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May 16 2026POLITICS

FDA Drug Program Leader Steps Down Amid Ongoing Agency Shake‑Ups

The Food and Drug Administration has announced that its chief drug official will leave her post, adding to a series of recent changes at the agency. Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg, who has overseen investigations into antidepressants, COVID‑19 vaccines and other common medicines, will be replaced by Dr. Mike D

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May 16 2026POLITICS

Gary Neville: From Soccer Star to Possible Manchester Mayor

The former Manchester United defender is famous for winning eight league titles, three FA Cups and two Champions League trophies while earning 85 caps for England. After hanging up his boots, he turned into a well‑known public voice in Manchester and beyond. He has talked about politics before

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May 16 2026BUSINESS

Nvidia’s surge lifts the market and reshapes tech investments

Tech’s heavy hitters are making waves this week. Nvidia’s stock climbed sharply after reports suggested U. S. officials might allow sales of its advanced AI chips to a handful of Chinese tech firms. That bump pushed the S&P 500 past 7, 500 for the first time ever. At the same time, Nvidia’s CEO Jens

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May 16 2026BUSINESS

A Small Business Says Goodbye After Four Decades in Altoona

A family-owned leather shop that spent 40 years in Altoona is shutting its doors for good. The store, known for hand-stitched belts, boots, and motorcycle jackets, will hold its final sale on May 25. Its closing comes after the longtime manager—a woman who ran the shop for nearly three decades—passe

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May 15 2026FINANCE

Maine’s 25‑Year Journey of Helping People Own Homes and Grow Businesses

MaineStream Finance, a nonprofit rooted in Penquis, has marked a quarter‑century of making money more reachable for Mainers. From the start in 2001, its goal has been simple: give people who don’t fit traditional bank rules a chance to buy homes, start or grow businesses, and build solid financial f

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May 15 2026FINANCE

IBM’s Growth Outpaces What Most Think

The tech giant IBM has been turning heads by improving its business faster than many investors expect. Analysts often highlight the company’s steady climb in revenue and profit, but the speed of its progress is sometimes overlooked. Recent financial reports show that IBM’s earnings grew more than

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May 15 2026BUSINESS

Pest Control in Elgin: A Reliable Family Business Grows Beyond Expectations

Over six decades ago, a small pest control company began operating in Elgin, South Carolina. Starting with just two clients in 1955, it grew under the leadership of its founders, George and Catherine Matthews. Decades later, their business expanded into a well-known service provider in the region.

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May 15 2026EDUCATION

How Hong Kong students' media habits shape their work skills

A recent study looked at how Hong Kong university students split their time between different media platforms and how this affects their workplace readiness. Researchers surveyed 363 students from six universities between October and December 2024. They tracked weekly hours spent on six media types—

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May 14 2026BUSINESS

Why Businesses Are Packing Up and Leaving Washington State

For over fifty years, Delta Camshaft kept its operations running smoothly in Washington. But now, after decades of service, the company’s future is moving elsewhere. The main reasons? Rising costs, constant crime struggles, and a shifting political scene that’s making business tougher. The owner, Jo

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May 14 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why Your Local Shop Might Need to Speak AI’s Language

Local stores and services often assume their biggest challenge is competing with big brands. But in 2026, something quieter is changing how customers find them—artificial intelligence. A recent look at how AI picks local recommendations showed some surprising truths. Most small businesses barely get

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