper issues. Over 8 years, the state budget ballooned by almost double, hitting $14. 5 billion in 2024. But while money grew, reading scores for students dropped shockingly low, with only about a quarter reading at their grade

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Apr 25 2026OPINION

Living Costs Push Californians Westward

California has become expensive. Many people move away because homes, groceries, gas and taxes cost more than the national average. A recent study shows that those who leave tend to end up richer and own homes sooner than those who stay. The research from the California Policy Lab points out that

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

What really happened when Cincinnati let go of its police chief

Cincinnati made headlines recently by removing its police chief after 35 years of service, but the way it happened raises tough questions. Instead of following normal procedures, the city spent months on an investigation that produced zero evidence, then paid another firm $50, 000 to essentially reh

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

Why one neighbor wants to fix local issues in St. Joseph County

Ten years ago, Ranjan Rohatgi and his wife picked St. Joseph County for its quiet neighborhoods and good schools. They built a life there—careers, friendships, and two daughters who now play at nearby libraries and parks. Yet Rohatgi never planned to run for office until he joined a state redistrict

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Apr 24 2026FINANCE

Santa Rosa's Budget Struggle: Why Cutting Services May Not Be the Only Answer

Santa Rosa's financial problems didn't appear overnight. Over the past three years, the city has watched its sales tax income shrink steadily, a trend that mirrors broader changes in how people shop. More purchases happen online now, and spending has shifted from goods to services, leaving local sto

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Apr 24 2026CRYPTO

Why a big Ethereum freeze is making people doubt crypto’s core promise

When a big hack happened on Arbitrum this week, the team in charge didn’t stay quiet. They locked up more than $71 million worth of stolen Ethereum right away. That sounds smart—stopping thieves isn’t usually controversial. But what they did next reveals a quiet truth about modern crypto: even syste

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Apr 23 2026POLITICS

New face joins watchdog panel amid political storm

The state’s top lawyer just filled a key gap in Washington’s campaign finance team. Matt Segal, a former judge and lawyer, now sits on the Public Disclosure Commission. His appointment came after months of criticism over empty seats on the panel. Critics say delays hurt the group’s ability to do its

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