Kristine Gill
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Articles by Kristine Gill
8 Most-Asked Tiny House Questions, Answered by Home and Design Experts Original
Credit: Mireye Acierto / Getty Images As mortgage rates and home prices soar, the appeal of tiny homes continues, offering a solution for low-cost, minimalist living. If you’ve considered switching to the tiny lifestyle, you likely have plenty of questions about best practices and how it actually works. Below, experts offer answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding tiny home living. Dominic Sims is the CEO of the International Code Council.
Critics say federal vouchers could cost Virginia public schools up to $956 million
Denise Harrington, an educator and member of the League of Women Voters, grew up as America was desegregating its schools. As a young student, though, her only option was Hampton University’s Laboratory School in Virginia, which she attended through a scholarship/voucher program. “That’s how I was educated from kindergarten to second grade, and then things did not open up until I was in third grade, which would have been 1970,” Harrington said.
Sen. Camilleri says midterms could decide Michigan’s kids’ online safety bills
A four-bill package aimed at protecting Michigan kids from the harms of social media awaits a vote in the House, and Democratic proponents of the legislation say the November midterms could determine whether it passes. The Kids Over Clicks package passed the Senate with bipartisan support in April. State Sen.
Wichita trades contractors feel cost squeeze and labor shortage amid data center boom
The worker shortage is compounding existing labor problems in HVAC, electrical and plumbing trades. Some contractors are now considering turning down work.
Michigan students head back to school as concerns over screen time grow
At the end of August, Meta agreed to improve safety for its young users and pay a staggering $17.1 billion settlement following a landmark federal trial over children’s online safety, the largest since Big Tobacco paid $200 billion in the ‘90s. Four states, representing 47 states across the country, alleged that the social media giant collected data on kids under 13 and intentionally designed its platform to be addictive for young users.
Meta pays record settlement as Wisconsin bans phones in schools, advocates want more
At the end of August, Meta agreed to improve safety for its young users and pay a staggering $17.1 billion settlement following a landmark federal trial over children’s online safety, the largest since Big Tobacco paid $200 billion in the ‘90s. Four states, representing 47 states across the country, alleged that the social media giant collected data on kids under 13 and intentionally designed its platform to be addictive for young users.
Mark your calendars: 15 Nebraska fall must-dos before pumpkin spice season ends
Enjoy a range of family-friendly events to usher in the fall season this September and October. Most of these events are free and open to the public, ranging from fall festivals to live music, food, vendors, and more. Concentrated in the greater Omaha region with events in Fremont, Nebraska City, Waterloo, and Papillion, there’s something in your backyard or worth traveling to. Heartland Plein Air Arts Festival Where: Across Douglas and Sarpy counties When: Saturday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Sept.
Howard Marklein faces toughest race yet in a district that turned blue
A strong Democratic contender will go up against a powerful Republican incumbent this November as the two vie for the Senate District 17 seat in southwest Wisconsin. The race for this district gives Democrats their first real opportunity in decades to reclaim the seat, which Republicans have held since Dale Schultz took office in 1991. Before Schultz, Senator Dick Kruel, also a Republican, served in another version of SD-17 beginning in 1978. In 2024, the district was redrawn. On Nov.
Pillen’s data center reversal came with a task force that includes a $65,000 donor
Since 2021, data centers setting up shop in Nebraska have avoided about $519 million in property taxes through exemptions meant to incentivize the industry. This year, Google has plans to open its largest data center in the state, but Gov. Jim Pillen is changing his stance. In July, Pillen issued an executive order blocking new data centers from receiving tax incentives under the ImagiNE Nebraska Act and establishing a task force to make recommendations on data centers to legislators.
Wisconsin seniors lose money to AI scams as Meta profits
Seniors across the country are falling for online scams that use AI technology to part them from their money. While states such as Wisconsin are doing their best to protect vulnerable populations, tech experts say social media platforms like Facebook play a significant role in perpetuating these AI scams.
AI scams target Michigan seniors while Meta profits
No, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta, actor Steve Martin, and tech guru Bill Gates are not selling a manuka honey supplement to cure Alzheimer’s. Yet seniors across the country who have come across AI scams and “deepfake” videos featuring the celebrities’ likenesses have shelled out cash for the snake oil the videos promote. In turn, scammers are profiting.
Best chain dining: Swensons’ beloved burgers remain an Akron favorite
At nearly 100, Swensons has nailed the longevity game. Maybe it’s the consistency of its signature Galley Boy burgers or the novelty of having food delivered right to your car window after you’ve parked. But in the chain dining category of food service, novelty and consistency are a dime a dozen. Instead, CEO Dan Mesches chalks it up to the chain’s relationship with the community, with a side of innovation.
Best Akron restaurant: Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s secret sauce? Cherishing its customers
Diners at Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s in the Merriman Valley don’t just come for the chicken marsala, steak and lasagna. Fans of the establishment know the family behind the name, too, and many dined at the early iterations of the restaurants in Bath and Hudson. In fact, Augusto Iacomini opened his first joint in 1932.
Is this ‘the most flippable seat’ in Wisconsin’s state Senate?
A long-held Republican state Senate district in a wealthy corner of Wisconsin could finally flip this fall when voters get to choose between a sitting Democratic Assembly representative and a political unknown. State Rep. Robyn Vining, a Democrat who currently holds office in southeast Wisconsin’s 13th Assembly District, will square off against Republican Mike Roberts, a healthcare professional and business owner, in the Nov. 3 Senate District 5 race.
MSU professor says Michigan voters will decide whether to open ‘Pandora’s box’ this November
Michigan voters will head to the polls in November to cast their ballots for leadership roles across the state and in Congress. And while there, they’ll also fill in a bubble about an issue that could redefine the Great Lakes State entirely. Proposal 1 will ask whether voters want to convene a constitutional convention—which one expert described as opening Pandora’s box.
The Best Paint Colors for a Quiet Luxury Look
Credit: Jay Wilde Quiet luxury uses soft, neutral hues like beige, gray, cream, and muted blues or greens. The design emphasizes subtle sophistication with curated, timeless designs. High-shine finishes enhance the aesthetic, and neutral backdrops allow for bold accents such as metallics. The quiet luxury aesthetic is all about conveying subtle sophistication. Rather than putting your high-end items front and center, you intentionally design your space to feel upscale without being overtly so.
The Best Paint Colors for a Quiet Luxury Look
Quiet luxury uses soft, neutral hues like beige, gray, cream, and muted blues or greens. • High-shine finishes enhance the aesthetic, and neutral backdrops allow for bold accents such as metallics. The quiet luxury aesthetic is all about conveying subtle sophistication. Rather than putting your high-end items front and center, you intentionally design your space to feel upscale without being overtly so. This approach to decor also applies to paint colors.
The Biggest Downside Of Using Bone Meal Fertilizer People Never Talk About
Tons of avid gardeners swear by the boosting power of bone meal as fertilizer for everything from tomatoes to zinnias in the garden. This all-natural plant food is exactly what it sounds like: Crushed animal bones resulting in a white, powdery substance. So, how does it work? Bone meal is rich in phosphorus and calcium, which are necessary nutrients for plants. Mixed into soil, bone meal can help plants produce new growth and blooms.
Should You Mow The Lawn Before Or After It Rains? Some People Get It Wrong
You make time each week to mow your lawn, but what happens when the forecast calls for rain? Is it best to mow your lawn before it storms or right after? Can your mower even handle wet grass? Most experts agree that a little rain won't hurt your mower or your lawn if you must mow. But it's best to do it in dryer conditions if possible, especially because mowing your lawn when it's wet can harm your mower and your grass. This is especially true if you're using a riding mower instead of a push mower.
Grow This Pretty Herb With A Sweet Smell For A Natural Wasp Repellent
Stinging insects can ruin the backyard vibe, but pollinators such as honeybees are welcome visitors. Wasps and yellow jackets are the winged critters you want to keep far away. There is a fragrant herb that does double duty, attracting pollinators while deterring pests — Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). This white and yellow perennial hails from Europe and Asia, but its strong scent is known to specifically deter wasps from buzzing around your property.
As Arizona hits record heat, the Corporation Commission sides with APS over ratepayers
In a state that just set a record high temperature of 117 degrees Fahrenheit, those in charge of overseeing utility rates and energy practices have sent Arizona residents back in time, increasing their reliance on fossil fuels as monthly power bills rise and utility providers benefit.
Cardinals And Hummingbirds Will Flock To Your Yard For This Flower (But It's Difficult To Grow)
Looking for a lovely way to draw vibrant cardinals and delicate hummingbirds to your garden? Maybe you've tried adding feeders and plants, but have you considered this flower? Known for its funnel-shaped, showy blooms, azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are perennial shrubs with gorgeous hues that pollinators find irresistible. The downside? There are many types of azaleas you can grow in your garden, but lots of them can prove tricky to grow, even for advanced gardeners.
As data centers strain Wisconsin’s grid, advocates point to clean energy wins and a lingering policy gap
Summer temperatures are reaching extreme highs, and data centers are threatening power grid stability. Still, clean energy advocates in Wisconsin say there are encouraging signs of a more sustainable future. In a state without an integrated resource plan, projects and breakthroughs in the green energy space are revolutionizing how residents power their homes and how much they pay.
Pot soaking is the ultimate way to give your indoor plants a boost with Epsom salt
A happy house plant needs good soil plus sufficient water and sunlight in order to thrive. But if you want to encourage growth combined with big flowers and fruits, you might want to add Epsom salt to your watering routine. And not just that. Some plant lovers say you also need to change your watering method for optimal results. So, how does Epsom salt help? Many gardeners believe the magnesium in Epsom salt supplements needed nutrients in the soil, spurring growth and leading to bigger blooms.
Free backpacks and school supplies available at Aug. 6 back-to-school event at House Three Thirty
Hundreds of students will receive free backpacks and school supplies at the fourth annual Better Together Book Bag Giveaway at House Three Thirty Aug. 6. The event is presented by Chase and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties and the Educational Empowerment Group in conjunction with Signal Akron. Last year, about 2,000 students got a free backpack during the event, which is aimed at helping K-12 students prep for the upcoming school year.
Pot Soaking Is The Ultimate Way To Give Your Indoor Plants A Boost With Epsom Salt
A happy house plant needs good soil plus sufficient water and sunlight in order to thrive. But if you want to encourage growth combined with big flowers and fruits, you might want to add Epsom salt to your watering routine. And not just that. Some plant lovers say you also need to change your watering method for optimal results. So, how does Epsom salt help? Many gardeners believe the magnesium in Epsom salt supplements needed nutrients in the soil, spurring growth and leading to bigger blooms.
Why Moles Could Be Attracted To Your Yard (And How To Keep Them Out)
Maybe you've noticed their tunnels, or the telltale piles of dirt outside a tunnel's entrance. Perhaps your grass is dying off, or you've spotted one of these critters with your own eyes! If you have a mole problem, you know the health of your plants and lawn hang in the balance. Of course you could spend your time trapping and eradicating each mole that finds your backyard year after year, or you could get to the root cause to prevent future visitors altogether.
Trump stalls shutdown of West Olive coal plant, driving up energy bills across Michigan
The J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Olive was on its last leg in May of 2025, when the owners got some bad news. The then 63-year-old plant had been winding down in preparation for retirement, no longer keeping up with maintenance tasks and burning up the last of its coal supply, ready to make way for cleaner energy options in the state. Then President Donald Trump gave the order for it to stay open using an emergency order that many felt had questionable validity.
The Perennial Flower You Should Be Growing Next To Hostas
Hostas are a summer mainstay, decorating flowerbeds with large, lush leaves, and thriving in partial sun or shade. It's no wonder these plants are a favorite among expert and amateur gardeners alike. Apart from stunning ground covers that grow perfectly with hostas, there's also a vibrant, perennial flowering plant you might want to add as well. Enter, the lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia).
These neighborhoods could change Minnesota politics overnight
The outcome of November’s midterms in Minnesota will depend largely on voter turnout, given how closely contested a number of key districts in the state have been over the last several cycles. Minnesota Republicans only narrowly gained control of the House following the 2024 elections, which included multiple recounts and a 2025 special election which a DFL candidate won, bringing the house to a 67-67 tie. Then, Republican in June, giving Democrats a 67-66 majority in the Minnesota House.
Arizona kids are losing food help fast under Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful’ SNAP overhaul
About 200,000 children in Arizona have lost SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits since last year, and many students will not receive free lunches this coming school year following the passage of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill last summer.
Hospital closures and data centers put Assembly District 92 in the spotlight
A blue wave could be coming for Assembly District 92 in Wisconsin, where voters have seen major hospitals close under Republican decision-making and data centers threaten to change the landscape of their towns. “There’s a lot of momentum going into this midterm cycle,” said Rachel La Due, deputy communications director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
Minnesota’s swingiest district could offer clues about the midterms
When voters in Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District head to the polls for the August primary, leaders in the state and beyond will closely monitor results. In a district encompassing an even split of city dwellers, suburbs, and rural farmland, many believe this corner of the state acts as a bellwether for the rest of Minnesota.
A union mechanic takes on a millionaire in Nebraska Senate showdown
When Dan Osborn ran for one of Nebraska’s two US Senate seats in 2024, the political unknown nearly upset the proverbial apple cart, coming in just 7 percentage points shy of beating Republican Deb Fischer in a state where Donald Trump won by 20 points.
Just how opposed to medical marijuana is Pete Ricketts?
When Nebraskans head to the voting booths in November, they’ll face an interesting panel of candidates vying for US Senate. The seat is currently held by Republican Pete Ricketts, the state’s former governor, who’s running for another term. Ricketts is a multi-millionaire whose legacy in the Cornhusker State includes a defining stance on the legalization of medical marijuana—an issue that the overwhelming majority of voters in the state have approved of.
One western Wisconsin Assembly race could shape the state’s future
As Americans head to the polls in November, Wisconsin voters will have a rare opportunity to flip both chambers of their state government. Across the state, several seats in each chamber are poised for major change if Democratic voters rally. In Assembly District 30, where local hospitals have closed in recent years after the state failed to approve Medicaid expansion, the race will come down to a Republican incumbent and a Democratic newcomer. Rep.
Iowa patients hit hard by GOP defunding of Planned Parenthood
When America celebrates its 250th birthday this year, it will also mark the day a 2025 provision, which cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, is set to expire. Part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the provision made it impossible for patients with Medicaid to use their federal health insurance at Planned Parenthood clinics—effectively defunding Planned Parenthood nationwide.
Why Do Deer Eat Some Hydrangeas But Not Others?
Deer looking into camera - Vicki Jauron, Babylon And Beyond Photography/Getty Images Like many garden visitors, deer are opportunists. They have preferences when it comes to the types of flowers and foliage they'll sample from your beds and gardens, but they'll also eat their less favorite specimens in a pinch. In general, deer love hydrangeas, especially the flowers. But you might find that certain hydrangeas in your yard grow undeterred without stripped leaves or broken twigs.
Wichita physician launches boutique clinic as GLP-1 demand fuels weight loss industry surge
Shifting drug supplies and costs may soon drive patients away from medspas and toward medical providers for more comprehensive metabolic health management.
Every Prime Day has standout deals: This year's early winner is a $60 vacuum
We may earn money from links on this page, but commission does not influence what we write or the products we recommend. AOL upholds a rigorous editorial process to ensure what we publish is fair, accurate and trustworthy. Cleaning is a chore, no matter how cool your gadgets are. However, with the right tool, tasks like vacuuming become a little more satisfying and significantly more efficient. At least that's what we hear from our in-house vacuum expert, Camryn Rabideau.
Every Prime Day has standout deals: This year's early winner is a $60 vacuum
Shopping 1 hour ago Dad doesn’t need another weird gadget, he needs this $15 tee New York Post - Nishka Dhawan • 1h With both Father’s Day and Prime Day approaching, there are too many great deals to shop before Dad’s Day arrives.
Employee-owned Wichita builder supports dozens of nonprofits through formal foundation
Founded in 1898, the company formalized its charitable efforts around 1960. Last year the foundation gave nearly $250,000.
Mackinac Island is full of politicians and corporate cash right now
When Michigan politicians ferried from the mainland to Mackinac Island for the annual three-day Mackinac Policy Conference this week, they were surrounded by corporate sponsors and lobbyists all vying for their attention. The Mackinac Policy Conference is sold as Michigan’s marquee ideas summit.
Kristine Gill - Copper Courier
Kristine Gill is a freelance writer and editor based in Ohio with a background in newspaper journalism and public-sector communications.
Do Coffee Grounds Actually Repel Ants? Here’s What Pest Experts Say Original
Credit: Getty Images / Ezume Images Key Takeaways Coffee grounds may have a short-term repellent effect on ants but are not effective for long-term control or infestations. Preventing ant problems involves sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and proper landscaping. DIY baits like borax and sugar can help early on. For severe infestations, professional pest control is recommended. The summer months are full of sunshine, heat, and, unfortunately, pests.
Employers can claim up to 75% in childcare tax credits under new Kansas law
The credits are available to employers that spend money on on-site childcare, helping employees find childcare, or covering costs of childcare. A maximum of $3 million in credits is available each year.
Family Promise nears finish line on $8.5M campaign as expansion breaks ground
Family Promise has raised $6.5M of its $8.5M goal. The expansion comes as other nonprofits in Wichita invest millions in addressing homelessness.
Fourth-generation family bank formalizes giving with foundation started in the '60s
The Bastian family created the foundation in 1961 to ensure consistent community support despite fluctuating bank profits.
The HOA Rules You're Required to Follow—and the Ones You Can Push Back On Original
Credit: Getty Images / Kirpal Kooner In your search for a home, you might have considered whether you want to live in a community with a homeowners' association (HOA). Making that decision comes down to fully understanding what differentiates a mandatory HOA from a voluntary HOA, and what kinds of rules an HOA can make and enforce.
HumanKind Ministries raises $5.1M for long-term housing as shelter landscape shifts in Wichita
The campaign included a $1M challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation. Renovations are already underway across four properties.
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