Carlo Capua, chair of the board for Sister Cities International, warning about rising skepticism toward international partnerships as states move to restrict ties with certain countries. He pointed to a recent Texas law that prohibits local governments from establishing or maintaining sister-city agreements with “foreign adversaries” such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.A similar proposal in Florida would go further, terminating existing sister-city programs with countries of concern — including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Venezuela — as soon as July 1. Capua said these policies reflect growing fears about foreign influence, even as sister-city programs have historically been used to promote cultural exchange and international cooperation. (Orlando Sentinel)