ECONOMIC GROWTH

Apr 30 2026BUSINESS

IBM Brings New Tech Hub and 750 Jobs to Chicago’s South Side

Chicago is getting a major tech boost with IBM’s plans to open a new innovation center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. The company will add 750 full-time jobs over five years, covering fields like cybersecurity, AI, and data science. The state has already poured $500 million into

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

Data Centers in Georgia: Who Really Benefits from the Tech Boom?

Across Georgia, quiet neighborhoods are facing a sudden shift. Giant buildings packed with servers are rising, fueling debates over progress. These data centers power everything from AI tools to online storage, but they also bring noise, higher bills, and concerns about water and energy use. Residen

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Apr 26 2026BUSINESS

McKinney bets on waves and crowds to reshape its identity

McKinney just gave a big thumbs-up to plans for a surf park called Cannon Beach. The city council changed some rules so building can start on a patch of land where Stacy Road and State Highway 121 meet. The whole area will be a planned development, meaning it won’t just pop up overnight. Right next

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Apr 15 2026FINANCE

Money Skills: The Key to Baltimore’s Future

Financial knowledge is more than a buzzword; it shapes the way people work, buy and invest. In Baltimore, where many families face economic challenges, a lack of money‑management skills can lock students out of higher education and stable jobs. Only about half of Maryland adults feel confident ha

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Apr 13 2026POLITICS

Benin's Young Voters Face a Key Choice as New Leader Steps In

Benin’s presidential vote isn’t just another election—it’s a turning point after a decade under President Patrice Talon, whose time in office left behind a trail of economic gains but also sharp concerns. With nearly eight million voters set to cast ballots, the race pits Romuald Wadagni, the financ

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Is Maine’s new budget plan really a smart move?

Maine is facing real struggles right now. High living costs—especially for housing and energy—are squeezing families and businesses alike. Many people have left for other states with lower taxes and better opportunities. Small businesses, which keep local economies alive, are feeling the pinch too.

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Benin’s Next Leader Faces Big Promises and Bigger Challenges

Benin’s presidential race is shaping up to be less of a contest and more of a handover. Romuald Wadagni, the current finance minister, is the clear favorite to win this weekend’s election. Why? He’s backed by the ruling party, and his main rival couldn’t even gather enough support to run. That’s a b

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Apr 11 2026BUSINESS

Taiwan’s Tech Exports Soar Past $80 Billion—What’s Driving the Boom?

Taiwan just hit a major milestone in global trade. In March, its exports jumped to over $80 billion, shattering records and beating even the most optimistic forecasts. This surge wasn’t a one-time fluke—it marked the 29th straight month of year-over-year growth. What’s behind this explosive rise? A

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Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

Michigan’s big business deals: Do they really pay off?

Michigan spent over $1. 8 billion helping big companies with tax breaks and cash awards since 2022. The goal? Bring jobs and investments to the state. So far, only a fraction of those promises have turned into real hiring. In 2025, just 1, 846 jobs were created by companies getting SOAR funds—far be

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Apr 02 2026OPINION

Can Mat-Su power its future with local energy?

Alaska spends a lot of time saying no to new energy ideas before really thinking them through. Every big project faces the same loud warnings—air will get worse, rivers will be harmed, salmon will vanish—no matter if it’s a road, a mine, or a power plant. But when you look closer, some projects migh

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