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state phil

Hidden Meetings, Public Scrutiny: A Texas DA in the Hot Seat

March 22, 2026

The case that began with a 2020 protest in Austin is now stirring deeper questions about how prosecutors work. A district attorney, who won his position after a campaign promising to target police misconduct, faces pressure from local law‑enforcement groups to step down. The controversy centers on a

weather

Heatwave in March: A New Record for the Southwest

March 22, 2026

The summer‑like temperatures that swept through the U. S. Southwest in March were far beyond what anyone could have predicted a few decades ago. Scientists who track extreme weather say that this level of heat would not be possible without the extra warmth added by human activity. Researchers fro

weather

Windy Days Raise Wildfire Danger in South Dakota

March 22, 2026

A warning is active until 4 AM Sunday, telling people that strong winds and very dry air could spark fast‑moving fires. The alert covers many counties, from Knox to Richardson, across the state’s central and western regions. Wind speeds range between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph.

technology

Sodium‑Ion Batteries: China’s New Power Play

March 22, 2026

A leading Chinese automaker has unveiled a sodium‑ion battery prototype that it says meets top industry standards. The new design packs about 170 watt‑hours per kilogram, a figure that rivals many lithium‑ion cells. What sets it apart is the rapid charging capability: the battery can reach full char

politics

Governors Lose Power to Pick College Trustees

March 22, 2026

The New Mexico Legislature has passed a draft change to the state Constitution that would cut the governor’s direct role in choosing members for university governing boards. The proposal, called House Joint Resolution 1, would let the Legislature set up nominating committees that guide the governor’

politics

Education Department Faces Big Fight Over Its Future

March 22, 2026

A year ago, a former president signed an order that told the Education Secretary to start shutting down the department and hand its powers back to states. The goal was to make education more local, a plan that many conservatives have pushed for long time. The secretary said her main job was to “p

politics

State‑Level Push for More Education Over Compost Fines

March 22, 2026

Local leaders in Staten Island are urging city officials to shift focus from fines to teaching residents how to compost properly. After Mayor Zohran Mamdani restarted penalties for missed food‑scrap separation, a group of council members from across the borough called on the Department of Transporta

opinion

Coaches, Parents, and Young Athletes: A New Path for Mental Health

March 22, 2026

In Colorado, a new law called “Alyssa’s Act” is being discussed. It focuses on mental health for kids who play sports. The idea came after a family tragedy involving a young athlete named Alyssa. She loved soccer and skiing, but her life ended after several concussions. Researchers say head injuries

politics

College Boards Fight to Keep Learning Affordable

March 22, 2026

The people who run Portland Community College’s board are looking at a tough problem: the college is spending more than it earns, and that gap keeps growing. They say they care a lot about the school’s job of opening doors for people in the community, but that caring comes with a hard look at money.

sports

Surprise Upsets and New Stars Set the Stage for March Madness Round of 32

March 22, 2026

The first round of the 2026 NCAA men’s tournament has wrapped up, leaving a mix of expected victories and shocking defeats. Fans now turn their attention to the round of 32, which kicks off this Saturday and Sunday. Sports enthusiasts can catch up on Friday’s outcomes, where several underdogs man