WESTERN CONNECTICUT

May 11 2026POLITICS

Montana Republicans face off in a crowded race for Congress

Western Montana’s Republican voters now have a tough choice to make in June. After Congressman Ryan Zinke announced a surprise retirement, a pack of candidates rushed to claim his spot in the House. The district covers 16 counties, stretching from the Idaho border to the Canadian line. What started

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May 04 2026POLITICS

A springtime vote for Connecticut's new official symbols

Connecticut might soon join the majority of U. S. states by declaring an official amphibian. The spring peeper has been advancing through the legislature, pushed forward by students who noticed the state lacked this kind of representation. Lawmakers passed the bill 136-0, showing unusual unity, but

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Apr 27 2026CRYPTO

Western Union’s New Digital Dollar Could Speed Up Global Transfers

Western Union, the 175‑year‑old money‑transfer giant, is ready to launch its own stablecoin, a digital dollar that could change how it moves money worldwide. The company said the coin, called USDPT, will be issued through Anchorage Digital and run on the Solana blockchain. The launch is expected nex

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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 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 13 2026POLITICS

How Connecticut’s Healthcare System Makes Money While Patients Pay More

Connecticut’s lawmakers are quietly pushing big changes to a federal drug discount program that feels more like a business deal than public policy. A last-minute addition to a routine bill quietly expanded the 340B program, letting hospitals buy drugs at extreme discounts—sometimes for a fraction of

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Apr 09 2026CRIME

Connecticut’s crime drop in 2025 – but not all crimes are shrinking

Connecticut closed 2025 with safer streets than the year before. Violent crime fell by almost 8%, homicides dropped from 90 to 70, and simple assaults slid 10%. Even thefts from cars nosedived by 31%. Yet behind these numbers sits a twist: drug offenses soared 13%, identity theft spiked 18%, and ars

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Mar 30 2026SPORTS

UConn marches past Notre Dame to stay undefeated and reach Final Four

Connecticut entered the game as the heavy favorite, but Notre Dame showed up ready to scrap for every possession. The Fighting Irish, ranked sixth, gave the top-seeded Huskies their toughest fight in the regional final, even if the final score doesn’t tell the full story. UConn still dominated with

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Mar 16 2026SPORTS

High‑School Stars Shine in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina high schools are buzzing after a week of exciting sports. Students and fans alike can now vote for the top female athlete who delivered an outstanding performance last week. The voting deadline is Thursday noon. The winner of last week’s spot was Lilly Lossiah from Cherokee,

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Mar 03 2026POLITICS

How Connecticut’s Taxes Stack Up: Who Pays the Most?

Connecticut’s tax scene is a puzzle. The state relies heavily on income taxes for its $27 billion budget, yet many say the richest people pay too little. A recent study from 2011 to 2020 looks at how different income groups actually share the burden. First, income taxes bring in about a third of al

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