The WNBA is growing fast—three more cities are getting teams, pushing the league to an all-time high of 18 squads. Cleveland jumps in first in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philly rounds it out in 2030. More teams mean more chances for fans to catch games and for players to shine.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about adding jerseys to the lineup—it's a big win for women's sports. The WNBA's expansion signals rising popularity and investment in the game, giving more athletes opportunities and fans new hometown teams to rally behind. It’s a clear step forward for the league’s visibility and long-term growth.

The Trump administration is working on a new system that would create a searchable national database tracking citizenship status, sparking concerns among some officials about privacy and potential misuse. Meanwhile, in Congress, the Senate is zeroing in on the GOP's major tax and spending bill, which could have wide-ranging economic impacts.

Editor’s Note: The citizenship tracking tool raises big questions about privacy and government overreach—especially in a politically charged climate where immigration is already a hot-button issue. On the tax front, the Senate's bill could reshape everything from corporate taxes to household budgets, so its progress is worth watching closely. Both stories highlight how policy shifts in Washington can ripple out to affect everyday lives.

France is cracking down on smoking in public spaces where kids hang out—parks, pools, beaches, and anywhere else children might be. The new ban, announced by health minister Catherine Vautrin, aims to shield young people from secondhand smoke and normalize smoke-free environments.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about clearing the air—it’s a cultural shift. France has long been synonymous with café puffing and leisurely cigarettes, but with growing awareness of smoking’s harms, especially to kids, the government is drawing a line. It’s part of a broader push to reduce smoking rates and protect the next generation, even if it means ruffling a few feathers among die-hard smokers. For parents and health advocates, it’s a win; for others, it might feel like another freedom going up in smoke.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is ramping up efforts to strip citizenship from certain individuals, focusing on cases involving fraud or serious crimes. This tactic, known as denaturalization, isn’t new—it was used aggressively during the McCarthy era, saw expansions under Obama, and grew further under Trump. Historically, it’s been reserved for extreme cases, like prosecuting war criminals or Nazis, but the DOJ’s renewed emphasis raises questions about how broadly it might be applied now.

Editor’s Note: Citizenship revocation is a big deal—it’s rare, controversial, and usually tied to grave offenses. The DOJ’s move signals a shift in enforcement priorities, but the lack of specifics leaves room for debate. Could this target a wider pool of people, or stay limited to extreme cases? Either way, it’s a policy with high stakes, potentially affecting trust in the naturalization process and stirring fears about government overreach.

Eighty years after the horrors of Buchenwald, a remarkable reunion unfolded: Holocaust survivor Andrew Roth met Jack Moran, one of the U.S. soldiers who helped liberate the camp. Their long-delayed encounter became a powerful moment of shared history—Roth recounting his survival, Moran reflecting on the day he witnessed the camp’s atrocities firsthand. It’s a story of resilience, unlikely connections, and the enduring weight of memory.

Editor’s Note: At a time when Holocaust survivors are dwindling in number, these personal connections become even more precious. Their meeting isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a living reminder of how war shapes lives decades later, and how small acts of liberation ripple through generations. For readers, it’s a chance to witness history not through textbooks, but through the voices of those who lived it.

After a troubling spike in homicides during 2020 and 2021, many U.S. cities are now seeing a significant drop in murders. Researchers credit this turnaround to local governments doubling down on community investments—like social programs and infrastructure—after the pandemic’s chaos. It’s a sign that targeted support might actually be making neighborhoods safer.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a random dip in crime stats—it suggests that when cities actively reinvest in struggling communities, it can pay off in real ways. After years of grim headlines, it’s a hopeful reminder that smart policy moves can change things for the better.

Karen de Boer, now years removed from college, still holds onto a touching memory from her freshman year. Despite not always being the best hallmate to Pam, Karen was stunned when Pam went out of her way to help her catch a ride to a choir performance after she missed the bus. It’s one of those small, unexpected kindnesses that sticks with you forever.

Editor’s Note: In a world that often feels rushed and transactional, this story is a gentle reminder that simple acts of kindness—especially ones given without expectation—can leave a lasting impact. It’s not about grand gestures but the quiet moments of grace that define our relationships.

Republican leaders are walking a tightrope with their reconciliation bill, trying to appease two factions within their own party: senators who want to shield social programs for vulnerable groups and those pushing for more aggressive cuts to reduce the deficit. It’s a classic case of party infighting, with high stakes for policy and political unity.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just inside baseball—it’s a real-world tug-of-war over who gets help and where the budget axe falls. If Republicans can’t bridge the gap, the bill could stall, leaving key programs in limbo and deepening party divisions ahead of the election. For voters, it’s a glimpse into how much (or how little) common ground exists in D.C. these days.

Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who had previously been critical of President Trump's spending plans, explains his last-minute decision to vote in favor of the president's agenda. In an interview with NPR, Johnson discusses what changed his mind, suggesting a mix of political strategy and policy concessions played a role.

Editor’s Note: Johnson's shift is a small but telling moment in the broader tug-of-war within the GOP over spending and loyalty to Trump. It highlights how even skeptical lawmakers sometimes fall in line—whether due to party pressure, deal-making, or shifting priorities. For voters, it’s a reminder that political decisions often hinge on behind-the-scenes maneuvering as much as public principles.