Lakeland officials are staring at a long list of more than $69 million in needed stormwater drainage and water quality improvements with no funds to pay for it. The proposed fix: A stormwater utility tax increase that would nearly double the tax for residents over the next five years and more for businesses. On Dec. … Read more
In a significant expansion of its campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, Ukraine’s security services have carried out a long-range drone strike on a major oil field in the Caspian Sea, effectively halting production at a key Lukoil facility. The December 11 attack marks the first time Kiev has targeted hydrocarbon assets in the Caspian region, … Read more
Get out the shovels, your weekend is about to be snowy. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a winter storm watch for several counties in central Ohio, including Franklin, Licking, Preble, Montgomery, Greene, Fayette, Pickaway, Fairfield and Hocking. The advisory issued on the afternoon of December 11, which includes Columbus, goes into effect … Read more
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Sherrone Moore, the vaunted head coach of the University of Michigan football program, had his $30 million career thrown out of whack after his relationship with his assistant came to light and culminated in his stunning arrest for alleged assault. The 39-year-old’s promising career came to a quick end on Wednesday. … Read more
HE NEEDS TO KNOW Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found Wednesday, September 17, after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, and was later pronounced dead. The medical examiner’s office previously said Zavala died of “multiple blunt force injuries” and ruled his death an accident The sheriff’s … Read more
Before Christmas Day even arrives, many of us are experiencing festive fatigue. From work parties and get-togethers with friends to seemingly endless plates of cheese and beige food, it all goes down well. Even if you’re not a drinker, your social battery can easily become depleted from all the engagements and interactions, and it’s also … Read more
COLA 2026 was announced at 2.8% in October 2025. Fed projections suggest a potential COLA for 2027 in the range of 2.3% to 2.6% if CPI is slightly above PCE. Retirees who rely on interest income from CDs and savings accounts have seen their earnings drop after recent rate cuts. If you’re thinking about retiring … Read more
After battling the disease for years, Nancy Karipa tested positive for HIV in 1999. She had just given birth to her first child. “It was a turning point for me, with the fear of denial, but I chose action,” Karipa, now 50, told an AIDS awareness event in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, in … Read more
Mortgage rates have generally declined since late May, bottomed out in late October, and have remained within 10 basis points since then. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.22%. This is five basis points higher than the 2025 minimum of 6.17%. The 15-year fixed rate is 5.54%. “The average 30-year … Read more
HE NEEDS TO KNOW Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem was questioned about a Purple Heart veteran deported by ICE during a Dec. 11 hearing Rep. Seth Magaziner brought veteran Sae Joon Park to audition for Zoom after he was deported to Korea earlier this year. Magaziner accused Noem of not knowing ‘the difference between good … Read more