THE IRRATIONAL HILL

Mar 21 2026POLITICS

The Hidden Costs of Montana’s State Budget

Montana’s budget reveals more than the numbers on paper. The state spends a lot of money, but much of it goes into long‑term debts that will hurt future generations. Many people think the budget is balanced, yet hidden lines show otherwise. The state’s debt has grown steadily. When lawmake

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Mar 21 2026FINANCE

Free Online Tax Help for Low‑Income New Yorkers

The New York Department of Taxation and Finance has launched a no‑cost online program to aid residents who qualify. The initiative targets people whose federal adjusted gross income does not exceed $89, 000 and whose investment earnings stay below $11, 950. Participants can book a virtual session on

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Mar 21 2026FINANCE

Hotel Apartment VAT Rules Clarified

A new ruling from the Austrian finance court explains how value‑added tax can be handled on apartments that are part of hotel expansions. The case began when a hotel owner built an extension to his property that included one apartment. He wanted to know if the VAT paid on construction could be de

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Mar 21 2026ENVIRONMENT

Assessing the Legacy of an Old Aluminum Smelter

The last step in figuring out how much damage the former Columbia Falls smelter has caused to nature is now ready. A plan written by state and federal agencies, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and other partners will examine the site again and decide how to repair or pay for long‑term h

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Mar 21 2026BUSINESS

Chile’s Copper Boom: New Projects Light the Way

BHP and Freeport-McMoRan have just filed two massive copper projects with Chile’s environmental review board, a clear sign that mining investment is picking up again in the country. The first plan, called “Nueva Concentradora Escondida, ” is worth $5 billion and would replace the aging Los Colorados

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Mar 21 2026TECHNOLOGY

Apple’s iPhone Sales Surge in China Amid Market Decline

Apple has achieved a remarkable 23 % increase in iPhone sales across China during the first nine weeks of 2026, a stark contrast to the overall market downturn that saw smartphone purchases drop by about 4 %. The growth is largely attributed to strategic pricing and the inclusion of the iPhone 17 in

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Mar 21 2026TECHNOLOGY

Flights Fly Smarter to Keep the Planet Cool

Google is using artificial intelligence to help airlines fly in a way that reduces the extra heat they add to the planet. Instead of focusing only on carbon dioxide, the company is looking at contrails – those thin white trails that form behind planes. Contrails can act like blankets in the sk

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Mar 21 2026ENVIRONMENT

New Places for Nature Protection in Europe

Scientists have looked beyond the usual parks and reserves to find other lands that could help wildlife survive. They called these places “Other Effective Area‑Based Conservation Measures” or OECMs. The idea is that some areas, even if not officially protected, still play a key role in keeping speci

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Mar 21 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Lewis Hamilton’s Mom Says the Kim Kardashian Relationship Doesn’t Fit

Lewis Hamilton has been in headlines for his racing victories, but his personal life is also on the radar. A new romance with reality star Kim Kardashian has sparked fresh discussion, especially from his mother, Carmen Larbalestier. Carmen thinks the Kardashian world clashes with Lewis’s own quie

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Mar 21 2026POLITICS

Celebrity Endorsements Light Up LSU Student Vote

In a surprising twist, the upcoming student government election at Louisiana State University has taken on a Hollywood flair. Candidates for president and vice‑president are now flashing endorsements from well‑known sports figures, turning the campaign into a star‑studded spectacle. The duo of Dari

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