BUDGET

Jan 11 2026FINANCE

Managing Money Made Easy: Apps to Help You Save and Spend Wisely

Managing personal finances can be tough. It's like knowing you should eat healthy but still craving junk food. Everyone has their own way of handling money. Some people use the cash-only envelope system. They split their money into different envelopes for different expenses. This method has helped m

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Jan 11 2026POLITICS

Congress Saves the Day for Science Funding

Congress is stepping up to protect science funding. Last year, President Trump wanted to cut science funding by 22%, the biggest cut since World War II. But Congress is not letting that happen. They are working together to reverse these cuts. The Senate Appropriations Committee has released a plan.

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Jan 10 2026POLITICS

California's Budget Betting Game: Is Newsom Playing with Fire?

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, decided to skip the traditional budget reveal, leaving his finance chief to deliver the news. The state is facing a $3 billion deficit, but the real concern is that this number could balloon to $22 billion next year. The budget, nearly $349 billion, is a gamble,

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Jan 10 2026EDUCATION

Ridgefield Schools: Balancing the Books Mid-Year

Ridgefield's schools are keeping a close eye on their money. They've checked in halfway through the year and things seem okay. But there are some worries, like special education costs and health benefits. Special education is a big deal. It's costing more than expected. The district is spending ext

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Jan 09 2026SCIENCE

Science Funding: Learning from NASA's Past

Money for science is tight right now. Schools and labs are feeling the pinch. But this isn't new. Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, NASA faced big budget cuts. President Nixon needed funds for the Vietnam War. So, NASA's budget took a hit. This changed how NASA explored space. NASA had to get

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Jan 08 2026POLITICS

Chicago's Financial Future: Layoffs Loom as CFO Exits

Chicago is in a bit of a pickle. The city's top money manager is leaving, and the mayor is talking about possible job cuts. This is all happening after a recent budget showdown. The mayor, Brandon Johnson, is trying to stay positive about finding a new finance chief, but he's also warning that layof

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Jan 08 2026POLITICS

Why Alaska's Budget Rules Need a Makeover

Alaska's budget process is stuck in the past. The state's constitution demands an unusually high threshold for overriding a governor's veto on budget matters. This rule, requiring three-fourths of legislators to agree, makes it tough for the public's voice to be heard. It's time to update this rule

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Jan 08 2026POLITICS

A Big Ask: Trump Wants to Spend More on Military

The US might soon see a huge boost in military spending. President Trump wants to increase the defence budget to $1. 5 trillion by 2027. This is a big jump from the current $901 billion. He believes this will help build a stronger military. Trump says the extra money will come from tariffs. These ar

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Jan 06 2026POLITICS

Maine's Governor Prepares for Final Address and Political Battles Ahead

Governor Janet Mills is all set to deliver her final State of the State speech on January 27. This address will not only outline her plans for the remaining year of her term but also set the stage for what promises to be a heated election season. Mills is expected to reflect on her achievements and

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Jan 05 2026FINANCE

Market Movers: A Monday Rundown

The market is buzzing after a hectic weekend. S&P 500 futures are up, but the week before was a downer. Let's dive into the big stories shaping the day. Venezuela is in the spotlight after a major U. S. military strike. President Donald Trump announced the operation, which led to the capture of Ven

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