From the States
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One year later, analysts say strategic trade preferred over tariffs
“When you allow industry to develop in a free market, you get the best processes, the best ideas,” said Donald Boudreaux, an economics professor at George Mason University. “Those cutting-edge ideas, those cutting-edge technologies are almost certainly going to be handy in the event of military hostilities.”
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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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Maine braced for enhanced immigration law enforcement
Democrats who backed the "sanctuary" state bill said allowing local police to cooperate with ICE operations makes communities less safe because it dissuades people from reporting crime for fear of deportation.
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Wisconsin now expected to have $2.3B surplus at end of current budget
Both Republicans and Democrats took credit for the surplus.
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Moore outlines priorities as Maryland faces budget shortfall
Those budget pressures form the backdrop for Moore’s early agenda, which includes proposals focused on housing, public safety, education, public health, and economic development.
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Madison clerk, city argue absentee voting is privilege, not constitutional right
(The Center Square) - A bipartisan election integrity group is warning that the city of Madison’s argument for not counting nearly 200 absentee ballots in the 2024 presidential election could set a dangerous precedent in the state. Law Forward filed a class action
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Watchdog group wants records on Minnesota child care assistance program
On Jan. 13, Empower Oversight filed a request under the Minnesota Data Practices Act for their records regarding CCAP oversight and enforcement activities.
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ICE hiring ban bill reignites SAFE-T Act fight at Illinois Capitol
Bill would bar former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from working in state and local law enforcement in Illinois
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NY Gov Hochul touts $4.5B statewide 'universal' child care plan
Her new initiative comes as the Trump administration moves to freeze $3 billion in federal child care dollars slated for New York in response to concerns about fraud in public benefits programs.
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‘Millionaire’s tax’ would make Seattle’s top income tax rate highest in the nation
Washington state’s percolating “millionaire’s tax” would result in a top marginal rate of more than 18% for high-income earners in Seattle, based on the combined effects of several state and local layers. During his State of the State address on Tuesday, Gov. Bob
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SCOTUS to consider if federal election laws keeps states from accepting ballots after Election Day
The Supreme Court ruled this week that an Illinois congressman had the right to sue the state over ballot counting after Election Day. The court’s decision brought praise from election integrity advocates.
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Bankers resist Trump's plan to reduce swipe fees, cap interest rates, call it 'misguided'
The American Bankers Association and other credit card issuers called the measure "misguided" and a "surefire way to make life less affordable for Americans."