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Business

Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz, Trump warns against 'blackmail'

Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz, Trump warns against 'blackmail'

  • Trevor Hunnicutt, Ariba Shahid and Muhammad Al Gebaly Reuters

Tehran said it responded to a continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of their ceasefire.

Trump: Iran ‘can’t blackmail us’ over Strait of Hormuz

Trump: Iran ‘can’t blackmail us’ over Strait of Hormuz

  • Aljazeera - AJ+

US President Donald Trump says the US is having “very good conversations” with Iran and says he’s optimistic a deal can still be done.

From Titanic sinking to OKC bombing, April is fraught with tragedy

From Titanic sinking to OKC bombing, April is fraught with tragedy

  • USA Today - Vertical

April 15-20 is full of tragedy including the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

Terry Savage: Can you beat the market?

Terry Savage: Can you beat the market?

  • Terry Savage, Tribune Content Agency

Do you think you can beat the stock market? Of course, Wall Street is not ruled by individual trading bets. The shocking headline: 79% of all active large-cap U.S. equity funds underperformed the S&P 500!

Raffle winner thrilled to claim a $1 million Picasso with a $117 ticket

Raffle winner thrilled to claim a $1 million Picasso with a $117 ticket

  • SAMUEL PETREQUIN Associated Press

"How do I check that it's not a hoax?" Ari Hodara, 58, said after organizers called him following the draw at a Paris auction house.

Trump Admin Finally Set To Launch Tariff Refund System

Trump Admin Finally Set To Launch Tariff Refund System

  • unbranded - Newsworthy Vertical

The Trump administration is expected to begin accepting refund claims for tariffs that US President Donald Trump collected unlawfully. In a court filing, US Customs and Border Protection announced it has completed the initial phase of the refund system, known as CAPE. This system will group …

Jury finds Ticketmaster, Live Nation had anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues

Jury finds Ticketmaster, Live Nation had anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues

  • LARRY NEUMEISTER and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press

Ticketmaster was established in 1976 and merged with Live Nation in 2010. The company now controls of 86% of the market for concerts.

Prediction Market Boom

Prediction Market Boom

    Prediction market volumes surged in early 2026, with Kalshi and Polymarket recording $60B year-to-date, already exceeding all of 2025's $51B total. Bernstein projects $240B in 2026 volume, up 370% year over year, and estimates markets could reach $1 trillion annually within four years. Kalsh…

    Tribal gas stations offer a reprieve from high prices during Iran war

    Tribal gas stations offer a reprieve from high prices during Iran war

    • Updated 44 mins ago

    Tribes exempt from state fuel taxes can sell for much less than competing stations.

    Look up! You might see rare comet PanSTARRS passing Earth this week

    Look up! You might see rare comet PanSTARRS passing Earth this week

    • Updated 44 mins ago

    Time to look up stargazers. There's another comet coming our way.

    Last, last-minute tax tips for April 15: Be careful how you mail

    Last, last-minute tax tips for April 15: Be careful how you mail

      The April 15 tax deadline is here — and millions of people have yet to file in what's been a challenging tax season for many.

      Jill On Money: Can I – or will I ever – retire?

      Jill On Money: Can I – or will I ever – retire?

        Regardless of age, when I talk to people about their financial lives, the word retirement usually comes up. If they are over 50, the question is: “Can I retire?" But if they are younger, it becomes, "Will I ever retire?”

        Richmond Ranks 135th in the U.S. for Rent Affordability in 2026

          Richmond, Va., has the 135th-most affordable rent in the U.S., according to a new WalletHub study. The study examined the median annual gross rent across more than 180 of the most populated U.S. cities and compared it with the median household income in each location.

          Buffalo Ranks 123rd in the U.S. for Rent Affordability in 2026

            Buffalo, N.Y., has the 123rd-most affordable rent in the U.S., according to a new WalletHub study. The study examined the median annual gross rent across more than 180 of the most populated U.S. cities and compared it with the median household income in each location.

            Local News

            Freight train travels through Old Fort for first time since Hurricane Helene’s devastation

            Freight train travels through Old Fort for first time since Hurricane Helene’s devastation

            “This is the last section of track damaged by the storm to be put back into service."

            See photos, video of Norfolk Southern freight train rolling through Old Fort, the first since 2024

            See photos, video of Norfolk Southern freight train rolling through Old Fort, the first since 2024

            The first official train to travel on the tracks between Old Fort and Black Mountain since Hurricane Helene went through on Saturday. The train, which came from Hickory, stopped in Old Fort for 30 minutes, greeted by a crowd of supporters and onlookers.

            When presidents came to Buffalo

            When presidents came to Buffalo

            Buffalo has a rich presidential history, from being the home of Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland, to the place where William McKinley was killed and Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated. Almost every president for more than a century has at least paid a visit to Buffalo, either on the cam…

            Five events in North Carolina that changed the course of the American Revolution

            Five events in North Carolina that changed the course of the American Revolution

            From being the first to call for freedom to being the site of pivotal battles that shifted the trajectory of the war, North Carolina was influential before, during and after America’s call for independence.

            State & Regional

            Former North Carolina sharpshooter first rookie in NBA history to accomplish rare feat

            Former North Carolina sharpshooter first rookie in NBA history to accomplish rare feat

            The 2023-24 UNC basketball team, loaded with experienced veterans and young talent, provided a much-needed bounce back from one season before.

            Former Duke standout Cooper Flagg finishes top-10 in jersey sales after stellar rookie season

            Former Duke standout Cooper Flagg finishes top-10 in jersey sales after stellar rookie season

            Former Wooden Award winner and collegiate basketball star at Duke, Cooper Flagg took the NBA by storm during the 2025–26 campaign, finishing in the top 10 in jersey sales.

            Feeling a buzz: Playoff hopeful Charlotte Hornets give city the gift of imagination

            Feeling a buzz: Playoff hopeful Charlotte Hornets give city the gift of imagination

            Just outside the main entrance of Spectrum Center, as a saxophone blared and drums rumbled and fans hummed past each other with life, there stood Bradley Davis. He wore a Charlotte Hornets hat. A purple Kemba Walker jersey. A big smile. It was a sunny, gusty, picture-perfect-spring Tuesday. And in just under an hour, his favorite team was set to play a postseason game of basketball — something ...

            Lake Lure to 'soft open' for boating, swimming, fishing for first time since hurricane

            Lake Lure to 'soft open' for boating, swimming, fishing for first time since hurricane

            Lake Lure is preparing for a limited “soft opening,” with the water level just inches below full pond.

            Nation & World

            Route 66, a quintessential American road trip heavy on kitsch and history, turns 100

            Route 66, a quintessential American road trip heavy on kitsch and history, turns 100

            There are faster ways to get from Chicago to Los Angeles, but none have the allure or cultural cachet of Route 66.

            Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz, Trump warns against 'blackmail'

            Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz, Trump warns against 'blackmail'

            Tehran said it responded to a continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of their ceasefire.

            Trump signs order to speed review of psychedelics, including controversial drug ibogaine

            Trump signs order to speed review of psychedelics, including controversial drug ibogaine

            Ibogaine, embraced by combat veterans and conservative lawmakers, is known to sometimes trigger potentially fatal heart problems.

            Trump: Iran ‘can’t blackmail us’ over Strait of Hormuz

            Trump: Iran ‘can’t blackmail us’ over Strait of Hormuz

            US President Donald Trump says the US is having “very good conversations” with Iran and says he’s optimistic a deal can still be done.

            Recommended For You

            McDowell high school victim testified before former guidance counselor pleads guilty to sex crimes

            McDowell high school victim testified before former guidance counselor pleads guilty to sex crimes

            Former McDowell High volleyball coach, counselor pleads guilty to child sex crimes mid-trial

            Former McDowell High volleyball coach, counselor pleads guilty to child sex crimes mid-trial

            This new spot in Marion is offering locally grown food and beer, run by farmers and a brewer

            This new spot in Marion is offering locally grown food and beer, run by farmers and a brewer

            Shopping

            How to Buy WLFI Token: Full Beginner Guide

            How to Buy WLFI Token: Full Beginner Guide

            Affiliate. Learn how to buy WLFI Token in this step by step guide for beginners. 

            Solana Wallet for Beginners (2025): Setup, Safety, Staking & Swaps

            Solana Wallet for Beginners (2025): Setup, Safety, Staking & Swaps

            Affiliate. Learn how to create and use a Solana wallet, stake SOL, swap tokens, bridge assets, and stay secure with Best Wallet’s multi-chain features.

            Web3 Wallet for Beginners: How to Set Up, Stay Safe, and Pick the Right App

            Web3 Wallet for Beginners: How to Set Up, Stay Safe, and Pick the Right App

            Affiliate. Learn what a Web3 wallet is, how to set one up, and how to stay safe while exploring DeFi, NFTs, and new crypto coins with beginner‑friendly apps like Best Wallet.​

            Which Crypto May Boom in 2025? A Look at What’s Trending

            Which Crypto May Boom in 2025? A Look at What’s Trending

            Affiliate. Find out which crypto coins you should watch closely in 2025. 

            Partner

            Contributor
            The Future of E-Commerce Payments: How Crypto Could Cut Transaction Fees for Merchants

            The Future of E-Commerce Payments: How Crypto Could Cut Transaction Fees for Merchants

            Contributor content. The real reason crypto matters for merchants is math. Crypto transactions often cost less than a penny.

            Provided
            Are Starter Homes Becoming a Thing of the Past?

            Are Starter Homes Becoming a Thing of the Past?

            Provided content. Rising costs, limited supply, and shifting priorities are making starter homes harder to find.

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            Blogging Isn’t Dead: How Niche Writers May Be Earning Six Figures in 2025

            Blogging Isn’t Dead: How Niche Writers May Be Earning Six Figures in 2025

            Affiliate content. Learn why blogging isn’t dead in 2025 and how niche writers are leveraging focused content to build audiences and earn six figures.

            Contributor
            From Playa to Reality: Hints and Tools for Recovering From Burning Man

            From Playa to Reality: Hints and Tools for Recovering From Burning Man

            Contributor content. This guide offers practical tools to potentially help ease the transition from Black Rock City to daily life. 

            Crime

            McDowell high school victim testified before former guidance counselor pleads guilty to sex crimes

            McDowell high school victim testified before former guidance counselor pleads guilty to sex crimes

            “A predator was lurking behind the walls of the counseling office, waiting for a victim,” the victim's sister said.

            Former McDowell High volleyball coach, counselor pleads guilty to child sex crimes mid-trial

            Former McDowell High volleyball coach, counselor pleads guilty to child sex crimes mid-trial

            Jessica Finley pleaded guilty on Thursday on the second day of testimony in the trial against her.

            Trial against former McDowell High volleyball coach accused of sex crimes began Wednesday

            Trial against former McDowell High volleyball coach accused of sex crimes began Wednesday

            “You expect us to be together while you figure out something with another girl," a text from the coach said.

            Old Fort man charged with vehicle theft, drug possession

            Old Fort man charged with vehicle theft, drug possession

            During booking, detention officers found narcotics which led to charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and felony possession of a controlled substance on jail premises. 

            Politics

            3 big things to watch as the NC General Assembly returns to Raleigh next week

            3 big things to watch as the NC General Assembly returns to Raleigh next week

            While the short session may be intended to be short, that doesn’t mean it won’t be eventful.

            Marion native assumes command of U.S. Army rapid response task force

            Marion native assumes command of U.S. Army rapid response task force

            “The worst day in our homeland must be our best day at work,” Baird said. "Our people depend on us and we will not fail them.”

            Marion City Hall's cupola gets some repairs after leak, damage in winter storm

            Marion City Hall's cupola gets some repairs after leak, damage in winter storm

            A roof leak was found in the building that city officials believe was caused by Winter Storm Fern.

            McDowell County leaders to hear updates on trains, parks Monday

            McDowell County leaders to hear updates on trains, parks Monday

            The board will hear about the effort to bring back passenger trains to western North Carolina and the park and trail at the Universal Center.

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