FEDERAL BUDGET

May 14 2025EDUCATION

A Major Shift in School Funding

A significant change in education funding is on the horizon. A proposal to allocate $5 billion for private school tuition, home-schooling resources, and online learning programs is gaining traction. This move could see every state in the country offering vouchers for the first time. This is a big deal because it means that even states that have been against the id...

reading time about 1 minute
May 08 2025POLITICS

The Republican's Medicaid Muddle

The Republican Party is in a pickle. They're trying to push through a big bill, but they can't agree on how to handle Medicaid. Some Republicans are worried about cutting Medicaid too much, while others want to slash spending to reduce the deficit. It's a tough spot for Speaker Mike Johnson, who's trying to keep everyone happy. The House Energy and Commerce Comm...

reading time about 2 minutes
Apr 02 2025HEALTH

Research Funding in Crisis

The National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies have abruptly ended nearly three dozen research projects led by Harvard-affiliated hospitals. This move has left many scientists scrambling. The cuts have hit Mass General Brigham, the nation’s top hospital for research grants, hard. The hospital has lost tens of millions in funding. Many of these projects ...

reading time about 2 minutes
Feb 16 2025POLITICS

U-Turn on Nuclear Workers: A Sudden Change of Plan

The U. S. agency in charge of nuclear weapons, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), is in a pickle. They recently let go of some workers as part of a cost-cutting plan, but now they need them back. The problem? They can't find them. The agency sent out an email saying they want to reinstate some probationary employees, but they don't have a way to rea...

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Feb 14 2025POLITICS

A High-Stakes Showdown Over Government Data

Imagine this: A judge steps in and blocks access to crucial financial data. This isn't just a minor hiccup; it's a big deal that could shake up the entire global economy. The standoff involves President Trump's administration and a group of 19 states leaning towards the Democratic party. These states are worried about the potential misuse of sensitive information and...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 10 2025POLITICS

Government Workers Facing Uncertain Future With New Administration

Government employees are facing a tough time. They chose their jobs for stability and to serve the country. Now they feel targeted and uncertain. Many federal workers have been offered a deal to resign with full pay and benefits through September. This has created a lot of worry and confusion. The changes started with a memo asking employees to return to in-person ...

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Feb 07 2025POLITICS

Big Changes Brewing at National Science Foundation

Federal agency directors are about to get a sneak peek at President Trump's budget plans for the upcoming fiscal year. It is expected to be a big change. This is a routine process that happens every year. Congress will eventually take this budget and turn it into a law. This will be Trump's first budget during his second term. It will show what the new administratio...

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Feb 07 2025POLITICS

Political Sparring Leads to Vought\'s Reconfirmation

The OMB, or Office of Management and Budget, gained a familiar face this December. Russ Vought, known for his distinct views on government spending, returned to head the agency. He was confirmed by the Senate with their vote on Thursday. Is this a win for government, the White House, or neither? Republicans celebrated Vought\'s confirmation. Many believed he was the...

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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 handled by states and local governments, but the DOE plays a crucial role i...

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Jan 09 2025POLITICS

Elon Musk's New Budget Target: Half the Ambition, Still Big

Elon Musk, the world's richest person, has adjusted his goal for cutting the federal budget. Initially, he aimed for a massive $2 trillion reduction, but now he thinks achieving half of that, $1 trillion, would be a significant win. Musk, who is part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), believes this could help control inflation by balancing the economy...

reading time less than a minute