Lawmakers in Illinois are scrambling to finalize a $55 billion budget before their weekend deadline. The main focus is on taxes and spending, not the Chicago Bears' stadium plans. Some politicians want to tax big tech companies and wealthy residents to pay for services. Others worry about raising co
Europe's largest nuclear power plant, located in southeast Ukraine, faced another security scare this week when a drone struck one of its buildings. According to Russia's state nuclear agency, a Ukrainian drone hit the turbine hall of the Zaporizhzhia plant—a facility already under heavy scrutiny si
Spring in Maryland usually means fresh crops and busy farms, but this year the season brought trouble instead. A sudden cold snap in late April froze much of the state’s grapevines, wiping out over 70% of the harvest at one winery. That single event could cost Maryland winemakers millions, with expe
Kaneland High School’s track teams showed strong performances at the state preliminaries on Friday, securing spots in Saturday’s finals for two of their relay squads. While not all results were posted online for field events, the focus remained on the relays where Kaneland’s speed and teamwork kept
Poland is rethinking its highest award for Ukraine’s leader after a naming dispute stirred old tensions. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy earned Poland’s Order of the White Eagle in 2023 for standing strong alongside Poland during tough times. But now, Poland’s president wants a review after Zelenskiy
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has taken the first big step toward selling the Oakland Coliseum to a group led by local businessman Ray Bobbitt. The deal, worth $115 million, aims to turn the 112-acre property into a new development hub in East Oakland. But while the agreement is a major mo
Arkansas wants to change some federal rules that guide its public schools. The state says these rules slow down progress for students and make it hard to use money wisely. In April, the state’s education department sent a letter to the U. S. Department of Education asking for three special permissi
Connecticut isn't following the federal government's lead on business tax breaks anymore. Starting in 2026, companies in the state won't be able to deduct research and experimental expenses as quickly as the federal rules allow. This move is part of a new state law that separates Connecticut's tax s
Buying a big house usually means big spaces inside, but this one goes a step further with a backyard that feels like a private vacation spot. Built in 2011, the house sits on a flat half-acre lot, packed with features meant for hosting friends and family without ever leaving home. Outside, the yard
Plans for a flashy riverfront resort in Tuscaloosa are finally taking shape. Developers broke ground this month on a $150 million complex that promises a sports-heavy experience just a short walk from the University of Alabama. The project isn’t just another hotel—it’s a full mini-neighborhood with
