50+ min ago (552+ words) Illinois is not adopting the new federal "no tax on tips" provision, meaning tipped workers in the state will still owe Illinois income tax on tips, even when those tips are exempt at the federal level. Manish Bhatt, senior policy analyst with the Tax Foundation, said Illinois" tax structure makes it possible for the state to decline the new tip exemption. "Only those states that begin state-level income tax calculations using the federal definition of taxable income have it automatically incorporated into the tax code," Bhatt explained. "I don't believe Illinois does that. So I think the states are certainly able to not incorporate that individual sort of exemption on tips and overtime wages." Even for states that do automatically conform to federal tax changes, Bhatt said it may be wiser to "decouple" from the federal rule. "It"s much…...

2+ hour, 25+ min ago (219+ words) Van Hollen called blocking or punishing an entire group "collective punishment" after the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. A shooting suspect originally from Afghanistan who was behind the deadly gunfire that erupted near the White House on Wednesday has ignited a debate in Washington about how refugees and evacuees are vetted before entering the United States. On Sunday, Chris Van Hollen, a U.S. senator from Maryland, told ABC News that in the case of the suspect, there is "no evidence" that any vetting system failed." The accused came to the U.S. under a resettlement program for Afghans who assisted American forces in the war in Afghanistan. He later gained asylum " under the current administration." Critics of the resettlement effort " including officials in the current administration " argue the chaos of evacuation and the large numbers involved meant screening procedures were…...

2+ hour, 38+ min ago (150+ words) He predicted that the "numbers will change" this time around in terms of the amount of support among senators Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., revealed on Sunday he is going to refile a war powers resolution that would require congressional approval for any possible military action taken against Venezuela. "I will move with colleagues, Senator Schumer, Senator Paul, Senator Schiff, immediately should there be military action," Kaine said "on CBS News's "Face the Nation," referring to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as well as Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Kaine said the prior version of the resolution "failed, but that was before all of these assets have amassed around Venezuela, and before President Trump said that the airspace needs to be closed." He predicted that the "numbers will change" this time around in terms of the amount…...

7+ hour, 42+ min ago (124+ words) Gunfire erupted at a banquet hall in Stockton during a family gathering on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of four people and ten others wounded, authorities said." According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, the victims included both children and adults." Spokesperson Heather Brent told reporters that the evidence suggests at this time that the incident may have been "targeted." According to AP News, the shooting happened shortly before 6 p.m. inside the hall, which shares a parking lot with other nearby businesses. Law enforcement has not yet identified the suspect. Ron Freitas, the San Joaquin County District Attorney, urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. He said the individual responsible should turn themselves in "immediately."...

8+ hour, 7+ min ago (207+ words) Rixi Moncada of the ruling left-wing LIBRE party, centrist Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party, and Asfura, representing the conservative National Party, are the frontrunners. Hondurans vote in presidential election after Trump weighs in on contest Rixi Moncada of the ruling left-wing LIBRE party, centrist Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party, and Asfura, representing the conservative National Party, are the frontrunners. Voters across Honduras head to the polls on Sunday to choose a new president after former U.S. President Donald J. Trump weighed in on the race days before. Trump publicly endorsed conservative candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura, attacked his opponents and revealed he would pardon ex-President Juan Orlando Hern'ndez. The race is virtually tied, according to the latest reports. The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook Voter discrimination lawsuit against New York town moves forward Milwaukee Brewers beer vendor drops out of Wisconsin's…...

8+ hour, 25+ min ago (420+ words) In a letter to Trump administration officials, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine, said they are "gravely concerned" about the impact of the tariffs imposed on imports of timber and lumber on the state's multi-billion dollar forest products industry. (The Center Square) " Maine's two U.S. senators are asking the Trump administration to provide financial support for the state's forest products industry as many companies struggle with the impact of tariffs. "This industry is part of Maine's heritage, boosting our state's economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in rural communities, and providing essential products to consumers across the United States," they wrote. "As such, we request that the Administration provide immediate and meaningful relief to this industry, which is already struggling to survive." Trump announced "reciprocal" tariffs on imports from about 90 nations in April, with a 10% across-the-board tariff applied to…...

10+ hour ago (223+ words) The visit is the second leg of his first foreign journey since being elected. Pope Leo XIV visits Lebanon for first time The visit is the second leg of his first foreign journey since being elected. The plane carrying Pope Leo XIV landed in Beirut on Sunday, marking the beginning of his three-day visit to Lebanon. According to the official schedule, he will visit the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, pray at the tomb of a major saint, meet Catholic patriarchs, hold an interreligious encounter in Beirut, meet with youth groups, visit a psychiatric hospital, hold an outdoor Mass on the Beirut Waterfront and pray at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Paris prosecutor announces four more arrests in Louvre Museum heist Rubio reports significant progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks Trump's Russia-Ukraine peace plan calls for end of…...

11+ hour, 30+ min ago (65+ words) Critics of the bar's actions called for patrons to boycott the establishment. A bar in Idaho is offering free beer for a month to anyone who helps U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identify and deport illegal immigrants." Old State Saloon posted about the promotion over the weekend on X. Critics of the bar's actions called for patrons to boycott the establishment."...

11+ hour, 50+ min ago (178+ words) Ukraine's lead negotiator, Andrii Yermak, recently resigned after prosecutors searched his home in connection with a corruption investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner are among the Trump administration officials meeting this weekend in Florida with a delegation from Ukraine as part of efforts to negotiate an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine." Ukraine's lead negotiator, Andrii Yermak, recently resigned after prosecutors searched his home in connection with a corruption investigation tied to alleged embezzlement of tens of millions of dollars from the energy sector.Ukraine reportedly sent a new team to continue negotiations with U.S. and Russian representatives on a peace deal. A 28-point peace proposal is under consideration. Supporters have said it provides a path to end the war, while critics argue it is favorable to Russia. The proposal limits Ukraine's military…...

12+ hour, 53+ min ago (181+ words) He argued that a pardon in his corruption trial would help unite a divided nation Netanyahu asks Israeli president for a pardon He argued that a pardon in his corruption trial would help unite a divided nation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday formally petitioned the president for a pardon from his ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu is accused in three separate cases of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. These are allegations he has vehemently denied. Opponents said granting a pardon without a trial verdict would undermine the rule of law and set a bad precedent. Top Israeli military lawyer who admitting leaking video, then disappeared now awaits trial Netanyahu praises Trump for saying he will designate Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organization Israel strikes in Gaza kill 24, including Hamas commanders, officials say - VIP access to exclusive Just the News…...