SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " statewide " 650 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Texas Democrats Swept Statewide Races. Now Comes the Hard Part of Solving Healthcare Angst.
The blue wave in the state on Nov. 3 now runs headlong into the reality of Texas politics and a compressed legislative calendar.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. visits Bismarck, discusses transformation for rural health care in North Dakota
(KFYR) - US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with statewide leaders to hear direc...
Penn Entertainment, Wynn see Texas casino opening after midterm upsets
Legalizing casinos in Texas requires a constitutional amendment and a statewide vote after Dan Patrick lost his lieutenant governor seat
After the blue wave, here’s what Georgia business leaders are watching
Voters made their economic frustration clear as Democrats swept statewide offices and reclaimed the state House.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. visits Bismarck, discusses transformation for rural health care in North Dakota
Statewide leaders gathered with the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary to discuss health care in North Dakota.
Former Gamecock QB Connor Shaw talks recovery, heart health advocacy
Former South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw recently sat down with WIS to reflect on his recovery and discuss his statewide advocacy work, just over a year after surviving sudden cardiac arrest.
Texas Republicans trade blame after Democrats sweep statewide races, end decades of GOP rule
Texas Republicans blamed each other, Trump and a failure to improve the lives of Texans after decades of one-party control of all statewide offices.
New York health officials warn flu season started early as cases surge statewide
New York state health officials are warning residents to brace for an unusually early and intense flu season.
Ted Cruz says 'blue tsunami' took over Texas after Democrats swept statewide races
Sen. Ted Cruz called the 2026 midterms a "blue tsunami" after James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton and Gina Hinojosa unseated Greg Abbott in Texas.
Philadelphia bike rally targeting Jewish businesses condemned; police prioritize safety
A planned bike rally targeting Jewish and Israeli-owned businesses in Philadelphia has drawn statewide condemnation, with police prioritizing safety.
Ohio State political historian says Ohio's blue wave signals historic shift
Ohio saw major political surprises on election night, with Democrats flipping several Republican-held seats and winning key statewide races.The results could be
'A mandate for change': Democrats remake Texas politics in election rout
Nov 4 (Reuters) - Texas Democrats, shut out of every statewide office for more than three decades, have toppled Republicans from the top of the ballot to the bottom, remaking the political landscape of the nation's largest conservative state in a single earth-shattering night.
'A mandate for change': Democrats remake Texas politics in election rout
Nov 4 (Reuters) - Texas Democrats, shut out of every statewide office for more than three decades, have toppled Republicans from the top of the ballot to the bottom, remaking the political landscape of the nation's largest conservative state in a single earth-shattering night.
Lancaster County surpasses 500 measles cases; statewide deaths rise to 6
As the current measles outbreak drags on into its eighth month, more than 500 Lancaster County residents have now been sickened with measles this year, and another individual who tested
NH office construction pipeline runs thin
The amount of available office space in New Hampshire is shrinking and becoming more expensive to lease due to a lack of new construction and higher demand that is still trying to find its footing post-COVID. The office vacancy rate statewide fell to 10.3% in the third quarter, down 3.1% from a year ago, and average asking rent rose to $22.28, up 1.7% from a year ago, according to a Colliers study.
LeTourneau political science professor analyzes historic Texas election shift
Shift in Latino and suburban voters drives Democratic victories statewide, he said.
LeTourneau political science professor analyzes historic Texas election shift
Shift in Latino and suburban voters drives Democratic victories statewide, he said.
‘A mandate for change’: Democrats remake Texas politics in election rout
By Brad Brooks Nov 4 (Reuters) - Texas Democrats, shut out of every statewide office for more than three decades, have toppled Republicans from the top of the ballot to the bottom, remaking the political landscape of the nation’s largest conservative s...
'A Mandate for Change': Democrats Remake Texas Politics in Election Rout
By Brad Brooks Nov 4 (Reuters) - Texas Democrats, shut out of every statewide office for more than three decades, have toppled Republicans from the top of the ballot to the bottom, remaking the political landscape of the nation’s largest conservative state in a single earth-shattering night.
Historic election reshapes Georgia's political future: Here's what happened
Georgia voters made history Tuesday, electing Keisha Lance Bottoms as the state's first female governor, returning Sen. Jon Ossoff to Washington and flipping several statewide offices to Democrats.
Democrats seize power in Texas, ending decades of GOP dominance
Texas’ governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and every other statewide candidate fell, upending the state’s political power structure in one night.
Washington initiative to ban trans students from girls’ sports ahead in early returns
A statewide ban on transgender students competing in girls’ school sports was leading on election night, according to early tallies.
WATCH: Democrat James Talarico speaks after winning Texas Senate seat
Talarico's victory represents the first time a Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, a shakeup for a state long dominated by Republicans.
A ‘bloodbath.’ Georgia Democrats sweep statewide offices in historic political upheaval
A Democratic wave ended decades of GOP dominance in Georgia and threatened the GOP's grip on the state Legislature.
Democrat Xavier Becerra wins California governor's race, defeating Republican Steve Hilton
The odds were in Becerra's favor as a Democrat running in a state that hasn't elected a Republican statewide in 20 years.
Election results: Indiana secretary of state race tests GOP dominance
This competitive and expensive four-way race has been Democrats' best shot at winning a statewide seat in over a decade. Republicans aren't taking it for granted.
Measles reaches new Wisconsin county as statewide case total hits 431
Thirteen Wisconsin counties have seen measles so far this year. The latest is Buffalo County, in the western part of the state.
California's Proposition 4 would allow statewide public financing of political campaigns
California voters are set to decide on Proposition 4, which would let local governments establish public financing for candidates for political office. If passed, the initiative would fund portions of campaigns of candidates for state and local office with taxpayer dollars.
Blakeman makes final campaign push across New York
Bruce Blakeman wrapped up his statewide campaign tour.
6K views · 84 reactions | The last time a Democrat won a statewide...
The last time a Democrat won a statewide election in Texas, it was the 1990s. Our national political correspondent Shane Goldmacher explains why Democrats think this year could be different.
OHCA opens applications for rural healthcare data assistance
Oklahoma is offering rural healthcare providers funding to connect to its statewide health information exchange or upgrade electronic records.
Data center backlash playing out in Arkansas’ local races, not statewide or federal campaigns
All politics is local, as the adage goes. In Arkansas, this year’s midterm campaigns are revealing that data center politics is primarily local too.
New York’s methadone programs jump 44% as state pushes to reduce overdoses
There were 140 methadone programs statewide as of this year, up from 97 programs in 2021, state data shows.
“Historic” November election finds Republicans trailing in early vote
More than seven million Texans have already voted. Democratic primary voters have the advantage over Republicans according to early vote data. Lone Star Politics speaks with Ross Hunt from Hunt Research about the all-important election day turnout which will decide all statewide races.
Where Belmont Sends Political Donations
Belmont residents gave $414,880 to statewide and federal races in 2024, with major support for Sen. William Brownsberger and Gov. Maura Healey.
Experts weigh in on final fights and voter turn out ahead of election day
Voters will make several major decisions this election, ranging from the balance of power in Congress, statewide offices and several ballot propositions. Democratic Strategist Steve Maviglio and Republican Strategist Tim Rosales weighed in on the future of the political parties, the final fights ahead of Election Day, and voter turnout so far.
California Politics 360 full episode | Final push ahead of the election
Voters will decide a number of key races, including who will be California’s next governor, representation in Congress and 14 statewide propositions.
Minnesotans urged to join citizen science effort to track and collect ticks
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Researchers in Minnesota are calling on outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, livestock owners and pet owners across the state to aid in a statewide citizen science effort to map and
New statewide political director at business trade group; bank exec retiring after 45 years
Take a look at some of the recent promotions and new hires announced at south Louisiana businesses.
High early voting turnout sets stage for competitive Texas midterm races
High early voting turnout in Texas is building toward a consequential Election Day as candidates make their final pitches statewide.
Florida education chief defends science plan
Education Commissioner Henry Mack pushed back Tuesday against criticism that Florida is de-emphasizing evolution in its new plan for teaching science, insisting the state is still covering a subject he agreed was a bedrock of biological science.“Evolutionary biology and the theory of evolution is in the standards,” Mack said. But several parents and teachers who attended an evening forum on the state’s proposed science standards criticized the proposal by the Florida Department of Education, which Mack runs, specifically the handling of evolutionary science.Joshua Garrett, a teacher in Orange County Public Schools, said the state’s proposed standards “danced around” evolution.State standards are benchmarks for what students should learn in their classes kindergarten through 12th grade, guiding what lessons are taught, what subjects are in state-approved textbooks and what concepts are tested on state exams.Florida’s current science standards call evolution a “big idea” and “the fundamental concept underlying all of biology.”The proposed ones barely mention evolution — a scientific theory explaining change in living species over time from natural selection that has been a cornerstone of biology for more than a century. The term “evolution,” in fact, is never defined in the new high school life sciences standards, though the concepts are sprinkled across several units.The education department has made revisions to its proposal, officials said, but it was not immediately clear at the Tuesday forum, held at Lake Buena Vista High School in southwest Orange County, what those changes were.Mack interjected during Garrett’s comments asking him where specifically he wanted the state to mention evolution more prominently. Then he said, “Consider it done.”Mack also asked Garrett to join the state’s faculty committee on the standards.The state released the new standards in September, and several experts quickly criticized them, saying they lacked depth and skirted around both evolution and climate change, important topics for Florida students to learn.The state has since hosted a “listening tour,” including a virtual forum and two other in-person meetings in Walton and Hillsborough counties. Tuesday’s meeting drew a small crowd of about 30 people, six of whom spoke.Mack described the state’s public forums as a chance for “myth busting” and to make clear Florida’s position.He wants to students to learn “above ideology,” he said, and added that evolution isn’t settled science. TNCMS.AdManager.render({region: 'fixed-big-ad-middle-asset', slot: 1, fold: "span"}); “I want to cultivate skeptics in the healthy sense of that term. As a result of these standards, students should not be walking away convinced of anything other than the rigor of the scientific method,” Mack said.The new standards would replace the current set, adopted after a monthslong, statewide fight over the inclusion of evolution as a required subject of study. Those who opposed the 2008 standards argued creationism, or the biblical story that God created all living things, should be taught alongside evolution.Thomas Simon, a Winter Park parent, compared Florida adopting the new standards to Nazi Germany ignoring the findings of Jewish scientists — which in part lost them World War II.“If this board could explicitly name communism in the history standards last year — because words matter — you must explicitly name the foundations of modern medicine, agriculture, and energy,” Simon said.Florida last year adopted new standards that require students learn about the “dangers and evil of communism.”Teri O’Connor, an elementary science teacher in Orange County, urged Mack to curtail the total number of standards, as they list more than 1,000 benchmarks teachers are to cover during their classes.“It’s only 180 days of school. That right there is an issue, especially if you want to dive in. If we need to teach the rigor of it and to critically think about each one, that’s difficult,” she said.Kathleen Murray, who spoke on behalf of the conservative political group Citizens Defending Freedom, said she was in “strong support” of the proposed standards. Science should teach children how to think, not what to think, she said.“When teaching the origins of life and the universe, the curriculum owes it to the Florida students to be honest about the limits of what scientific models can actually prove,” Murray said.State education officials said they’d received about 1,800 comments on the benchmarks, and they have updated them based on that criticism.With Tuesday the state’s final scheduled public forum, Mack said his biggest takeaway was that the standards needed to be more explicit about teaching students how to evaluate scientific studies and evidence and how to understand the scientific method.“We might have to do a better job of helping students question more as a result of these standards,” he said.In his original statement when the standards were announced in September, Mack wrote in a social media post that “science begins in wonder, not in ideology,” and “the classical tradition taught that nature is intelligible because it is ordered — that the book of creation can be read by reason.”Some read that to mean he was trying to interject religion into public school education. TNCMS.AdManager.render({region: 'fixed-big-ad-bottom-asset', slot: 1, fold: "below"});
Texas high school football: Friday's scores from Week 10
Friday's Houston-area and statewide scores from Week 10 of the Texas high school football season.
America's Housing Crisis Is on the Ballot This Election Day
With the cost of housing a top concern among Americans ahead of next Tuesday’s midterm elections, voters in four states will decide how their governments should address the problem. There are six statewide housing policy measures on the ballots – the largest number of housing ballot measures in a ...
Naples company wins ‘Coolest Thing Made in Florida’ award
The Florida Chamber of Commerce named an Arthrex product the winner of its statewide manufacturing competition.
Science Begins With Wonder and Sometimes With a Salamander.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Don & Beth Straus Center at Birch Bay Village. BAR HARBOR—The children had come to see the axolotls, those odd little salamanders with pink frills around their heads and the remarkable ability to grow back what they lose. But also there were stickers. There were crafts. There was the kind of excitement that makes a roomful of kindergarteners forget, for a little while, that sitting still is ever a requirement. And then there were the animals themselves, alive in their clear cases at the MDI Biological Laboratory, where 12 children from Pemetic Elementary School got to meet the creatures they had been learning about in class. “Do you love them?” their teacher, Carol Null, asked. The answer came back in a chorus. “I do!” “I do!” “I do too,” Null said, smiling. “I love them even more now.” That was the thing about a day at the lab. Science was no longer a picture in a book, or a word on a classroom wall. It had a face, a tail, and a set of extraordinary powers. And for a child, sometimes that is where wonder begins. Sometimes learning about science is about stickers. Sometimes it’s about bright pink feathers and getting super excited about that glow in the dark. Sometimes learning about science is joy—pure and simple joy. That’s how it was October 28 at the MDI Bio Lab as Miss Hannah (known in the lab as Dr. Hannah Lust, director of STEM, undergraduate and graduate Training), other scientists, graduate students, and MDI Bio Lab staff, hosted 12 students from Carol Null’s Pemetic Elementary School’s kindergarten class. The 2.5-hour program created by Dr. Lust focused on axolotls, a species of mole salamanders, a superhero in the animal world: a superhero with some scientific-study worthy superpowers. One of those superpowers come from the axolotls’ ability to regenerate body parts, including entire limbs. But also, they’re cute. This fall, before coming to the internationally renowned lab nestled in Salsbury Cove, Null has been integrating axolotls into her class. They’ve been part of the kids’ vocabulary and their storytelling. They’ve been part of science. They’ve been part of the children’s learning about facts vs opinions. The Pemetic Elementary kindergarten students learn about invasive species and the impact on the ecology and one student related it to their dad, who lobsters, and his worries about green craps, an invasive species in Maine. “Are they bigger or smaller than you thought they’d be?” the children are asked after the scientists show them multiple see-through cases of axolotls, lined up on a table that they’re told not to jiggle. “Bigger!” “I think they’re bigger.” “Smaller!” The bio lab opening its doors to the collaborations and to students and families is a norm, but this is the first program of this kind. It’s meant to encourage kindergarten students about axolotls. But when the students come to the bio lab something else happens too—something beyond Null’s child-focused teaching—the students see science—and the regenerating creatures in real life. They do crafts. They speak with them. They meet people who know all about them: scientists and educators who talk to the kids like they’re equals. That’s a superhero power, too. Null speaks about meeting the kids where they’re at in her classroom, letting their interest and hearts lead her in their learning. That requires recognition of interests, of individuality, of empathy. Some would argue that’s a super power, too, but it’s also in those 12 students as they listen to the storybook, encounter those live axolotls, and hear about how axolotls might help advance society’s understanding of human health. As Eddie Seckeler (comparative animal models, CORE facility manager), carefully puts the axolotls on a cart and rolls them away, some of the children stop what they’re doing to watch. “Bye axolotls.” “Bye!” “Bye!” The axolotls are not just images in a book, Hello, I’m an axolotl by Hayley and John Rocco; they are real and cool. MDI Biological Laboratory scientists Dr. Prayag Murawala and Dr. James Godwin who both feature in the Roccos’ book. The kindergarteners get to meet them in real life, off the page, in the world, doing science. They learn from them, laugh with them. “The visit is about more than meeting an unusual animal. By introducing children to scientists working in their own community, the experience helps make science tangible and accessible. Students can see that science is not just something they read about in books or learn about at school. It is something real people do every day by asking questions, making observations and working to understand how the world works,” explains MDI Biological Laboratory Director of Communications Rebecca Woods. While the students make axolotl-related crafts around tables, graduate students and staff help out. Ryan holds up his construction paper setting and axolotl to show Omar Maged, a graduate student. “Do you like it?” Ryan asks, eyes wide, turning from his axolotl to look up at Omar. Omar studies the construction paper for a moment, smiles and says definitively, each word important. “It is beautiful.” Null says that she’s so thankful for all the “amazing” community partners that her school and her students get to interact with as they learn and grow and live, but emphasized how the MDI Bio Lab goes out of its way to create something meaningful, something that allows her young students to build their own agency, to know that they can be impactful in their community, to show them how how things they learn about in text is connected to themselves and their community. Woods explains, “Axolotls have an extraordinary ability to regenerate, or regrow, certain body parts, including limbs. Scientists study these animals to understand how regeneration works and what their biology might teach us about tissue repair and healing in humans.” The children enter the space for “a memorable introduction to a big scientific question,” Woods said. “How can some animals regrow body parts? The encounter encourages children to look closely, wonder about what they see and begin to understand how scientists use observations and experiments to investigate questions.” “For the students, the visit is an opportunity to explore a fascinating animal and meet scientists in their own community,” Woods explains. “For MDI Biological Laboratory, it is a chance to share the excitement of research, nurture curiosity, and help young learners discover that science begins with asking questions.“ At the beginning of the school year, Pemetic kindergarteners didn’t know what the axolotl was—at least not exactly—now they know all about the axolotl’s life cycle. “It’s different than a butterfly,” one student told Mrs. Null. It is. The change and knowledge might seem small**,** but it offers a glimpse of what happens when a subject moves beyond the pages of a book and into a child’s world. The children have been learning about butterflies at the Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden. At both the garden and the MDI Bio Lab, the children see the animals, meet the scientists who study them and at the lab encounter a question that researchers are still working to answer: how can some creatures regenerate body parts, and what might that teach us about healing in humans? They leave with gift bags, paper-plate salamanders, new things to wonder about and a connection between the science they learn in school and the work happening in their own community. The axolotls may be remarkable for their ability to grow back what they have lost. For these young students, the day offers something different: a chance to discover how much there is to ask, observe, and imagine. When Null’s students had time to use chalk and draw whatever they want, in the beginning of the year, they drew rainbows. Now? They’re using that chalk and choosing to draw axolotls instead. About MDI Bio Laboratory For more than 125 years, MDI Bio Lab has been a center for training and research in comparative biology. In the last two decades its biomedical research has focused on aging, regeneration, and environmental toxins. The Laboratory houses 11 research groups staffed by an international team of world-class scientists and graduate students. It also leads a statewide network of colleges, universities and research institutions that collaborate to provide training, research experiences and financial support to help young Mainers play a bigger role in today’s biomedical revolution. Located on Maine’s rugged coast, the Laboratory’s 100+ acre campus houses research facilities, cottages and dorms that house visiting scientists and students. It is also home to MDI Bioscience, a subsidiary working to design innovative techniques to speed the drug discovery process. The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Rick Osann Art. LINKS TO LEARN MORE NIH INBRE MDI BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY Pemetic Elementary School Hello, I’m an Axolotl Photos: Carrie Jones/Bar Harbor Story HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other. We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going. If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship. It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light. Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now. Thank you so much for being here. Founding member information can be found here. Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you. Subscribe Share Bar Harbor Story Share Leave a comment
Texas high school football: Thursday's scores from Week 10
Thursday's Houston-area and statewide scores from Week 10 of the Texas high school football season.
From automation to new growth opportunities, Manufacturing Summit offers practical tools for businesses
From financing expansion to improving production efficiency and identifying new opportunities, South Dakota manufacturers will find strategies to position themselves for growth at an upcoming statewide summit.
Statewide Spotlight on PSJA ISD Learning Tactics
At the invitation of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD leaders presented the district’s approach to expanding learning opportunities and supporting teachers during a statewide superintendents call with the Mike Morath Commissioner of Education for Texas on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Community Clinic CEO talks rural health access, expansion
With access to care being a primary mission of many health providers statewide, the role of community health workers (CHW) is becoming more important, according to Judd Semingson, CEO of...
Community Clinic CEO talks rural health access, expansion
With access to care being a primary mission of many health providers statewide, the role of community health workers (CHW) is becoming more important, according to Judd Semingson, CEO of...
Northwest, central Arkansas drive statewide job gains in September
The majority of Arkansas job gains continue to come from the central Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas metro areas. The two regions were responsible for 85.5% of net job gains statewide...
Natalie Lynch to lead Ankeny Art Center
The Ankeny Art Center has appointed Natalie Lynch as its next executive director, effective Nov. 2. Lynch brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, workforce development and strategic partnerships. Most recently, she led statewide workforce development partnerships at Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates and previously helped launch OpportUNITY, a regional…
Idaho to receive another $186 million in federal grant to improve rural health access
Idaho is slated to receive another approximately $186 million grant in the second year of the five-year federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The state awarded all of its first $186 million to organizations statewide for projects meant to improve access and services for rural and tribal healthcare systems, according to a press release from Idaho […]
Ballotmania: Inside the flurry of measures upending Massachusetts politics
The record-tying number of initiatives on the ballot next week put Beacon Hill on the defensive, and it's resurfaced thorny questions about the powers and pitfalls of lawmaking by statewide vote.
Construction begins on Kading Properties' new headquarters
Construction is underway on Kading Properties’ expansion of its Urbandale headquarters as it prepares for future growth and celebrates its 50th year in business this year, the company’s CEO said. Kading, which focuses on construction of workforce housing statewide, is building an 11,000-square-foot building on its current lot at 7008 Madison Ave. and an adjacent parcel…
Texas political leaders debate Donald Trump visits as midterm races tighten
RNC Chair Joe Gruters and Texas Democratic Chair Kendall Scudder debate whether repeated Texas visits by Donald Trump and heavy GOP spending signal tight statewide races or routine midterm turnout efforts.
Boeing honored for commitment to Arizona education, workforce development
The Boeing Company’s efforts to strengthen Arizona’s talent pipeline and prepare students for careers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing earned the company statewide recognition last week from Education Forward Arizona. Boeing received the organization’s North Star Award at its annual “An InspirED Evening” celebration Oct. 21 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn. The award […]
STC Set to Host Annual Workforce Summit Nov. 19th
South Texas College, a national leader in workforce training, innovation and apprenticeships, will be bringing regional and statewide leaders together for its annual Workforce Summit.
What you need to know about California's election
There are 14 statewide propositions on the ballot in California this election.
Florida voters — almost 2.8M — surge past '22 midterm benchmark as early voting goes statewide
The first weekend of early voting being available in every Florida county pushed the number of votes cast for the Nov. 3 election towards 2.8 million, more than 20 percent of the turnout in the prior midterm election in 2022.
Nebraska behavioral health coalition meets to review statewide mental health progress
Powers Health Community Hospital Achieves Statewide Milestone in Treating Heart Valve Conditions
Powers Health Community Hospital has successfully performed Indiana’s first procedure using the SAPIEN M3™ transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system, a minimally invasive treatment for …
Missouri Doesn't Need More Marijuana Business Licenses, State Study Says, But Questions Remain About Ownership Concentration
“Ownership-based analyses would provide a more comprehensive assessment of market structure by evaluating concentration across common ownership groups.” By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent Missouri regulators say the state doesn’t need to issue more licenses to grow, manufacture or sell marijuana because the legal cannabis market is meeting consumer demand. But the statewide study behind that conclusion couldn’t […]
SC woman used unique methods to learn English; honored with statewide WVDE award
Kateryna Khoroshylova of South Charleston, West Virginia, is a native of Ukraine. She was one of two people honored in September 2026 by the West Virginia Department of Education for Excellence in Student Achievement for English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Election countdown with Laura Gersony
With Election Day nearing, Arizona’s congressional races are drawing national attention. Arizona Republic reporter Laura Gersony joins Politics Unplugged to break down the high-stakes fights in AZ-01 and AZ-06, where the House majority could be on the line. The conversation examines whether Republican candidates can separate themselves from President Donald Trump as affordability concerns and negative ads dominate the closing days. The episode also looks at outside spending, Elon Musk-backed turnout efforts and the unexpectedly competitive race involving Rep. Eli Crane in northern Arizona. Plus, Dennis Welch and Colin Stanton discuss Arizona’s statewide races, polling, campaign cash and the Valley’s rough sports week.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Election countdown with Laura Gersony
With Election Day nearing, Arizona’s congressional races are drawing national attention. Arizona Republic reporter Laura Gersony joins Politics Unplugged to break down the high-stakes fights in AZ-01 and AZ-06, where the House majority could be on the line. The conversation examines whether Republican candidates can separate themselves from President Donald Trump as affordability concerns and negative ads dominate the closing days. The episode also looks at outside spending, Elon Musk-backed turnout efforts and the unexpectedly competitive race involving Rep. Eli Crane in northern Arizona. Plus, Dennis Welch and Colin Stanton discuss Arizona’s statewide races, polling, campaign cash and the Valley’s rough sports week.
‘A pending public health crisis’: Minnesota community health clinics brace for Medicaid changes and more uninsured patients
Community health centers statewide are reporting that thousands may lose coverage, adding further strain to an already stressed health care system. Southside Community Health Services is preparing for the financial and health impacts of sweeping Medicaid changes.
School of Medicine hosts Georgia Medical Education and Healthcare Collaborative Summit
Statewide summit convened leaders from Georgia medical schools, healthcare systems and government organizations.
DOJ, state launch separate health care fraud crackdowns, arresting over 100 people across California
Federal authorities arrested 15 people, including a doctor, in Los Angeles, while California officials announced the arrests of 103 people statewide in separate health care fraud investigations.
Politics: The Midterm Races You Aren’t Hearing About
In just a dozen days, voters across the country will cast their ballots in midterm elections that could shift the balance of power in Washington. A lot of focus has been devoted to the contested races for Congress, with billions of dollars being spent on critical statewide contests and referendums.From governors’ mansions to statehouses to local ballot initiatives, voters will make their voices heard.We gather a panel of experts and zero in on some midterm races that aren’t necessarily making national headlines.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Opinion: In D.C. Schools, How the Science of Reading Offers a Blueprint for Math
Students in the nation’s capital posted gains in math and reading for the fourth straight year, according to the results of statewide accountability tests released last month. It was the latest piece ...
Michigan awards 12 drone projects state funding
The state of Michigan handed out another $1.7 million to drone startups statewide — and Detroit-based companies dominated the list.
Women’s Health Wednesday: Protecting against the measles
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – As New York has declared a statewide emergency with measles spreading through rural parts of the state, we are taking a closer look at this latest outbreak as part of …
Hospitals: Federal changes will worsen Minnesota healthcare crisis
Minnesota hospitals had a record high of over 2 million emergency department visits in 2024. That year, more than a quarter of hospitals lost money on operations. The Minnesota Hospital Association painted a bleak picture of Minnesota healthcare Tuesday in a new report titled “A Statewide Crisis of Care.” The hospitals are gearing up for […]
“The Politics of Abuse”: Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse Shares How State Court Impacts Those Seeking Justice
Through the statewide tour, Trout and local advocates continued conversations about the barriers survivors face and the role North Carolina's legislature and courts play in addressing them.
Tennessee health departments providing free flu vaccines Tuesday
TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) — Health departments across the Northeast Tennessee region are offering free influenza vaccines on Tuesday as part of a statewide annual “Fight Flu” prevention …
Warren stumps for Haaland in ABQ as both pitch New Mexico as affordability solution for Dems
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren joined Deb Haaland’s campaign in Albuquerque on Monday to talk about New Mexico’s universal childcare program. The program launched last November and is the first of its kind in the country to offer free statewide childcare for working families without income limits or copayments. As Americans are becoming more and more […]
BBB warns voters about political text scams ahead of election
With the statewide general election just weeks away, political texts and phone calls are likely to ramp up -- and some could be scams.
Updated Tennessee high school football statewide rankings entering Week 10
Two new teams arrived in Class 6A while 4A featured three teams with first-place votes in latest TSWA high school football rankings entering Week 10.
Population matters in politics
Population growth has big political impacts. Wisconsin’s population is growing but not as fast as some other states, so political experts predict the state will lose a congressional seat after the 2030 Census. And recent stats show the power of liberal Dane County in state elections — such a boost to statewide Dem candidates that...
Indiana high school boys soccer statewide semistate schedule, regional results
Here is the full schedule and pairings for the Indiana high school boys soccer semistate round on Saturday.
Judicial retention | Judges on the ballot in 2026
This November, voters statewide will decide whether to retain 123 judges for terms ranging from four to 10 years. Unlike other races on the ballot where multiple candidates are seeking a single position, judicial retention requires voters to select either “yes” or “no.” Here are answers to some common questions about retention elections. Q: How […]
Mercedes Launches Statewide Search for New City Manager
The City of Mercedes has launched a search for its next city manager, seeking an experienced public administrator to oversee municipal operations, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives.
ODU, CHKD Harness AI and Geospatial Data to Understand Childhood Asthma Disparities
In some communities throughout Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater, children are hospitalized for asthma at nearly twice the rate of children statewide. Old Dominion University and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters researchers want to understand why — and whether artificial intelligence and geospatial analysis can help reveal patterns that traditional approaches may miss.
California students post gains in math, science and English in 2025-26
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California students made gains across key academic and success measures during the 2025-26 school year, with test scores rising in English, math and science while the statewide graduation rate reached a record high of 87.9 percent. For the first time, the state released assessment results and California School Dashboard data together to give families and educators a more complete picture of student performance.English language arts scores increased 0.5 percentage points to 49.3 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced, while math scores rose 1.1 percentage points to 38.4 percent. Science showed the strongest improvement, jumping 3.3 percentage points to 36 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced.The statewide chronic absenteeism rate dropped 1.1 percentage points to 18.3 percent. The suspension rate declined to 2.8 percent, marking the third consecutive year of improvement."At a time when California continues to focus on accelerating learning and closing opportunity gaps, these results provide important evidence that our sustained investments are making a difference," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "The continued progress we are seeing is a testament to the hard work of students, families and educators across the state—and we will continue working to build on these gains."The percentage of students prepared for college and career increased to 55.2 percent, up 2 percentage points from the previous year. More than 54 percent of graduates completed coursework required for admission to University of California and California State University systems, an increase of 0.9 percentage points."California has made important strides in expanding student supports and opportunities, but the pace of academic improvement reminds us that our work is far from finished," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said.Eighth grade students posted the strongest score trends in both English language arts and math. Science performance improved across all tested grades, with the strongest gains at the high school level.African American students demonstrated larger-than-average improvements across English, math and science. Hispanic or Latino students showed larger-than-average improvements in English and math, with positive math score trends across all grades.Students who were socioeconomically disadvantaged made gains across all 3 subjects, including larger-than-average improvements in English and math. Students who were homeless continued to demonstrate gains across grades, with particularly strong improvements in math."We are encouraged to see students making gains across all 3 major assessments and are especially encouraged by the progress of African American students, Hispanic or Latino students, socioeconomically disadvantaged students and homeless youth," said Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the California State Board of Education.The progress comes as California's public school system undergoes significant demographic change. Statewide school enrollment declined to approximately 5.73 million students in 2025-26, nearly 500-thousand fewer students over the past decade.The number of students with disabilities increased approximately 25 percent over the same period, from about 680-thousand to more than 850-thousand students. Graduation rates increased across nearly all student groups, including notable increases for American Indian or Alaskan Native students at 4.3 percentage points and students with disabilities at 3.7 percentage points.In Downey Unified School District, the rate of students demonstrating proficient or advanced grade-level knowledge increased by 2.1 percentage points in English, 2.8 percentage points in math and 4.7 percentage points in science. The district aligned graduation requirements with college admission expectations and invested in inclusive special education practices, expanded career technical education and expanded learning opportunities."The gains Downey Unified is seeing in student assessment results and on the Dashboard are the result of years of focused, consistent work across the district," Superintendent Roger Brossmer said.In Exeter Unified School District, proficiency rates increased by 4.6 percentage points in English, 2.3 percentage points in math and 3.6 percentage points in science. The district placed a strong focus on phonics and the science of reading, particularly in kindergarten through second grade."The gains Exeter Unified is seeing in student assessment results and on the Dashboard are the result of having great people who are focused on the right work, and great students who want to do well," Superintendent Melanie Dorough said.Union Elementary School District saw proficiency rates increase by 1.5 percentage points in English, 2 percentage points in math and 4 percentage points in science. Teachers regularly analyze state and local assessment data to guide instruction, supported by strong core instruction and early literacy strategies."Union Elementary School District's achievement gains reflect a focused, data-driven approach to meeting the needs of every student while fostering a strong sense of belonging, safety and connection," Superintendent Carrie Andrews said.The California Department of Education is examining local results to better understand strategies and conditions associated with stronger student outcomes. The state has made significant investments in recent years, including literacy and math coaching, tutoring, expanded learning opportunities, community schools and universal transitional kindergarten.
OC students continue to outpace state averages as math and science scores rise
Quick look: Newly released data show Orange County students continuing to outperform statewide averages in English language arts, mathematics and science, with notable gains in math and science. Th…
New poll shows Democrats ahead in most statewide races
A new poll released by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project shows Democrats holding slim leads in the U.S. Senate race and most statewide races.
Kentucky health officials urge vaccination amid worst measles outbreak in years
Kentucky health officials are tracking 157 confirmed measles cases statewide, including 56 in Laurel County, and urging vaccination to slow the outbreak.
Youngstown business nominated for two Minority Business Enterprise awards
Youngstown-area business, Buzz Bros, has been nominated for two statewide awards through the Minority Business Enterprise. They provide home care, inside and out.
Beacon CEO ML Mackey Named to Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Statewide Advisory Council
Beacon Interactive Systems announced today that CEO and Co-founder ML Mackey has been named to the newly formed Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Statewide Advisory Council.
BUSINESS UPDATE: All About Cannabis
SUNY Oswego’s cannabis studies prepares for growing business opportunities By Mary Beth Roach [caption id=attachment_11114 align=alignright width=383] Marthinus (Martin) Koen is associate professor of criminal justice and cannabis studies at SUNY Oswego. He and the chair of the SUNY Oswego’s Criminal Justice Department, Roger Guy, created the program.[/caption] As the cannabis industry in New York state continues to grow, so do the business opportunities. New York’s legal cannabis market is projected to hit $3 billion in annual sales this year and more than 600 licensed dispensaries are operating across the state, according to budpedia.com. It’s estimated that New York will add about 16,160 new cannabis jobs in 2026, according to the 2026 U.S. Cannabis Jobs Report. SUNY Oswego, realizing the potential, now offers two programs to acquaint both matriculated and non matriculated students with aspects of this multi-billion-dollar business. Its cannabis studies microcredential came out last year and a minor was introduced this fall. The microcredential allows traditional students to add electives to their degree. Students who are not enrolled in the college can sign up to take classes to learn more about the field, growing the crop and managing or opening a dispensary, according to Marthinus (Martin) Koen, associate professor of criminal justice and cannabis studies at SUNY Oswego. The classes are designed to give those who wish to pursue business opportunities in the field a much broader understanding of cannabis and a more overall perspective of the various aspects of running a business, such as supply chain management, customer service and best practices. “When you’re trying to market it, when you’re trying to make sales, you’re understanding will be a lot more vast and nuanced,” he said. “The last 10 years especially, the hard science on cannabis increased and we have a lot more nuanced understanding right now that hasn’t yet permeated the pop culture,” he added. Koen’s team is also hoping to develop an independent study class that will help somebody who wants to apply for a license. That the classes fill up quickly should come as no surprise. “I think there’s a lot of people who are excited about it because it’s a new industry,” he said and they see an opportunity to make some money. Matriculated students may look at it as fun to learn about and stack on top of their existing major or minor. According to the college’s website, students interested in a microcredential would take cannabis law and policy and cultivation of cannabis, along with two other electives. For the first elective they could select either the economics of cannabis or manufacturing, distribution, and logistics of cannabis; and the second elective would be either cannabis science, analysis, and well-being or cannabis and society. The idea for a microcredential in cannabis studies at SUNY Oswego began in 2023, Koen said, as SUNY statewide was advocating for these types of initiatives. Koen and the chair of the SUNY Oswego’s Criminal Justice Department, Roger Guy, began brainstorming on ideas. Catching their attention was the legalization of full recreational marijuana use in New York state in 2021 and the problem-riddled rollout of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management. Guy and Koen created a Criminal Justice Elective called CRJ 420, called cannabis and society, to see if there was any interest. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that there was interest —a lot of it. Further discussions led to the microcredential, cannabis studies, which incorporated science, business and anthropological perspectives, Koen said. They were allowed to create their own prefixes for the classes, such as CAN 310; CAN 320; and CAN 420. Yes, the 420 was intentional — it’s a slang term and symbol used to refer to cannabis consumption and counterculture — but it’s also meant to reflect that the course, being on the 400 level, is “very academically involved,” Koen explained. The term 420 was coined in 1971 by a group of California high school students as a secret code to meet at 4:20 p.m. at a campus landmark to search for an abandoned cannabis crop nearby. The phrase has evolved, to say the least. It is now associated with cannabis use worldwide. For more information, visit ww1.oswego.edu/academics/microcredentials/cannabis-studies.
Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Grapple with Harsh Times
Report shows small business owners in NYS less optimistic about the economy. Taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now, they say By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11067 align=alignright width=300] Ashley Ranslow is director for New York state at The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).[/caption] Owners of mom-and-pop businesses in New York state have been less optimistic lately than their peers in other parts of the country, a recent report indicates. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), based on a survey of 11,000 of its members in the Empire State, reported that taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now. “Indeed, while taxes are a major problem in New York and the United States overall, New York small businesses notably are struggling more with the state’s onerous, multi-level tax burden,” Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s director for New York state, said in the July report. Compared with surveys of business owners in other states, far fewer New York respondents rated their businesses as in excellent or good health. The report also said labor costs here are about 25% higher than the national average and are the “single most important problem” facing businesses. One respondent to the New York-specific survey complained that too much red tape, taxes and laws that restrict high-yielding companies have stifled their operation’s growth. Others said high disability and workers’ compensation insurance costs, alarming increases in utility rates and excessive building regulations are discouraging. Statewide, New York has a gross domestic product of $2.53 trillion (third in the nation, followed by Texas, $2.90 trillion; and California, $4.25 trillion), a per capita income of $90,500 (sixth) and an unemployment rate of 4.6% (34th). There are 2.4 million small businesses that employ 3.9 million people. [caption id=attachment_11112 align=alignright width=451] Member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gather at one of the several functions the chamber organizes monthly. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed,” says Megan Wilmot, the chamber director[/caption] “New York state boasts one of the largest, wealthiest and most diverse cities in the world — and that’s still only about half the state’s population,” the report said. “In other words, the state is both its iconic city and so much more — geographically, demographically, economically. But New York is not without its challenges, challenges that include notably high taxes and other weaknesses that impact the small business environment,” it said. The report includes an optimism index that compares responses from New York (NFIB) members with those of their peers in other states across several categories. This ranges from plans to increase employment to expectations for higher sales, to plans to increase inventory or expand. The scores for Empire State business owners were lower in most categories, but they did score higher than the national average in noting that they have current employment openings, and that they are hopeful that the economy will improve. “The metrics so far paint a picture of a state with a series of challenges for small businesses, from a slightly below national average Optimism Index to a more seriously below national business health to very substantially below national Employment Index. What is going on with businesses that are creating these differences?” the report stated. In Central New York, the regional labor force comprises nearly 398,000 workers. The median household income here is $71,463, and the gross domestic product for the region last year totaled $61.3 billion, according to the CenterState CEO economic development and research organization. About half of the region’s labor force works for small and mid-sized businesses, although the number of people employed in that sector has decreased by 7% since 2010, according to CenterState’s 2026 economic forecast report. “While record-high employment in large-scale enterprises provides a strong foundation for Central New York,” the report says, “the long-term health of communities depends on a thriving small business sector to serve as a stabilizer.” Area employers identify several barriers to Central New York’s anticipated growth, including lack of specialized or skilled workers, government regulations, unaffordable housing options and long-term construction disruptions. In the city of Syracuse, the number of jobs in retail trade decreased by 1,500 or 4.7% between July 2025 and this past July. By contrast, the number of jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 2.5% or 700 jobs, in the same annual period, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Still, there’s plenty of interest for new businesses across Central New York. U.S. Census figures show that the number of applications for new businesses in all four counties increased significantly in the past 20 years. In Cayuga County, there were 324 applications in 2005 compared to 470 last year. In Madison County, the number increased from 385 to 480; Onondaga County, from 2411 to 4132; and Oswego County, from 553 to 836. Downtown Cazenovia is exemplary of Madison County’s trend: In the past year, the village welcomed a bait shop, a thrift store, a vitamin infusion center, a pizzeria, a Pilates studio and an Italian restaurant. A candy store is scheduled to open on the main drag in the months ahead. Oswego’s list of interesting new businesses in the past year includes a bubble tea shop, a hot dog eatery in Fulton, a specialty grocery store that features New York state products in Mexico, a beauty and esthetics studio in Hannibal and a hardware and farm supply store in Sandy Creek. In Onondaga County, the Liverpool area has also enjoyed a steady stream of new shops and eateries in recent years. That suburban community is unique in that, unlike neighboring communities, most of the restaurants are family-owned and not part of a national chain. [caption id=attachment_11116 align=alignright width=300] Megan Wilmot is the executive director of the Greater Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce.[/caption] Megan Wilmot, executive director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said independent business owners in her community maintain a strong sense of pride in holding their own against national companies. The chamber helps boost morale with red carpet events, ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and five-year anniversary celebrations for participating businesses. “We have built such a strong community,” Wilmot said. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed.” In Syracuse, the downtown retail occupancy rate last year was about 82%, a slight improvement from 2024, according to the Downtown Syracuse Committee’s most recent annual report. Buildings with the largest amount of vacant space included The Galleries, One Park Place, and Equitable Towers, though not all of those spaces are designated for retail use. New businesses that opened in downtown Syracuse last year: Better with Time Clothing, Dakshin Curry & Biriyani, Havana Tattoo Society, Milano Bean Café, Miss Daisy, Pausa Coffee, Sweets for Babe, The Society CNY and Yafah Beauty Studio. The Destiny USA mall’s occupancy rate decreased from 80% in 2023 to 72% by the end of 2024, according to Integra Realty Resources. That leaves more than a quarter of the mall’s retail space vacant. “Looking ahead, the retail market is expected to see minimal rent growth, with vacancy rates likely remaining stable in community and neighborhood centers but continuing to rise in enclosed malls,” Integra’s report said. “New construction activity is low and redevelopment plans for former malls like Shoppingtown and Great Northern are still in the planning stages. The proposed Micron chip plant may spur development, but challenges remain in finding co-developers for large-scale projects.” Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects that small businesses will remain resilient and see their sales and revenues eventually improve. That organization, in a recent national survey, found that 25% of small business owners expect the economy to improve in 2027, while 45% indicated that they plan to increase employment in the next 12 months. And 69% said they believe their small business is in good shape and 70% said they are comfortable with their current cash flow. Thirty-one percent of small businesses reported raising their prices in July and 28% are planning to raise their prices within the next three to four months, the report said. Twelve percent indicated that this is a good time to expand their business. “Small business owners voice optimism for future revenues and hiring,” the report said. “High costs continue to be a wet blanket on reinvestment.” The NFIB reported in July that Main Street, despite gas price hikes, “is OK … for now.” Its small business economics trend report said sales across the country have been strong compared to last year, but continued inflation and higher prices from mom-and-pop establishments are causing some “cracks” to show. “If costs stay this high for much longer, reduced investment will have a tangible economic impact,” the report said. “The status quo is OK, but the outlook? The outlook is uncertain.”
Poll finds PBS popular with Arkansans
A new statewide poll conducted by YouGov found that PBS is the most trusted television news source among Arkansas adults. Recently, Arkansas TV has moved PBS News Hour from 6...
Poll finds PBS popular with Arkansans
A new statewide poll conducted by YouGov found that PBS is the most trusted television news source among Arkansas adults. Recently, Arkansas TV has moved PBS News Hour from 6...
What to watch in the CNN & Jubilee town hall with James Talarico
James Talarico’s bid to become the first Democrat in a generation to win statewide in Texas after three decades of disappointments is in its final stretch.
IU Kelley School of Business to hold Futurecast 2027 at The Commons
Economists at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business will provide guidance and help Hoosiers understand where the economy has been and where it may go at Futurecast 2027, an 11-city statewide economic outlook tour that begins Nov. 4 in Indianapolis.
Skill game machines shut off statewide, leaving Lancaster County businesses struggling
Businesses in Lancaster County are facing financial losses after Pace-O-Matic shut off skill game machines statewide, requiring their removal by a midnight deadline.
Celebrating Washington’s hidden makers
Statewide bus tour highlights the small- and medium-sized manufacturers housed inside nondescript buildings where most of the people who drive by every day have no idea what’s going on inside.
Manufacturing tour celebrates industry, highlights challenges
A bus carrying lawmakers, students and business leaders rolled through the Tri-Cities as part of a statewide tour highlighting Washington manufacturers and their role in the economy.