SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Peak " 2,854 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Florida's future Speakers line up behind Kevin Steele in CD 14
'Kevin Steele is a true Florida success story.'
WATCH: Trump speaks at N.Y.'s Rockland Community College, campaigning for Rep. Lawler
President Donald Trump, from a toss-up congressional district in New York on Friday, began testing his midterm-year message that was ostensibly on the economy. But he veered off-topic right from the start, going off on tangents about voter identification, crime in cities, transgender women in sports and “Dumocrats,” his new chosen moniker for the opposition party.
I Saw a $40M Revenue Business Say No to a Peak Exit — and Watched Its Valuation Get Cut in Half After "One More Year." Here's How to Get Timing Right
Every company has a moment when it's most valuable. The question is whether you'll recognize it or watch it pass. Timing is 50% of the value.
Gov. Mills on backing Pingree: ‘She’s got a solid mind’
Pingree is a former Maine House speaker who served in the Mills administration, leading the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. She is also the daughter of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree. On Tuesday, Mills formally endorsed Hannah Pingree to succeed her in the Blaine House.
Visiting Voices: Spencer Cox and Jake Auchincloss, Cherelle Parker, Ken Burns, and more
Throughout the academic year, dozens of public figures from the worlds of politics, civil society, and academia speak at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, part of Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics. Read what some of them had to say.
Trump champions bid to nix clock changes by adopting permanent daylight saving time
President Donald Trump is speaking out in support of a congressional push to make daylight saving time permanent, an effort that is actually bipartisan.
Trump’s new ‘slush fund’ for his pals
This week, Donald Trump dropped a personal $10bn lawsuit he had against the Internal Revenue Service in exchange for a so-called anti-weaponisation fund. The $1.8bn fund will be used to compensate those who think they have been unfairly investigated by the government in the past. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the legal analyst Kristy Greenberg about why critics are calling this fund ‘corruption on steroids’
Business owner speaks out after anti-Israeli graffiti vandalism
The owner says it's not the first time she has been targeted because of two Israeli flags in the windows.
‘Gemini built in’ will bring Google Home AI features to more third-party speakers this year
On the back of a ton of Gemini announcements at I/O 2026, Google is today announcing “Gemini built in” as...
Convos and coffee: Southern Colorado business uses solar power in a unique way
News5 is continuing our "Convos and Coffee" segment by simply visiting local coffee shops and speaking with people about what they would like to see covered in the news.
Mangione supporters spark debate over press credentials
City Council Speaker Julie Menin says “the process is flawed.”
N.Y. Assembly speaker eyes 2 constitutional amendments for redistricting reform
Redistricting has been a heightened issue with the time lawmakers have left this year at the state Capitol.
‘The president has the strongest endorsement in the history of politics.’ Speaker Johnson on Trump incumbent primary takedown
Xbox expands leadership team with major hires
Xbox has added two big names to its leadership team: Matthew Ball and Scott Van Vliet. The new recruits are part of an on-going drive from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to move faster, build better products, and make more focused business decisions. The Game Business can reveal that Ball is joining as Chief Strategy Officer. He is a popular industry analyst who is responsible for the annual The State of Video Gaming report, which is widely read across the business. His first job will be to strengthen the console side of Xbox, which is facing significant pressures, not least from the rising costs of memory and storage. In an interview with The Game Business earlier in the year, he admitted he was “pretty frightened” by the situation for the console sector. Ball had previously worked as head of strategy and planning for Amazon Studios, and wrote the 2022 international best-seller The Metaverse. He is currently CEO of Epyllion, a venture partner at investment group Makers Fund and senior advisor at KKR & Co. Meanwhile, Scott Van Vliet joins as Chief Technology Officer. He was previously in charge of Azure OpenAI and AI Core infrastructure at Microsoft, and he also led engineering for Microsoft Teams during the COVID 19 pandemic. But he has a games background. He previously worked across games for Amazon, including Alexa, Amazon Game Studios and the Amazon App Store. He directly worked on the Minecraft: Fire TV Edition. Prior to that, he was VP of Digital Play at Mattel, and worked across brands such as Batman, Barbie, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja and Cut The Rope. His job will be to improve how Xbox builds products so teams can move faster and deliver stronger results. For more breaking stories, sign-up to The Game Business today Subscribe In addition to these new hires, Xbox has promoted Chris Schnakenberg to Corporate Vice President, Partnerships & Business Development. He was previously VP of partnerships and business development, and joined from Activision Blizzard, where he spent 12 years in various strategy, business development and partner relations role. His focus is on third-party games, publishers and developers working with Xbox. The news follows a number of new hires and promotions earlier in the month, including Jason Ronald taking leadership over Xbox’s upcoming Project Helix console. “These changes are about strengthening our foundation by creating more clarity and improving execution,” Sharma said in an email to staff. “As we head toward Showcase and beyond, we’ll continue making the changes needed to position XBOX for the future.” Matthew Ball is speaking with Christopher Dring at The Game Business Live on Monday, June 8. More details on the event can be found here.
Xbox expands leadership team with major hires
Xbox has added two big names to its leadership team: Matthew Ball and Scott Van Vliet. The new recruits are part of an on-going drive from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to move faster, build better products, and make more focused business decisions. The Game Business can reveal that Ball is joining as Chief Strategy Officer. He is a popular industry analyst who is responsible for the annual The State of Video Gaming report, which is widely read across the business. His first job will be to strengthen the console side of Xbox, which is facing significant pressures, not least from the rising costs of memory and storage. In an interview with The Game Business earlier in the year, he admitted he was “pretty frightened” by the situation for the console sector. Ball had previously worked as head of strategy and planning for Amazon Studios, and wrote the 2022 international best-seller The Metaverse. He is currently CEO of Epyllion, a venture partner at investment group Makers Fund and senior advisor at KKR & Co. Meanwhile, Scott Van Vliet joins as Chief Technology Officer. He was previously in charge of Azure OpenAI and AI Core infrastructure at Microsoft, and he also led engineering for Microsoft Teams during the COVID 19 pandemic. But he has a games background. He previously worked across games for Amazon, including Alexa, Amazon Game Studios and the Amazon App Store. He directly worked on the Minecraft: Fire TV Edition. Prior to that, he was VP of Digital Play at Mattel, and worked across brands such as Batman, Barbie, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja and Cut The Rope. His job will be to improve how Xbox builds products so teams can move faster and deliver stronger results. For more breaking stories, sign-up to The Game Business today Subscribe In addition to these new hires, Xbox has promoted Chris Schnakenberg to Corporate Vice President, Partnerships & Business Development. He was previously VP of partnerships and business development, and joined from Activision Blizzard, where he spent 12 years in various strategy, business development and partner relations role. His focus is on third-party games, publishers and developers working with Xbox. The news follows a number of new hires and promotions earlier in the month, including Jason Ronald taking leadership over Xbox’s upcoming Project Helix console. “These changes are about strengthening our foundation by creating more clarity and improving execution,” Sharma said in an email to staff. “As we head toward Showcase and beyond, we’ll continue making the changes needed to position XBOX for the future.” Matthew Ball is speaking with Christopher Dring at The Game Business Live on Monday, June 8. More details on the event can be found here.
PS6 delays, cross-gen games, and more subscriptions - what Sony's latest financials could mean for PlayStation fans in the future
Rhys Elliot, video game analyst at Alinea Analytics, speaks to Eurogamer about Sony's latest fiscal year statement and what it all means.
David Raum discusses RB Leipzig future
David Raum played a key role in RB Leipzig securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The German, who has a contract with the Saxony club until 2027, discussed his future.Speaking to B...
Idaho Gov. Brad Little speaks at primary election party
Incumbent Brad Little speaks as early election results show him in the lead in the Republican primary for governor. Little is running for his third term as governor.
Indonesia Politics
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, right, waves as he leaves with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, center, and House Speaker Puan Maharani after delivering his address during a House of Representatives
Rousey's return draws US-record MMA viewership for Netflix
The first live MMA event broadcast on Netflix — featuring a double-comeback bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano — attracted the most U.S. viewers in the sport's history. Netflix and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions reported on Tuesday that Saturday's event in Inglewood, California, drew as many as 17 million viewers worldwide, including a peak of 11.6 million in the U.S. The U.S. figure surpassed the previous MMA record of 8.8 million in 2011 for UFC on FOX 1.
OKC business owner frustrated by city’s response to growing homeless encampment
A local business owner in Oklahoma City is speaking out about safety concerns surrounding a growing homeless encampment nearby, which has led to multiple safety issues and a lack of response from the ...
Google's First AI Smart Glasses Launching This Fall With iPhone Support
Google today said that its first "intelligent eyewear" product is set to launch this fall. It is teaming up with Samsung and eyewear manufacturers Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to launch new AI audio glasses. The glasses will run Android XR, which is Google's platform for smart glasses and AR/VR headsets. There are cameras, speakers, and microphones in the glasses, but there is no display in the lenses.
The Truth About the Entertainment Industry and Israel
It’s hard not to enjoy seeing someone speak actual truth to actual power in the entertainment industry. So when the celebrated Hungarian filmmaker Laszlo Nemes was asked by the Guardian...
Does emotional intelligence stop us from being rude? Here's what the science says
We often assume that how we respond to a rude comment says something stable about us: our personality, our culture, even the language we are speaking. If someone reacts calmly, we presume they are a patient ...
ICYMI: State Leaders Attended NFIB’s 2026 Ohio Small Business Day
Small business owners heard from the Senate President, House Speaker, and Chief Just of the Supreme Court.
Robin Williams’ son Zak Williams slated to speak at mental health summit in Fort Wayne
The 2014 death of Zak’s father prompted him to explore treatment for his own mental health struggles.
Pelosi intervenes in Democratic race to succeed her
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi backed Connie Chan in the race to succeed her, calling the San Francisco supervisor ready to bring clarity to Congress.
‘Many billionaires are not happy people’: Michelle Obama talks politics and going ‘a little low’ in first Australian event
Former first lady delivered veiled but sharp remarks on US politics during speaking tour that began in Melbourne
Climate, food and health challenges call for one conversation, not separate solutions
In New Orleans, food is the language people use to speak to one another. It is how neighbors greet each other, the center of every gathering and one of the main characters in the city’s own story. So when farmers across Louisiana faced a sudden and severe drought in the summer of 2023, they reached … Continue reading Climate, food and health challenges call for one conversation, not separate solutions
Lucy Bentsen: Coastal roots lead to marine science, diving career
Lucy Bentsen, a passionate marine science student, shares her journey, experiences, and future plans in marine rescue, rehabilitation, and diving.
Nancy Pelosi puts thumb on the scale in race for her successor. Here's who she endorsed
Pelosi’s surprise endorsement comes just two weeks from Election Day, six months after the former speaker announced she would retire
Former FOX 8 sports anchor Tony Rizzo speaks on health scare: ‘I couldn’t breathe’
Cleveland sports radio legend and former FOX 8 sports anchor Tony Rizzo is speaking out about his recent health scare.
The Republican senators speaking out against Trump
Sen. Bill Cassidy joins a short but notable list
Trump administration pushes narrative of Christian founding at rally
The day-long prayer event featured speakers from President Trump’s cabinet and a program that drew connections between the nation’s founding and Christianity.
Trump administration pushes narrative of Christian founding at rally
The day-long prayer event featured speakers from President Trump’s cabinet and a program that drew connections between the nation’s founding and Christianity.
Britain Politics
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to Kris Parker, co-owner of Home Cafe and Kitchen, during a visit to Home Cafe and Kitchen in London, Monday, May 18, 2026, as
Advancing medicine and science through values and mentorship: Mayo Clinic celebrates commencement in Arizona - Mayo Clinic News Network
Advancing medicine and science through values and mentorship: Mayo Clinic celebrates commencement in Arizona, May 2026
Soundbar Vs. Speakers: Which Is Better For Your TV's Audio?
Soundbars will improve dialogue clarity, while a speaker system will be more immersive, so deciding between the two is a matter of preference and budget.
McFarlane on Alonso appointment, player fitness and Spurs
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:15 BST). Chelsea announced former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as their new manager on Sunday.
Mystery grows around absent congressman facing tough reelection
Tom Kean Jr.’s months-long absence from Capitol Hill is the talk of the town in Washington. Where is the man? No one is saying
River Pig Saloon owner speaks out after violent crimes outside business: 'Frustrates me, my staff, the neighborhood, everyone'
A prayer festival calls for more religion in politics, not less
A prayer festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC was partially organized and funded by the federal government. Its evangelical Christian messaging and call for more religion in politics not less, aligns with the Trump administration's fusion of faith and governance. NPR's Emily Feng went to the event to understand the audience for this approach, and she spoke with author Eric Metaxas, a speaker at the Rededicate 250 festival.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Henry Larson, with audio engineering by It was edited by Sarah Robbins and Daniel Burke.Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
Crowds pack into Washington's National Mall for prayer rally
President Donald Trump was expected to address the gathering, which got underway as a light rain fell, in a video message. Other top Republicans, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., were also on the schedule as part of the celebrations this year marking 250 years of U.S. independence.
Rory McIlroy Accused Of 'Selfish' Behavior At The PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy is showing everyone who he is at the PGA Championship. That's what some longtime critics think, anyway. While McIlroy has won back-to-back Masters championships, he hasn't been happy with the setup or the conditions at the PGA Championship. And he's been speaking out in a big way at ...
'City keep going from strength to strength'
"Just when you count them out, they still win two domestic trophies and are challenging for the Premier League," the former England international said. Another Wembley victory for City sees Guardiola's trophy tally at the club reach a massive 20 in his 10 years at the club. Speaking on BBC One after the final whistle, former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer said: "It might not have been a vintage performance, but Manchester City have had to work incredibly hard for it."
Surreal honour to get Notts to Wembley
Goalkeeper and lifelong Notts County fan James Belshaw speaks on what it will be like to play for the Magpies at Wembley.
Colorado Politics Calendar May 18-24
CoPo’s weekly political calendar helps you find political and public policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances, water meetings, book signings, county commission hearings, city council meetings and more. As a subscriber, […]
See renderings of renovated Cox Science Center & Aquarium in West Palm
The Cox Science Center & Aquarium will expand after its renovation is complete. Here's a sneak peak of what the renovation will look like.
Strategies for improving women’s health explored at student-led summit | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Speakers at the first Women’s Health Student Summit at the School discussed the need for a new approach to women's health.
New Nationals Head of Business Operations Jason Sinnarajah teases a ballpark tuneup
I had the chance to speak with Jason Sinnarajah, who talked about the attendance, beer prices and a stadium refresh
14 Cool Mini Gadgets You Can Find On Amazon
From portable projectors to pocket-sized tools and speakers, these budget gadgets pack surprising functionality into their diminutive designs.
Alumnus commits $1M to Pitt Law for business, banking and financial programs
The money will be used for speaker series, faculty hires and curriculum development.
The Tricky Business of Dupe-Fluencing
Influencers know their audiences want dupes. Fashion brands hate when they share them. This tension speaks to the shifting dynamics in today’s creator economy.
Ron DeSantis rips Daniel Perez for obstructing his priorities
The House Speaker has successfully thwarted DeSantis' endgame on a number of issues.
Parents of girls' track star facing trans athlete speak out against Newsom over Title IX crisis
Parents of high school athlete Reese Hogan condemn Gov. Newsom as their daughter faces a trans competitor in California girls' track sectional finals.
WATCH LIVE: Vance speaks about efforts to combat fraud in Bangor, Maine
Britain Politics
FILE - Britain's then Heath Secretary Wes Streeting gestures as he speaks during the annual Labour Party conference in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)
Vance is set to speak in Maine about fraud investigations ahead of primary election
Vice President JD Vance is set to visit Maine to highlight the Trump administration’s anti-fraud efforts before the state’s primary elections.
Jeffries' job grows more difficult in race for House and speaker's gavel
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had warned Republicans they would come to regret the congressional redistricting fight.
Opinion | Dangers of ‘abortion pill reversal’: where health, speech collide
An individual’s right to speak openly about personal beliefs or faith is sacred. But a clinic is not a public square. Within those exam room walls, a provider holds a position of trust.
‘Google Home Display’ appears, hopefully as a potential Nest Hub replacement
Ahead of the upcoming release of Google Home Speaker, a new “Google Home Display” has appeared in Google app code,...
Johnson and Jeffries appoint bipartisan task force to reform sexual harassment reporting process on Capitol Hill
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed a bipartisan task force that will work to reform the way sexual harassment claims are handled in Congress.
House launches bipartisan push to combat sexual misconduct in Congress
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are announcing a task force “to make Congress a safer work environment” following several high-profile cases.
Demi Moore on AI in Entertainment: ‘Really Isn’t Anything To Fear’
The debate over artificial intelligence in Hollywood is not slowing down anytime soon, and Demi Moore is now adding her voice to the conversation. Speaking during the opening days of the 2026 Cannes F...
BioShock creator says Nintendo Switch 2 proves gaming graphics are hitting "diminishing returns"
Ken Levine, creator of BioShock, recently used the Nintendo Switch 2 as an example while criticizing the gaming industry’s increasing obsession with graphical realism, arguing that the medium has reached a point of “diminishing returns” when it comes to visuals. Speaking with IGN, Levine discussed how modern games continue to chase photorealism, but believes players and developers alike are starting...
At Cannes 2026, Gaza Becomes a Political Flashpoint
The event’s leaders immediately jumped into the debate over whether festival participants should speak out on issues like Israel and Gaza.
Scientists and Virginia aquaculture industry unite to prepare for ocean acidification
Research by William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS is bringing together scientists, shellfish farmers and community planners to prepare for environmental challenges related to ocean and coastal acidification in the Chesapeake Bay.
Colorado Democrat Jason Crow calls on House leadership to ban trading on prediction markets
U.S. Rep. Jason Crow on Monday joined a bipartisan call asking House Speaker Mike Johnson to adopt new rules banning the chamber’s lawmakers, their families and staff from participating in prediction markets, in a move the Aurora Democrat said can help restore public trust in Congress. The push comes less than two weeks after the […]
How Codega Media Gets Students Ready to Become Sports/Entertainment Production Professionals
When speaking with industry professionals across the board (and around the globe) one issue pops up time and again: how can we improve the pipeline between young people interested in...
Birmingham Entertainment Security Ordinance Pulled Back Following Concerns of Impact on Businesses
A council committee will reconsider details of the proposal.
Steam Controller has no speaker, but it can still 'scream' if dropped
Steam Controller has a hidden Wilhelm scream easter egg, triggered by dropping the gamepad Steam Controller users have found a hidden easter egg in
Action News Sports Director Ducis Rodgers speaks at Radnor Middle School career symposium
More than 50 speakers shared details about their careers with students.
Science, Scrutiny and Humility
When investigative journalist and former Synapse staff writer Charles Piller addressed UCSF students during this year’s Science Speaker Series, he delivered more than a warning about scientific misconduct.
BMO Financial Group to Sell Transportation-, Vendor-Finance Businesses to Stonepeak
The proposed sale includes a combined loan and lease portfolio in the U.S. and Canada that totals about $10.6 billion as of the end of March.
BMO to Sell Truck, Trailer Financing Businesses to Stonepeak
Bank of Montreal agreed to sell its business that finances trucks, trailers and equipment to Stonepeak, offloading a portfolio that totals about C$14.5 billion ($10.6 billion).
Stonepeak to Acquire BMO Transportation and Vendor Finance
NEW YORK & TORONTO – May 11, 2026 – Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, and BMO Financial
ASNC speaks to policymakers about prior authorization, Medicare cuts and more
The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology visited Capitol Hill to advocate for a variety of issues. Cardiovascular Business spoke to the group's president to learn more.
'Unfinished business' top of mind for Arrow McLaren at Indy 500
The Arrow McLaren team has chosen “Unfinished Business” as the theme to describe the liveries of its four Indianapolis 500 entries, which speak to the organization’s ongoing efforts to capture its first win at the big event.The team that started life as Sam Schmidt Motorsports in 2001 has come close...
Ian McKellen says 'Star Wars' icon told him to avoid LGBTQ politics
Ian McKellen revealed in a new interview that he was allegedly discouraged by fellow actor Alec Guinness from speaking out on LGBTQ rights.
It’s Deja Coup All Over Again for Starmer as Political Instability Returns
British politics is back to peak pandemonium after Starmer’s underwhelming speech and so too is the potential damage to debt repayment costs
DHHS Assistant Secretary for Health speaks after hantavirus passengers arrive in Omaha
Admiral Brian Christine, MD, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spoke at a news conference Monday morning.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the new food pyramid
U.S. Health and Human Service (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hosts U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at the HHS Headquarters for the celebration of a major announcement. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary kicked off the event. Speakers included Kelly Loeffler, United States Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health of the United States, Ben Carson, National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Jim O’Neill, United States Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Brian Christine, Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and Kyle Diamantas, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (USDA photo by Christophe Paul)
Celtic peaking 'at exactly right time'
Darren O'Dea believes Celtic are peaking at the perfect time as they attempt to reel in Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Celtic have turned to Martin O'Neill as interim manager twice this season after Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy left and the veteran Northern Irishman has navigated difficulties both on and off the pitch.
Lee Health: Knowing your wishes – Why advance directives matter
Do you know how you want to be cared for if you are too sick or injured to speak for yourself?
Liverpool speak to Spanish giants over potential Slot successor
Liverpool Sound Out Real Madrid Over Alonso Amid Growing Pressure on SlotLiverpool’s interest in Alonso has moved beyond admiration and into serious due diligence, with reports from Spanish outlet A...
“Public deserves to know”: Harvard Professor says official messaging contradicts hantavirus science
Today, for the first time, passengers started evacuating the cruise ship at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak, which has killed at least three people onboard. Joseph Allen, Professor of Exposure Assessment Science at Harvard University, joins “The Weekend: Primetime” to discuss what he sees as contradictory messaging over how people contract hantavirus, and shares what he learned after speaking with a doctor on board the ship.
Chicago Teachers Union wants $8.5 million dues hike to fund politics
“Has your brand become toxic?” This was a pointed question from WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley, posed to Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates in a recent interview. Her immediate response: “I don’t understand the question.” When pressed, Gates added, “The Chicago Teachers Union is not a political party, it is a labor union.” But internal union documents show CTU leadership is trying to skim $8.5 million more from teacher paychecks explicitly for politics, while trying to silence union members critical of Gates’ leadership. Under the proposed dues hike, Chicago teachers would see up to $800 more per year flow from their paychecks to union coffers. The union already takes in more than $40 million a year, mostly from dues. And it spends less than 18 cents of every dollar on teacher representation. The No. 1 reason for the proposed dues hike? Politics. “We must win a majority of the first 21 person fully elected school board in November,” reads the first point in CTU’s member FAQ document.1 This directly contradicts CTU’s promise to members about how leadership uses dues money. The official CTU handbook tells members that the union does not use dues money for politics, so if they are interested in funding political activity, they should consider voluntary donations to CTU’s political action committee. “Our dues are not used for political purposes,” according to the handbook. “So our PAC relies on extra contributions from our members to support progressive candidates and to impact elected officials at the city, county and state levels.” This kind of double-speak is one reason members are concerned about another constitutional change slipped into the dues hike vote, which will take place on May 20-21: an attempt to stop members from holding the union accountable. A proposed amendment to the union constitution tries to place limits on when members may bring a lawsuit against the union for violating members’ rights.2 This provision is clearly a response to members’ lawsuit against union leadership regarding Gates’ years-long refusal to publish audited financial statements. The judge in that case has repeatedly denied the union’s attempts to dismiss it. Teachers opposed to these changes have been circulating this flier, urging members to vote no. What will CTU members get in return for millions of dollars in additional dues? If the 2024 school board elections are any indication—not much. CTU leadership’s record on school board races may not inspire confidence among members. A Chicago Policy Center analysis of a dozen affiliated PACs found CTU spent nearly $2.9 million on school board races in 2024. Of that spending, more than $2.1 million (75%) went to losing candidates. And while CTU-backed candidates lost six of the nine competitive seats overall, they fared worse in their biggest-spending races, losing five of six contests in which the union and its affiliates put up more than $250,000 for their candidate. The Chicago school board elections take place Nov. 3.3 Is another $8.5 million enough to clean up a toxic reputation? Not likely. Update on federal tax credit scholarship: Last week, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she plans to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program. If Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker follows suit, Illinois could unlock $1 billion in donor money statewide for both public- and private-school students. If Illinois does not opt in, that money will flow to other states. The Last Ward reported in February on how Illinois Democrats could unlock at least $100 million in new resources for Chicago public-school students by opting in. Update on the investigation into how Chicagoans learned about a meeting to hike their property taxes: The Last Ward reported in January on an absurd, taxpayer-funded investigation into how local media learned of a planned Chicago school board meeting to hike the district’s property tax levy. That investigation is now complete. Lawyers interviewed two dozen witnesses, and found nothing. Update on Illinois’ muni debt crisis: My colleague Joe Tabor last week published a must-read piece in Crain’s Chicago Business about how Illinois recently rejected south suburban Harvey’s request to be designated a “distressed city.” The saga shows why the state must implement a better structure to assist insolvent local governments, including allowing for the option to pursue debt relief via Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The Last Ward reported in October on how Harvey is tipping the first domino in Illinois’ municipal debt crisis. Mincing Rascals: I joined the Mincing Rascals podcast to discuss the SAFE-T Act, the millionaires tax, and more. My “green light” recommendation: Force Majeure (2014). 1 Notably, the No. 2 reason cited is “resources to fund a state-wide millionaires tax campaign in order to fully fund the state’s school funding formula.” The constitutional amendment necessary to implement a progressive income tax in Illinois recently died in the Illinois House, meaning this question would not appear on the ballot until 2028 at the earliest. 2 There is seemingly no single-subject rule for CTU constitutional amendments. So members only get one vote on the full package. One cannot vote “yes” on the dues hike and “no” on the restriction of members’ rights, for example. 3 Illinois law grants far too much power over local government to unelected officials like Gates. State lawmakers should fix that.
Lupus Warrior and Business Founder Shares Why Her Mom is Da Bomb | Lupus Foundation of America
In honor of Mother’s Day, Isabel Bercaw shares her lupus journey and what it was like to have her mom by her side, and how her mindset has helped her positivity through every peak and valley - from Da Bomb Fizzers to managing her disease.
Pope Leo’s American roots give him unique political power
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, is caught in an unprecedented political clash with a U.S. president. But his inherent understanding of the country’s politics and ability speak to Americans give him a distinctive political standing.
India Politics
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party leader and actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay, speaks after taking oath as chief minister of Tamil Nadu state, in Chennai, India, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo)
Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong
The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.
Local vendor speaks on Lilac Festival's business boost for their business
Rochester, N.Y. Vendors at the Lilac Festival enjoyed a business boost for the next several days.
'Full House' star Dave Coulier shares health update amid cancer battle
Dave Coulier revealed he lost 45 pounds and struggled to eat or speak after extensive radiation treatment, while sharing positive news about his cancer prognosis.
'Full House' star Dave Coulier shares health update amid cancer battle
Dave Coulier revealed he lost 45 pounds and struggled to eat or speak after extensive radiation treatment, while sharing positive news about his cancer prognosis.
'Full House' star Dave Coulier shares health update amid cancer battle
Dave Coulier revealed he lost 45 pounds and struggled to eat or speak after extensive radiation treatment, while sharing positive news about his cancer prognosis.
'Full House' star Dave Coulier shares health update amid cancer battle
Dave Coulier revealed he lost 45 pounds and struggled to eat or speak after extensive radiation treatment, while sharing positive news about his cancer prognosis.
'Full House' star Dave Coulier shares health update amid cancer battle
Dave Coulier revealed he lost 45 pounds and struggled to eat or speak after extensive radiation treatment, while sharing positive news about his cancer prognosis.