FINANCE

May 16 2026TECHNOLOGY

New money tips: How AI is changing the way we handle cash

These days, your bank account might just get a helping hand from an unexpected source—a talking computer. The latest upgrade to a popular AI chatbot now comes with built-in tools to track spending, spot hidden fees, and even dream up savings plans. But is this smarter-than-you technology really the

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May 16 2026TECHNOLOGY

Getting Smart About Money: How AI Can Help You Manage Your Cash

These days, AI isn’t just for telling jokes or writing essays. It’s also trying to become your personal money coach. A new tool lets ChatGPT peek at your bank accounts, credit cards, and even investment apps—but only if you want it to. Through a service called Plaid, the chatbot can pull in transact

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May 15 2026FINANCE

Maine’s 25‑Year Journey of Helping People Own Homes and Grow Businesses

MaineStream Finance, a nonprofit rooted in Penquis, has marked a quarter‑century of making money more reachable for Mainers. From the start in 2001, its goal has been simple: give people who don’t fit traditional bank rules a chance to buy homes, start or grow businesses, and build solid financial f

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May 15 2026POLITICS

Political Ads and Hidden Money: A Closer Look at a Washington Group

A watchdog group has filed a 24‑page complaint against the conservative committee Let’s Go Washington, saying it did not report more than 150 instances of political advertising linked to two statewide initiatives. The complaint, brought by Washingtonians for Ethical Government, claims that the group

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May 15 2026POLITICS

Senator’s cash advantage in Texas runoff sparks debate

Texas voters are about to see a flood of campaign ads as Senator John Cornyn tries to hold onto his Senate seat against a surprising challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. Cornyn’s team recently reported raising $4. 3 million, giving him a big financial lead going into next week’s runoff vote.

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May 15 2026CRIME

When California politics got messy: a top aide’s fall from power

Dana Williamson, once a powerful figure in California politics, made a dramatic court appearance this week after admitting to serious crimes. A former top advisor to two governors, she pleaded guilty to bank fraud, lying to federal agents, and filing false tax returns. Her actions were part of a wid

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Money Power: Idaho Gov. Little Leads the Fund‑Raising Race

Gov. Brad Little, the sitting governor of Idaho, has pulled in more cash for his 2026 campaign than any other candidate vying for statewide office. By the week before the primary, he had collected roughly $1. 8 million, according to the state’s official finance database. This total surpasses the

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May 14 2026FINANCE

A new kind of bank is coming to Dallas—one that runs on code instead of paper

A bank that exists mostly as computer software is getting ready to open in Dallas. This isn’t a regular bank with tellers and vaults. Instead, it plans to handle money transfers, hold digital coins, and process payments using blockchain technology. The bank got the green light from U. S. regulators

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Money Talks: Who’s Funding Kootenai County’s Biggest Races

The race for Kootenai County commissioner is heating up, with big money flowing into local campaigns. John Padula leads the pack, pulling in $61, 800—mostly from everyday residents. But his opponents aren’t far behind. Julie Hensley and Bruce Mattare have each raised over $10, 000, with donations fr

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May 14 2026FINANCE

Smart Money Moves: How AI Helps Finance Teams Catch Risks Early

Money moves fast these days. Faster than most finance teams can keep up. Last year, nearly 8 in 10 companies dealt with some kind of payment scam—whether it worked or not. These aren’t rare hackers in hoodies. They’re often inside email inboxes, pretending to be bosses or vendors to trick workers in

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