Illinois recently approved a $55. 9 billion budget for the next fiscal year, a slight increase from last year but still smaller than what the governor first proposed. The new budget introduces several new taxes, mostly targeting businesses and digital activities. Social media platforms, fantasy spor
Wisconsin just landed at the bottom of a national review that compared how well white and Black students finish school. The state didn’t just finish near the bottom—it finished last. Researchers looked at high-school diplomas, college degrees, test scores, and graduation rates. In every single measu
Illinois just made a big move to level the playing field when it comes to information access. The state struck a deal that lets any resident tap into over fifty digital databases through their local library—all for free. These databases aren’t just random collections; they include e-books, research
Iowa has decided to update how it handles tax credits for historic preservation projects. The state’s Historical Division removed one rulebook and moved its details into another. Instead of having separate guidelines for historic projects, the state is combining them into a single set of rules. The
Iowa residents are gearing up for a new wave of storms, as the National Weather Service in Des Moines predicts more severe weather starting Friday. After Thursday’s heavy showers, the state saw its highest 24‑hour rainfall in places like Boone (2. 73 inches) and Independence (2. 58 inches). Even the
Wisconsin’s Rotary Clubs are stepping beyond usual meetings to build real connections with nearby tribal nations. More than just social events, these efforts aim to break old tensions tied to historic land rights and fishing disputes. Stories shared at a recent convention showed just how deep the di
Illinois is seeing more dust storms these days, and they’re not just an annoyance—they’re a serious danger. Strong winds can lift dry soil from farm fields, creating sudden walls of dust that reduce visibility to almost zero. These storms can appear quickly, turning highways into risky zones for dri
Iowa’s football program brought in 15 new players in 2026, and most came from schools outside the top tier of college football. Nearly nine out of ten transfers joined from leagues below the Power 5, a clear sign the Hawkeyes are hunting for hidden talent that bigger programs often overlook. The mov
Iowa just approved a set of new penalties for crimes that supporters call "firm but fair" and critics warn could fill prisons faster than they can handle. The changes include longer sentences for violent acts and stricter rules for repeat offenders. Lawmakers debated for weeks before pushing it thro
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is no stranger to writing big checks for political battles. But if he decides to run for president in 2028, he won’t be footing the entire bill himself. That’s according to people close to his inner circle, who say he’s already testing the waters with national fundraise
