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Clutch hits lift Advanced Math & Science by Tyngsboro in state title game
Top-seeded Advanced Math & Science Academy bested Tyngsboro, 8-2, in the Div. 4 state softball title game.
Safeguarding the Beautiful Game: DisasterAWARE Powers World Cup Health Security
With more than 6.5 million fans from over 100 countries converging on cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the public health stakes are significant. The team is leveraging DisasterAWARE for timely, integrated situational awareness...
Top 2027 high school football prospects in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has long been an under-the-radar hotspot for high school football talent, and the 2027 class might be its best in recent memory. This year’s crop features three five-star prospects in the Rivals Industry Ranking — tied with California and just one behind Florida. The class isn’t just top-heavy, though. Twelve players in the state […]
Tolling could begin in 2028 for I-5 bridge between Portland, Vancouver
A project to replace the I-5 interstate bridge could mean tolling as soon as 2028 between Portland and Vancouver.
On the road in New York with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin
Zeldin has revived his call to reverse New York State's fracking ban.
Private health insurance rates may rise in California as lawmakers move forward with tax proposal
Private health insurance rates in California may rise next year as state lawmakers and the governor move forward with a plan to increase what's known as the state's managed care organization tax.
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: Texas ag commissioner contacts White House over USDA screwworm handling
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized the USDA’s response to the New World screwworm on this week’s edition of East Texas Politics on East Texas Now with Blake Holland. Smith County Pct. 3 Commissioner J. Scott Herod, a cattle rancher and owner of Cut Beef in Tyler, also appeared on the program. Plus, State Rep. Cody Harris talks data center water usage.
Trump admin’s policies negatively impacting U.S. science research
OPINION — The American academic research engine has long been the envy of the world. Generally well-funded, labs in the United States have been able to attract the best minds who generate breakthroughs and train the next generation workforce that powers the U.S. economy. But since the start of the second Trump administration in January 2025, new federal policies have destabilized the American scientific enterprise.
Michigan nursing home cited 18 times for health violations in past year
Medicare gave the facility two stars out of five, based on the most-recent state inspection, completed in March, and the previous three years of complaint- and infection control-related inspections.
Murray State Athletics to add five new sports programs
MURRAY, Ky. -- Five new sports will be offered by Murray State Athletics, getting approved by Murray State Board of Regents at its quarterly meeting Friday morning.
Bars, restaurants looking forward to bump in business from World Cup
The United States’ World Cup matchup with Paraguay on Friday night is stoking a lot of excitement and a lot of commerce for businesses in the Susquehanna Valley.
Treasure State Top Five: Montana combat sports legends
It’s time for the first ever Treasure State Top Five where SWX Montana’s Josh Dugan will be breaking down his top five rankings for a number of different categories in
Nevada law bans political signs within state highway rights of way, officials warn
NDOTis reminding candidates and supporters that it is illegal to place political signs within the right of way of state highways.
Advocates push for more funding to implement Daniel’s Law
So far, the bill hasn’t passed in the state Legislature.
Final Injury Report for Valkyries-Storm: Will Ezi Magbegor Play?
The Seattle Storm may be without one of their key players in Friday night’s game against the Golden State Valkyries.
Ridaught: My top high school sports moments of 2025-26
Area teams capture multiple state championships.
Whitmer reestablishes statewide task force to help curb gun violence in Michigan
The 23-member task force will consist of state officials, community partners, medical experts, and members of law enforcement.
Massachusetts Ties Business Tax Breaks to Ballot Initiative
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) signed a budget bill Friday that ties five business deductions to maintaining the state’s 5% personal income tax rate, putting fresh pressure on a proposed ballot measure that could lower the rate to 4%.
Entertainment, new attractions announced ahead of patriotic Mississippi State Fair
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced Flo Rida as the headliner of the 2026 Mississippi State Fair, which runs Oct. 8-18, as well as several new and special, patriotic attractions fairgoers can expect as part of this year’s theme, “Let Freedom Ring!” at the State Fair. Gipson was joined by Paige Robertson, executive…
Best states to visit and places to skip, from frequent US traveler
Last year, my husband and I traveled across the US, visiting 29 states including Michigan, Vermont, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Idaho.
NMSU College of Business connects students with career pathways through ACAP
New Mexico State University’s College of Business will welcome local high school students and incoming college freshmen to campus June 22-26 for the return of the Accounting Career Awareness...
Does Jeff Bezos benefit from a NH Business Enterprise Tax cut? - THE JOSIAH BARTLETT CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY
New Hampshire’s unique state tax structure is hard to understand, especially for people who don’t own a business. More than a third (36%) of the state General Fund and Education Trust Fund revenue comes from business taxes. The vast majority of that comes from the Business Profits Tax (BPT), but the lesser-known Business Enterprise Tax […]
See photos of Muskego vs. Appleton North WIAA state softball semifinal
Muskego defeats Appleton North, 6-2, in a WIAA state softball semifinal to advance to the Division 1 championship game.
Anglers Blame Politics As Wisconsin Cuts Back On Stocking Game Fish
With two state hatcheries closed, musky, walleye and brown trout numbers are on the chopping block.
He Went From $300,000 in Debt to Running a $1 Million Business. Now This Founder Is Taking His Model to America.
Brandon Willington is taking the lead generation system behind “Where U?” into the United States, following a breakout year that saw him named Marketing Entrepreneur of the Year.
Political scientist Daniel Smith recognized for scholarly contributions
The award recognizes a political scientist who has made “a significant lifetime contribution to the study of politics and policy in the American states.”
Dalton and Tristi's NBA mock draft 3.0: Who Warriors, Kings pick in first round
NBC Sports Bay Area and California predicts who the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings will pick in the 2026 NBA Draft's first round.
Abbott turns up heat on Talarico, Soros-backed DAs over Texas crime
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott proposes statewide prosecutor, bail reforms and measures to remove rogue DAs as crime dominates the political debate in Texas.
State Choices, Unequal Access: Policies Shaping Reproductive Health Care Across the United States
Access to sexual and reproductive health care varies widely by geography, and state-level policies play a major role in establishing the contours that govern the coverage, provision, availability, and costs of services.
The top college for graduate salaries in every state
These colleges and universities produced the highest-earning graduates in their states, according to median earnings. See the full list.
Public Health at an Inflection Point: Aligning State Systems to Strengthen Population Health
The US public health system is facing an inflection point characterized by chronic underinvestment, workforce and service delivery challenges, outdated data infrastructure, growing health inequities, and increasing instability within the broader health care safety net including projected Medicaid coverage changes and continued rural hospital closures.
Bipartisan Policy Center to Host Webinar on Rural Health Transformation Program
The Bipartisan Policy Center will host a webinar June 30 from 11 a.m. to noon EDT on how states are leveraging funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen rural healthcare delivery through technology and workforce investments.
New series with veteran science journalist Miles O'Brien to feature ASU researchers
Extreme heat kills more people than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined in a typical year, but people don't recognize it as a serious problem. Why is that?That was the question veteran science journalist Miles O’Brien asked Arizona State University heat researcher Jennifer Vanos in front of a studio audience at Arizona PBS on Thursday.
Brian Bille Appointed General Manager Of Learfield’s Mississippi State Bulldog Sports Properties
Learfield, the exclusive multimedia rights holder of Mississippi State Athletics, has announced Brian Bille as the General Manager of its locally based team,...
Overview of WHO Member State Interventions at WHA79 on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (WCAH)
WHA79 highlighted a critical turning point for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health (WCAH) amid record declines in development assistance, growing humanitarian crises and ongoing reforms of the global health architecture. PMNCH advocated for WCAH to remain central to health system reform, emergency response and financing discussions, emphasizing that sustainable investments, country-led governance and protection of essential services are vital to prevent reversals in hard-won health gains and accelerate progress toward the SDGs.
L.A. County health officials ask state for emergency funds
Measure ER isn't enough, according to Dr. Christina Ghaly. She leads LA Health Services, which has joined other California hospitals in lobbying for emergency funds.
30,000 Idahoans had to drop health insurance from the state exchange this year. Why don't we care?
America is the richest country in the world, and we are pushing millions onto the healthcare cliff, writes guest columnist Dan Schmidt.
Iraq’s paramilitary groups say they will disarm. Will that ever happen?
Powerful Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr among those who say their groups will integrate into the state.
Thursday’s camps see Ohio State’s send out several new offers
Thursday’s one-day position camp sees Ohio State’s staff sending out several new offers in the 2028 and 2029 classes
New Jersey ranks last in regional business climate report for 8th straight year, while Pennsylvania scores best
The analysis looked at six factors, including a range of taxes and the minimum wage in seven northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.
MassHealth work requirements are tougher than anyone imagined
The new rules will be an extraordinary burden for recipients and for thousands of health care providers statewide.
Faith, political leaders celebrate religious freedom after Indiana LG's Islam comments
Prominent Republican leaders joined Democrats, religious leaders and devout Hoosiers at the Indiana Statehouse on Thursday to condemn faith-based discrimination — a response to anti-Islam comments Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith made last month, including calling the religion a "demonic death cult."
International experts issue new MRI-based prostate cancer screening guidance
The exam should be performed on patients with greater than 10 years of life expectancy and between the ages of 50 and 70, with earlier imaging recommended for black men.
Military Science and the Intellectual Foundations of War
Military science is not guesswork; it is the study of war built by soldiers, historians, statesmen, and theorists over centuries of conflict.
Ex-UK political aide Steve Hilton pledges 'common sense' overhaul if elected California governor
The Trump-backed candidate is running as a Republican in the deeply liberal state on a platform that he says isn't beholden to party ideology.
Alaska election official threatens to disqualify challenger Dan J. Sullivan in race against Sen. Dan Sullivan
A top Alaska elections official has threatened to disqualify from the state’s August primary a US Senate candidate who shares the same name and party affiliation as incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan.
New degree and certificate programs approved to meet growing workforce demand, critical shortages
Several new degree and certificate programs at Indiana University campuses across the state will prepare students for high-demand careers in health care, ...
Sports betting popularity in Ohio continues to climb amid World Cup, NBA Finals
It's been more than three years since sports betting became legal in Ohio. It's now a multibillion-dollar industry in the Buckeye State.
UFC announces global sports diplomacy partnership with U.S. State Department
In a development that has forever merged the worlds of combat sports and international affairs, UFC CEO Dana White and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding at the State Department headquarters. Dana White doesn't approve of steady growth and instead ...
Eagles Sign Offensive Lineman Michael Jordan and Defensive End A.J. Epenesa
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles will not reconvene until training camp in late July after ending mandatory minicamp on Wednesday. The mandatory veteran minicamp took place at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, with players' sights set on their eventual Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. A.J. Brown was still an Eagle when he married Kelsey Nicole Riley on May 16 at the Montage Laguna Beach, a property owned by current United States Ambassador to Italy and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.
Texas Republicans press for local control over spread of AI data centers on first day of convention in Houston
The proposed language by the party’s Legislative Priorities Committee appears to have strong support from rural delegates, but it potentially stands at odds with the priorities of Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders.
USA Today columnist says United States has already 'lost' the World Cup because of politics, Donald Trump
USA Today columnist Nancy Armour claims the 2026 FIFA World Cup reveals America as a hateful nation, inaccurately blaming Trump and ticket prices.
Politics: West Virginia’s children deserve better
A couple of state senators spoke in preparation for this weekend’s interim committee meetings and site tours at Canaan Valley State Park about what they hope to see addressed by the state and their colleagues. Both Sens. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, and Jay Taylor, R-Taylor, told WV MetroNews they are hoping for work toward reform of […]
907 Sports: Recapping a wild weekend that capped off the spring sports season
In this edition of 907 Sports, the team breaks down the Division I and Division II baseball state championships, both of which brought an unpredictable ending. Then, we head up to Fairbanks for the State Softball Tournaments where Chugiak reclaims the DI title and Palmer rattled off four victories in one day to become the Division II champs.
US Small Business Administration approves Economic Injury Disaster Loan after snowstorm
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee announced the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for the state.
Some States Pull Out of Trump’s ‘Great American State Fair’
At least five have declined to participate, the latest sign that the national 250th birthday celebration has become a fragmented and partisan affair as the president seeks his imprint.
NC State football up to 15 commitments for 2027
NC State’s 2027 recruiting cycle is going well by Dave Doeren standards—call it Gunnermentum. Gunnercitement! Gunner … hell, I don’t know. NC State has 15 verbal commitments with the addition of offensive lineman Jacob Burns, a high-three-star prospect from Georgia. Burns is the fourth player to commit to NC State since Sunday, joining safety Alex […]
Integrating sustainable practices into undergraduate science education
Faculty and students at Georgia State University are working to integrate sustainable practices into undergraduate science education, and a new study highlights ways to advance laboratory practices and ...
WSU expands program to address critical middle school STEM teacher shortages
June 11, 2026 — Wichita State University is expanding its Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP) to include new middle-school level math and science pathways aimed at addressing critical teacher shortages across Kansas.
First lady introduces Trump Accounts for foster youth
The U.S. Treasury is allowing states' child welfare agencies to set up the investment accounts
What to know about Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, and the legal rebuke that followed
On Monday a federal judge struck down the fees, siding with 20 states and ruling that the Trump administration exceeded its authority by raising the charge without congressional approval.
Rubio compares the founding of the UFC to landing a man on the moon
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extolled the virtues of the Ultimate Fighting Championship as being intrinsically American, likening its creation to putting the first man on the moon.
Tennessee Building Commission approves Neyland Entertainment District projects
Tennessee’s State Building Commission approved Thursday the University of Tennessee’s upcoming major project aimed at building an entertainment district right outside Neyland Stadium.
Business group expands to address human trafficking in Iowa
A milestone was reached and expansion plans have begun for a state program designed to help Iowa businesses identify and respond to human trafficking.
NBA Champion Robert Horry Wants Caitlin Clark To 'Protect Herself'
Caitlin Clark received some straightforward advice from a seven-time NBA champion earlier this week. It's no secret that Clark has dealt with plenty of physicality since entering the WNBA in 2024. Roughly three weeks ago, the star guard for the Indiana Fever had a heated exchange with Golden State ...
Man pleads guilty to killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband while posing as an officer
A Minnesota man who posed as a police officer and knocked on lawmakers' doors in the middle of the night, killing the top Democrat in the state House and her husband and wounding a state senator and his wife, pleaded guilty to murder on Thursday so that federal prosecutors would not seek the death penalty.
APSU formalizes partnership with University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Political Science
Austin Peay State University (APSU) has formalized a significant new international partnership with the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade (FPN), one of Serbia's most distinguished university faculties and home to a 21-year-old Center for American Studies.
Why companies are leaving coastal cities for the South
For some time now, industry has been moving from coastal hubs to Southern states and millions of people have followed.
Postal Service Issues Proposal to Block Mail Ballots in States That Don’t Turn Over Data
Democrats and voting-rights groups have challenged the proposed rule as a harmful federal intrusion that could affect millions of voters who cast their ballots by mail.
Middle TN hemp business to close and relocate out-of-state due to new state regulations taking effect in summer 2026
“Sadly, these laws feel like they were designed to stamp out small, family-owned businesses like ours,” the business said.
Health officials confirm first death related to plague in New Mexico
New Mexico health officials say a Santa Fe County woman died from plague, the state's first case in 2026.
Farm stress program warns funding gaps can disrupt mental health services for farmers
An extension educator says consistent funding would provide better mental health resources for farmers. Remington Rice with Michigan State University Extension’s Managing Farm Stress Program recently testified during a Michigan House subcommittee hearing about increasing demand for the program. “If we want a strong agricultural system, we have to support the people who make that system work,” […]
CMS approves budget for GO-NORTH, the state’s federally funded rural health program
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved New Hampshire’s spending plan for a large tranche of federal money that will go toward rural health initiatives, state officials announced Thursday.
Science Notes: Gambling Harms and Disorder
This Science Note summarizes data on the prevalence of gambling harms and disorder in New York State, the associated risk factors, and evidence-based treatments to treat gambling disorder.
Georgia State Preparing Next Generation of Sustainable Scientists
From redesigned experiments to more sustainable habits, a new case study outlines how greener practices can be incorporated into student labs and learning.
Cultivating future scientists through plants and partnerships
Students from Buffalo's McKinley High School — home to one of the few high-school horticulture programs in New York state — visited Cornell May 19 to view the work of the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS).
My Student Experience: Science Education Majors Receive Funding to Travel to National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference in California
As a science education major in NC State’s College of Education, Gillian Grimmick is always thinking about creating lesson plans and lab activities for her future classroom. So, she was thrilled when she had the opportunity to attend the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference in Anaheim, California, in April.
‘Bad policy and even worse politics’: DeSantis spurns potential White House AI preemption
The Trump administration’s longstanding opposition to state AI laws ultimately killed legislation in Florida, and now Gov. Ron DeSantis fears policies in other states could fall by the wayside.
Democrats have hope in race for Texas Railroad Commissioner
State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, describes the race for Texas Railroad Commission as experience versus rhetoric.
Papa Johns shuts down dozens of locations across 17 states as fast-food competition intensifies
Papa Johns follows through on plans to close 300 stores, targeting franchise-owned locations generating less than $600,000 in annual sales by 2027.
NMSU computer science undergraduate research experience points students toward Ph.D.
New Mexico State University computer science students were among 120 attending the inaugural in-person workshop and research showcase for the Computing Research Association (CRA) Undergraduate...
NMSU computer science undergraduate research experience leads students toward Ph.D.
New Mexico State University computer science students were among 120 attending the inaugural in-person workshop and research showcase for the Computing Research Association (CRA) Undergraduate...
Experts on uptick in political assassinations and polarization in recent years
Immediately after the shootings of two state lawmakers, some called it part of the rise in political violence they have been observing for some time across the country. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini spoke again with two of those experts a year after the attacks.
One of fall's coolest games has been delayed to October to avoid a September crush
Last Sunday, a trailer that aired during an online Xbox event showed Valor Mortis, an upcoming action game that re-imagines the age of Napoleonic wars as a conflict with the plague-ridden undead. It’s a first-person game that mixes Dark Souls-style combat with parkour—it’s from the developers of the acclaimed, fast-paced cyberpunk wall-running Ghostrunner games—and a setting like nothing else that’s out there. Valor Mortis’ trailer concluded with a release date: September 24. But by the time it aired, the teams behind the game knew that was no longer Valor Mortis’ release date. Days ago, they’d learned the hard way that September 24 would be untenable and that they’d have to change it. Today, they’ve announced a new one, October 13, after speaking to Game File about getting out of the bind they recently found themselves in. “When we picked September 24th, it looked like a very, very clear date,” Blake Rochkind, head of publisher Lyrical Games, told me during an impromptu interview on Monday in Los Angeles. “Very quickly it became not such a clear date.” Lyrical and development studio One More Level had a feeling the deate might need to change, Rochkind recalled. But they had to lock in September 24 “many, many weeks” ago. Really, though, who could know if that was the right call when they made it? “There were so many unknowns,” Rochkind said. “This was before Sony State of Play, before Xbox Showcase, before Nintendo Direct, before Summer Games Fest.” Then on Tuesday, June 2, during a PlayStation showcase held just five days before their planned release date reveal, things changed. “As soon as Control announced September 24th, we knew we were moving the date.” It wasn’t just the PlayStation showcase reveal of the release date for Remedy’s upcoming third-person thriller. There were others. And changing their own trailer this close to its airing, Rochkind would later tell me, wasn’t possible.
Touchscreen MacBook '100% Confirmed,' Says Reputable Leaker
Apple's first touchscreen MacBook is now "100% confirmed," according to the prolific Chinese leaker known as Instant Digital, who appears to have insider information from sources in the supply chain. The leaker made their definitive statement this morning in a Weibo post. Instant Digital has a good track record for Apple rumors and has provided some strikingly accurate information in the past, so it's always worth noting what they have to say about Apple's plans.
Gregg Jarrett: Banking discrimination based on politics is illegal
Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett explains that banking discrimination based on political or religious beliefs violates federal and state laws.
The New Republic of Science
The scientific community functions as a republic—with its own governance of rules and norms, internal politics, and relationships with the states and publics that fund it.
Pac-12: How Fresno State’s soon-to-be conference foes outspend on sports programs
Fresno State will join a rebuilding Pac-12 on July 1, with operations budgets that lag behind its conference peers in most sports.
After divisive U.S. Senate runoff, Texas Republicans seek unity at state convention in Houston
Now that the party's nominees are set for the general election, Texas Republicans are shifting their focus to defeating Democrats in November. The 2026 Republican Party of Texas State Convention runs through Saturday.
Survey shows growing challenge of running a business in Maine
Nearly half of Maine businesses surveyed by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce cite workforce challenges and policy uncertainty as barriers to growth .
Inside America’s Ugly Birthday Battle
Trump advisers broke an agreement to fund the bipartisan semiquincentennial celebrations, saying they will not “light taxpayer money on fire.”
Former CFTC Chair Gary Gensler on regulating sports betting: Let the states do it
Gary Gensler, former CFTC chairman under President Obama and former SEC chairman under President Biden, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss why he's filing an amicus brief arguing Congress did not intent to make the CFTC the nationwide regulator of sports betting when it passed the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010, regulating sports betting, his thoughts on prediction markets, insider trading concerns, and more.
First‑ever Arts in Health Conference at Rowan highlights innovation in healing through the arts
Rowan's George Family Center for Healing Arts hosted the first-ever Arts in Health Conference, bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, students, artists and community leaders from across the state. During the May 27 event, attendees explored a simple but powerful question: how can the arts help us live healthier, more connected lives?
ICYMI: Chairman Scott Highlights Clarity Act, Previews Senate Banking AI Hearing on Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria
The Official website of The United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
New Jersey Citizen Action’s Political Action Committee Endorses Candidates for 2026 General Elections
New Jersey Citizen Action’s Political Action Committee (NJCA-PAC) has endorsed US Senator Cory Booker, and Democratic Congressional candidates Zack Mullock (CD2), Rebecca Bennett (CD7), and Dr. Adam Hamawy (CD12) for the General Elections in November. In a press statement today, New Jersey Citizen Action Executive Director Dena Mottola Jaborska said: “At a time when Washington is prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires while working families struggle to afford healthcare, housing, and everyday necessities, we need lawmakers who will fight for[...]
Minnesota, facing a shortage of mental health facilities for kids, could lose two more
The state suspended the license of an East Bethel residential treatment facility, while another facility in the northern exurbs is closing this month.
Social Security is Facing a Political Crisis
On Tuesday the Social Security Trustees released their latest report on the system’s finances. The numbers didn’t change much: Unless something is done, the Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, Social Security’s official name, will be unable to pay full benefits starting in either 2032 or 2034, depending on some technical issues. That’s not far away: If the Trustees are right, the prospect of a Social Security crisis will loom over the next presidential administration. It’s important to understand, however, the nature of the looming crisis. It won’t be an economic crisis. It won’t even be a serious fiscal crisis. Whatever you may have heard, Social Security isn’t in danger of going bankrupt. What we’re facing, instead, is potential political crisis. Congress and the White House could easily take action to sustain America’s retirement system. But given the current state of our politics, there’s no guarantee that they will. There is a widespread misunderstanding of how Social Security works. While Social Security was designed to look like a pension fund, it isn’t. A pension fund pays benefits out of a stock of assets it has accumulated over time. In contrast, Social Security operates as a government transfer program, like food stamps or Medicaid. Now, unlike food stamps — but like the highway trust fund — Social Security is on paper supported by a dedicated tax, the payroll tax, that is assigned to that program. But I say “on paper” because from an economic point of view assigning the payroll tax to Social Security is just an accounting convention. What matters for the U.S. economy is the overall balance between government spending and government revenue, not the difference between one type of spending and one source of revenue. So there’s no inherent economic significance to the fact that by 2034 payroll tax receipts will be insufficient to cover promised benefits. There is, however, a legislative issue. As long as the Social Security Administration can pay benefits out of payroll taxes and its cash reserve, there’s no need for Congress to vote each year to authorize benefits — they just keep going out until further notice. However, once those resources become insufficient, benefits will fall —by 17 percent according to the Trustees — unless Congress passes new legislation that “tops up” Social Security’s finances. Yet the current administration and Republican party are such extremists that there is a real risk that Social Security will be held hostage on behalf of their goals. If this should come to pass, the hostage-takers will claim that shoring up Social Security is unaffordable. Right on cue, Mike Johnson, the Trump-sycophant Speaker of the House, declared on Monday that “entitlement programs” like Social Security “have to be adjusted and fixed,” and that Republicans will introduce a plan to that effect next year. But this is a ploy, because while the cost of maintaining Social Security benefits at their promised level isn’t trivial, it is in fact affordable. According to the Trustees’ report, the actuarial balance of OASDI up through 2050 — the amount of additional funds it would need to keep paying full benefits for the next 25 years — is 1.06 percent of GDP. To put that number in perspective, the Trump administration proposes increasing military spending next year by $420 billion, equivalent to about 1.4 percent of GDP – without any discussion of whether that’s affordable Yet how did we get to the point where Social Security will need to be topped up? The main answer is that we have an aging population, with a growing ratio of retirees collecting benefits to workers paying into the system: Trump’s anti-immigration policies are making this problem worse. According to the Trustees’ report, lower immigration will deepen Social Security’s financial hole because many immigrants are working-age adults who will pay into the system for decades before they collect benefits. In fact, this problem may be much bigger than the report acknowledges: The report’s baseline assumption is that we’ll have net immigration of almost 1.2 million people a year, and even the pessimistic case assumes 750,000 a year. Meanwhile actual net immigration has already been cut far below that — and may now be negative. Moreover, Social Security is being financially damaged by growing income inequality in America. Payroll taxes are levied only on wages up to $184,500, and they don’t touch capital income. With the distribution of income increasingly shifting from labor to capital, as well as becoming more unequal among wage-earners, revenue from the Social Security payroll tax has been falling as a share of national income. From 1990 to 2024, it fell from 5.02 percent of gross domestic income to 4.46 percent. Which brings me to the question that, these days, we ask about everything: How might Social Security be affected by the advent of AI? A short answer: If, as many of us fear, AI accelerates rising income inequality, it will further reduce the payroll tax receipts that currently pay for Social Security and further endanger its finances. On the other hand, if AI, as its advocates promise, leads to faster economic growth, it will increase the potential tax base that could and should be used to support Social Security and other social insurance programs. But to take advantage of that larger base, we’ll have to get serious about taxing wealth and capital income. Is Social Security in trouble? Yes, but only because of the way its financing is currently structured — a structure that no longer works well because our society and economy have become so unequal. Moreover, Trump’s immigration policies are further endangering its already deteriorating financial condition. So don’t believe Republicans’ gaslighting that it will be necessary to cut Social Security benefits. All that is necessary to preserve Social Security is political will to raise taxes on the wealthy and a sensible immigration policy. MUSICAL CODA Actually 67 under current law.
After political standoff, Wisconsin closed fish hatcheries. Anglers say it's a huge mistake.
A battle over funding for the state's fish and wildlife account and a lack spending authority forced the closure of Brule and Osceola fish hatcheries and deep cuts to fish stocking statewide.
Final Reminder: June 15 Deadline for Required CRIZ Business Reporting
The City of Reading is issuing a final reminder to businesses located within the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone that the deadline to submit their required annual state and local tax report is June 15, 2026.
Leon County ends minority- and women-owned business program
Leon County commissioners voted to end a program for minority and women-owned businesses due to a new state law.