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Mar 05 2026BUSINESS

Seafarers Get New Safety Choice Amid Gulf Tensions

A recent shift in policy lets sailors decline voyages through the Middle East Gulf, especially the Strait of Hormuz, when danger spikes. The move follows rising military tensions and incidents that left ships damaged and crew injured or dead since late February. About 300 vessels are currently stuck

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Mar 05 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Big Stars, Big BBQ: What to Expect at Stagecoach 2026

The 2026 Stagecoach Country Music Festival will feature a sizzling lineup of celebrity chefs and music stars who will cook up tasty treats for fans. The event, held from April 24 to 26 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, will see Guy Fieri hosting his own stage and a tent full of barbecue stands. Fans

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Mar 05 2026BUSINESS

Kroger’s New CEO Sets a Calm Pace for 2026 Sales

Kroger is stepping into a quieter year under its new chief, Greg Foran. Foran, who once led Walmart’s U. S. operations and steered 20 quarters of steady sales growth, took the reins in February after a board‑initiated removal of former boss Rodney McMullen. The company’s latest forecast shows

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Mar 05 2026LIFESTYLE

'Family‑Friendly Southern Eats Now Open in Mars Hill'

'In the quiet hills of Madison County, a new spot has appeared on the map for local diners. BoRudy’s Grill, opened on February 8 by Lisa Rice and her daughter‑in‑law Ashley Rice, offers a menu that feels like a cozy kitchen at home. The restaurant’s name comes from Lisa’s sons, Ashley’s husband Bren

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Mar 05 2026ENVIRONMENT

Chlorinated Paraffins in E‑Waste River: Where the Risk Lies

Short‑chain and medium‑chain chlorinated paraffins, common in plastics and metal‑working fluids, have become a hot topic because they stick around in the environment, travel far, and can build up in living things. Long‑chain variants are less studied but may also be a threat. In China’s Guiyu, a tow

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Mar 05 2026POLITICS

PETA’s Unexpected Ally in the Fight Against Animal Testing

PETA, a well‑known animal rights group that often stages eye‑catching protests, has recently found itself praising the current U. S. administration for its moves to cut back on animal research. The group’s senior VP, Kathy Guillermo, praised the shift in policy as “night and day” compared to past le

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Mar 05 2026CRYPTO

Ethereum Funds See Biggest Money Inflow in Two Months

Ethereum exchange‑traded funds attracted $169 million on a recent Wednesday, the largest intake in two months. The surge nearly matched the $175 million that flowed in on January 14, according to market data. The digital coin’s price climbed 4. 3% in the last day, moving to about $2, 130 after

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Mar 05 2026POLITICS

More Hands on the Table Won’t Fix It

"People who feel unheard often point fingers at a small group of decision‑makers, saying the county didn’t listen. The truth is that the three commissioners usually read the letters and petitions, but they may simply disagree with what is being asked for. The main argument for adding two more seat

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Mar 05 2026ENVIRONMENT

Maine’s Forests Face a New Threat from a Power Line Plan

A plan approved last November by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) promises to protect 50, 000 acres of forest as a buffer for a new power line that will stretch from the Quebec border to central Maine. The plan says half of this area must be managed as “mature forest habitat” and

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Mar 04 2026BUSINESS

EU Picks New Fund Managers for €5 Billion Tech Investment

The European Union is preparing a new fund that will pour €5 billion into cutting‑edge technology companies, such as those developing quantum computers and artificial intelligence. The plan is to hand over the fund’s day‑to‑day operations to a private management firm chosen in April. The selectio

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