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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Rising Trade Tensions: Small Businesses vs Big Tariff Plans

The debate over new U. S. tariffs is heating up again after the Supreme Court stopped President Trump’s emergency duties last year. Companies that import goods from overseas are worried that higher taxes could ruin their operations, while some U. S. manufacturers think the extra costs would level th

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Small‑Biz Tax Storm: Philly’s New Burden

Philadelphia has pushed a new Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) onto small owners, even those with sales under $100, 000. The city will charge $1. 41 per thousand dollars in sales and $57. 10 per thousand in profits, a change that was previously exempt for many sole proprietors. About 75, 000

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Apr 15 2026TECHNOLOGY

Affordable but Not All‑That‑Great: The Polar Street X Review

The Polar Street X is the first big watch from Finland’s Polar in 2026. It costs about $249 in the U. S. and £219 in the U. K. , so it is Polar’s cheapest GPS model. It also adds a flashlight, a feature that only a few sports watches have. The watch looks like a rugged G‑Shock. Its case is

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Business Growth Stalls When Leaders Focus Only on Today

Leaders often talk about change but struggle to make it real. They approve budgets, attend meetings, and listen to consultants, yet nothing actually changes in how work gets done. This isn’t because they lack motivation or resources. The real issue is that they don’t have a clear plan to turn big id

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Apr 15 2026SPORTS

England Fans Bring Their World Cup Passion to Dallas

Richardson, Texas now has a go-to spot for soccer lovers ahead of England’s World Cup match in Dallas. London Calling Texas, a small local shop, mixes vintage World Cup gear with fresh designs focused on the English team. The owner, who grew up in East London, started the business after years of col

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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 2026OPINION

Why Maine's rich should pay a little more to keep the state strong

Maine has always had a habit of standing up for fairness in taxes. The state is filled with people who work hard and look out for each other, whether it’s helping a neighbor clean up after a storm or contributing more when they can afford it. Wealthy residents, like the speaker who grew up in August

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Apr 15 2026HEALTH

Sipping Green Tea: Small Habit, Big Health Perks?

Green tea often gets called a ''superdrink'' but what’s really behind the hype? Most people know it’s packed with antioxidants, but why does that actually matter? The drink’s power comes from compounds like EGCG, a type of polyphenol that fights cell damage linked to aging. Research connects green t

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Apr 15 2026TECHNOLOGY

Making sure your phone notifies you about dangerous weather

Last week in Southern Minnesota, storms caused real damage—trees were uprooted and roads became hazardous. While many people received urgent alerts on their phones, some missed them entirely. This happens not because cell towers fail, but because phones sometimes have important warning settings turn

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Apr 14 2026BUSINESS

Parking Plans Stir Mixed Feelings in Downtown Wildwood

A new 70-space parking lot is set to pop up in downtown Wildwood, raising eyebrows among locals and business owners alike. The project’s purpose seems straightforward: ease congestion and give visitors more options for parking. But reactions are split. Some shop owners argue this move could finally

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