ARIZONA CALIFORNIA FLORIDA MAINE

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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May 20 2026POLITICS

Why Maine’s Spending Habits Aren’t Fixing Its Cost Problems

Maine keeps raising taxes and throwing cash at problems, but the state still struggles with high costs. Over the last few years, spending jumped from $7. 2 billion to over $12 billion. That’s a massive jump, but most people aren’t feeling the benefits. Instead of cutting waste or helping regular fam

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May 19 2026EDUCATION

Who should lead California’s schools? Ten candidates want the job

California has to keep over 5. 7 million students in safe classrooms and good programs. Some kids speak English at home, some don’t. Some have disabilities, some are top performers. All of them need a state leader who can help districts meet those needs. The current superintendent can’t run again, s

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May 18 2026HEALTH

Getting Care Fast: Why Maine Needs a New Primary Health Plan

Maine’s people often wait too long to see a doctor. When small problems slip past, they can grow into bigger emergencies that push hospitals and urgent‑care centers to the front line. This chain reaction costs money, hurts health, and makes it harder for families to get the help they need on time.

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May 17 2026SPORTS

ASU Teams Set for Big 12 Playoff Push

Arizona State’s athletes are stepping onto the postseason stage this week, with a mix of golf and baseball events that could bring national recognition. The Sun Devils’ men’s and women’s golf squads have already secured spots in the NCAA tournaments, while the baseball team is aiming to break into t

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May 17 2026OPINION

Lee County’s Dangerous Roads Need a Better Solution Than Painted Lanes

Florida roads are notorious for being risky for people walking or biking. Lee County, with its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, is no exception. Every year, families in the area face preventable tragedies when pedestrians and cyclists are hit by cars. Advocates say painted bike lanes on fast roa

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May 16 2026OPINION

Protecting Florida’s Wildlife: A Daily Commitment

Florida’s natural world is a mix of rivers, beaches and forests that many people love. Those habitats are home to animals like manatees, sea turtles and panthers that have lived here for centuries. When these creatures are safe, the places they live stay healthy and people can enjoy them in their fr

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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 2026POLITICS

California's Money Surplus: How Tech is Filling State Coffers

California's latest budget update shows the state sitting on $16. 5 billion more than expected, thanks largely to the tech industry's AI gold rush. This extra cash means no immediate budget shortfalls, allowing the governor to keep funding favorite programs without cutting corners. While this might

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May 15 2026POLITICS

Who should run Arizona’s schools? The fight over vouchers, spending, and who can manage public money

Arizona’s superintendent race is heating up between two Republicans locked in a public battle over school money. At the center is a voucher program meant to help families pay for private education. An audit last spring found the program’s overseer couldn’t track over half a billion dollars spent in

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