POLICY

Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Portland Schools Face Federal Probe Over New Black Student Center

The U. S. Department of Education has launched an inquiry after a complaint claimed that Portland Public Schools engaged in “racial preferencing” by creating the Center for Black Student Excellence. A conservative nonprofit, Defending Education, argued that spending up to $25 million on the cente

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Park Signage Lawsuit: History and Science in the Crosshairs

A group of conservationists, historians, and scientists has taken legal action against the current federal administration over new rules that have led to the removal or alteration of educational displays in national parks across the United States. The lawsuit claims that orders issued by the preside

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026CRIME

Teacher Charged with Child Abuse Still on Staff?

A teacher at Lower Richland High School, Eric Marshall Favor Jr. , 29, faces serious accusations in Marion County. The charges include second- and third‑degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, conspiracy, and aiding prostitution involving a child. The case began on Feb. 10 when the sheriff’s of

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026CRIME

A Wrongful Prison Sentence Over a Natural Drug

Ameen Alai, a father and body‑building coach, was sentenced to four years in federal prison on September 16, 2025. The charge was a single count of felony drug distribution, even though he never sold or handed out the drug in question. That drug was ibogaine, a plant‑derived alkaloid that some peopl

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change: A Threat to Our Health and Safety

In early 2026, a significant shift occurred in U. S. climate policy. The administration decided to revoke a 2009 finding that identified six greenhouse gases as threats to public health. This move was met with criticism, as many experts argue that climate change poses serious health risks. Extreme

reading time less than a minute
Feb 17 2026EDUCATION

How Tennessee Raised Its School Test Scores

Tennessee students are now scoring better on the big national tests that check reading, math and history. The change shows how strong policies can move a whole state forward. The tests are not just for bragging. They help teachers see where students need help and guide school leaders on what to foc

reading time less than a minute
Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Global Minds Meet at IMF and World Bank Spring Gatherings

Foreign Policy hosts a series of meetings that bring together experts from around the world. These events focus on the latest crises, trends, and political shifts that shape our planet. The goal is to give people a clear view of what’s happening and why it matters. The meetings are held during the

reading time less than a minute
Feb 17 2026BUSINESS

Nexen Tire’s Record Year: Growth, Innovation and Global Reach

The Korean tire maker has just reported its best yearly sales ever, topping KRW 3. 19 trillion for 2025. That marks the first time it has crossed the KRW 3‑trillion mark, a milestone that follows its earlier breakthrough of KRW 2 trillion back in 2019. The jump shows the company is still expanding i

reading time less than a minute
Feb 17 2026POLITICS

Political Tug-of-War: Funding Fights and Border Security

A heated debate is unfolding in Washington, D. C. , as politicians clash over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. At the heart of the issue is a disagreement on border security policies, with Republicans pushing for stricter immigration enforcement and Democrats advocating for a straigh

reading time less than a minute
Feb 17 2026POLITICS

California and Britain Team Up for Green Energy, Trump Not Happy

A recent deal between California and Britain to work together on clean energy has sparked some strong reactions. The agreement focuses on things like wind power and aims to open up California's market to British companies. But not everyone is on board with this plan. Former President Donald Trump h

reading time less than a minute