POLITICS

Mar 20 2026POLITICS

Election in Rhineland-Palatinate Tests Germany’s Political Balance

Germany’s political scene is heating up as the state of Rhineland‑Palatinate heads to the polls on Sunday. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is aiming to oust the Social Democrats (SPD) who have ruled the region for 35 years. Merz’s campaign faces challenges be

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Mar 20 2026POLITICS

Hungary Calls Out Russian Ex‑Interpreter in Election Watch

The Hungarian Helsinki Committee (HHC) has warned the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that a former interpreter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Daria Boyarskaya, should be removed from its election observation team in Hungary. The move comes ahead of a critical vote o

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Mar 20 2026POLITICS

Israel’s Opponent Stands With the Government Over Iran

In a surprising turn, Yair Lapid—once a fierce critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—has voiced strong support for Israel’s military actions against Iran. Lapid argues that the Iranian leadership, described as a terrorist organization rather than a conventional government, poses an existential

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Mar 20 2026POLITICS

EU pushes for peace, not strikes, in Middle East energy fight

EU leaders want no more attacks on energy and water plants in the Middle East. They worry these strikes could hurt global oil prices and make the Iran war worse. In a meeting in Brussels, the 27 countries agreed to ask everyone to stop fighting near these important buildings. They also want civil ri

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Japan Leader Heads to Washington Amid Middle East Tensions

The Japanese prime minister will visit the White House for the first time since a former U. S. president asked Japan to help patrol a vital sea route in the Middle East. She arrives as the U. S. faces a new conflict involving Iran, and her trip is meant to strengthen ties with Washington while ke

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Former Counterterrorism Head Faces FBI Probe, Student Vanishes in Spain, Trump Warns of Iran Threat

The FBI has opened an investigation into Joe Kent, who once led the Department of Homeland Security’s counterterrorism unit. Officials say they are looking into possible misconduct during his tenure, but no charges have been announced yet. In a separate story, a University of Alabama student name

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Iran Plans Fees for Ships in Hormuz Strait

Iran is looking at a new plan that would charge ships for using the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could turn the narrow waterway into a source of revenue for Tehran. The idea comes as Iran has already been stopping vessels it says are linked to its enemies from passing through the strait since th

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Fed Nominee Asked About Links to Jeffrey Epstein

Senator Elizabeth Warren, the leading Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, has sent a letter to Kevin Warsh asking him to explain any contact he may have had with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Warsh was chosen by President Trump to become the next chair of the Federal Reserve

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Europe Needs a Stronger Voice in Global Politics

European leaders are calling for a more confident stance on the world stage. The current climate sees the United States, led by President Donald Trump, and China as dominant powers. Some argue that Europe must step up to protect its own interests. Germany’s new chancellor has highlighted the size o

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Hamilton County Faces Real Democratic Showdown

In a county where party backing often seals the race, voters will see an uncommon open contest on April 16. The event brings together current commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas, newcomer Meeka Owens, and immigrant educator Herman Najoli for a one‑hour debate that could decide the May 5 primary

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