For years, the U. S. has placed itself at the center of global financial rules, using sanctions to punish corrupt leaders and oligarchs. Targeted sanctions like those under the Global Magnitsky Act have hit powerful figures where it hurts—freezing their assets, banning travel, and cutting off their
Two years after setting up shop inside Wrigley Field, the DraftKings betting counter closed its doors for good at the end of May. Officials say Illinois’ gambling tax rules made the location too expensive to keep running. DraftKings says the state’s 25-cent tax on every $1 of digital bets, jumping
The European Union has decided to keep some restrictions on Syria for another year, but with a twist. Seven government ministries tied to the old regime lost their sanctions status, while other penalties remain in place. This move comes after Syria’s longtime leader left power in late 2024 and a new
A group of Democratic senators is pushing back against Kurt Olsen, the White House’s election security lead, over concerns about his extended time in the job. They argue Olsen has been working beyond the legal limit for temporary government roles. Olsen was first brought in as a special government e
In 2009, a big Hollywood movie faced a sudden change before filming even started. Ryan Gosling was initially cast to play a father in "The Lovely Bones, " but he gained weight for the role without the director's go-ahead. When the team realized the character's look didn’t fit the story, they had to
Every week, millions of Americans hear sermons that shape their views. But some churches go beyond spiritual guidance, blending politics into their messages. A study looked at thousands of sermons from evangelical churches during election years. It found that over 14% of these churches openly pushed
For years, California has been a battleground for big ideas in healthcare. Politicians on the left pushed hard for a single-payer system, where the state would cover everyone’s medical bills. But now one of the most vocal supporters of that idea has quietly backtracked. Xavier Becerra, who ran the s
Estonia’s top spy says President Putin faces hard choices. The war in Ukraine has slowed, with Russian troops barely gaining ground since 2023. At the same time, sanctions from Western countries are draining Russia’s money supply. The country’s $3 trillion economy fell by 0. 3 % in the firs
The Virginia Supreme Court recently struck down a referendum that would have let the state’s lawmakers draw congressional districts to favor one party by a large margin. The decision was made after the legislature introduced an amendment just days before voters could cast ballots in the November ele
A college student overhears a boyfriend admitting he’s dating someone else, just days before the couple plans to marry. The friend who heard this is torn: should she tell her best friend, or keep quiet? The overheard conversation happened at a casual night out with classmates. The boyfriend, an i
