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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Trump Pushes for Record Defense Spend as Pentagon Eyes New High‑End Weapons

The U. S. administration is asking Congress for the biggest defense budget hike in 75 years, aiming to reshape the military’s industrial base and introduce cutting‑edge systems. The proposal includes a 44 % rise in the overall budget for fiscal year 2027, starting this October, and a 77 % jump in

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Apr 07 2026CRIME

Teen Gatherings Spark Police Alarm in Baltimore

Baltimore’s streets are feeling the heat of spring, and with it comes a new worry: big teen crowds that can turn violent. Police say these meet‑ups, often called “teen link-ups” on social media, are happening more and getting tougher to manage. Last month a video from the White Marsh Mall showed h

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Apr 07 2026HEALTH

Hookah and Social Circles: Why Tobacco Sticks in Arab American Communities

Research shows tobacco use is more common among Arab Americans than some other groups, especially hookah smoking. Scientists wanted to find out why cultural habits and social groups play a big role in this trend. Instead of just looking at personal choices, they studied how family, friends, and comm

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Virginia's New Governor Struggles Early Despite Big Win

Virginia just elected Abigail Spanberger governor in a landslide last November. She promised to be a moderate leader, but now, just 80 days into her term, her approval ratings are the worst for any Virginia governor in the 21st century. Only 47% of voters approve of her performance, while 46% disapp

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

China Steps Up Energy Push While Middle East Tensions Rise

China’s leader Xi Jinping wants the country to build a stronger energy system fast. The push comes as conflicts in the Middle East shake up global fuel supplies. China isn’t talking much about the war itself but wants to make sure its power stays steady no matter what happens abroad. Xi didn’t ment

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Ukraine’s Leader Pushes for Peace Pause Despite Continued Attacks

Ukraine’s president recently restated his offer to pause fighting if Russia stops targeting energy sites. He shared this in a nightly video, explaining the proposal was sent through U. S. channels. His team is also working with American officials on long-term safety guarantees, which he calls the ba

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Inside Springfield Museums: Where Art Meets Blooms for a Spring Spectacle

Every April, the Springfield Museums transform into a vibrant garden of creativity during the Festival of Flowers. Unlike outdoor spring blooms, this event turns indoor spaces into a colorful showcase of floral artistry. Local florists and garden club members craft 54 unique arrangements, each inspi

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Iran’s top tech school hit by strikes, sparking global backlash

The recent overnight attack on Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology has drawn sharp criticism from Iranians across political lines. Known for producing top engineers and scientists, the university stands as a symbol of Iran’s academic pride. Founded in 1966, it’s often compared to MIT for its cu

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Apr 07 2026TECHNOLOGY

Do Virtual Stars Really Need a Human Touch?

Virtual assistants are popping up everywhere, especially in ads. But how do we decide if we can trust them? A recent study looked at how their looks and voices influence our trust, especially when these features are created by AI. Researchers picked a well-known TV character, Sheldon Cooper, and mad

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Apr 07 2026HEALTH

Driving Self-Assessments: When Older Adults Misjudge Their Skills

Many older drivers struggle with a simple question: how well do they really drive? Research reveals a surprising pattern—some believe they're sharper than they are, while others doubt themselves unnecessarily. This mismatch between self-perception and reality isn't just about driving; it affects saf

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