New Tax Targets High-Value Properties Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City has introduced a new tax targeting luxury homes that are not primary residences. The pied-à-terre tax took effect on July 1. The initiative aims to enhance housing affordability. Property owners affected by this surcharge will notice it in their tax bills due January […]
The Trump administration has proposed changes to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program affecting au pairs and their host families. The U.S. State Department introduced these updates, aiming for stricter rules and updated requirements for program extensions. Updates for Au Pairs and Sponsors The proposed rules focus on: Requiring au pair extension requests 90 days before […]
The U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday an investigation into claims that a Denver school district high school teacher required same-sex students to kiss in front of a class, and that a district in Washington state displayed testosterone vials during a Pride Month exhibit. The department will look into whether Bethel School District, located […]
Authorities in Seattle reported that bullets that killed two bystanders during a shootout at a food festival are not linked to the gun used by a 15-year-old suspect. The King County prosecutor charged the teenager with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor. Court documents state the […]
President Donald Trump revealed a major renovation plan for Dulles International Airport on Wednesday. The overhaul will remove the frequently criticized shuttle vehicles used for passenger transport within the airport. The announcement came during a news briefing in the Oval Office on July 29, 2026, at 4:32 p.m. EDT. This decision has been welcomed by […]
Confirmed Tornado Activity The National Weather Service confirmed that tornadoes struck the south suburbs on Monday. An EF-1 tornado passed through Hazel Crest, Homewood, Country Club Hills, and Harvey, while an EF-0 tornado touched Orland Park. These added to a previously confirmed EF-1 tornado in Lansing, bringing the total to three. “It’s an act of […]
Stormwater Detention Basin Progress Oak Lawn officials highlighted the progress of a stormwater detention basin project near Polaris Intermediate School. The Village Board authorized an additional $45,000 for the project, opting for a quality soil mixture tailored for athletic fields. District 218, collaborating with the village on the project, expressed concerns over the safety of […]
Dr. Anthony Fauci chose not to answer questions from senators during a hearing on Wednesday about the origins of Covid-19 and the government’s response to the pandemic. He stated that he would exercise his Fifth Amendment right to avoid the possibility of Republicans using his testimony against him for perjury. The decision caught attendees by […]
Borrowers looking for affordable mortgage interest rates this fall might face a changing landscape. For much of 2026, rates have hovered around the mid-6% range, with recent increases pushing them higher. According to Zillow, the current average rate on 30-year conventional loans stands at 6.75%, roughly a full point higher than March’s levels. Current Rate […]
The United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point, recently faced a legal battle over free speech restrictions imposed on its professors. The academy had implemented a policy requiring faculty members to seek official approval before making public statements or writing articles on certain topics. This policy was challenged in court by a professor […]