ARI

Mar 18 2026POLITICS

Mullin Faces Tough Questions Before Leading Homeland Security

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, the Republican chosen by former President Trump to head the Department of Homeland Security, had a rocky confirmation hearing that highlighted concerns about his temperament and past foreign trips. The meeting was heated from the start, with Senate Homeland Security chair Rand

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Mar 18 2026SPORTS

WNBA’s New Deal: Bigger Pay, Fresh Start

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players’ union have finally reached a tentative agreement after more than a year of talks. The deal, still in principle, will set the stage for the league’s 30th season that kicks off on May 8. Negotiations dragged from March to June, wi

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Mar 18 2026HEALTH

Early Menopause Increases Heart Attack Risk for Women

Women who reach menopause before age 40 face a noticeably higher chance of heart attacks throughout their lives. Studies show that these women experience about 40 % more fatal and non‑fatal heart attacks compared to those whose menopause occurs after 40. The risk gap is especially wide for Black wom

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Mar 18 2026SCIENCE

Malaria Makes Worms More Productive

In tropical regions, millions of people carry intestinal worms that can linger for years and cause serious health problems. When these worm infections overlap with malaria, the outcome is not simply additive; one disease can change how the other behaves inside the host. Researchers used mice to stu

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Mar 18 2026POLITICS

Tech Money in Illinois Primaries: A Mixed Battle

In the recent Illinois primary races, tech companies spent large sums to influence outcomes, but their impact was uneven. The cryptocurrency sector poured more than $10 million into a super PAC that opposed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s campaign, yet she still secured the Democratic nomination.

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Mar 18 2026FINANCE

Growth in Sales Beats Profit Drop at Louis Dreyfus

Louis Dreyfus Company, a major player in the global grain market, reported lower profits for 2025 while showing stronger sales and shipping volumes. The company’s core earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation fell to $1. 83 billion from $1. 88 billion the year before. Net

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Mar 18 2026LIFESTYLE

Best spring bag deals that beat the Trader Joe’s tote rush

Spring’s unofficial bag of the season just got a fancy upgrade. Pastel totes are in everywhere, and the grocery store version from Trader Joe’s pops up online for thousands when sold out. But if waiting in lines or battling resellers isn’t your style, a polished alternative exists. Kate Spade Outlet

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Mar 17 2026SCIENCE

A New Twist in a Brain Disorder Study

The research team began by looking at a girl who has an unusual form of MED12‑related intellectual disability, a condition that can cause learning challenges and sometimes movement problems. They focused on one specific gene change, called a splice variant, that might be responsible for her symptoms

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Mar 17 2026CRIME

True Crime in 2025: New Voices, Old Stories

The year 2025 offered a surprising shift in the true‑crime world, moving away from flashy rehashes and toward deeper, more human stories. Some releases still followed the old formula: a new angle on a famous serial killer or a celebrity drama that feels rushed to beat online rivals. But many f

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Mar 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Fun Night at the Opera House Helps a Local Food Bank

Gardiner’s Johnson Hall Opera House is hosting an entertaining evening on March 21 to raise money for the Chrysalis Place Food Bank. The show, starting at 7:30 p. m. , mixes music, comedy, circus tricks and dance. Attendees can enjoy acts such as the Cowboy Angels, juggler Shane Miclon, the band B

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