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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

From Brewery Owner to City Hall: Why Business Skills Matter in Local Government

Running a small business and serving in government might seem like two totally different jobs, but one candidate believes the skills overlap more than people think. Though many argue that governments should operate like companies, others point out that public service has unique challenges. With fift

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Alaska's Teen Protection Laws: A Gap in Safety

Alaska has a serious issue with sexual violence, especially against young people. More than half of reported sexual assault victims in 2024 were under 18, and the state leads the nation in rape cases. Shockingly, Alaska also has a high suicide rate, which experts link to sexual assault. Studies show

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Apr 07 2026OPINION

Small Acts That Feed a Whole Community

In coastal Maine towns like Bath and Brunswick, scenic ocean views often steal the spotlight. Yet behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a quieter challenge—people going without enough food. One local food program called the Veggie Van is quietly changing that by bringing fresh groceries directly

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Apr 07 2026EDUCATION

School decisions shift after federal guidelines change for transgender students

Several U. S. school districts are now free to rewrite their rules about transgender students after the government stopped requiring them to follow certain protections. The move means schools don’t have to train staff on using the correct pronouns or let students use bathrooms matching their gender

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Apr 07 2026EDUCATION

A college board chair faces questions over truth in hiring process

A teachers' group at Mott Community College has filed a complaint saying the board chair gave conflicting statements about how the college hired its next president. The union claims the chair’s sworn testimony in December didn’t match what the board officially recorded months earlier. Official notes

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

School rules on transgender rights under fire from new federal changes

The federal government plans to drop previously agreed civil rights deals that protected transgender students in schools. These deals required schools to make sure transgender kids got fair treatment in classes and activities. Now, schools face a tough choice: follow the old agreements or stick with

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Apr 07 2026EDUCATION

Teachers Gather for Fresh Ideas in Physical Education

Area educators are getting a chance to refresh their teaching toolkit next spring. A new event in Eau Claire will bring together gym teachers, health instructors, and adaptive PE specialists for a day of workshops and talks. Instead of just listening to lectures, teachers will explore hands-on topic

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Apr 07 2026FINANCE

New student loan plans: what borrowers in Alabama need to check now

The federal government has just replaced the old SAVE plan with two fresh repayment options under the RISE program, and anyone with a federal student loan has about three months to pick one. Instead of the SAVE plan’s promise of smaller payments and no extra interest, borrowers now face a simpler ch

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Quick Sports Puzzle Fun on April 7

A new sports-themed puzzle just dropped, giving fans a quick brain break. Instead of watching highlights, players get to match words into smart categories. The game mixes easy and tricky groups, making it fun for all skill levels. Some puzzles even throw in oddball answers that surprise players. Th

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Apr 07 2026SPORTS

Diana Taurasi: From Records to Retirement and Lifting Up Women’s Sports

Diana Taurasi retired after 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, one of the greatest careers in sports history. She wasn’t just a star—she shattered records, became the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, and won three championships. But her impact goes beyond stats. Even in retirement, she continues sh

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