WASHINGTON ILLINOIS

Mar 12 2026POLITICS

High‑Earners Pay More: Washington’s New Income Tax

Washington state has approved a new tax that will target people who make more than one million dollars each year. The bill was passed by the Senate with a 27‑to‑21 vote and will now go to Governor Bob Ferguson for his signature. The measure is not as controversial in the Senate as it was earlier in

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Mar 12 2026POLITICS

Budget Cuts Hit Early Learning and Schools in Washington

Washington lawmakers agreed on a new budget that will raise overall spending but slash money for early childhood programs and public schools. The plan pulls almost a billion dollars from the state’s rainy‑day reserve and adds a modest tax hike to cover the gaps. Even with these cuts, total state spe

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Feb 15 2026SPORTS

College Sports in a New Money Game

Washington State University is now part of a fast‑moving world where athletes can earn money and transfer schools at will. The old rules that kept players in one place for years have been replaced by a free‑market system. Players can now enter the transfer portal and move whenever they want, as long

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Feb 12 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers: A Growing Concern for Illinois

Illinois is facing a big challenge with data centers. These huge facilities are popping up quickly, and they're causing some problems. They use a lot of water and electricity. This is making people's bills go up. Plus, they might be hurting the environment. A new law called the Power Act is being p

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Jan 25 2026POLITICS

Washington's Unique Mardi Gras Mixes Fun and Politics

Washington, D. C. is gearing up for a special Mardi Gras celebration that's been happening for over 75 years. It's not just about parties; it's also a big networking event for politicians and business leaders. This year, the main ball is on January 31st at the Washington Hilton, where the bar is nic

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Jan 16 2026BUSINESS

Building Homes: Tech Giant's Bold Plan to Fix WA's Housing Crisis

Washington state is in a housing jam. Microsoft, a tech heavyweight, has some ideas to help build more homes faster. They've shared four big suggestions with local leaders. First, they want to turn empty office parks and parking lots into places where people can live. Second, they think the process

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Jan 11 2026POLITICS

Illinois Lawmakers Face Tough Choices with $2. 2 Billion Budget Gap

Illinois lawmakers are back at work, but this time, they're dealing with a $2. 2 billion budget gap. That's a lot of money, and it's not going to be easy to fix. The state is also dealing with some big changes in Washington, like fewer federal dollars coming in. This means lawmakers have to be extra

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Dec 23 2025CRIME

A Fresh Start for Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park, a beloved green space in the heart of New York City, has seen a remarkable transformation. For years, it was a hotspot for crime and drug activity. Residents complained, but little changed. The park's northwest corner was a haven for dealers and addicts. It was a sad sight, d

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Dec 21 2025ENVIRONMENT

Washington's Flood Woes: When Politics Threaten Preparedness

Washington state is no stranger to floods, but recent storms have shown just how vulnerable communities can be when vital projects are put on hold. The state had secured millions in federal grants to protect homes and move people away from flood-prone areas. However, the Trump administration's attem

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Dec 18 2025POLITICS

Washington's Coal Plant Conundrum: A Clash of State and Federal Powers

Washington state officials are fuming over a federal order that forces a coal plant to stay open. The Department of Energy, led by President Trump, has told TransAlta to keep running its Centralia coal plant. This goes against a state law that says coal power must stop by the end of the year. The o

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