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Apr 01 2026TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft Secures Big Texas Power Deal for Data Centers

Microsoft is closing a huge agreement to lock in a steady electricity supply for its growing data‑center needs. The deal involves a new gas‑powered plant in West Texas that will deliver 2, 500 megawatts of power—one of the largest projects in the state. The project is valued at about $7 billion and

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Apr 01 2026SCIENCE

Hybrid Crystal Keeps Boosting Light Signals Even Under Extreme Pressure

A special kind of crystal, made from both organic and inorganic parts, can change how it interacts with light when squeezed. Scientists usually expect that squeezing such materials will weaken their ability to produce a second‑harmonic signal, a process where incoming light doubles its frequency. Th

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Apr 01 2026POLITICS

Pennsylvania Faces Rising Energy Bills Amid Fossil‑Fuel Focus

Pennsylvania families are feeling the strain of higher energy costs, a result of national policies that favor oil and gas over cleaner options. The state’s average household now faces extra expenses each year, with electricity prices up sharply after recent federal shifts toward fossil fuels. The

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Apr 01 2026ENVIRONMENT

Housing Hardships After Houston Storms

In the wake of hurricanes and floods, people living in low‑income parts of Houston find their homes badly damaged. The main problem is that the houses lose key parts—walls, roofs, and plumbing—and many residents cannot fix them quickly. Why? Because they face paperwork hurdles, lack of money,

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Apr 01 2026WEATHER

Spring’s last surprise: Mixed weather hits Minnesota mid-week

Minnesota’s April forecast isn’t fooling anyone. After ditching heavy winter coats just weeks ago, residents should prepare for a blast of messy weather. Starting Wednesday evening, a storm system will sweep through the state, bringing heavy rain, sleet, and even a chance of snow. The Twin Cities mi

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Mar 31 2026BUSINESS

Fuel Swaps and Energy Scrambles in Asia

Indonesia’s president flew to Tokyo amid a regional rush to find new fuel sources. The Middle East conflict has cut many supplies, and now countries are trading energy to keep their economies running. Jakarta is planning a deal that would bring more liquefied natural gas into Japan while sending liq

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Mar 31 2026ENVIRONMENT

Forest Loss in Indonesia Rises Sharp as Self‑Sufficiency Drives Push Land Clearing

Indonesia’s forests shrank by a striking 66% in 2025, the fastest rate in eight years, according to data from satellite imagery and field checks across 16 provinces. The country’s huge forest area, once one of the world’s richest in biodiversity, is being cleared at an alarming pace as it pursues am

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Mar 31 2026LIFESTYLE

Clear Aligners: Straight Teeth Without Braces

Many people dream of a perfect smile but stop short because traditional braces feel pricey and inconvenient. New clear aligners give a simple, budget‑friendly alternative that fits into everyday life instead of forcing you to change it. These trays are custom made, almost invisible, and they work by

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Mar 31 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Chewed Up: Former Chew Stars Serve Fresh Food on New Show

Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon, who teamed up on the popular food talk show The Chew from 2011 to 2018, have joined forces again for a new project called Chewed Up. The trio’s return comes as a podcast that blends cooking tips with lifestyle chatter. The first 70 episodes are now str

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Mar 31 2026FINANCE

Oil Stocks Get a Boost from Middle East Tensions

Diamondback Energy has seen its stock rise sharply in the past year, climbing nearly 30% and hitting record highs. The company operates mostly in the Permian Basin, one of the most productive U. S. oil fields, where it drills and acquires new wells. With Middle East conflicts driving up global energ

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