POLICY

Mar 31 2026POLITICS

Clowns Voice Out as Schools Shift to More “Serious” Schedules

In the heart of La Paz, a parade of bright‑eyed clowns unfolded, each with paint‑stained faces and unmistakable red noses. They marched toward the Ministry of Education, not to entertain children this time but to raise their voices against a new rule that threatens their jobs. The decree, announc

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Mar 31 2026POLITICS

Connecticut Eyes More Control Over Vaccines

The state’s lawmakers are proposing two new bills that would give the public health commissioner more say in how vaccines are recommended and who pays for them. Currently, the commissioner can only set guidelines for children; the new measures would let him or her create adult recommendations too. T

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Mar 31 2026FINANCE

Central Bank Keeps Money Policy Easy as China Faces Market Shifts

China’s main bank said it will keep its money policy relaxed to help the economy, even though outside forces are tightening. The decision was made during a meeting that looked at how China’s growth is doing in the first part of the year. The economy seems steady overall, but it still struggles with

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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 31 2026ENVIRONMENT

Coal Plants Get a Free Pass on Pollution, Groups Fight Back in Court

A group of health and environmental organizations isn't backing down after a recent decision to weaken rules on toxic air pollution from coal power plants. They’ve taken legal action, arguing that the changes expose kids and other at-risk groups to serious harm. The lawsuit targets a federal agency’

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Mar 30 2026POLITICS

New Jersey Hikes Bets and Taxes for World Cup Safety

New Jersey lawmakers are looking at raising money from sports betting to cover extra security for the World Cup. A Senate budget leader has drafted a bill that would add a 10 percent tax on the money casinos earn from online bets during the tournament. The extra charge would last until August 10. T

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Mar 30 2026POLITICS

Medical School Curriculum Shift: A New Focus on Self‑Learning

The main accrediting body for U. S. medical schools has changed its teaching requirements for the 2027‑28 academic year. The new rules no longer explicitly ask students to study health disparities or the social forces that shape patient outcomes. Instead, they emphasize skills in independent l

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Mar 30 2026HEALTH

Birmingham Water Switches Off Fluoride, Residents Upset

The city of Birmingham found out that its tap water had stopped containing fluoride, a fact that was actually decided years earlier without the public’s knowledge. Some treatment plants began removing fluoride as early as 2023, and a third stopped in March 2024. The utility company, Central Alabama

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Mar 30 2026POLITICS

Spain blocks US war planes from its skies

Spain has decided to shut its airspace to U. S. military aircraft that are part of strikes against Iran. This move follows earlier statements that Spain would not allow its bases to be used for the conflict. The restriction means U. S. jets must fly around Spain on their way to targets in the Middle

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Mar 29 2026POLITICS

Rebuilding Youth Care in Maine: A Call to Act

The state’s newest plan for the Long Creek Youth Development Center keeps delaying real help for young people who need it. Instead of opening the doors to new programs, lawmakers have swapped a clear timeline for five years of “studies. ” This change means the center will stay stuck, without fres

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