IRA

Apr 21 2026HEALTH

Nicotine gets a makeover as a wellness trend – but is it safe?

A growing group of social media personalities and wellness influencers are painting nicotine as a harmless, even beneficial, natural boost for the brain. Figures like Jillian Michaels and Tucker Carlson have suggested nicotine can sharpen focus, protect against diseases like Parkinson’s, and even en

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

The A-10 Warthog’s Future: Why the U. S. Air Force Can’t Let Go Just Yet

The U. S. Air Force has decided to keep the A-10 Warthog flying until at least 2030, delaying its planned retirement. The plane, nicknamed for its tough, pig-like appearance, first took off in 1976 and has become a controversial figure in military discussions. While some argue it’s outdated and too

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Gas prices: Why official predictions keep changing

Officials keep giving different answers about when gas prices might drop. First they said weeks, then months, then maybe never before the election. Energy Secretary Chris Wright started with a confident \"weeks\" timeline in early March. By April, he called summer a \"very aggressive\" guess. Just d

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Apr 20 2026POLITICS

Small Steps, Big Impact: How Two Teens Changed Laws in Virginia

Back in 2023, hate crimes in Virginia jumped up by 15%, even as the rest of the country saw a slight drop. That surprising difference made Randall Nied, a high school sophomore, curious. During a family dinner, his dad—a lawyer—suggested he dig deeper. Randall found out Virginia had strong privacy p

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Apr 19 2026POLITICS

Strait Tension: U. S. and Iran Trade Blame Over Ship Incidents

The Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil traffic, is stuck in a standoff. Both sides have accused each other of breaking a cease‑fire that was meant to keep ships safe. The U. S. claims Iran fired on vessels, while Iran says the American blockade is a war crime. A U. S. president p

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Apr 19 2026POLITICS

Pope’s Peace Call Sparks Debate Over Iran Conflict

The Pope has again voiced his opposition to armed conflict, this time citing the situation in Iran. Critics argue that naming a specific country weakens the broader anti‑war stance, suggesting the message would be stronger if it addressed war in general. They also point out that Iran has been respon

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Apr 18 2026OPINION

A Simple Look at the Big Oil Fight in Iran

The recent U. S. air campaign over Iran has sparked mixed feelings among supporters of the president, some who still cheer because they believe a June strike ended Iran’s nuclear plans. The word “excursion” used by the president shows how unclear his statements are, especially when he claims to have

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

New York Mayor Takes on War Costs and Rising Prices

The city’s newest mayor, a self‑described democratic socialist, recently discussed how the ongoing conflict in Iran is pushing up gasoline and other living expenses for New Yorkers. He said that while the war is a separate issue, it only adds to an already steep cost‑of‑living crisis that has been p

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

Plan to Move Iran's Nuclear Material to the US Takes Shape

Plans are in motion for the United States to team up with Iran to gather enriched uranium from the country and transport it back home. The plan was shared by a top US official who spoke to the press recently. The official described the process as a slow-moving operation involving large machinery to

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Apr 18 2026OPINION

How NPR talks about Iran - and why it matters

NPR often calls Iran a "regime" but calls other governments just "governments. " It’s a simple word difference, but it shows how news organizations pick sides. Look at Israel, for example: it holds elections but only for about half its population. Meanwhile, Iran holds real elections across its whol

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