CALIFORNIA COLORADO ILLINOIS MINNESOTA

Jun 04 2026ENVIRONMENT

California’s New Pesticide Rule Backfires: More 1, 3-D Used Even After Safety Limits

California officials claimed a January 2024 rule would lower cancer risk from the chemical 1, 3‑dichloropropane (1, 3‑D) by cutting the amount that reaches the air. Instead, data show growers applied a million more pounds last year than before the rule or in 2024. Kern and San Joaquin counties saw t

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May 30 2026BUSINESS

Small fixes, big headaches: How California's ADA rules hurt small businesses

California's reputation for strict accessibility laws actually creates a messy situation for small businesses. While the state leads the nation in ADA-related lawsuits, most violations are minor—like a slightly off-center handicap parking sign or a bathroom mirror positioned an inch too high. These

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May 30 2026BUSINESS

How Latino workers shape Colorado’s past and present

Colorado’s economy wouldn’t be where it is today without Latino labor. From the sugar beet fields to ski resorts, Latino workers have been the backbone of the state for generations. But their contributions often go unnoticed, despite the fact that they helped build industries from mining to tourism.

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May 29 2026POLITICS

Colorado Schools Get a Boost, But Some Districts Lose Out

Colorado lawmakers pushed through a new education funding bill that raises the state’s total money for K‑12 schools by about $180 million. The plan adds $449 to each student’s budget, bringing the average to roughly $12, 325 for the 2026‑27 school year. Most districts will keep or grow their funding

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May 28 2026POLITICS

Beard Battle: California’s Governor Race Gets Facial‑Haired

California voters are seeing a new twist in their upcoming governor race—an unexpected showdown over facial hair. Two Republican contenders, Sheriff Chad Bianco and former commentator Steve Hilton, are not only debating policy but also competing for the most impressive mustache or beard. Bianco,

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May 27 2026WEATHER

Summer heat and sudden storms hit Minnesota

Minnesota is in for a typical summer day with high heat and possible late-day storms. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s across the state by afternoon. The Twin Cities metro might see clouds linger until lunchtime, but sunshine should return later. Early morning storms in southe

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May 27 2026POLITICS

Money, power, and California’s governor race

California’s race for governor just got stranger as a billionaire spends millions trying to win. Tom Steyer has poured $200 million of his own money into the campaign, mostly on ads and paying influencers across California. Even his own supporters call it “disgusting, ” but they hope all this spendi

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May 26 2026LIFESTYLE

When do bars really close? It depends on where you are

Colorado has a funny way of letting some towns stretch the rules on alcohol sales—especially when it comes to late-night partying. Glendale, a tiny city sandwiched between Denver and Aurora, lets bars serve drinks until 4 a. m. , while Denver itself is stuck at 2 a. m. under state law. The secret? A

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May 25 2026BUSINESS

Why Jobs Matter More Than You Think for California Home Prices

California’s housing market moves in strange ways. One big reason? Jobs. When work is easy to find, home prices usually climb. But when jobs dry up, so do price gains—sometimes they even drop. Looking back to 1990, the best years for job growth in California saw home prices jump nearly 8% a year. D

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May 23 2026POLITICS

Gas prices jump across California—what it means for your wallet and beyond

California drivers are now paying over six dollars a gallon for gas, a sharp jump that didn’t happen overnight. Back in late winter, regular gasoline cost less than half that amount. War tensions in the Persian Gulf have cut oil shipments, squeezing the global supply like never before. Prices aren’

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