ISM

May 18 2026POLITICS

Russian Citizenship Offer Sparks Moldovan Alarm

Moldova’s leaders have loudly opposed a new Russian plan that would let residents of the breakaway region Transdniestria get Russian passports more easily. The move, announced by President Vladimir Putin, applies to about 350, 000 people in the enclave and removes many of the usual requirements for

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May 18 2026CELEBRITIES

The man in the giant red hat

Boots Riley stands out in Oakland like a walking landmark, not because he's famous, but because his oversized cowboy hat makes him instantly recognizable. At 55, Riley is a veteran artist who's spent decades making films and music that challenge capitalism, but he's most comfortable just talking to

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May 18 2026POLITICS

America rings in its 250th with a bold faith event—and mixed reactions

On a sunny Sunday, thousands packed the National Mall for a mix of prayers, music, and speeches under the banner of "Rededicate 250. " Organizers pitched it as a national reset—bringing God and country together for the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. But while supporters cheered patriotism and fai

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May 18 2026OPINION

South Africa’s straying from its heroic past

South Africa used to be the world’s textbook example of fighting injustice. Today, it’s watching itself struggle with waves of hate aimed at people from elsewhere on the continent. Shops smashed, families hiding, and whole neighborhoods living in fear—all because some locals are blaming outsiders fo

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May 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Snake traps get smarter: new designs keep out the wrong reptiles

Scientists are tackling a sneaky problem: invasive snakes that eat native lizards and upset local ecosystems. The California kingsnake, originally from North America, has spread to places like the Canary Islands, where it hunts rare reptiles. Traditional traps catch everything, including harmless lo

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May 18 2026EDUCATION

Why More Americans Know Their Government Today

Ten years back, only about 25% of U. S. adults could list the three branches of government. Now that number has jumped to 70%. The question isn’t why fewer people know this today—it’s why more people know it now compared to before. Over the last decade, civic education quietly became a quiet superpo

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May 18 2026LIFESTYLE

A quiet town where old Hawaii meets the waves

Hanalei sits where the river greets the ocean, not far from towering waterfalls. Unlike busy tourist spots, this place keeps things simple. Small shops and food stands line the streets instead of chain stores. The town still feels like a farming village, even as visitors arrive. The bay’s wooden pie

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May 17 2026RELIGION

Small churches in America find new strength after pandemic struggles

Across America, small churches once on the brink of closing are now seeing fresh energy after the pandemic forced them to change. In a suburb of Atlanta, one church barely survived when members stopped coming and the building fell into disrepair. But with new leadership and a fresh approach, the con

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May 17 2026POLITICS

Celebrities and Politics: What Happens When Stars Break the Mold

Music stars often stay quiet about their political views to avoid backlash. Nicki Minaj recently explained why she quietly supported Donald Trump long before making it public. She said many in the entertainment world assume everyone leans Democratic. That unspoken rule made her hesitate to speak up

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May 17 2026POLITICS

U. S. and Nigerian forces take out ISIS leader hiding in Africa

A high-stakes operation in Africa last week removed one of the world\'s most wanted terrorists from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who sat just below ISIS\'s top leader, was killed in a joint strike carried out by American troops and Nigerian soldiers. The mission, described as carefully plan

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