POLITICS

Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Why Ohio’s New Bills Could Put Kids’ Mental Health at Risk

Ohio lawmakers are pushing two bills that have mental health experts raising eyebrows. One would let schools bring in untrained religious volunteers to counsel students, while the other would make it harder for teens to get therapy without their parents’ permission. Critics say the first bill’s defi

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Planning for DeKalb's train connection: what you need to know

The city of DeKalb is taking another step toward bringing train service to its residents. Instead of just talking about it for years, leaders finally agreed to hire a company that will study whether a commuter rail system makes sense. The plan involves checking safety, environmental effects, and how

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Working Parents Need More Than Just Words

Many people agree that raising kids these days is tougher and pricier than ever. Some leaders say they have the answers, but how much of it is real help versus just talk? One high-profile voice suggests solutions like better childcare, paid leave, and early education. These ideas aren’t new—they’ve

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Moldova and Transdniestria Still at Odds Over Future Plans

Moldova and its breakaway region Transdniestria failed to make progress during recent talks, leaving their long-standing dispute unresolved. The meeting took place in Tiraspol, the main city of Transdniestria, which declared independence from Moldova in 1991 but remains unrecognized worldwide. Both

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026POLITICS

First Capitol Meeting in Half a Year Focuses on Health Budget Cuts

A top health official recently faced tough questions from lawmakers over planned budget reductions that could impact millions. The official, speaking at a Capitol hearing, pushed back on claims about specific policies targeting certain communities. Critics argued that proposed changes might affect v

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026POLITICS

JD Vance’s Dual Role: Fundraising for Power

JD Vance isn’t just the vice president—he’s also the finance chair for the Republican National Committee, a rare combo that gives him unusual influence. While the party benefits from his fundraising skills, raising tens of millions ahead of the 2026 midterms, Vance gains something too: access to the

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Benin’s Next Leader Steps Forward with Big Win

Benin’s top court recently made it official—the country’s new president will be Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni. His victory in last weekend’s election was confirmed with a massive 94. 27% of the vote, leaving his only rival, Paul Hounkpè, far behind at just 5. 73%. The turnout reached 63. 57%, sho

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026POLITICS

Money Talks: What Senate Filings Show About the 2026 Race

Texas is seeing a big Democratic money wave in 2026. James Talarico, running for Senate, pulled in $27 million in early 2026—that’s more than any other Senate hopeful has ever raised in a single quarter. His primary fight with Jasmine Crockett helped fuel the surge, but it also highlights a tension:

reading time less than a minute
Apr 16 2026POLITICS

Tax Dollars at Work: Protesters Demand Change in Santa Rosa

On April 15, a group of Santa Rosa residents gathered outside the IRS office to voice their concerns about how tax money is being used. Among them was a man dressed as Uncle Sam, playing drums to draw attention. The crowd included families with dogs, peace activists, and local groups who marched to

reading time less than a minute
Apr 16 2026POLITICS

Chinese artist under fire for old jokes

A Chinese artist known for poking fun at Mao Zedong is now staring down a prison sentence under a law that didn’t even exist when his controversial pieces were made. Sources report Gao Zhen was quietly tried in late March for “dishonoring national heroes and martyrs. ” Critics say this charge flips

reading time less than a minute