COMMUNITY

Jan 19 2026CRIME

Connecticut's Recent Events: Snow, Crime, and Community

Connecticut is seeing a lot of action lately. The weather is making headlines with more snow expected. Some areas might get up to seven inches. This is a big change from earlier forecasts. People are being told to be ready for slippery roads and possible power outages. In Manchester, a police offic

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Jan 19 2026EDUCATION

A Leader's Mark: Sal Frias Gym Honors a Dedicated Educator

Sal Frias never sought fame when he entered the education field over two decades ago. His motivation was simple: he believed in students and the power of public schools. Frias thought, \"One caring adult can change a life. Everything I do is about serving students and supporting those who teach them

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Jan 19 2026EDUCATION

Springfield's Blueprint for Student Success: A Look at the Future

In Springfield, the school district is taking a fresh approach to education. Sonia Dinnall, the superintendent, is not just talking about improving student outcomes; she's taking action. She wants to build on past efforts, like the "Portrait of a Graduate" project, to help students succeed from pres

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Jan 19 2026HEALTH

Finding Strength in Shared Sorrow: Navigating Grief Together

Grief can be a lonely journey, especially when the world around you is celebrating and moving forward. For many, the new year is a time of hope and new beginnings. But for those who have lost someone dear, it can feel like an insurmountable challenge. The pressure to feel joyful during the holidays

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Jan 19 2026OPINION

Local News in Crisis: How Nonprofits Are Stepping Up

Local newspapers are shutting down at an alarming rate. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a well-known newspaper, recently stopped printing due to a legal battle with its employees. This is not an isolated incident. Over the past two decades, thousands of newspapers have closed, leaving many communities

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Jan 18 2026POLITICS

Minneapolis Somali Businesses Feel the Heat

In the heart of Minneapolis, a usually bustling hub of Somali businesses now echoes with silence. Karmel Mall, home to over a hundred shops, is seeing fewer customers and more closed signs. The reason? Fear. Fear of immigration raids, fear of being targeted, and fear of the unknown. The Somali comm

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Jan 18 2026LIFESTYLE

Chasing Summits: The Unique Hobby of Highpointing Across America

Highpointing is a hobby that involves visiting the highest points in each U. S. state. It's a way to explore the country's diverse landscapes, from towering mountains to small hills. The Highpointers Club is a group dedicated to this unusual pastime. Some highpoints are challenging to reach, like W

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Jan 18 2026CRIME

Staten Island's Crime Drop: What's Behind the Numbers?

Staten Island saw a big drop in crime in 2025, but not all areas improved. The overall crime rate fell by 0. 7%, but some crimes went up. For example, grand larceny and retail theft saw small increases. However, violent crimes like murder and shootings dropped a lot. Murders went down by 63%, and sh

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Jan 18 2026BUSINESS

A Family's Journey: From Brooklyn to Staten Island, Building a Beauty Empire

Anne and Frank Bennett have been shaping lives and hairstyles on Staten Island for decades. Their story begins in Brooklyn, where they met as teens and discovered a shared passion for beauty. Frank, originally a carpenter, found his calling in hair coloring, while Anne, a natural artist, thrived in

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Jan 18 2026CRIME

A Sudden Crash Leaves a Community in Mourning

In a quiet neighborhood, a tragic accident took the lives of two respected individuals. Thomas Hengel, a well-loved high school sports coach, and his wife Lisa were involved in a devastating car crash. Their SUV suddenly sped up without any clear reason. It veered off the road, crashed into a house,

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