LND topic: rep-liz-thomson page 1

rep liz thomson

Big Data Tools in Surgery: What Works and What Doesn't

May 4, 2026

Researchers often turn to large health databases to study surgical outcomes. One popular option is TriNetX, a platform that collects real-world medical data. But can it really help answer key questions about surgeries? The short answer is yes—but only if used carefully. TriNetX pulls patient record

politics

A springtime vote for Connecticut's new official symbols

May 4, 2026

Connecticut might soon join the majority of U. S. states by declaring an official amphibian. The spring peeper has been advancing through the legislature, pushed forward by students who noticed the state lacked this kind of representation. Lawmakers passed the bill 136-0, showing unusual unity, but

education

Colorado’s School Funding Plan: Big Numbers, Small Impact?

May 4, 2026

Colorado plans to give K-12 schools nearly $195 million more next year, but that might not go as far as it seems. Lawmakers agreed to boost per-student funding by $440, bringing the total to over $12, 000 per child. Still, many rural schools worry the increase won’t cover rising costs or plug budget

politics

A Fresh Face Takes Over Illinois’ Watchdog Role

May 4, 2026

The new watchdog for Illinois state spending started his job this month, but not before a report highlighted problems in the agency he once led. The Illinois Finance Authority, which helps fund public projects, had failed for years to set up a proper internal audit system. A recent review found that

finance

Tiny cost. Big money lessons for small business owners.

May 4, 2026

Running a side hustle or a full-time gig takes more than just a good idea. Money moves matter just as much. Yet, many founders end up guessing when it comes to their own paychecks. A fresh bundle tries to fix that gap. For under $30, learners get 11 video courses and 160 hours of lessons on cash flo

crime

Pras Michel’s Prison Time: What It Means for Campaign Finance and Foreign Influence

May 4, 2026

Pras Michel, known for his work with the Fugees, recently started a 14-year prison sentence at a federal facility in Arizona. His crime? Helping funnel over $120 million from a fugitive Malaysian businessman, Jho Low, into Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Low, infamous for the 1MDB embezzlem

opinion

Why being called a clown shouldn't bother you

May 4, 2026

The idea that the word "clown" is used as an insult is more about how people misuse language than anything else. Clowns have a long history tied to entertainment, laughter, and even cleverness in some cultures. They weren't always the red-nosed performers we picture today. Ancient jesters, for examp

religion

What the founders really thought about religion

May 4, 2026

The debate over whether America was meant to be a Christian nation keeps coming up as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. Some people strongly believe the founders wanted the U. S. to be a Christian country. Others argue that idea is a misunderstanding of history. The truth is more

politics

Top U. S. Diplomat's Visit to Rome: What’s Really Happening?

May 4, 2026

A high-ranking U. S. official is heading to Italy and the Vatican this week for meetings, according to reports from Italian media. The visit, confirmed by two major newspapers, follows months of heated exchanges between Washington and Rome. Tensions spiked recently when the U. S. president publicly

politics

New Mexico’s step forward in disability rights

May 4, 2026

New Mexico once lagged behind in supporting people with disabilities through insurance coverage. But in 2023, the state took a big leap forward by requiring private insurers to include prosthetics and orthotics in their plans. That law was just the beginning—now, other states are watching and follow