PTI

Apr 17 2026BUSINESS

Shipping Costs Soar as Panama Canal Faces Rush to Avoid Middle East Trade Disruptions

The Panama Canal recently faced a surprising case where a ship paid $4 million to skip the line. But officials insist this wasn’t a fixed fee—it was just a one-time auction price driven by temporary market chaos. Why? Because wars in the Middle East are changing global trade routes, pushing more shi

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Apr 17 2026CRIME

Former Joliet worker admits to stealing from his own workplace

A finance chief in Joliet who handled public money for years got caught using it for personal trips, shows, and even sports games instead of running the park district’s budget. The man worked as the top financial officer from 2013 to 2019, earning over $100, 000 each year before his own office notic

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Apr 16 2026HEALTH

Peptides on the Move: What Happens When Safety Rules Get Loosened?

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is preparing to review whether certain peptides—short chains of amino acids often hyped as quick-fix health boosters—should face fewer restrictions. These substances, popular in wellness circles and among some celebrities, have never undergone rigorous testing

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Apr 16 2026CRIME

Hanahan Faces Shock After Councilman’s Arrest for Child Exploitation

When federal agents arrested a Hanahan city council member last week for producing and sharing child sexual abuse material, the quiet Lowcountry town was stunned. The charges paint a picture of a trusted public figure secretly exploiting minors online. Investigators say his digital trail ties him to

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Apr 15 2026HEALTH

Peptides on the Edge: FDA Eyes Rule Changes While Celebs Push Their Use

The Food and Drug Administration announced a July meeting to review whether six or more unapproved peptide injections should move from a restricted drug category. These small protein fragments, popular with fitness influencers and some celebrities, promise quick muscle gains, injury healing or anti‑

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Apr 15 2026SCIENCE

Building Green Materials with Smart AI

The world is running out of important minerals. Smelting these metals also adds a lot of carbon to the air and pollutes water. People need new ways to make materials that are good, cheap, easy to recycle and safe for the planet. Designing such materials is hard because many goals must be met at o

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Europe’s summer flights could face major disruptions as fuel worries grow

Europe’s travel season might not be as smooth as airlines hope. Experts warn that jet fuel shortages could cause big problems as early as May and June, just when airports expect their busiest months. The issue isn’t just about running low—it’s about how long the problem might last. If the Strait of

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Apr 15 2026LIFESTYLE

Finding Purpose After a Rocky Start

Life can take unexpected turns when someone hits rock bottom. Martha Randall Erickson knows this well. By her mid-30s, she felt like she was drowning in bad choices—two failed marriages, a battle with addiction, and the weight of a painful childhood. But a coworker named Thom Britton didn’t give up

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Where Do Americans Grab Their Coffee These Days?

The way people in the U. S. make and enjoy their coffee has shifted lately, with more cups brewed at home than anywhere else in the past fourteen years. A recent coffee survey found that 85 percent of adults who drank coffee in the previous twenty-four hours did it from their own kitchens or dining

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Apr 13 2026BUSINESS

A Bright Outlook for 2026, Says Citizens CEO

Citizens Financial Group’s chief executive believes the next year will be better for the economy. He told investors in January that growth, job stability and falling inflation were likely by year‑end. His bank’s analysts also expected two more cuts from the Federal Reserve and a good financial pictu

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