LEA

Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

China’s Energy Play: Playing the Long Game While Others Struggle

The latest conflict around Iran has thrown global energy markets into chaos, but one country seems to have planned ahead. While many nations scramble for oil and gas after supply lines through the Middle East hit a roadblock, China remains steady. It’s not luck—it’s years of smart moves. Beijing bui

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Apr 09 2026LIFESTYLE

Akiko Freeman: A Winemaker Making Waves Locally and Globally

Akiko Freeman isn’t just a name on a bottle of wine—she’s a bridge between cultures. The co-owner of Freeman Winery in Sebastopol has spent years blending her Japanese heritage with California’s winemaking traditions. A major recognition is coming her way on April 23 in San Francisco, where she’ll a

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Apr 08 2026POLITICS

Iran warns of strong response to any attack on its energy system

Tensions between Iran and the U. S. have reached a boiling point as Iran promises a firm but measured reply if American strikes target its power plants. Tehran made it clear that it sees such actions as unacceptable aggression, firmly rejecting the idea of backing down under pressure. In a sharp reb

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Apr 08 2026SPORTS

How young hockey players get better support in the USHL system

The USHL just made big changes to how it helps young hockey players grow both on and off the ice. Starting now, all 16 teams in the league will follow the same set of rules to support players. This includes help with travel costs, extra schooling, and money back for serious training or injuries that

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Apr 08 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Faith and filmmaking collide in new releases

A French film about an old Catholic tradition is getting a U. S. preview. Called "Sacred Heart, " it mixes acted scenes with expert talks and real stories from believers. The movie dives into a 300-year-old practice tied to visions a nun had in a small town in France. After its first run in Europe l

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Apr 08 2026EDUCATION

High schoolers take the lead in Cincinnati's community revival

At Taft High School in Cincinnati, a meeting room became a playground for change. Fifteen students and fifteen adults sat in a circle—not in a classroom, not in a boardroom, but in a space where the usual power lines vanished. The students set the agenda, asked the questions, and kept the adults acc

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Apr 08 2026BUSINESS

A finance chief blending tradition and fresh ideas in Napa's wine world

At 35, Kevin Johnsen runs the numbers behind California’s 10th biggest wine maker—Fior di Sole—but he sees his real job as shaping how the company grows without losing sight of its roots. He joined as finance director in 2022, became CFO a year later, and added COO in 2025. His list of responsibilit

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Apr 08 2026BUSINESS

A Local Builder Making Big Changes in His Community

At 35, Chris Lovi isn’t just another construction manager—he’s someone who turned his own daily struggles into real solutions for others. For years, he spent hours stuck in traffic on Highway 101, frustrated by the slow, outdated roads. Instead of ignoring the problem, he joined Ghilotti Brothers Co

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Apr 07 2026FINANCE

Air Lease and Sumisho Air Lease Sign Final Deal, Ready to Merge

Air Lease, a Los Angeles airline leasing firm, has secured the last regulatory green light needed to finish its merger with a unit of Sumisho Air Lease Corporation. The approval clears the final hurdle, allowing the deal to close later this month if all remaining conditions are met. The merger will

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Apr 07 2026FINANCE

New CFO at Azul: Former Embraer Money Boss Steps In

Azul, the Brazilian airline, announced that its long‑time CFO Alex Malfitani will leave his post on April 20. The company said Antonio Carlos Garcia, who previously ran the finances for Embraer, will take over as chief financial officer. Malfitani helped start Azul and has been a key figure in the

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