POLITICS

Feb 15 2026POLITICS

New Land Rules Spark Tension in West Bank

Israel’s cabinet has just passed a new plan that will let settlers buy land more easily in the West Bank, a move Palestinians say is a step toward full annexation. The decision marks the first time since 1967 that Israel has opened a formal land‑registration process for this occupied territory. T

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Ukraine Urges EU to Set a Membership Date, But Leaders Say No

At the Munich Security Conference, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told a panel that European governments are not ready to give Ukraine a concrete membership date, even though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has asked for one as part of a peace deal with Russia. Zelenskiy reiterated o

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

New Faces and New Ideas Shake Up Massachusetts Politics

A long‑time congressman from Massachusetts is about to face a fresh challenger in the 2026 primary. The incumbent, who has served since 1988 and once taught public school, will now be tested by a teacher from the Pioneer Valley who claims to bring a break from “old‑school” politics. The challenger,

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Build Faster, Build Better: Why New York Needs Less Red Tape

The state of New York faces a housing crunch and growing needs for parks, schools, and clean water. A long‑time builder group says the governor’s “Let Them Build” plan can help. They argue that rules meant to protect the environment are too strict for many projects. The law called SEQRA ask

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Crypto Kiosks: Why Washington Needs New Rules

People in Washington shops are finding small machines that look like ATMs but let you buy or sell digital money. These kiosks are not backed by banks and do not follow the same rules that protect regular banking transactions. They can be handy, but many scammers use them to steal from people who tru

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Tax Cuts for Oregon Workers, Not the Rich

Oregon lawmakers are pushing a bill that would lower taxes for more than 200, 000 families and give a $25 million credit to local businesses that create good jobs. The proposal aims to fix the state’s budget gap created by federal tax cuts that largely benefited billionaires. If the current fede

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Europe Steps Up Its Own Defence, Lessening US Reliance

European leaders gathered in Munich to signal a shift toward greater self‑reliance after recent strains with the United States. The conversation began with a warning that some boundaries had been crossed and could not be undone, hinting at deeper mistrust. The United States, under President Trump

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Local Leaders Step Up When Federal Rules Backfire

The place where everyday life is shaped by policy is the local government. It decides if schools get enough money, if fire trucks can arrive fast, if homes stay affordable and if families feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Right now those decisions carry extra pressure. City and town leaders m

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

A Fresh Look at the Upcoming GOP Race

Senator Dan Foreman faces a tough challenge from Rep. Lori McCann in the next primary. McCann has already proven she can win close contests, beating him by 200 votes in a three‑way race two years ago. In that same year, Foreman won by about 400 votes. The real test is the general election.

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Peace After a Tragic Fight

"The death of a 23‑year‑old activist after a violent beating has sparked heated debate across France. The young man, who was present to support a protest group, fell into a coma after the attack and later died on Saturday. The incident happened outside a talk by Rima Hassan, a member of the Europe

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