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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 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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Apr 09 2026SPORTS

Barcelona fans push hard for Rashford move

Barcelona supporters are making it clear they want Marcus Rashford to stay at the club. Fans interviewed before a Champions League match said he’s been a game-changer since joining on loan. His 24 goal contributions in 40 games have silenced doubts about his impact. Rashford isn’t always a starter,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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