COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Jun 06 2026POLITICS

New homes coming to Vermont for those in need

Vermont is taking big steps to tackle its growing housing crisis by investing $28 million to build 241 affordable apartments across seven towns. This push comes as the state faces rising construction costs and a sharp increase in homelessness since 2020—both nearly doubling in that time. With demand

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May 27 2026OPINION

A closer look at how past choices shape today's struggles and what can be done

Years of decisions—some made long ago—still influence daily life in many neighborhoods. Families face tough challenges like finding stable homes, getting fair schooling, and earning enough to get by. These aren’t just random problems. A recent study digs into how policies from decades ago created th

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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 11 2026BUSINESS

Making Bangor Better: How a New YMCA Hub Could Change the Region

Downtown Bangor is getting a big upgrade with a $57. 8 million project to build a fresh YMCA center. Older buildings can’t always keep up with modern needs, so replacing the current 45, 000-square-foot space with a newer 82, 000-square-foot building makes sense. This isn’t just about bigger rooms—it

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Apr 30 2026SPORTS

Reno’s soccer team faces a year-long wait for its new home

Reno’s upcoming professional soccer team won’t step onto the field until 2028, pushing back its first season by a full year. The delay comes as the stadium and surrounding entertainment district slowly take shape in South Reno. Work begins this fall after permits are approved, but the original 2027

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Apr 22 2026SPORTS

New Play Field Lights Up Hazelwood Community

Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green area just got a fresh sports venue that will keep kids active for years. A big ribbon‑cutting ceremony brought together NFL boss Roger Goodell, Steelers president Art Rooney II, coach Mike McCarthy and future draft picks. They played on the field with local youth and Spe

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Mar 26 2026OPINION

New Library? Time to Decide

El Cerrito’s old library, built 76 years ago, can’t keep up with modern needs. The city has tried before: a $30‑million bond in 2016 fell short of the two‑thirds vote required. Now Measure C sits on the ballot and only needs a simple majority to pass because of a petition‑driven process. The new bu

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Feb 14 2026EDUCATION

From Hardship to Hope: A Dallas Story of Community and Opportunity

In a neighborhood where survival often takes precedence over dreams, Kamila Vargas-Gonzalez defied the odds. She grew up in Bachman Lake, a community where families like hers struggled to make ends meet. Her mother worked multiple jobs, yet they still moved frequently, chasing affordable rent. The f

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Jan 23 2026BUSINESS

A Fresh Start for Park Heights: Big Plans and Bigger Dreams

In Baltimore's Park Heights, a big change is coming. A group of organizations has joined forces to build something new. They have secured $44 million to create a mixed-use community. This project will bring affordable housing and spaces for businesses. The focus is on Belvedere Avenue, near the Piml

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Jan 18 2026BUSINESS

Medina's Zoning Debate: Finding a Balance for Development

In Medina, Ohio, a discussion is underway about a proposed development at the corner of West Liberty Street and Yorktown Drive. The key question is whether to change the zoning of the land to allow for a wider variety of uses, or to find an alternative solution. The two parcels in question are curr

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