BlackRock, Inc. just made a significant investment move. They recently increased their stake in Umicore, crossing the 5% threshold for voting rights. This happened on December 22, 2025, and was officially announced the next day. So, what does this mean? Well, BlackRock now has a bigger say in how U
The government's spending habits are truly mind-boggling. In the past year alone, a staggering $1. 63 trillion of taxpayer money was spent on a mix of essential and downright bizarre projects. A significant chunk of this, $1. 22 trillion, was just to cover the interest on the national debt. That's a
In 2025, state governments became the unsung heroes in a power struggle with the federal government. As the Trump administration pushed boundaries, states from both political parties stepped in to slow down what many saw as a power grab. This wasn't just about politics; it was about upholding the ba
Maine's political landscape is proving to be quite the rollercoaster. Let's dive in and see what's been happening. First off, it seems that none of the Republicans who ran for governor in 2018 are jumping back into the ring for 2026. At least, not yet. It's possible that someone might still throw t
The political landscape is heating up as the new year kicks off. In Washington, President Donald Trump is back in the spotlight, facing a divided nation and significant policy battles. Meanwhile, Maryland is gearing up for a potentially fiery General Assembly session, with lawmakers grappling with t
Kansas has a sports betting system that was designed to keep things fair and safe. But now, there are some companies that are trying to bypass the rules. These companies, like Kalshi and Polymarket, are using a loophole to offer sports betting without following Kansas laws. They don't pay into the p
Ventnor, a town on the Jersey Shore, is set to receive a significant boost with a $960, 000 grant from the state. This funding will go towards improving Dorset Avenue, a key commercial area that welcomes visitors to the city. The project will cover a stretch from the Dorset Avenue Bridge to Monmouth
American farmers are facing a tough time. They grow corn and soybeans, which are used to make many products. These products help families, businesses, and supply chains all over the country. But now, some people in Washington are making new rules that hurt farmers and make food more expensive. One
Colorado is in a bit of a pickle when it comes to heating homes and buildings. The state's biggest energy company, Xcel, is under fire for not doing enough to switch from gas to cleaner options like electric heat pumps and geothermal energy. Even though Xcel has promised to go carbon-free by 2050, i
Italy's government just made a bold move. They passed a new law that reduces the power of the court that checks how public money is spent. This court, known as the Court of Auditors, has been a strong watchdog, making sure Italy and the EU's rules are followed. The new law limits the court's abilit
