From the States
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Illinois state lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill
Critics say the bill could encourage governments to keep excess tax revenue instead of returning it, with Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, warning it raises broader fiscal concerns despite appearing beneficial at first glance.
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Two Southern California brush fires prompt evacuation amid Santa Ana winds
The Springs Fire in Riverside County is the largest blaze so far, spreading across 3,500 acres as of publishing time and is just 5% contained. The fire prompted evacuations in Lake Perris and Moreno Valley.
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In race for California treasurer, one candidate has plan to keep state tax dollars from ICE
State Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced County, announced a plan in recent weeks to keep California taxpayers' money from supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the state.
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Pennsylvania governor gets into legal fight with neighbor over security fencing
Jeremy and Simone Mock filed the federal lawsuit against the governor Monday, which Shapiro and his wife Lori Shapiro countersued, with both couples claiming they own the land that the eight-foot security fence sits on.
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First Lady Melania Trump charms young patients during NIH visit to mark Valentine's Day
The first lady was asked an array of questions, including her favorite sport, taste in music and whether she is a queen, to the amusement of Melania Trump. The visit goes hand in hand with her Be Best campaign, promoting child wellness.
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NJ Gov Sherrill signs order restricting state's cooperation with ICE
Federal immigration agents will be barred from using state-owned property as staging areas for enforcement operations under an executive order signed by Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill Wednesday.
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NYC Mayor Mamdani pleads to state legislators for more funding
Testifying before a budget hearing — at the annual "Tin Cup Day" when city leaders ask for more funding from the budget — the Democratic socialist urged them to provide more funding for the city and allow him to raise taxes on top earners.
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Greenland still an 'urgent issue' as more than 50 nations head off to Munich Security Conference
Trump wants to buy the sparsely populated island, but officials in Denmark and Greenland have said it's not for sale. Public polling shows Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose joining America.
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Human trafficking reaches high levels in Colorado
The analysis by Common Sense Institute Colorado uses data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. But the institute said the state’s data is undercounted due to data-entry lag, noting 2025 human trafficking numbers could end up exceeding record levels from 2023.
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Ohio lawmakers wants to parents protected for affirming child’s sex
Ohio government agencies would be barred from defining a parent as “harmful” or “dangerous” for affirming their child’s sex rather than their gender, under a bill introduced in the Ohio legislature.
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Paxton announces $68 million settlement against Colony Ridge developers
Under the terms of the settlement, the developers will have to pay a total of $68 million, of which at least $20 million will be allocated to law enforcement efforts—including funding for the construction of a law enforcement center in the area.
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Colorado Dems pushing 2 new bills that would add rules for gun stores, ban 3D-printed firearms
Both bills, introduced by Democrats in the state legislature last week, are in addition to two other bills lawmakers are considering that would expand the state’s “Red Flag” law and require any gun barrel purchases to be made from a firearm dealer.
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Report shows that rising health care costs could affect midterm elections
President Donald Trump (62%), Democrats (63%) and Republicans (64%) in Congress all received nearly two-thirds votes of "not too much" confidence to "no" confidence to address the general cost of living.