BUD

Apr 24 2026POLITICS

A Simple Switch in DeKalb County’s Finance Team

DeKalb County is preparing for a change in its finance team before an employee retires. Instead of filling the outgoing administrative clerk’s spot directly, the county plans to create a new accountant position with higher pay and added responsibilities. The board approved this shift on April 15, bu

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Apr 24 2026POLITICS

NASA’s budget fight: Who really decides where space money goes?

Lawmakers from both parties say no to Trump’s plan to cut NASA’s budget by nearly a quarter in 2027. That’s not surprising—Congress already rejected similar cuts last year. Republican Rep. Brian Babin from Texas argued that the proposal won’t help NASA reach goals set by both the president and Congr

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Apr 23 2026POLITICS

Senate Pushes $70 Billion ICE Funding Without Democratic Help

The Senate is starting a long voting marathon, with Republicans moving forward on a plan to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of Customs and Border Protection. They are doing this through budget reconciliation, a process that lets the majority pass bills with only 51 votes ins

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Apr 23 2026OPINION

Virginia weighs risky dental cuts in budget squeeze

Virginia lawmakers face tough choices as they look for ways to balance the state budget. One proposal under review would limit Medicaid dental coverage for adults—a move that might seem like quick savings but could actually cost more in the long run. Research shows that when states cut dental benefi

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Apr 22 2026POLITICS

RFK Jr. Outshines Sen. Warnock on Rabies Talk

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stepped onto Capitol Hill for two Senate hearings and turned a sharp moment into a win over Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock, who tried to challenge him on health policy. First, RFK Jr. spoke with the Finance Committee about his agency’s budget and how former President Trump’s dea

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Apr 22 2026POLITICS

Health Budget Talk: What Congress Heard About Vaccines and Money

The Department of Health and Human Services faced a long series of hearings in the Senate and House this week. The main point for lawmakers was how to cut more than a dozen percent of the agency’s budget while still keeping services available. The head of the department said the cuts were painful

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Apr 22 2026EDUCATION

Middletown School Closings: A Community in Flux

In Middletown, the debate over closing several schools is heating up as the school board prepares to decide on a new budget next week. A majority vote could approve closures that affect Leonardo and Navesink elementary schools, while Bayshore Middle School would shift to an elementary level. The boa

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Apr 22 2026POLITICS

Big Spending on War Machines: Where the Money Goes

The government just asked for $1. 5 trillion to fund the nation’s defense for the coming year—that’s the biggest jump in spending since World War II. While health care, schools, and roads often need cash, this plan puts billions toward ships, jets, and a high-tech missile shield called Golden Dome.

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Apr 21 2026TECHNOLOGY

Switching From Cable: Budget Gadgets That Keep You Connected

Cutting the cord has become easier than ever, and you don’t need a big budget to keep your living room streaming. Think of the simple, low‑cost devices that let you ditch cable and still enjoy movies, shows, news, and live events. The first tool most people add is a streaming stick. A $50 stick fro

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

The A-10 Warthog’s Future: Why the U. S. Air Force Can’t Let Go Just Yet

The U. S. Air Force has decided to keep the A-10 Warthog flying until at least 2030, delaying its planned retirement. The plane, nicknamed for its tough, pig-like appearance, first took off in 1976 and has become a controversial figure in military discussions. While some argue it’s outdated and too

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