For years, the U. S. has placed itself at the center of global financial rules, using sanctions to punish corrupt leaders and oligarchs. Targeted sanctions like those under the Global Magnitsky Act have hit powerful figures where it hurts—freezing their assets, banning travel, and cutting off their
The European Union has decided to keep some restrictions on Syria for another year, but with a twist. Seven government ministries tied to the old regime lost their sanctions status, while other penalties remain in place. This move comes after Syria’s longtime leader left power in late 2024 and a new
A group of Democratic senators is pushing back against Kurt Olsen, the White House’s election security lead, over concerns about his extended time in the job. They argue Olsen has been working beyond the legal limit for temporary government roles. Olsen was first brought in as a special government e
A Polish politician once at the center of major judicial changes now calls the U. S. home. Zbigniew Ziobro, who led reforms that the European Union warned weakened judicial independence, received a U. S. visa with unusual speed. A senior U. S. diplomat pushed officials to approve it within weeks, so
Gauteng stands out as South Africa’s busiest and wealthiest province, but behind its economic growth lies a bigger question: how well do its public services actually meet the needs of everyday people? While some residents get reliable water and electricity, others face frustrating delays, potholed r
Every week, millions of Americans hear sermons that shape their views. But some churches go beyond spiritual guidance, blending politics into their messages. A study looked at thousands of sermons from evangelical churches during election years. It found that over 14% of these churches openly pushed
Reports from Palestinians suggest some Israeli forces have used sexual violence in prisons. These accounts include beatings, public shaming, and torture that targets both adults and minors. The claims are serious enough to demand thorough, unbiased investigations. Even if only partly true, they rais
A major prayer event in Washington D. C. recently made headlines not just for its size or message, but for the strong words of one speaker. A well-known religious leader used a recorded address to describe the country as deeply troubled, pointing to social changes as proof of moral decline. These co
For years, California has been a battleground for big ideas in healthcare. Politicians on the left pushed hard for a single-payer system, where the state would cover everyone’s medical bills. But now one of the most vocal supporters of that idea has quietly backtracked. Xavier Becerra, who ran the s
Virginia recently took another step forward in improving care for mothers and infants with a set of new laws signed in April. These laws expand on last year’s "Momnibus" package, which was the first major effort to tackle long-standing issues in maternal and infant health across the state. While the
