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Apr 05 2026POLITICS

Budget Battle: War Money vs Home Needs

Pete Buttigieg, the former transportation chief, posted on X that President Trump’s latest budget plan focuses heavily on overseas conflicts. The proposal adds about $500 billion for foreign wars, which equals roughly $3, 700 extra per U. S. household. At the same time, it cuts funding for health ca

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Apr 05 2026BUSINESS

A Lifetime of Hands-On Craftsmanship Keeps One Plating Shop Shining

Fifty years ago, a teenager in Sterling discovered a side hustle that would outlast his school years—and his factory job. Gary Schultz started by building a plating machine in his dad’s garage to customize parts for his motorcycle project. Friends took notice and asked him to plate their parts too.

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Apr 05 2026EDUCATION

How Maryland Schools Are Changing the Game in Reading

Maryland has taken big steps to improve student literacy, but success isn’t guaranteed just by throwing money at the problem. The state set aside $10. 9 million to fund literacy coaches and expand the Science of Reading, a method backed by research. But will this be enough to move the needle? In 202

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Apr 05 2026POLITICS

What really matters in America today?

Politics and public health don’t mix well these days. A recent example? A neighbor in Ohio decided his morning meditation mattered more than an elderly woman’s life. He pulled the plug on her medical oxygen machine, claiming the hum disrupted his chakra alignment. The result? A felony charge for rec

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Apr 05 2026BUSINESS

Florida’s Business Boom: Why Companies Are Trading New York and California for the Sunshine State

In 2026, Florida is seeing a steady stream of major companies leaving states with high taxes and strict regulations behind. Why? The state offers something simple but powerful: lower costs, business-friendly rules, and a lifestyle that attracts both companies and employees. Tech and finance firms a

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Apr 04 2026SPORTS

Konnor Griffin Lights Up the Pirates’ First Home Game

The first home game for the Pittsburgh team was buzzing with excitement, but it fell silent when a 19‑year‑old shortstop stepped up to the plate. The crowd roared as his number was called, then hushed so he could focus on the pitcher. “I want to hear the ball, ” he said, enjoying the quiet before th

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Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

StarLux’s New A350‑1000: A Fresh Take on Long‑Haul Business Class

StarLux Airlines is making a bold move with its newest Airbus A350‑1000s, aiming to set a new standard for premium travel. The carrier has already received 18 of the aircraft and is using them as its flagship long‑haul model. By adding more business‑class seats—40 instead of the 26 found on its olde

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Apr 04 2026TECHNOLOGY

Massachusetts Shares 27, 000 Devices to Boost Digital Access

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Broadband Institute has rolled out nearly 27, 000 internet‑enabled gadgets through its Connected and Online Program. The effort includes a distribution of 1, 000 devices to six community groups in Agawam, Holyoke and Longmeadow. In Hampshire County, ei

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Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

New Food and Fun Spots Coming to Biddeford

Biddeford is getting a mix of new restaurants and entertainment venues. A fast‑food chain that sells chicken sandwiches will replace an old Italian restaurant on a downtown lot. The site, once home to Olive Garden, was torn down last year and is ready for a fresh building. Chick‑fil‑A has already re

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Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

Reno’s Small Shops Face a Credit Card Crunch

The growth of Northern Nevada has been driven by local inventiveness and the ability to reach customers quickly. But a new federal bill could slow that progress. The Credit Card Competition Act would change the rules for how card payments are routed. Supporters say it will cut fees, but experts war

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