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mark blaney

State Schools Get a Boost as Lawmakers Shift Funds

March 7, 2026

The Utah Legislature has wrapped up its 2026-2027 budget for public schools, choosing to reallocate money in a way that mirrors moves made in higher education the previous year. In 2025, state universities were required to divert a portion of their budgets toward high‑value fields like health care a

politics

A Friendly Check on Sweet Drinks

March 7, 2026

The U. S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, recently softened his strong warning about sugary drinks from the popular coffee chain Dunkin’ after a week of heated discussion. Earlier in the month, he had called for possible limits on some of Dunkin’s sweeter offerings, describing them as “the wors

politics

Jesse Jackson’s Legacy Sparks Call to Action at Memorial

March 7, 2026

A large gathering in Chicago honored a civil‑rights icon whose influence stretched from boardrooms to picket lines. The ceremony, held in a 10, 000‑seat Black church, mixed music, speeches and moments that felt both spiritual and political. Guests heard gospel singers and a popular singer perform

politics

Trump Faces the Cost of War in a Quiet Ceremony

March 7, 2026

In a quiet moment at Dover Air Force Base, former President Trump stood beside families to honor six soldiers who died in a Middle Eastern conflict. The ceremony highlighted the human toll of war, a topic he has often sidestepped during his time in office. Trump’s past remarks about military serv

politics

UAE Leader Confirms Nation’s Resilience After Missile Attacks

March 7, 2026

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, stepped into the public eye after months of silence. He addressed citizens while visiting those wounded in recent missile strikes, saying the country is “strong and not easy to defeat. ” The president

business

Big Y’s 90‑Year Road to Expansion

March 7, 2026

The Big Y grocery chain, now nine decades old, is looking ahead to a future with more stores and smarter technology. In West Springfield’s busiest outlet, shoppers can choose between self‑service checkouts that offer AI help or a friendly cashier. The AI assists by looking up product codes and guidi

politics

New Voices Needed for Colorado’s Future University

March 7, 2026

The future of the University of Colorado hinges on who sits on its Board of Regents. When a group of seasoned leaders decides to step aside, it shows they are looking beyond personal power and toward the institution’s long‑term health. Old experience is valuable, but if it is not paired with f

finance

Energy Shocks Push Cattle Prices Upward

March 7, 2026

The market saw a sharp shift last week, largely driven by energy costs rather than any real shortage of cattle. Rising fuel prices—especially gasoline and diesel—sent input expenses higher, squeezing margins for producers who already faced negative earnings. Even if cattle prices stayed flat, the in

business

From Tech Talk to Story Walk: How to Make Complex Products Sell

March 7, 2026

The first meeting with big buyers can feel like a battle. You walk into the room, launch your slides, and spend almost an hour explaining code, compliance rules, and architecture. The executives listen, nod, thank you for “aligning synergies, ” send the deck back to you, and then pick a cheaper, old

education

A New Farm School Barn Brings Hands‑On Learning to Osceola

March 7, 2026

Osceola County is investing in its own future by building a new agricultural barn at Harmony Middle School. The structure will let students from sixth grade onward work with animals, grow plants, and learn about farm equipment. Construction is slated to start later this year, giving the school a lon