THE CIA BOOK CLUB

May 20 2026EDUCATION

Schools need more money—here's how the budget hike affects local homeowners

The Baldwin-Whitehall school system plans to spend about 100. 7 million dollars next year, which is nearly 10 million more than this year’s spending. To cover the gap, leaders suggest raising property taxes by 4. 7 percent. The current tax rate sits at 25 mills, but if the plan passes, it will climb

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May 20 2026SPORTS

Spurs shock Thunder with Wemby’s monster night

The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a stunning upset in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime. The real star? Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who dropped 41 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in 49 minutes of action. His final play—a deep

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May 20 2026SPORTS

What’s next for Lions’ rising star Gibbs?

The Detroit Lions just used their power-up option on Jahmyr Gibbs, locking him in through 2025. But the real show is yet to come—a long-term deal that could blow past what most running backs ever earn. A quick look at the numbers shows why Gibbs is suddenly setting the bar for a position that rarely

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May 20 2026SPORTS

Golf’s evolving calendar: what’s changing in the next few seasons

The future of professional golf is getting clearer. By 2028, tournaments could look quite different as organizers try to balance tradition with new ideas. Instead of keeping the game as it is, the PGA Tour is planning a two-tier system where some events become more exclusive and others become steppi

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May 20 2026CRIME

How Crypto and Chat Apps Fuel a $442 Billion Scam Machine

The numbers tell a shocking story. In 2025 alone, online scams drained a mind-blowing $442 billion from victims worldwide. Behind this theft stands a hidden web of scam centers, where trafficked workers are forced to commit fraud under brutal conditions. These criminals rely on more than just persua

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May 20 2026LIFESTYLE

A Local Bar Gets a Fresh Makeover While Keeping Its Heart

The Idle Hour in Mount Morris wasn’t always a hotspot, but new owners Megan and Britton Brooks are changing that. Since buying the place in early 2024, they’ve given the back patio a glow-up, upgraded the stage for live music, and added more fun events like themed bingo nights and adult prom. But th

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May 20 2026WEATHER

Unusual Weather Mix: Storms, Heat, and Snow Across the U. S.

The U. S. is dealing with a strange weather mix this week. Some areas face heavy storms while others swelter under unexpected heat. Millions from Texas to the Midwest could see strong winds, hail, and flash floods. Meanwhile, states along the East Coast are hitting record-breaking temperatures in th

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May 20 2026TECHNOLOGY

Skyraider II: The Military's New Flexible Fighter

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is preparing to test how quickly their new OA-1K Skyraider II planes can be taken apart and put back together in real-world conditions. The idea is simple: if these planes can be broken down fast, moved easily, and reassembled without much hassle, the

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May 19 2026SPORTS

Soccer Champs Shift Ahead as Colorado Forecast Turns Cold

The state’s top high‑school girls soccer games have been moved forward by two hours to dodge a wet, chilly weekend. All four matches will still be played at Switchbacks Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, the venue that has hosted the event for three years. The championships will take place on

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May 19 2026WEATHER

Storm Watch in the Midwest

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning that will last until 5 p. m. The alert covers areas in Illinois and Indiana, with a focus on Chicago and Cook County. Lightning can strike quickly, while heavy rain may cause flash floods. Strong winds could damage structures and

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