BUDGET

Apr 16 2026POLITICS

Behind the Pentagon's Budget Battle: Where’s the Money Going?

The White House has no clear answer for how much the recent conflict with Iran might cost, even as officials push for a $1. 5 trillion military budget boost. The lack of transparency has sparked frustration among lawmakers, some of whom question why a specific price tag can’t be given for a war just

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Apr 16 2026FINANCE

Southwick pushes schools to trim budget after tough town cuts

The town of Southwick has taken big steps to tighten its own spending, cutting budgets by 5% last year and another 10% this year. But even with those reductions, the school district’s costs keep climbing, forcing officials to ask for more savings. The Select Board approved a letter asking the region

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Apr 15 2026OPINION

Alaska’s Budget Puzzle: Why Money and Politics Don’t Match

A senator who began her career in the state legislature two decades ago remembers how Alaska’s budget keeps swinging between deficits and surpluses. The state relies on big chunks of federal money or high oil prices to pay for schools, roads and other services. When those sources shrink, the budget

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Apr 15 2026FINANCE

Zambia’s Fuel Tax Pause: A $100 Million Gap in Public Funds

Zambia recently chose to pause fuel taxes for three months to protect drivers from rising oil prices caused by regional conflicts. The move will cost the government around $100 million in lost revenue, adding pressure to an already tight budget. Finance officials admit the decision leaves fewer fund

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Apr 14 2026POLITICS

NASA's funding fight: Why one leader wants more cash for space dreams

A top U. S. senator is pushing back against plans to trim NASA’s budget next year. This isn’t the first time officials have clashed over space spending. Last time cuts were proposed, lawmakers fought back and gave NASA nearly $24. 4 billion instead. Now, the same politician is promising to keep fund

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Apr 14 2026FINANCE

Village Budget Shifts Toward Surplus Amid Rising Costs

Tinley Park has drafted a new budget that shows a small surplus for next year. The plan expects about $2. 18 million more in money than it spends by the end of fiscal 2027. The village will spend roughly $82 million next year, up from last year, while revenue is projected to reach about $84 milli

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Apr 13 2026FINANCE

Small Spends, Big Happiness in Retirement

Retirement isn’t just about saving every penny but enjoying the freedom that comes with it. Many retirees struggle not with money, but with guilt over small treats. A coffee and a book at a café might seem trivial, but it’s one of life’s simple joys. Research shows small, regular expenses rarely hur

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Apr 12 2026OPINION

New Jersey’s Homelessness Budget: A Small Step in a Huge Gap

The state has put $25 million on the budget for people without homes, and another $11 million for a veterans program. These amounts show that officials see the problem, but they fall far short of what data says is needed. In 2024, the state’s system could house about 38, 000 people and was runnin

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

A Busy Week of Politics: From Melania’s Surprise Talk to New Jersey Budget Battles

The week started with a shock: Melania Trump, usually silent about politics, stepped forward to deny ties with Jeffrey Epstein and called for a hearing on his victims. Her words came out of nowhere, sparking speculation that she might be trying to protect her husband’s image or to signal a new stanc

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Is Maine’s new budget plan really a smart move?

Maine is facing real struggles right now. High living costs—especially for housing and energy—are squeezing families and businesses alike. Many people have left for other states with lower taxes and better opportunities. Small businesses, which keep local economies alive, are feeling the pinch too.

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