INFLUENCE

Apr 03 2026POLITICS

Senator gets FBI call over lobbyist money talk

South Carolina lawmaker Tom Fernandez shared a surprising text last week—a FBI agent wanted to know more about his claim that lobbyists dangled cash to sway his vote on a legal reform bill. But the twist? Fernandez insists no names, no cash, just the messy reality of statehouse politics. His April f

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Apr 02 2026POLITICS

Oil Money and the Broken Promise in Alaska

In Alaska, people have long asked oil companies to share more of the money they make. Each time a new bill is introduced, the same argument pops up: “If we tax you, you’ll leave. ” The companies say this and the politicians often listen. The claim is simple and scary. If taxes rise, oil firms wil

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Apr 02 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Pink Looks, Bold Choices: Rethinking Girly Power

Feminine fashion used to get dismissed as weak or silly. But something has changed recently. Online creators are turning heads with bright colors and playful styles not just to stand out, but to make a point. They wear pink wigs, heavy makeup, and sparkly outfits on purpose. This isn’t just about lo

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Mar 31 2026POLITICS

Iraq’s Hidden Power Players: Why Washington Can’t Trust the Surface

In Iraq, the official government picture is only half true. Behind ministries and formal chains of command lie hidden groups that pull the strings, many with ties to Iran’s military forces. These insiders shape decisions from within, making the real power structure far more complex than it appears.

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Mar 28 2026CRYPTO

Crypto Faith: Churches, Coins and Controversy

In Nashville, a couple named Todd and Janet Gatewood started a radio show that mixes religion with digital money. They see falling prices as a chance to buy more bitcoin. Some Christian leaders and entrepreneurs are pushing the idea that cryptocurrencies can help believers invest, worship or even fi

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Mar 27 2026LIFESTYLE

Spring Savings with TikTok Star Alix Earle

Alix Earle, the TikTok influencer who just launched her own skincare line Reale Actives, is turning heads with a fresh list of Amazon bargains during the Big Spring sale. Her online shop showcases everything from smart scales that track body metrics to sleek, sleeveless tanks that pair well with any

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Mar 27 2026SPORTS

Dylan Darling: From Spokane Courts to Saint John’s Spotlight

Dylan Darling grew up in the city of Spokane, Washington, where his life was shaped by the rhythm of sports and family. His father, James Darling, spent a decade in the NFL, playing for teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals. Watching his dad’s career unfold gave

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Mar 26 2026SPORTS

The Family Behind Aday Mara’s Rise

A young basketball star is often seen in the spotlight, but his path to success started long before he stepped onto a court. Aday Mara grew up in a household where sport was not just a hobby; it was a way of life. His dad, Francisco Javier Mara, once played professionally in Spain’s top leagues duri

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Mar 26 2026POLITICS

Fed Rules Face New Pressure from Trump Administration

The United States is seeing a new push to change how banks are watched. After the 2008 crash, rules were made that many say slow growth. The Trump team wants those rules eased and is trying to get more control over the Federal Reserve’s work. Fed leaders have been told to send new rules to th

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Mar 23 2026POLITICS

Microsoft Moves Former DOJ Officials Into Key Roles

In 2020, a cloud service called GCC High was introduced into the Department of Justice after a review by external auditors and an internal audit. The product, owned by Microsoft, soon became part of the federal government’s cloud marketplace, giving the company a prominent spot and free publicity. H

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