WILLIAM

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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Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Tracking disease changes in mouth scarring

Doctors often see scarring inside the mouth that can turn into cancer over time. This scarring, called oral submucous fibrosis, starts small but can grow worse. Researchers wanted to know if a specific protein might predict when the disease gets more serious or turns cancerous. They looked at studi

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Apr 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why hospitals hesitate to use blockchain for health records

Many hospitals still keep medical records locked in old systems that feel safe but slow. These systems rely on passwords and firewalls that hackers keep breaking. Blockchain promises a better way: a digital ledger that spreads data across many computers so no single hacker can steal everything at on

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Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

Michigan’s big business deals: Do they really pay off?

Michigan spent over $1. 8 billion helping big companies with tax breaks and cash awards since 2022. The goal? Bring jobs and investments to the state. So far, only a fraction of those promises have turned into real hiring. In 2025, just 1, 846 jobs were created by companies getting SOAR funds—far be

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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 09 2026BUSINESS

Print in the Digital Age: How One Company Merges Old and New

Back in the 1990s, a small print shop started in a family garage, turning out carbon copies and business forms on clunky machines. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was dependable—something companies relied on when digital spreadsheets weren’t an option. Today, that shop still exists, though now it balanc

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Apr 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI’s big moment: Should artists worry or adapt?

Tech experts keep saying AI is changing everything fast. One of them, a big name from Hollywood, calls this moment revolutionary—not just another update. He sees startups and tech giants racing to use AI in new ways. Some people worry about jobs, but he thinks the real test is how well businesses an

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