BUDGET

Jan 25 2025POLITICS

Kansas Lawmakers Propose Big Cut to School Funding Tax

Public school supporters are worried about a bill in the Kansas House that aims to reduce the state tax funding public schools by $800 million over five years. The plan is to drop the statewide property tax rate from 20 to 18. 5 mills starting next fiscal year and then keep the tax collections at th

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Jan 24 2025POLITICS

Healey's New Budget: Sweet Taxes, Hospital Shifts, and Transit Boosts

Governor Maura Healey recently unveiled her budget plan for the next fiscal year, and it's a mix of investments and tough calls. The $62 billion proposal aims to boost various areas like education and housing. One big change? Taxing candy and cutting mental health jobs. The budget also looks at clos

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Jan 23 2025POLITICS

Trump's Deportation Plans: A Test for Detention Centers

President Trump's ambitious plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants is facing a significant hurdle: space. The current capacity of immigration detention centers is around 41, 000 beds, but there are an estimated 11. 7 million people living in the U. S. illegally. To achieve his goals, Tru

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Jan 23 2025POLITICS

Warwick Mayor Proposes School Finance Oversight Panel

Warwick Mayor Frank J. Picozzi has proposed the creation of a five-member budget commission to manage the city's school district finances. This move comes in response to a recently revealed $9 million deficit. Picozzi, who was just re-elected for a four-year term, wants to appoint three members with

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Jan 21 2025POLITICS

Could Trump's Plans Shake Up the Education Department?

President Donald Trump has big plans to shake things up at the Department of Education (DOE). Established back in 1979, this federal agency has had its share of critics. But Trump wants to go further than just cut its budget—he aims to shut it down completely. Education in the U. S. is mainly handle

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Jan 20 2025POLITICS

What If Trump Returns? NASA and Space Plans in Flux

Picture this: President Trump wins another term. NASA might see some major changes. The Artemis mission, aimed at getting humans back to the moon, could get a whole new makeover. Big rockets like the Space Launch System, built for moon trips, might also change. Earth science projects could see budge

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Jan 17 2025FINANCE

Scott Bessent Warns: U. S. Facing Spending Crisis

At his Senate confirmation hearing, Scott Bessent, President Trump's pick for the Treasury, revealed a worrying trend in the U. S. economy. he doesn't think America has a revenue problem, but rather, a severe spending issue. Bessent explained that this very problem prompted him to leave his quiet jo

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Jan 17 2025POLITICS

UK & France Mull Troop Plans for Ukraine's Future

France and the UK are discussing the idea of sending military personnel to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission after a ceasefire. The talks, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, consider a few scenarios for British troops. They might help monitor a buffer zone, protect Kyiv, or t

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Jan 17 2025EDUCATION

Darien Schools Keep Gifted Program After Parents Speak Out

The Darien Board of Education has decided to maintain the Idea Program, which focuses on gifted and talented students, for the next school year. The vote was 7-2 in favor, following a meeting where parents, students, and alumni shared their positive experiences with the program. One former student,

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Jan 16 2025SCIENCE

Hubble's Budget Woes: What's at Stake?

The Hubble Space Telescope, a staple in astronomy for nearly 35 years, is facing significant budget cuts. NASA's proposed budget for upcoming years has prompted the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) to consider major changes. The institute, which handles Hubble's science operations, might ha

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