POLITICS

Jan 15 2026POLITICS

Illinois Judges: Who Picks the Next One?

In Illinois, judges have a unique way of choosing their successors. When a judge steps down, other judges often pick who will fill the vacant seat. This is not a new practice. It has been part of the state's constitution since 1970. Mary Jane Theis, a judge from Chicago, is about to retire. She has

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

How a Congresswoman Championed a Cause for Crime Victims

A recent development in the U. S. House of Representatives saw Rep. Ann Wagner playing a key role in pushing through a significant bill aimed at supporting crime victims. This legislation, which garnered substantial bipartisan support, is a testament to Wagner's persistent efforts to address the nee

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

Costa Rica's New Prison: A Bold Move or Political Play?

Costa Rica is building a massive new prison, and the president of El Salvador helped open it. This prison is a big deal because Costa Rica is usually the safest country in Central America. But lately, crime has been going up, so they need to do something about it. The new prison is called CACCO. It

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

US Lawyers Give Green Light to Maduro's Removal

In a surprising move, lawyers from the Trump administration gave the go-ahead for a military operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. This decision was made just days before the operation took place. The lawyers argued that the action would not be considered a full-scale w

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

Catholics and the Changing Face of American Politics

The political scene in America has seen a significant shift, especially among Christians. The current administration's policies have sparked a reaction from various religious groups, with Catholics emerging as a potential game-changer. Initially, the religious right, a coalition of white evangelica

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

How Indonesia Can Help Democracies Stand Strong

The world is seeing a big fight between big democracies and powerful autocracies. This is not just about military strength. It's also about ideas and values. Democracies need to show they are strong and united. Middle-sized democracies, like Indonesia, can play a big role in this. Indonesia is the

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

A New Plan for Health Care: What's the Deal?

President Donald Trump has a new plan for health care. He wants Congress to turn his ideas into law. This plan is all about making health care and medicine more affordable. Trump thinks this will help people right away. The president shared his thoughts in a video. He called his plan "The Great Hea

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

Tensions Rise Between Ethiopia and Eritrea: A Closer Look

Ethiopia and Eritrea, two countries with a history of conflict, are once again at odds. This time, Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of sending weapons to rebels in the Amhara region. Ethiopian police claim to have seized thousands of rounds of ammunition and arrested two suspects. They believe the weapo

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

How Different Voting Methods Shape Primary Elections

Primary elections are a big deal for democratic parties. They show that everyone's vote counts. But, the way these elections are run might not always be fair. Different methods can change who gets chosen. This piece looks at six different ways to count votes. It uses real data from a recent primary

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Jan 15 2026POLITICS

Canada and China: A Fresh Start in Diplomatic Relations

Canada and China are taking steps to mend their diplomatic relationship. This comes after a long period of tension. Prime Minister Mark Carney is in China for a four-day visit. This is the first visit by a Canadian prime minister in nearly ten years. During a meeting in Beijing, China's Foreign Min

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