E

Apr 09 2026OPINION

Why US sanctions on Cuba could be a violation of international law

In recent years, the US has tightened its grip on Cuba through economic measures that go beyond just trade restrictions. These policies cut off essential oil supplies, which power most of Cuba’s electricity—including hospitals. Without fuel, blackouts worsen, surgeries get delayed, and life-saving t

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why Boulder’s Growth Plan Needs a Reality Check

Boulder’s approach to managing its future has always stood out for balancing growth with environmental limits. But the latest draft of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan takes a risky turn by loosening the strict rules that kept development in check for decades. One big change? Dropping the old n

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Snowy savings accounts are disappearing in the West

Winter in the western U. S. used to work like a natural savings account for water. Snow piled up in the mountains during cold months, then slowly melted to fill rivers and reservoirs when summer arrived. But the winter of 2025-26 broke the old rules. Record warmth turned what should have been snow i

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026POLITICS

Why charging ships to cross the Hormuz Strait could backfire badly

Global trade relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow waterway where about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through every day. Right now, ships move freely without paying fees. But Iran has floated the idea of imposing tolls on vessels passing through, a move that could shake up ho

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026POLITICS

China's Moon Plan: Why 2030 Could Be a Gamechanger

China is racing to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, and it’s not just about planting a flag. While NASA’s Artemis program grabs headlines with crewed flybys, Beijing’s ambition reflects a bigger push for space leadership—one that mixes technical skill, strategic timing, and quiet rivalry. The c

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

Checking the facts: How the U. S. and China tackle fake influencers differently

Social media stars giving health tips without medical school degrees. Investors posting stock advice after watching a YouTube video. Tutors selling homework help with no teaching license. Both China and the U. S. now say this can’t go on. In China, the rule is simple: prove you’re qualified before

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Free Health Checks Coming to Flint

Flint is rolling out a free health fair downtown next month. On April 9, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Genesee County Health Department and the University of Michigan-Flint team up to run their yearly Public Health Expo at the county administration building on Saginaw Street. Anyone can walk in for quick

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Tracking disease changes in mouth scarring

Doctors often see scarring inside the mouth that can turn into cancer over time. This scarring, called oral submucous fibrosis, starts small but can grow worse. Researchers wanted to know if a specific protein might predict when the disease gets more serious or turns cancerous. They looked at studi

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why hospitals hesitate to use blockchain for health records

Many hospitals still keep medical records locked in old systems that feel safe but slow. These systems rely on passwords and firewalls that hackers keep breaking. Blockchain promises a better way: a digital ledger that spreads data across many computers so no single hacker can steal everything at on

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

Michigan’s big business deals: Do they really pay off?

Michigan spent over $1. 8 billion helping big companies with tax breaks and cash awards since 2022. The goal? Bring jobs and investments to the state. So far, only a fraction of those promises have turned into real hiring. In 2025, just 1, 846 jobs were created by companies getting SOAR funds—far be

reading time less than a minute