HOUSING

Jun 03 2026FINANCE

Property Tax Changes in Westport: Who Pays More Now?

Westport recently adjusted its property tax system for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The town’s tax rate dropped from 18. 86 to 13. 2, but that doesn’t mean everyone will pay less. The big shift comes from a property revaluation that increased home values far more than commercial ones. Over five years, r

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May 31 2026FINANCE

New loan program in Pennsylvania helps first-time buyers with upfront costs

Buying a home costs more than just the monthly mortgage. Many renters who can afford regular rent payments struggle with the extra money needed at the start for down payments and fees. Pennsylvania now offers a new loan called K-DATE to help with these expenses. Unlike regular loans, K-DATE has no

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May 29 2026OPINION

Alaska’s money troubles: more than just cash flow

Alaska is rich in natural resources but poor in leadership. Over half of its residents feel the state is heading in the wrong direction. Sky-high energy bills, climbing house prices, and crumbling roads are daily headaches, especially in Anchorage. Many young people pack up and leave because they do

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May 29 2026POLITICS

New York Adds Tax on Luxury Second Homes

New York recently passed a budget that introduces a new tax on high-end second homes in New York City. The move aims to raise $500 million per year for the city, which is struggling with budget shortfalls. The tax targets luxury properties worth over $5 million, with rates increasing based on value.

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May 28 2026LIFESTYLE

Home Buying Made Simple: Maine’s Money‑Saving Tools

Buying a house in Maine can feel like climbing a steep hill, especially with high prices and mortgage rates. Yet there are many ways to ease the climb. First‑time buyers can join free or low‑cost education classes that walk them through budgeting, spotting bad lenders and preventing foreclosure. The

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May 27 2026POLITICS

District 10’s next senator: who can solve the big issues?

Anne Kepner is running to replace Aisha Wahab in California’s Senate District 10, and her campaign is built around three big problems: housing is too expensive, good jobs are hard to find, and healthcare costs too much for aging residents. She’s not just talking about these issues; she’s worked on t

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May 27 2026OPINION

A closer look at how past choices shape today's struggles and what can be done

Years of decisions—some made long ago—still influence daily life in many neighborhoods. Families face tough challenges like finding stable homes, getting fair schooling, and earning enough to get by. These aren’t just random problems. A recent study digs into how policies from decades ago created th

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May 27 2026BUSINESS

A Bank Bet on 3D-Printed Homes—Here’s Why It Matters

Homes made with giant 3D printers aren’t just for futuristic movies anymore. One of the largest U. S. banks just decided to back them with real loans, signaling a shift in how Americans might buy houses in the future. Instead of traditional wood and drywall, these homes are constructed layer by laye

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May 25 2026POLITICS

California Voters Say “Enough With the Drama, Give Us Results”

The new year began with a bold claim: California’s next election would split people into “builders” and “blockers, ” not just red versus blue. Builders want practical solutions for housing, jobs, water, energy, safety and accountability. Blockers prefer to keep the status quo and let political theat

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May 25 2026OPINION

Homeowner Tax Plans: A Legal Tightrope Walk

Maine faces a clear housing squeeze. Many locals struggle to buy homes while empty second homes sit unused for most of the year. One candidate proposed a quick fix: lower property taxes for Mainers while charging extra to out-of-state owners of vacation or rental properties. The idea sounds simple,

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