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May 01 2026POLITICS

What Americans Really Believe About Human Rights—and Why It Matters

A growing number of Americans now see certain authoritarian governments as better on human rights than their own country. Polls show this shift is especially strong among younger Democrats, who view Iran, Israel, and even China in similar negative ways—or sometimes even favor China over the U. S. Th

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May 01 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Unexpected voices and fresh stories to explore in the Bay Area this May

May lights up with over 60 book-related events scattered across the Bay, from North Beach to Menlo Park. Instead of the usual literary suspects, this month’s lineup mixes unlikely storytellers—chefs, scientists, athletes, and even a DJ—behind the microphone. A Venezuelan-American writer reflects on

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Apr 30 2026POLITICS

Quick Look at the New Surveillance Bill Rush

A new push to extend U. S. surveillance powers moved fast this week. House leaders got just enough votes to start debating the bill after a tight two-hour vote. The change would let spy agencies keep collecting data without first asking a judge. Some lawmakers only agreed after pressure from top Rep

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Apr 30 2026POLITICS

Why Anchorage’s shrinking electricity use could mean bigger bills

For years, the main concern about Anchorage’s power supply has been whether natural gas will run out. But there’s a quieter issue making bills rise: people are using less electricity. Over the past 15 years, power use in Chugach Electric’s territory has dropped by about 1% each year. In 2025, it fel

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Apr 28 2026CRYPTO

How Crypto Freezes Affect Iran’s Money Moves

U. S. officials recently blocked $344 million in cryptocurrency linked to Iran, a move aimed at stopping funds from reaching groups like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hizballah. The freeze happened days after Tether, a major stablecoin company, locked up an identical amount at the govern

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Apr 28 2026HEALTH

Why the sudden rush for estrogen patches isn't just about supply

The conversation around menopause has shifted dramatically. Women today aren’t just quietly enduring hot flashes or sleepless nights—they’re actively demanding solutions. This change reflects a broader cultural shift where health concerns, once kept private, are now openly discussed. Social media pl

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

Russian Superyacht Tries to Pass Blocked Strait

A huge Russian yacht named Nord, linked to billionaire Alexey Mordashov, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The strait is a key route for oil and has been blocked by Iran since February amid U. S. –Iran tensions. The 142‑meter yacht left a Dubai marina at about 1400 GMT on Friday, c

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Apr 27 2026HEALTH

Birth Control Pills and Shoulder Injuries: What Women Should Know

Researchers have found a link between hormonal birth control and higher chances of shoulder problems in women. The study focused on three types of birth control: estrogen-only, progestin-only, and combined pills. It looked at women of childbearing age and matched them carefully to compare risks fair

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Russia’s Strain: War, Sanctions, and a Workforce on the Edge

Russia’s economy is showing clear signs of trouble as the war in Ukraine drags on. Policymakers in Moscow recently met to discuss shrinking capital markets and rising costs, with warnings that labor shortages could get worse. Inflation is climbing, production is slowing, and experts say the country’

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Turkey Weighs Joining Hormuz Mine-Clearing Mission

Turkey is quietly assessing whether to send experts to clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, but only if Iran and the United States first reach a lasting peace deal. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan explained in London that any future clearance teams would consist of technical specialists from mu

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