BUDGET

Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Budget Crunch Hits Maryland Schools

The state’s biggest education plan is still in motion, but the money needed to keep it running is a growing worry. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future calls for huge spending, and the only way lawmakers see to pay is by raising taxes and fees. Because of this, critics ask: Will the extra money re

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Feb 14 2026EDUCATION

Montevallo University Hits Pause on Sports Cuts After Student Outcry

Montevallo University has decided to hit the brakes on cutting its swimming and tennis programs. This came after a heartfelt plea from student athletes who were left in tears. The university is still dealing with an $8 million budget shortfall, but they've decided to rethink their plans for now. Th

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Feb 14 2026SCIENCE

NASA's Science Missions Face Unexpected Funding Freeze

NASA has been asked to hit the brakes on spending for over 15 science projects. This pause comes from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), even though Congress recently approved a budget that restored NASA's funding. The projects on hold include some big names, like the Chandra X-Ray Observato

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Feb 12 2026OPINION

City Pay Hikes and the Rising Tax Burden

San Diego residents already shoulder extra costs from city‑imposed fees, yet officials claim that further charges are unavoidable because of a “decades‑old structural budget deficit. ” The reality is that the deficit grows from choices made by those in power, not from unseen forces. City leaders

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

New York Mayor Proposes Tax Boost for the Rich

New York City's Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has put forward a plan to raise taxes on the wealthy. He wants to add a 2% tax on those earning over a million dollars each year. This idea is part of his campaign promises. He also wants to increase the corporate tax rate. During a recent budget hearing, Mamd

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Feb 11 2026POLITICS

A Week of Cheap Cooking: Testing a New Food Guide

I decided to try the new food plan that was released in January. The guide says eat whole foods, cut back on sugar and processed stuff, and keep costs low. I set a budget of $15 a day for a week to see if it could work in real life. I started by making a grocery list with the help of an AI helper

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Feb 11 2026POLITICS

Debt climbs to new highs as budget outlook worsens

The first year of the current administration has seen bold moves to overhaul the economy. Tax cuts hit record lows, tariffs surged, and federal spending was trimmed sharply. Yet these shifts largely cancel each other out when it comes to the national budget. A recent forecast from a non‑parti

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Feb 10 2026EDUCATION

Teachers Strike in San Francisco: Schools Shut, Families Struggle

Schools in San Francisco were closed on Monday when teachers walked off the job for the first time since 1979. The strike was sparked by demands for better health care and higher pay. About 50, 000 students were affected because parents had to find new child‑care and meals. Union leaders an

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Feb 08 2026LIFESTYLE

Smart Ways to Feel Rich Without Breaking the Bank

In a world where prices keep climbing, many people are looking for ways to enjoy the perks that usually cost a fortune. A popular online forum asked, “What expensive or luxury experiences do you still enjoy on a tight budget? ” The responses offer clever tricks that make high‑end living feel afforda

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Feb 08 2026TECHNOLOGY

Walmart Tech and Tool Choices: A Cautionary Guide

People love Walmart for cheap groceries and clothes, but the store also sells many gadgets and tools. Some of these items look good on paper, yet customers often report problems. First, a tablet called the Veatool F11 costs just $82. 49. Many buyers give it three stars or less, saying the battery

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