Author: Karen Givens

Graduate Student, wife, engaged political and legal writer.

A man wanted on charges in two states jumped into a North Carolina lake and feigned an inability to swim in a failed bid to escape law enforcement. Police say the suspect, who faced outstanding warrants in more than one state, fled on foot before choosing the lake as his route of escape. Instead of surrendering, he reportedly jumped into the water and acted as though he could not swim, hoping the lake would slow or stop pursuing officers. That plan did not work and he was taken into custody after officers responded. Attempts to elude arrest by entering water…

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Dick Cheney, who rose from Wyoming roots to become one of the most consequential vice presidents in modern American history, has died at age 84 and leaves a record defined by fierce conservatism, staunch support for a robust national defense, and policies that reshaped U.S. foreign and domestic security doctrine. Dick Cheney was a hard-charging conservative who served at the highest levels of government and became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history. He was a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq and a central figure in shaping post-9/11 security strategy. Cheney’s death at…

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Congress must tighten rules to shield American politics from outside meddling, close loopholes, and make penalties meaningful. This piece argues for clearer disclosure, stronger enforcement, and a return to commonsense protections that put the nation first. It lays out practical priorities for lawmakers who want to defend our system without creating theater. The aim is to be direct about the risks and clear about what needs fixing. We all agree the playing field should be fair and transparent, and right now it is not. Foreign actors find creative ways to funnel influence into campaigns, think tanks, and media channels. That…

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This piece looks at a single, striking line and what it says about politics, the legal system, and elections. It unpacks how that remark fits into a larger story about opposition, resilience, and consequences for voters. The goal is to explain why the line matters to Republicans and to the country without getting lost in legal technicalities. The remark cuts straight to the point of a larger narrative many conservatives accept: legal pressure was used as a political tool. The line is blunt about consequences and intent in a way most politician-speak never is. It forces a confrontation with the…

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Former President Barack Obama placed a 30-minute call to self-declared socialist Zohran Mamdani, calling his campaign “impressive” and offering to be a “sounding board” if Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral race on Tuesday, a development that raises clear questions about elite influence and national figures steering local politics. The surprise phone call from Obama to Zohran Mamdani lasted about 30 minutes and featured praise for what Obama called an “impressive” campaign. That kind of endorsement from a former president is loud and unmistakable, especially when it lands in the middle of a local race. Voters should note the…

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President Trump announced on social media that he will not attend the Supreme Court arguments on Wednesday tied to legal challenges over his tariff policies. The decision came with a short post on Sunday and represents a change in plans that grabbed attention across the political spectrum. This piece explains what was said, why it matters, and the likely political and legal fallout from a Republican perspective. “President Trump reversed course Sunday, posting on social media that he won’t attend Supreme Court arguments on Wednesday concerning legal challenges to his tariffs.” That line was the core of the update and…

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A mayor in Mexico ‘s western state of Michoacan was shot dead in a plaza in front of dozens of people who had gathered for Day of the Dead festivities, authorities said. The killing happened in plain view during a public celebration, turning a moment meant for remembrance into a scene of violence and shock. Local officials have opened an investigation and security forces are increasing their presence as the community reels from the attack. The plaza attack tore through a peaceful public gathering, with witnesses describing chaos and fear as gunfire erupted during one of the region’s most sacred…

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Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is fighting for the Republican nomination for South Carolina governor while facing a fresh public controversy over an alleged airport incident that could reshape the primary race. The report says she verbally confronted law enforcement and government workers, and Mace has instead highlighted threats to her safety while pushing back at a chief GOP rival. This article lays out the facts as reported, the likely political fallout, and the posture a Republican voter or leader might reasonably take as events unfold. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who is running to be South Carolina’s next Republican governor, has…

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President Trump unveiled a dramatic redo of the White House’s Lincoln Bathroom, swapping a 1940s art deco look for a black and white marble design with gold accents, and the reveal has stirred debate alongside plans for a contentious $300 million East Wing ballroom. His team says the bathroom now better reflects the Lincoln era while critics call parts of the overhaul extravagant. The ballroom plan, a privately funded 90,000-square-foot project, has become the louder controversy, with a recent poll showing 56% of Americans opposed and just 28% in favor. The Lincoln Bathroom sits adjacent to the historic Lincoln Bedroom…

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Former President Barack Obama showed up in Virginia to back the Democrat running for governor, and that move matters beyond one campaign. This article looks at what his visit signals, why national figures intervene in state elections, and how voters should weigh outside influence. Expect a clear take on the political stakes and the messaging Democrats are using on the ground. Former President Barack Obama targeted the White House on Saturday as he came out to Virginia for Democratic Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. His appearance was more than a photo op; it was a deliberate effort to frame a…

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