VIC

May 31 2026POLITICS

Senator Barrasso gets big award for long work in public service

John Barrasso stands out in Washington because his career started far from politics. Before becoming a senator, he spent years helping patients as an orthopedic surgeon and even worked as a rodeo doctor. These experiences shaped how he approaches problems later in government. He was born into a work

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May 31 2026POLITICS

How to Make Your Voice Count Beyond Voting

Democracy isn’t just about casting a ballot once a year. It’s about showing up, staying informed, and making sure leaders know what matters to regular people. Many citizens don’t realize they can do more than vote—they can meet local officials in person, ask questions, and push for policies that pro

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May 30 2026POLITICS

Heat‑Safe Rule Starts June 1

Missouri will enforce a new rule that stops power and gas companies from cutting off service when it’s too hot. The change takes effect on June 1 and runs until September 30. The rule protects people who rely on electricity or gas for air conditioning. If the National Weather Service says that temp

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May 30 2026CRIME

Why Inmates Might Not Get Their Share of a $1. 4M Settlement

A legal fight has started over who should get money from a $1. 4 million settlement meant for inmates who worked at a Maryland recycling center. The issue isn’t just about the money—it’s about who gets paid first. Victims of crimes, who are legally owed restitution, might miss out because the deal d

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May 30 2026LIFESTYLE

Wellness retreats in India: what really makes visitors happy?

Rishikesh is famous for yoga. People come from all over the world to relax and recharge. Some are from India. Others travel from far away. They all want the same thing—peace of mind and a healthier body. But do they all enjoy their stay in the same way? A recent study looked at what makes guests ha

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May 30 2026OPINION

New York’s Push for Parole Reforms Could Bring Back Dangerous Criminals

Back in the early ‘90s, New York faced a serious crime wave—homicides were happening seven times a day, and prisons were packed with over 70, 000 people. Fast forward to today, and those numbers have dropped dramatically thanks to smarter policing and better crime prevention strategies. Yet, instead

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May 28 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Family‑Run Petting Zoo Brings Smiles to the County

A small idea at a pumpkin patch turned into a traveling petting zoo that now visits schools, parties and community events across East Contra Costa County and beyond. Robert and Katy Kerling started the venture after a neighbor asked them to run a petting zoo at a local pumpkin patch in 2023. Their o

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May 28 2026ENTERTAINMENT

How giving back brings people together more than politics ever could

At a high-end Michigan gathering, one speaker argued that unifying Americans might be simpler than politicians think. Instead of debates or policies, the answer could lie in the same values many hold dear: helping those who protect the country. Gary Sinise, best known for a famous war movie role, sh

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May 28 2026TECHNOLOGY

Arkansas makes digital IDs available in Apple Wallet

Arkansas has joined a growing number of states allowing residents to store their driver’s license or state ID digitally in Apple Wallet. The move follows the state’s earlier launch of a mobile ID app in 2025, initially meant for downloading IDs to phones. Now, those digital copies can be used alongs

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May 26 2026FINANCE

NTT Seeks Growth in Finance and Data Services

NTT is expanding its reach by offering a mix of products for both professional and personal investors. These items come through licenses or subscriptions, while the firm earns fees based on assets managed. They also sell conference tickets and advertising slots online. The company’s use of customer

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