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Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

How Unions Shape Later Life for Older Workers

Workers who joined unions decades ago often look back on their careers with different views than those who entered the workforce just a generation later. A recent look at two groups of older Americans—born 18 years apart—shows how labor unions influenced not just paychecks, but also how people felt

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Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

Big Money Steps Up for Nonprofits When Others Pull Back

In a year when many big companies cut back on charity work, one major insurance firm is making a bold move. Liberty Mutual Insurance, known mostly for cars and property policies, just created a $600 million fund meant to keep giving money to nonprofits year after year. This endowment isn’t a reactio

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Sheep and Solar Panels Share Space in Baldwin County

Developers expect big changes for a quiet Alabama town when a new solar farm takes over thousands of acres. A company called Silicon Ranch plans to cover 2, 000 acres with solar panels and leave the rest untouched. They say the project will boost the local ecosystem while powering a massive data cen

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Apr 09 2026SCIENCE

How tiny plant boosters help seeds survive the cold

Early spring planting is tricky for pepper and tomato growers because cold soil slows down seed sprouting and weakens baby plants. Scientists tested a two-step trick: soak seeds in a special sugar-like mix, let them dry, then spray the young plants with the same mix. The mix contains three tiny comp

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Apr 09 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Behind the Scenes of London’s Latest Crime Show

London’s crime shows are back in a big way, and fans can’t get enough. A popular series is returning for a second season on Apple TV, starting April 22. What makes this show stand out isn’t just action—it digs deep into the people solving the crimes, flaws and all. The first season won praise for it

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Apr 09 2026CRIME

When Hunger Meets a Paying Job

Two years after a nighttime shoplifting incident in southwest Portland, the shoplifter has filed a lawsuit against the grocery clerk who chased him. At the time, Joshua Merkel said he took more than $100 worth of food without paying because he was hungry—and claimed the clerk’s response left him wit

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Apr 09 2026POLITICS

EPA Chief Sparks Debate After Dropping Key Climate Rule

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency recently told a group of climate change doubters to "celebrate" after scrapping a major rule that had shaped federal efforts to fight global warming for over a decade. Speaking at a conference run by a conservative think tank that questions mainstream

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why a Plastic Bottle Ban Lacks Bite on Martha’s Vineyard

In 2021, Oak Bluffs residents voted to ban small plastic water bottles under 34 ounces—a move pushed by students worried about plastic waste. Five other towns on Martha’s Vineyard did the same after a campaign called Plastic Free MV urged action against single-use plastics between 2019 and 2022. But

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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 2026OPINION

Emergency Vehicles and Green Rules: A Balancing Act for California

California is pushing hard to cut emissions, but the push from the state may have dangerous side effects. New rules want most vehicles to go electric soon, including ones used in emergencies. The problem? Right now, zero-emission alternatives for some key support vehicles simply aren’t dependable en

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