Around the Nation

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters in front of his office at the State Capitol in Springfield, on June 30, 2016. Illinois lawmakers had just passed a stop-gap budget. More than a year later, legislators have finally reached a budget deal, whic

Illinois Governor Vetoes Budget Deal; Legislators Begin Override

4:14pm July 04, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

Illinois hasn't passed a budget for two years. The state has billions in unpaid bills. Lawmakers finally struck a deal, including a tax increase — but Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner isn't on board.

A mannequin suffers the consequence of very poor fireworks-igniting decisions.

National

Government Blows Up Mannequins In Annual Plea For Fireworks Safety

3:03pm July 04, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

Every year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds Americans that fireworks are dangerous — with some memorable demonstrations. And seriously, be careful with do-it-yourself displays.

New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney (left) and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto shake hands as they announce an agreement to end the state budget impasse Monday night in Trenton.

New Jersey, Maine Reach Budget Deals, Ending Government Shutdowns

11:40am July 04, 2017

by Doreen McCallister

State beaches and parks will be open in New Jersey — just in time for July 4 — after a $34.7 billion budget deal was reached Monday night. In Maine, a $7.1 billion deal was struck early Tuesday.

Network pattern connecting science beakers

Scientists Are Not So Hot At Predicting Which Cancer Studies Will Succeed

11:30am July 04, 2017

by Richard Harris

A scientist tested his peers' ability to pick which cancer experiments would pan out. They failed more often than not, which doesn't say much for intuition or efficiency in the scientific process.

Politics & Government

Dozens Of States Reject Trump Administration Voter Initiative

8:19am July 04, 2017

by Domenico Montanaro

The Commission on Election Integrity asked for details on voters, seeking evidence of fraud. Many states can't legally comply with the request which grew out of the president losing the popular vote.

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Economy

Why Isn't The Housing Market Booming The Way Experts Expected?

8:19am July 04, 2017

by Chris Arnold

Interest rates are near historic lows and consumer confidence is high, but the market isn't booming. One reason may be mobility: people moving from state to state is half what it was two decades ago.

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101-Year-Old Woman Sets Track Record In Her Age Group

7:12am July 04, 2017

Julie Hawkins competed last month at the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Ala. And no matter the heat, she set the women's world record for the 100-yard dash in her age group — under 40 seconds.

News Brief: North Korea Launches Missile, States Won't Supply Voter Data

7:12am July 04, 2017

It hasn't been confirmed, but North Korea says it successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile. At least 41 states say they won't hand over information to Trump's election commission.

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We Go Behind The Scenes Of The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

6:52am July 04, 2017

by Jeremy Goodwin

On July 4th, the Boston Pops play a concert accompanied by fireworks. The fireworks show is enormous — it is set up on barges in the Charles River. We get a preivew.

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Economy

For Job Retraining Programs To Work, People Need To Show Up

6:44am July 04, 2017

by Ben Bergman

Retraining workers who've lost jobs is tough. If the program isn't good, workers may get trained for jobs that no longer exist. And even when the training is good, it's hard to get people to show up.

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