POLICY

May 13 2026POLITICS

Trump’s China Trip: Balancing Trade, Security, and Politics

President Trump’s upcoming visit to China is shaping up to be more than just a routine diplomatic stop. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan recently emphasized that Trump’s focus will be squarely on decisions that benefit the U. S. , from trade policies to national security concerns. Jordan, a strong T

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026OPINION

New York needs to step up for veterans' mental health care

Veterans in New York face a growing mental health crisis, with suicide rates far higher than the general population. Last year saw the highest veteran suicide rate in over two decades - nearly 25 per 100, 000 people compared to just 19. 8 the year before. That's more than double the rate for non-vet

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026EDUCATION

How Philadelphia can make fairer school decisions

Philadelphia is dealing with big choices about schools—some might close while others may need renewal. These aren’t just numbers on a page; buildings left empty and fewer students mean tough times for neighborhoods. But when schools shut down or charters lose approval, whole families feel it. Parent

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026OPINION

Gas taxes in the spotlight as prices climb and budgets shrink

Governments worldwide are cutting fuel taxes to ease pain at the pump, but critics warn these quick fixes could backfire. Temporary breaks in gas taxes, seen in some U. S. states and European nations, might sound like good news for drivers but they shrink funds for roads and bridges. That money gap

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026HEALTH

FDA food policies in doubt after top official steps down

Top food safety leader at the U. S. medical watchdog has just quit. That means long-planned rules about junk food, school meals, and toxic chemicals may never happen. For years, the food industry knew this person as the one pushing for stricter rules on snacks, drinks, and baby food. Officials had

reading time less than a minute
May 13 2026POLITICS

Why Iran’s Nuclear Stance Matters More Than Gas Prices Right Now

President Trump recently made clear that Iran getting a nuclear weapon tops his list of concerns—even if it means Americans spend more at the pump. When asked if tougher rules on Iran could hurt wallets amid rising costs, he flat-out said, “Not even a little bit. ” His focus stays locked on preventi

reading time less than a minute
May 12 2026POLITICS

New Local Pay Rule Passes Despite State Objections

The city recently approved a new rule about how much workers must earn in small businesses. Government leaders voted yes even though state officials warned them it could cause legal trouble. Normally, when higher-level leaders say no, cities listen. This time, they didn’t. Not everyone agrees with

reading time less than a minute
May 12 2026EDUCATION

Why Anchorage families are losing faith in their schools

Anchorage families are raising big questions about their local schools. They’re not asking for miracles—just basic things like clear communication, fair policies, and programs that actually work for their kids. But lately, many parents feel left in the dark when the school district makes sudden chan

reading time less than a minute
May 12 2026POLITICS

Science Advice in Danger: Why Losing the National Science Board Matters

Over two thousand researchers signed a letter last week warning that getting rid of the National Science Board weakens America’s position against countries like China. The board, created in 1950, used to guide how taxpayer money supports science and engineering research. Its twenty-plus members, app

reading time less than a minute
May 11 2026HEALTH

Celebrating Moms: What We Do and What We Miss

The U. S. plans to honor mothers on a single day, yet the rest of the year can feel less supportive. A survey shows that 88 % of Americans intend to mark Mother’s Day, with many buying gifts or planning parties. Roughly half will give flowers, and a third will send cards. The average gift costs abou

reading time less than a minute