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Month: August 2026

The growing debate over big money influence in American politics

Voters in Alaska are considering a ballot measure that aims to reduce the influence of big-money donors in state and local elections. It’s part of a wider conversation about money in politics, sparked by a Supreme Court decision that struck down limits on how much parties can spend in coordination with their candidates in national elections. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Daniel Weiner.

South Korea relationship shift highlights Trump’s transactional approach to allies

President Trump is straining one of America’s closest alliances after scaling back joint military exercises with South Korea. He cited their cost, his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Seoul’s refusal to join the Iran war. It’s the latest example of Trump taking a transactional approach to alliances. Geoff Bennett discussed more with retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery.

‘The party is in charge of everything,’ freed pastor says of China’s crackdown on religion

China recently took a rare step by releasing a detainee at the United States’ request. Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was picked up by Chinese authorities last October, one of dozens of Christians targeted by the Chinese Communist Party, which only allows authorized churches to serve China’s estimated 80 million Christians. Nick Schifrin spoke with Pastor Jin and his daughter, Grace.

Quilt exhibit showcases artwork of inmate turned criminal justice activist

His work is now shown in major museums and galleries, but Jesse Krimes created some of his first artwork in prison. Following his release, he’s also become a strong advocate for the formerly incarcerated and for reforming the overall system of mass incarceration. Jeffrey Brown reports for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage.

The Moscow region is hit by almost 800 drones as Russian missiles kill 10 in a Ukrainian village

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces launched one of their biggest drone attacks on Russia since Moscow’s invasion over four years ago, firing almost 800 drones only two days after a similar salvo, officials said Tuesday. Meanwhile, a Russian missile strike on a village in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region killed at least 10 people and wounded 17 others as the barrage demolished homes, officials said. READ MORE: Ukraine’s state energy company says its facilities seriously…

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