KENTUCKY TENNESSEE WEST VIRGINIA

Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Tennessee’s New School Rules: Who Really Gets to Speak Freely?

Tennessee has a long record of pushing LGBTQ+ people to the sidelines. Back in 2018, a local prosecutor argued that domestic abuse laws shouldn’t apply to gay couples. Fast forward to 2023, and one city nearly made being gay illegal just by passing a local rule. That kind of history shows a pattern:

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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 25 2026CRIME

Tennessee joins Indiana in blocking Bitcoin ATMs over scam worries

Tennessee just made it illegal to own or run a Bitcoin ATM starting July 1. The law treats it like a minor crime, similar to simple drug possession. State leaders say those machines are too often used to trick people—especially older adults—out of their savings. In 2023, U. S. seniors lost $257 mill

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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 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 09 2026OPINION

Health care costs in Virginia: Who really pays the price?

Virginia's health care system is facing a quiet crisis, and most residents don't even realize the game being played with their wallets. Last year's major federal health law quietly handed corporations and wealthy shareholders huge tax breaks while leaving average families to foot the bill. The resul

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Virginia's New Governor Struggles Early Despite Big Win

Virginia just elected Abigail Spanberger governor in a landslide last November. She promised to be a moderate leader, but now, just 80 days into her term, her approval ratings are the worst for any Virginia governor in the 21st century. Only 47% of voters approve of her performance, while 46% disapp

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