MEL

May 05 2026OPINION

A child in need: Why Florida’s homeless crisis demands action

A young girl in Florida with cerebral palsy is living in a tent in a nature preserve, a situation that should shock anyone with a conscience. The harsh reality of her family’s struggle isn’t just about discomfort—it’s about survival. Most people reading about this won’t have experienced anything clo

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May 03 2026FINANCE

Tech Boom Sparks Debate Over Market Frenzy

The S&P 500 is climbing again, driven by high‑priced tech names that are setting new highs and drawing in investors chasing momentum. Recent chatter about a possible easing of tensions in Iran has pushed buyers toward AI‑focused firms like Broadcom and Intel, causing chip stocks to rise in 21 of the

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May 02 2026POLITICS

Anchorage at 50: Big Dreams, Tough Choices

Anchorage is hitting its half-century mark, and like any 50-year-old, it's at a crossroads. It's not old yet, but it's no longer young either. The city still has plenty of energy and potential, but it's also dealing with growing pains. Like a teenager, Anchorage is awkward, figuring out who it wants

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Governor Debate Sparks Fire‑Like Rifts Over Gas, Homes and Climate

The debate that took place on Tuesday night in Pomona College’s historic auditorium turned into a heated showdown over California’s biggest pain points. Candidates took turns attacking each other while promising quick fixes for gas prices, housing shortages and climate‑related disasters. The Republ

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Apr 29 2026ENTERTAINMENT

The FCC, Kimmel and a Trump Joke: A Media Drama Unfolds

The federal regulator announced a challenge to Disney’s eight TV licenses on the same day that President Trump’s team was pushing to silence a comedian. Jimmy Kimmel, who hosts the nightly talk show, chose not to comment on the government’s scrutiny of Disney. Instead he turned his monologue toward

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Apr 28 2026OPINION

Downtown St. Louis: More Safe Than You Think

St. Louis often gets labeled as a dangerous city, but the numbers don’t back that up. Last year, only one murder happened downtown—and it wasn’t even a shooting. A person got hit by a car instead. Most people guess way higher numbers, but crime has actually dropped a lot in recent years. Homicides a

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Downtown Asheville struggles with growing issues after years of planning failures

Asheville used to be known for its cozy mountain vibe, craft breweries, and scenic views. But now, many locals avoid the downtown area because of problems like public drinking, aggressive panhandling, and makeshift camps. Some residents say the city feels unsafe, especially after Hurricane Helene in

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Apr 24 2026SPORTS

Mel Kiper Jr. and the Power of Football Knowledge

Mel Kiper Jr. never played pro football, but his deep understanding of the game made him famous. For over 40 years, he analyzed NFL prospects on TV, earning trust as a draft expert. Unlike most analysts, he studied players instead of competing himself. His career shows how knowledge can shape a succ

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Apr 20 2026HEALTH

Breaking the Silence: How One Teen is Making Period Products More Accessible

Miri Ahuja, a 14-year-old from San Jose, wasn’t just worried about homework or weekend plans like most kids her age. Instead, she took on a challenge many adults shy away from: ensuring people in her community could easily access period products. Through her project, Period Positive Drive, she organ

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Apr 19 2026TECHNOLOGY

Alcoa’s Idle Smelter Finds New Life as Bitcoin Mining Hub

Alcoa, a major player in the aluminum industry, is close to selling its long‑abandoned Massena East smelter in upstate New York. The plant, which stopped operating in 2014 because of high energy bills and tough global competition, sits along the St. Lawrence River and is ready for a new purpose.

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