Colorado lawmakers heard a proposal that would let local governments tax vacant houses. The idea, called a “ghost tax, ” was meant to force owners of empty homes to pay extra money and help fund affordable housing. The House Finance Committee voted it down, but the discussion is far from over. The
After weeks of protests that forced long‑time leader Sheikh Hasina to flee, Bangladesh went to the polls for its first election in years. The day was largely calm, giving voters a chance to test the country’s democratic promise after a period of political unrest. Around 47 % of eligible voters ha
The Damascus book fair this month marked a turning point for the country, showing that books once banned are now on shelves and selling well. The event opened after Bashar al‑Assad’s regime fell, reflecting how the new government has changed Syria’s cultural rules. At the fair, readers could find
A new player is stepping up for France’s next presidential race. Bruno Retailleau, who led the interior ministry last year, has announced he will run in 2027. The 65‑year‑old comes from a long line of conservative politicians in western France. Retailleau’s time as interior minister was sho
In Australia, political waves are stirring as Sussan Ley, the leader of the opposition Liberal Party, faces a potential leadership challenge. This comes just under a year after she took the reins. The spark? Angus Taylor, a senior figure in her shadow cabinet, stepped down. He's not shy about his re
The upcoming Texas GOP primary for the U. S. Senate is more than a single seat; it could set the tone for many other races on the ballot. Candidates like Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt are fighting for the top spot because whoever wins will be the face of the Rep
The state of Iowa is rolling out a fresh proposal that could bring an NFL team to its doorstep. Senate File 2252 aims to tweak the Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program so that a professional football franchise could receive tax breaks and other incentives when it builds a stadium in the s
A 69‑year‑old man in Hong Kong was found guilty of trying to tap into a life insurance policy belonging to his daughter, an American activist who leads the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington. The case is the first of its kind under Hong Kong’s new national security law, which was enacted a ye
A former adviser taught Trump to never admit fault, to attack and deny, and that lesson helped him rise. The same rules let him spread false claims, insult groups, and keep a loyal base that sees his aggression as real. Yet a year into his second term the power of constant trolling has begun to crum
I decided to try the new food plan that was released in January. The guide says eat whole foods, cut back on sugar and processed stuff, and keep costs low. I set a budget of $15 a day for a week to see if it could work in real life. I started by making a grocery list with the help of an AI helper
