INFLUENCE

May 04 2026CRIME

Pras Michel’s Prison Time: What It Means for Campaign Finance and Foreign Influence

Pras Michel, known for his work with the Fugees, recently started a 14-year prison sentence at a federal facility in Arizona. His crime? Helping funnel over $120 million from a fugitive Malaysian businessman, Jho Low, into Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Low, infamous for the 1MDB embezzlem

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Who really supports LA’s next mayor?

Los Angeles voters face a tough choice in the upcoming mayoral election, with three main candidates vying for support. Among them, the current mayor has the advantage of name recognition but struggles with rising skepticism. She counts on wealthy entertainment figures for backing but must also addre

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May 03 2026POLITICS

Money in politics: who really wins the fundraising race?

Spending big doesn’t guarantee election wins. The 2026 midterms show how money flows differently between parties, but cash alone can’t decide races. Republicans are outraising Democrats in outside group spending, thanks in part to former President Trump’s fundraising power. Meanwhile, Democratic Sen

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May 01 2026POLITICS

Science and Power: Who Should Really Run Research?

In 2026, dozens of top scientists received an unexpected message ending their roles on a key government board. The emails came without warning, saying their jobs were over immediately. Many had been picked for these positions years earlier. They were about to start work on a major report about Ameri

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Apr 30 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Dunkin Adds Coffee‑Infused Soda to Summer Menu

Dunkin has launched a new drink that blends soda and coffee in a way that feels fresh and playful. The beverage mixes Pepsi with the chain’s own coffee‑milk, then crowns it with a layer of sweet cold foam. The result is a fizzy, creamy taste that hints at an iced coffee while still keeping the soda’

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Apr 30 2026POLITICS

The Autism Story Is Back in the Headlines – What It Means

Autism Acceptance Month, once a celebration of progress, now feels like a warning sign. The community’s hard‑won gains—like having autistic voices lead conferences and the passing of the Autism CARES Act—are being challenged by new misinformation. A recent press event featuring a health official

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Apr 29 2026CELEBRITIES

The quiet power behind La La Anthony’s life choices isn’t a celebrity

La La Anthony has lived in the spotlight for years, but she just revealed the real influence in her life: her son Kiyan. At an event, she made it clear that no one—not managers, celebrities, or public figures—holds more sway over her decisions than her 19-year-old son. "He’s the only one who can tel

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Apr 28 2026POLITICS

Chaos Behind Climate Reports

The next big climate study, called the Seventh Assessment Report or AR7, is supposed to be finished by 2029 for a major global meeting. But the group that writes it, the IPCC, is stuck in Bangkok where member countries could not agree on a timetable. This marks the fifth time in a row that the sched

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Science Board Shake‑Up: Why It Matters

The White House surprised many by removing all 24 members of the National Science Board on April 24, 2026. The next meeting is set for May 5, but the board will be empty. The National Science Board was created in 1950 to guide the National Science Foundation, which gives about $9 billion a year f

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Republicans Shift Midterm Tactics, Waving Trump but Focusing on Local Issues

Republicans are reshaping their midterm game plan. They want to use President Trump’s name as a rallying point, yet avoid turning every race into a vote for him. The idea is to lean on his ability to bring voters out while keeping campaigns centered on everyday concerns like taxes and inflation.

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