In a move described as unprecedented in both scale and symbolism, the Trump administration is preparing to accept a super-luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, is intended to serve as the new Air Force One for President Donald […]
Author: Dani Tietz
Karoline Leavitt Affirms 10% Tariff Policy
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Friday that the United States will maintain a 10% baseline tariff on imports from all countries, a policy that will persist even as the administration negotiates new trade deals. “The president is committed to the 10% baseline tariff, not just for the United […]
Trump becomes first president to fire the Librarian of Congress
President Donald Trump has fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress. The termination, delivered via email on Thursday evening by Trent Morse, deputy director of presidential personnel, was effective immediately and offered no public explanation for the decision. There is no record of any other president firing a sitting Librarian […]
U.S.-U.K. Trade Deal: What’s in the Agreement and What Does It Really Change?
The United States and the United Kingdom have announced a new trade agreement, marking the first major deal since President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs earlier this year. While both governments have hailed the accord as a breakthrough, the actual impact on transatlantic trade is limited, with many core tariffs […]
House Passes “Gulf of America Act”
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 276, the “Gulf of America Act of 2025,” a bill that would officially rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The legislation directs all federal agencies to update their documents and maps to reflect the new name within 180 […]
Illinois Senate Panel Advances Bill Raising Senior Driving Test Age
The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee advanced House Bill 1226, a measure set to bring major changes to the state’s driver’s license examination and renewal process. The measure would increase the required behind-the-wheel testing age from 79 to 87. The legislation, which amends several sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code, will […]
April 29 Session looked at TIF agreements with local taxing bodies
The Village Board of St. Joseph will review minutes of the April 29 Special Board meeting about the development of a TIF District on May 13. The board minutes are on the consent agenda. A TIF district is a tool used by municipalities to redevelop areas that are considered blighted […]
Department of Education Terminates Key Grant for PBS Children’s Programming
The U.S. Department of Education has abruptly terminated the long-standing “Ready To Learn” grant, a move that will strip $23 million in funding from PBS children’s shows and educational initiatives nationwide. The decision, announced last week, is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce or eliminate […]
Illinois Lawmakers Advance Bill to Boost Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Schools
Illinois lawmakers have taken a significant step toward improving student safety with the advancement of a new bill aimed at strengthening schools’ readiness for cardiac emergencies. House Bill 3275, which recently passed the House with broad bipartisan support, would require schools across the state to implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response […]
Illinois Lawmakers Advance Bill to Strengthen School Cardiac Emergency Preparedness
The Illinois General Assembly has moved forward with House Bill 3275, a measure designed to improve emergency preparedness and student safety in schools by mandating enhanced training and planning for cardiac emergencies. The bill aims to ensure a rapid and effective response to life-threatening cardiac incidents during school activities, potentially […]