US

Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Is Maine’s new budget plan really a smart move?

Maine is facing real struggles right now. High living costs—especially for housing and energy—are squeezing families and businesses alike. Many people have left for other states with lower taxes and better opportunities. Small businesses, which keep local economies alive, are feeling the pinch too.

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

April’s Mixed Headlines: Sports, Politics, and Legal Battles Dominate the Week

Another NCAA basketball season wrapped up Monday when Michigan beat UConn 6-3 in a tight final game. This was big news for the Big Ten, marking their first men’s basketball championship in nearly 30 years. Meanwhile, Illinois, a top contender just days before, got eliminated in the semifinals. This

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Apr 12 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI’s quiet takeover of India’s movie world

India’s film studios are quietly racing ahead in AI filmmaking—not because it’s cool, but because the math adds up. By cutting budgets by up to four-fifths and finishing movies four times faster, producers are adapting to a harsh reality: fewer people are buying tickets. After ticket sales sank from

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Apr 12 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Gurnee’s Big Summer Fun: A Half-Century of Thrills Ahead

Gurnee’s favorite amusement park is turning 50 this summer, and it’s pulling out all the stops to make sure visitors feel the excitement. The park opens for its regular season on April 25, giving guests two months to get used to the rides before the real celebration kicks off on June 20. That’s when

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

High-Risk Peace Talks Happen in Unexpected Place

A fancy hotel in Islamabad is hosting tense meetings between U. S. and Iranian officials this week. Normally, this five-star spot welcomes tourists and business travelers, but now it’s locked down tighter than a fortress. The Serena Hotel isn’t the first choice you’d expect for such serious discussi

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Empty Ships, Full Claims: What’s Really Happening with U. S. Oil Tankers?

Reports say a fleet of massive oil tankers—some of the biggest in the world—are sailing toward America, but they’re traveling empty. President Trump suggested this is a smart move, claiming these ships are on their way to collect the country’s top-tier oil and gas. He even argued that the U. S. now

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Apr 12 2026SPORTS

Masters weekend greens spark debate among players

This year’s Masters brought a familiar debate to the forefront: how soft should the golf course be at the season’s first major? After Thursday’s fast, almost bone-dry conditions forced quick watering by Augusta National, the greens took a softer turn. But by Saturday, things hadn’t hardened up as ma

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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 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A Weekend of Music, Drama and History in Fayetteville

The Australian Chamber Orchestra arrives in town with a fresh piece called “Horizon, ” written by composer John Luther Adams. The group, led by violinist and conductor Richard Tognetti, will perform the work during its tour, including a show at 8 p. m. Saturday night in Walton Arts Center on W. Dick

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Apr 11 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Signal Secrets and Hollywood Struggles

Kelly Ripa has a special way to let her husband, Mark Consuelos, know when she’s not feeling it. Kate Jackson, who once starred in “Charlie’s Angels, ” says that the spotlight took away her privacy and pushed her out of the industry. A car accident in Southern California left Tori Spelling’s k

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