WEST DES MOINES CITY COUNCIL

May 11 2026POLITICS

Montana Republicans face off in a crowded race for Congress

Western Montana’s Republican voters now have a tough choice to make in June. After Congressman Ryan Zinke announced a surprise retirement, a pack of candidates rushed to claim his spot in the House. The district covers 16 counties, stretching from the Idaho border to the Canadian line. What started

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May 06 2026POLITICS

UK and US Finance Chiefs Keep Work Ties Strong After Reported Argument

Despite a disagreement in Washington last month, the UK chancellor and her US counterpart still seem to get along fine, based on recent remarks from British officials. A spokesman stressed today that their partnership remains solid, claiming they’ve had productive talks since the UK finance chief vi

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Breathing in Secondhand Smoke Outside: How Easy Is It to Avoid?

City sidewalks and parks often have special spots where people can light up. These areas are meant to keep smokers away from indoor spaces, but they might not protect everyone nearby. Studies show that secondhand smoke can travel through the air, even outside. Yet most research focuses on how much s

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May 01 2026WEATHER

Floods Hit West Seventh Again, Raising Alarm Over Old Drainage System

West Seventh Street in Fort Worth turned into a river over the weekend, reminding residents that the city’s drainage problems are still real. The videos show cars bobbing in waist‑deep water and people scrambling for higher ground—an all too familiar sight for locals who have seen this before.

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Apr 27 2026CRYPTO

Western Union’s New Digital Dollar Could Speed Up Global Transfers

Western Union, the 175‑year‑old money‑transfer giant, is ready to launch its own stablecoin, a digital dollar that could change how it moves money worldwide. The company said the coin, called USDPT, will be issued through Anchorage Digital and run on the Solana blockchain. The launch is expected nex

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

How the US and EU plan to shake up the minerals trade

Western powers are stepping up their game to reduce their heavy reliance on a single player for vital raw materials. The United States and the European Union have just signed a fresh deal to work together on securing supplies of critical minerals. These minerals are the backbone of modern industries

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Apr 18 2026SPORTS

South Shore Sports Highlights: Wins, Home Runs and Big Plays

West Bridgewater’s softball squad continued its hot streak on Friday, overpowering Old Rochester with a 16‑8 finish. The Wildcats’ lineup exploded for nine runs in each of their seven spring games, a record run that kept opponents on the back foot. Two‑run home runs from Alanna Fidalgo, Lacey Roche

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Mississippi River’s Changing Flow: What’s Endangering Wisconsin’s Waters?

Western Wisconsin’s rivers and streams are facing growing problems, and experts warn the situation could get worse. Heavy rains and melting snow don’t just fill up creeks—they carry pollution, dirt, and even salt from roads straight into the Mississippi River. That extra water isn’t always harmless.

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Mar 27 2026CRIME

Jersey City Takes Action Against Unlicensed Smoke Shops

City officials in Jersey City have taken decisive steps to curb unlicensed smoke shops that are operating without proper permits. Five businesses were shut down after a coordinated effort by the local police and federal partners, which also led to several arrests. The crackdown followed complaints f

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Mar 16 2026SPORTS

High‑School Stars Shine in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina high schools are buzzing after a week of exciting sports. Students and fans alike can now vote for the top female athlete who delivered an outstanding performance last week. The voting deadline is Thursday noon. The winner of last week’s spot was Lilly Lossiah from Cherokee,

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