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Economy

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.

Bourbon demand is down and tariffs aren't helping, but distillers keep building

Bourbon demand is down and tariffs aren't helping, but distillers keep building

  • Nicholas P. Brown and Emma Rumney REUTERS

After Trump set now-defunct tariffs last year, Kentucky whiskey exports fell 15%, according to U.S. Census data.

NOAA Just Confirmed: Last Month Was the Hottest March on Record

NOAA Just Confirmed: Last Month Was the Hottest March on Record

  • WooGlobe - News

NOAA this week confirmed March 2026 was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states by the largest single-month departure from historical norms ever measured in US climate history. Every federal region recorded simultaneously unprecedented temperatures. A Super El Niño is now forming…

Photos: US, Israel and Iran agree to a 2-week ceasefire

Photos: US, Israel and Iran agree to a 2-week ceasefire

  • Associated Press

Iran, the United States and Israel reached a two-week ceasefire, with Donald Trump pulling back from his threats to destroy Iranian “civilization.”

Bourbon demand is down and tariffs aren't helping. But distillers keep building

Bourbon demand is down and tariffs aren't helping. But distillers keep building

    Tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are creating mounting challenges for Kentucky’s bourbon industry, a sector heavily reliant on global trade.

    A year after ‘Liberation Day,’ what did Trump’s tariffs achieve?

    A year after ‘Liberation Day,’ what did Trump’s tariffs achieve?

    • Michael Wilner Los Angeles Times

    He promised the U.S. economy would soon take off. Experts still wait for the receipts — and question if they will ever come.

    Trump Targets Big Pharma With 100% Tariff Threat

    Trump Targets Big Pharma With 100% Tariff Threat

      The Trump administration is drafting a plan to impose 100% tariffs on branded drugs and their active ingredients.

      Why do Americans see each other as morally broken? | The Ethical Life podcast

      Why do Americans see each other as morally broken? | The Ethical Life podcast

        🎧 Compared with other nations, public opinion here skews more negative. The hosts explore distance, perception and how limited interaction feeds misunderstanding and weakens civic life.

        Chances of a Federal Reserve rate cut fade as inflation worsens

        Chances of a Federal Reserve rate cut fade as inflation worsens

          The jump in gas prices stemming from the war in Iran has had another impact that may also affect many Americans' finances: higher interest rates.

          Photos from the Mideast as Iran war continues

          Photos from the Mideast as Iran war continues

            Photos from the ground as the war on Iran launched by the United States and Israel enters its fourth week.

            Trump touted bigger tax refunds this year, but Americans will likely spend them on gas

            Trump touted bigger tax refunds this year, but Americans will likely spend them on gas

              Spiking gas prices in the U.S. are on track to eat up tax refunds this year, leaving most Americans with little extra to spend.

              'No Tax on Overtime' falls short of expectations for many workers

              'No Tax on Overtime' falls short of expectations for many workers

                Workers are discovering that a new overtime tax break is proving less generous — and more complicated — than expected.

                Trump's mixed messages on Iran: 'Winding down' the war but adding more troops

                Trump's mixed messages on Iran: 'Winding down' the war but adding more troops

                  Trump also lifted sanctions on some Iranian oil, relieving some of the pressure that Washington traditionally used as leverage against Tehran.

                  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

                  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.

                  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.

                  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

                  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

                  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

                  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.

                  Provided
                  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.

                  McDowell News
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