She was a Republican appointee, religious Mormon, and grandmother of ten. For years, she held a position in the government where she witnessed firsthand the political system's inner workings. Then she began to wonder: what if politicians got rewarded for doing the right thing instead of just playing the game? Her curiosity led her down a path of questioning the status quo and advocating for change.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Bangkok, a 15-year-old girl was arrested for allegedly defaming the Thai royal family. Her case garnered international attention, highlighting the country's strict lèse-majesté laws that prohibit criticism of the monarchy. The girl was eventually released on bail, but her case serves as a reminder of the importance of free speech and the dangers of government overreach.
Back in the United States, Nancy Pelosi grew up in Baltimore as the daughter of the Democratic Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro Jr. As a young girl, she managed her father's bookkeeping and learned the value of hard work and dedication. Pelosi would later become the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, a position she's held twice over the course of her career.
But politics isn't always glamorous, as Pelosi's husband can attest. He's a multimillionaire venture capitalist who's recovering from a brutal attack and has long taken care of the couple's finances. Despite the challenges, Pelosi remains a fierce advocate for progressive policies and is known for her ability to navigate the intricacies of Washington politics.
Unfortunately, not all Americans are safe from the dangers of gun violence. In a mass elementary school shooting in Belgrade on May 3, a girl was shot in the head and later died in the hospital. The tragedy is yet another reminder of the urgent need for stricter gun laws and greater investment in mental health resources.
But even when authorities try to prevent such tragedies, they're not always successful. A recent plot to kidnap Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer was thwarted when both suspects were arrested last week. Their arrest adds to a growing list of similar cases as authorities warn about the rise of domestic terrorism in the United States.
In Japan, a country with just two women in its cabinet, Satoko Kishimoto is trying to change the culture. As the founder of a nonprofit organization that trains women to run for office, she's working to increase female representation in politics and create a more equitable society.
Unfortunately, misogyny is still rampant in some political circles. A House representative recently accused a female Colorado Politics reporter of being a "gossip and mean girl" in reaction to a story that explores his campaign finances. Such behavior is unacceptable and serves to further marginalize women in politics.
But despite the challenges, there's still hope for a brighter future. A Democratic state legislator recently told a national audience that what's happening in Florida could happen nationwide, channeling Whoopi Goldberg's famous line from Sister Act. The comment was in reference to the state's recent passage of a voter suppression bill, but it also serves as a call to action for all Americans to fight for their right to vote and participate in the political process.
