World

Politics
Taking stock of Flock

Cambridge canceled its contract with Flock over privacy concerns. Mere days later, those same license-plate readers helped solve one of the region’s most high-profile murders. The rapid shift from skepticism to reliance on the technology raises pivotal questions about balancing civil liberties and public safety.

Policy Analysis

The US Air Force Once Blew Up a Satellite—Just to Prove It Could

In 1985, the U.S. Air Force carried out a historic test, proving that a satellite could be destroyed in orbit by a missile. This marked the first time in history that an orbital target was successfully hit, foreshadowing future advancements in anti-satellite capabilities.

International Politics

 The US Air Force Once Blew Up a Satellite—Just to Prove It Could
The UN’s Latest Attack on Israel Is as Unhinged as Any Before It

Flawed methodologies, the neglect of key facts, and deep politicization define the latest United Nations report on Israel. Critics contend that this approach fits a recurring pattern of bias and undermines the organization’s credibility.

International Politics

 The UN’s Latest Attack on Israel Is as Unhinged as Any Before It
CPD recovering a steady number of ‘ghost guns’ despite legislation meant to curb them

Chicago’s East Side neighborhood became the latest scene of the ongoing battle against untraceable firearms when police arrived at a three-flat apartment early one summer morning. Despite legislation intended to limit “ghost guns,” authorities continue to recover these homemade weapons, underscoring the gap between regulatory efforts and real-world outcomes.

Policy Analysis

 CPD recovering a steady number of ‘ghost guns’ despite legislation meant to curb them
On Trump’s third term, was Miriam Adelson just trolling?

Is Donald Trump’s rumored third-term run a genuine plan or just a sensation fueled by billionaire Miriam Adelson? According to a recent editorial, it doesn’t matter how much money is on the table—Trump simply cannot run again.

Campaign Strategies

Political Movements

Will Maui’s Zoning Changes Affect Your Vacation Rental Choice in 2026? Here’s All You Need To Know

Maui’s plan to limit short-term vacation rentals has hit a snag, as new zoning discussions may allow thousands of properties to remain. With 2026 looming, travelers and local residents alike are keenly watching how these decisions will shape the island’s rental landscape.

Policy Analysis

 Will Maui’s Zoning Changes Affect Your Vacation Rental Choice in 2026? Here’s All You Need To Know
ACLU again attacks prison system over earned sentence credits

A public letter from the Virginia ACLU accuses the state’s prison system of “over-detaining” inmates. The group claims the Department of Corrections is not properly applying earned sentence credits, depriving individuals of timely release.

Policy Analysis

 ACLU again attacks prison system over earned sentence credits
Varner: 400 years of American citizenship

For 400 years, the concept of American citizenship has shifted in response to changing laws, court rulings, and political climates. This article reflects on key milestones, from the colonial era to modern debates about who truly belongs.

Policy Analysis

 Varner: 400 years of American citizenship
City of Pillager seeks community input

The City of Pillager is calling on residents and stakeholders to help shape its future through an upcoming visioning session. Officials hope to learn from community input to steer the city’s comprehensive planning process and promote inclusive development.

Policy Analysis

Is the federal government finally transcending its ‘Reefer Madness’ view of cannabis?

The federal government’s approach to cannabis may finally be softening, signaled by an executive order from former President Trump to reschedule the drug. Curiously, this policy shift unfolds at the same time an analysis casts doubt on whether cannabis truly helps with pain, insomnia, and stress.

Policy Analysis

OPINION: Why not throw some money at Idaho schools?

This editorial examines a simple question: why shouldn’t Idaho invest more money in its schools? While the full content remains under a paywall, it points toward a continuing debate over how the state chooses to fund—and prioritize—its public education system.

Policy Analysis

 OPINION: Why not throw some money at Idaho schools?
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Trump’s year — More lows than highs – Sun, 21 Dec 2025 PST

President Donald Trump has faced a challenging year with more setbacks than successes. Despite his success in negotiating an end to the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, tensions continue, and a permanent peace deal remains elusive.

International Politics

 Carl P. Leubsdorf: Trump’s year — More lows than highs – Sun, 21 Dec 2025 PST
Letter: Health care costs are complicated

The debate about whether to extend enhanced subsidies for Obamacare highlights pressing, short-term concerns for many health care users. Yet these conversations do not begin to resolve the long-term complexities behind rising health care expenses.

Policy Analysis

Healthcare Reforms

 Letter: Health care costs are complicated
Steele County Commissioners approve 4.6% levy increase

As tax season approaches, Steele County residents will see a 4.6% hike in property taxes for 2026. This modest increase accompanies an $83,559,919 budget approved by the county commissioners on Tuesday evening.

Policy Analysis

 Steele County Commissioners approve 4.6% levy increase
Chicago council, ‘starting to legislate,’ sends $16.7 billion budget to mayor

Chicago’s City Council has approved a $16.7 billion budget for 2026, signaling a pivotal step in guiding the city’s financial outlook. The measure now heads to Mayor Brandon Johnson, reflecting the council’s ongoing push to legislate on major municipal issues.

Policy Analysis

 Chicago council, ‘starting to legislate,’ sends $16.7 billion budget to mayor
Letter: American money should have no king

A recent letter to the editor argues that U.S. currency should remain free of any monarch’s image, contrasting the practice in Commonwealth nations that feature King Charles on their coins. The writer contends that an image of the reigning English ruler on money is a persistent reminder of who holds power—something they believe should have no place on American currency.

International Politics

 Letter: American money should have no king
Minnesota officials announce plans for more study on impacts of sulfate pollution on wild rice

Minnesota environmental officials have unveiled plans to study the effects of sulfate pollution on wild rice. By examining recent scientific research and consulting outside experts, the state seeks to refine its understanding of varying sulfate levels and protect one of its most culturally significant resources.

Environmental Laws

Cost of Republican leadership? $894 | Justin Ailport

Montanans searching for Christmas gifts are finding more than just holiday cheer—they’re also confronting noticeably higher store prices. According to commentator Justin Ailport, Republican leadership is largely at fault for how steep these costs have become.

Policy Analysis

 Cost of Republican leadership? $894 | Justin Ailport
Gateless parking system to go live after the holidays

Mankato’s downtown drivers have recently encountered unexpected $25 tickets, hinting at an emerging update to the city’s parking system. After the holiday season, officials plan to replace conventional gates with a modern, gateless setup that aims to streamline parking management. Expectations for digital payments and license plate tracking are on the horizon.

Policy Analysis

 Gateless parking system to go live after the holidays
Cal Thomas: The plan to save Congress for the GOP

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles claims to have a plan for preserving Republican control in the upcoming midterm elections. In a recently shared opinion, Wiles revealed she has yet to inform the president about her strategy, but remains confident about its potential impact.

Campaign Strategies

Voting Trends

 Cal Thomas: The plan to save Congress for the GOP
Lodi Council exploring changes to how city managers are removed

Following a tumultuous departure of city manager Scott Carney, the Lodi Council is reconsidering how such officials can be removed from office. Council members hope a revised process will prevent future uncertainty and offer more transparent guidelines for governance.

Policy Analysis

 Lodi Council exploring changes to how city managers are removed
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