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Apr 09 2026WEATHER

What happens when Pacific waters get unusually warm?

Ocean temperatures along the equator in the Pacific Ocean are shifting in ways that could change weather patterns across North America. After a prolonged period of cooler-than-average water temperatures known as La Niña, the Pacific is now in a neutral phase where temperatures hover around average.

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

March heatwave wasn’t just hot—it shattered all records in the US

The continental United States just experienced a March that defied expectations in the worst way. Data shows this past month wasn’t just warm—it was the most unusually hot March in 132 years of tracking. The average temperature hit 50. 85°F, nearly 10 degrees above the usual March norm. For context,

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Apr 09 2026CRIME

A mother’s legal gamble: trading truth for a mental health defense

In a quiet Massachusetts town, a nurse now faces a tough question: what happens when guilt meets suffering? The woman, once a caregiver for new mothers, is accused of ending her three children’s lives in a single day. Instead of denying her role, she’s offering to admit what she did—if it means the

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Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Small bursts of movement: Do tiny workouts really boost fitness?

Breaking exercise into tiny chunks might sound too simple to be true, but research keeps asking if these "snacks" actually help. Instead of blocking off an hour for the gym, what if moving for just a minute every hour could keep adults moving better? That’s the big question behind exercise snacks—sh

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Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Small activities that quietly boost everyday life

Most people see art as something extra—nice to do when you’re bored but not something to rely on. Yet research keeps showing that art does more than just entertain. Playing an instrument can lower stress and even improve heart health. Simple actions like sketching or knitting sharpen the mind, much

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Apr 09 2026OPINION

Science clues that make some scientists rethink atheism

Astronauts floating above Earth often come back feeling something big, not just in their bones but in their beliefs. The view of our tiny blue planet against the endless dark seems to stretch their thoughts beyond numbers and equations. Reports from space travelers over decades show this pattern—fro

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Apr 09 2026ENTERTAINMENT

When Music and Health Care Join Forces

A band known for bold performances just teamed up with a major health organization to offer something unexpected at their concerts. Florence + the Machine, famous for their dramatic stage shows, is working with Planned Parenthood to set up booths at some tour stops. These booths won’t sell merch—the

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Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Should kids get their measles shot earlier in Michigan?

Michigan has seen a handful of measles cases pop up recently, with seven in Washtenaw County and one in Monroe County. Health experts are urging parents in seven counties to think about giving their babies a measles vaccine sooner than usual. Normally, kids get their first dose around their first bi

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Apr 09 2026OPINION

Health care costs in Virginia: Who really pays the price?

Virginia's health care system is facing a quiet crisis, and most residents don't even realize the game being played with their wallets. Last year's major federal health law quietly handed corporations and wealthy shareholders huge tax breaks while leaving average families to foot the bill. The resul

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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

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