Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring session without passing a bill to reform Chicago-area mass transit governance or provide $1 billion in funding to avert a $770 million budget shortfall. A proposed bill, including a $1.50 tax on food and package deliveries, passed the Senate but failed to advance in...
The US Supreme Court, previously criticized for conservative rulings and ethics scandals, now faces the unexpected role of safeguarding American democracy against Donald Trump's actions. While some hope the court will check Trump's executive orders challenging birthright citizenship, transgender rights, and other issues, others are skeptical, citing the court's...
Illinois lawmakers passed a $55.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year, including over $1 billion in new taxes on sports betting, nicotine products, and businesses. The budget, passed with little public review, faced Republican criticism for lacking cuts and raising taxes. New revenue sources include taxes on...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant military spending increase, committing 3% of GDP to defense by 2034, totaling over £10 billion annually. This follows a broader European push to bolster defense sectors amid concerns of a potential large-scale Russian conflict. The UK's new strategy includes £3 billion...
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, following his unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid, is actively trying to repair the damage. He's visiting Republican strongholds where Democrats faltered, granting numerous interviews after limited media access during the campaign. Unlike many in his party, Walz openly acknowledges his shortcomings, stating he 'didn't get...
Facing US policies impacting scientific talent, Europe is actively courting foreign researchers. A €500 million "Choose Europe for Science" initiative, coupled with faster visa processing and increased relocation funds, aims to attract top talent. European leaders emphasize the need to boost the continent's competitiveness in science and innovation,...
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett expressed confidence in the administration's ability to maintain its tariff agenda despite a recent legal challenge. An appeals court reinstated President Trump's tariffs after an earlier court order blocked them, citing concerns about the scope of presidential authority under the International...
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker's post-speech gesture at the California Democratic Convention sparked controversy, drawing comparisons to Elon Musk's similar gesture at Trump's inauguration. Social media users, particularly those aligned with MAGA, labeled Booker a Nazi and Hitler. The gesture, though slightly different from Musk's, involved an extended...
President Trump attacked Leonard Leo, former head of the Federalist Society, blaming him for judicial appointments that are blocking Trump's agenda. This followed a court ruling against Trump's tariffs, prompting Trump's accusations of Leo being a "sleazebag" and hindering America. Leo denies involvement in the trade court appointments and...
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is facing scrutiny for overpaying veterans by billions of dollars and then demanding repayment, causing significant financial hardship. Veterans report timely notification of eligibility changes, yet the VA continued overpayments for months or years. The VA partially blames veterans, but officials acknowledge...
