POLITICS

Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Why Alaska's Pension Plan Rewrite Gets Controversial Fast

Alaska’s government is updating how thousands of public workers save for retirement—but not everyone likes the changes. A new bill pushes the state to bring back guaranteed pensions after an old system collapsed in 2006. That earlier plan failed because lawmakers didn’t pay enough into it, leaving w

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Could Maine handle a political outsider turning things around?

Maine isn't just dealing with high costs and weak schools – it's facing deeper issues. Over 8 years, the state budget ballooned by almost double, hitting $14. 5 billion in 2024. But while money grew, reading scores for students dropped shockingly low, with only about a quarter reading at their grade

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Downtown Asheville struggles with growing issues after years of planning failures

Asheville used to be known for its cozy mountain vibe, craft breweries, and scenic views. But now, many locals avoid the downtown area because of problems like public drinking, aggressive panhandling, and makeshift camps. Some residents say the city feels unsafe, especially after Hurricane Helene in

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

Gaza Voters Get a Rare Chance to Cast Their Ballots

The first local elections in Gaza since 2007 let many residents try their hand at voting, a move that could signal a shift in how the Palestinian Authority claims authority over the area. The elections, held on Saturday, included Deir al‑Balah, a city that has suffered less damage than others in

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

Fed Renovation Saga Turns into Political Showdown

When the Federal Reserve decided to refurbish two historic buildings on the National Mall, the project’s high cost and fancy features sparked a firestorm. A New York Post piece highlighted the nearly $2. 5 billion price tag and luxury touches, pushing President Trump to criticize the Fed for not cut

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

Lancet Says No to Senate Testimony on COVID Origins

The top medical journal decided it would not give evidence to a U. S. Senate probe about where the COVID‑19 outbreak began. The editor, Richard Horton, told a news event in Barcelona that the journal would not participate in what he called an “administration that has attacked some of the foremost sc

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

House Shake‑Ups Show Ethics Can Be Enforced Fast

Congress has shown it can act quickly when members misbehave, as three lawmakers recently stepped down after serious accusations. The newest resignation came from Florida’s Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick, a Democrat who quit just before her ethics committee vote. The panel had already found her guilty o

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

Questioning the Mind Behind Military Orders

During a briefing on the U. S. operation against Iran, defense officials faced two probing questions from reporters. One asked what goes on inside a leader’s head when ordering violent actions. The response highlighted the aim to give soldiers confidence and control within legal limits, while protec

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

Trump Hits Chinese Refinery Over Iranian Oil Ahead of China Visit

President Trump’s latest move hits a major Chinese oil plant, the Hengli Petrochemical refinery in Dalian, for dealing with Iranian crude. The decision follows his earlier warning that he would add secondary sanctions to companies and nations trading with Iran, aiming to weaken the Iranian economy.

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

OpenAI Leader Says Sorry for Not Alerting Police About a Dangerous User

Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, wrote a letter to the town of Tumbler Ridge on April 23. He apologized for not telling police about a banned ChatGPT account that was linked to Jesse Van Rootselaar. Van Rootselaar is the person who killed eight people in a school in February and then took his own lif

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