POLICY

May 09 2026OPINION

Phones Out of Class: Seattle Leads the Way

Seattle’s newest school chief, Ben Shuldiner, rolled out a statewide ban on cellphones in elementary and middle schools just three months after taking the job. The rule stops students from using phones from bell to bell, while high‑schoolers can keep them during lunch and passing times. The decision

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May 09 2026POLITICS

White House Meeting Sparks Friction in Pro‑Life Circle

Anti‑abortion groups plan to sit down with White House staff on Friday, reflecting a growing sense of impatience over President Trump’s pace in pushing tougher abortion limits. The conversation follows comments from Marjorie Dannenfelser, head of Susan B. Anthony Pro‑Life America, who said that a

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May 09 2026POLITICS

Changes at the top of US health agencies

A sudden shake-up is coming in Washington’s health leadership. Dr. Marty Makary, who has been leading the FDA for just over a year, appears set to leave his post. The move follows months of behind-the-scenes tension and multiple reports predicting his departure. His exit adds another empty chair at

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May 09 2026POLITICS

How Onondaga County is working to better connect with residents

The leaders of Onondaga County have spent months talking with people about taxes, housing, and how the government spends money. They’ve made changes like letting more public input shape decisions and forming new groups to advise on housing and transport. They’ve also capped gas tax charges and tight

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May 09 2026POLITICS

What’s Really Behind the Rising Tensions Between the U. S. and Iran?

The recent clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman have put the spotlight on how politics is shaping military decisions. A security expert recently highlighted how Washington’s response to Iran’s actions might be making things worse instead of better. After U. S. naval ships were targeted,

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May 09 2026POLITICS

Denmark’s government puzzle after failed coalition talks

Last week in Copenhagen, Denmark’s efforts to form a new government took a sharp turn when talks collapsed just as they seemed stuck. The prime minister, who leads the Social Democrats, had been trying to build a fresh coalition after losing ground in the March election. Her party dropped from 50 se

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May 09 2026POLITICS

Cuba's giant business group under US fire

A big business group in Cuba is now in the crosshairs of US sanctions. The company, GAESA, is run by the Cuban military and controls nearly half of Cuba's economy. That means it oversees everything from shops and hotels to banks and travel agencies. The US government recently added GAESA and its lea

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May 09 2026EDUCATION

Mexico’s Schools Close Early for World Cup — But Is It Worth It?

The Mexican government just moved up the end of the school year by over a month because of the 2026 World Cup. Schools now finish classes on June 5 instead of June 15, giving students an extra 40 days of summer break. The government says a recent heat wave helped justify the change, but the World Cu

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May 09 2026POLITICS

New York considers joining Trump’s education plan

New York’s governor is taking a surprising step by backing a federal program that could give families more school options. The plan, set to start in 2027, lets states choose to participate by offering tax credits to parents who send kids to private or charter schools. Hochul’s team says she supports

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May 08 2026POLITICS

New York Sets Mask Rules for Police and ICE

The state of New York is moving to stop police officers from wearing masks while on duty, a decision announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The rule also targets the federal agency U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, limiting its presence in places like schools and hospitals unless a jud

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