U S THE DEPARTMENT

Apr 12 2026CELEBRITIES

Why Some Stars Step Away from the Spotlight

Some actors disappear from movies and music for reasons that go beyond just wanting a break. Personal struggles, unfair treatment, or serious health issues can push them to leave the industry temporarily or even forever. For example, one singer who won Grammys and BRIT Awards suddenly vanished from

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Apr 12 2026FINANCE

Crypto payments to Iran: a risky move for shipping companies?

Shipping businesses thinking about using cryptocurrency to pay fees for passing through Iranian waters could be walking into a legal trap. Experts warn that such payments might count as illegal support for a sanctioned government, putting companies in violation of tough US and international laws. Th

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Apr 12 2026CRIME

Why NYPD overtime cuts could be making New York less safe

The detectives who stopped a machete-wielding attacker at Grand Central last weekend were working extra hours under a program now being scaled back. That program used overtime to put more officers in high-risk areas like subways and train stations. But overtime budgets have been shrinking for over a

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Seattle struggles as crime rises and politics clash

Seattle’s crime problem is growing fast. The city now ranks fourth worst among big U. S. cities for crime rates, with theft, break-ins, and violence happening far too often. Many locals feel the city’s leaders are more focused on fights with federal agencies than fixing the real issues in their neig

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Virginia's Future: Tax Policies Spark Debate Over Business Flight

The debate over Virginia’s economic direction heated up recently as political figures traded jabs over state taxes. A key voice in the conversation came from a former president, who used a social media platform to argue that rising taxes under the current governor could push businesses and wealthy r

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Looking ahead: How U. S. politics might change without Trump

The 2026 midterm elections could mark a quiet turning point in American politics—one that has little to do with any single leader. Behind the headlines about rising tensions and election drama, there’s a growing sense that the country is tired of being defined by conflict. Polls show trust in tradit

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Apr 12 2026HEALTH

Support and Trust: The Role of Doulas in Black Maternal Care

The idea that someone would need a professional to help them through childbirth might seem odd to some, but for many Black mothers, it’s a necessity. A doula isn’t just an extra pair of hands—it’s someone who understands the cultural and systemic challenges these women face. One doula, who stepped i

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Apr 12 2026EDUCATION

Faster Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist in Utah

Utah’s colleges are finding creative ways to help students enter high-demand healthcare jobs faster. A new deal between Utah Valley University and Rocky Mountain University brings this idea to life. Top students at UVU can now finish both their bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in physical therapy i

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

China Lines Up New Defense Gear for Iran

The United States says China is getting ready to send new air‑defense weapons to Iran soon. Reports from three insiders say the plan involves moving these items through other countries so their source is hidden. The U. S. State Department, the White House and China’s embassy in Washington have

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

US Forces Claim to Clean Up Hormuz Strait

The U. S. President announced that American troops are beginning to clear the Hormuz Strait, claiming all of Iran’s mine‑laying boats have been sunk. He said the process has started and that the 28 Iranian vessels are now resting on the sea floor. Earlier, the President has said U. S. forces have

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