Massachusetts collected $260 million less in tax revenue in May. But the state is still ahead of projections for the year as lawmakers head into the final furlong of budget season.The state collected nearly $2.5 billion last month, according to new state Revenue Department data. That’s 9.6% less than actual collections in May 2023, and … Read more
Police measured the decibel count of Taylor Swift’s concert at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium after receiving complaints about noise levels. City hall is evaluating the readings to see if they exceeded permitted levels, with fines being prepared for promoters of previous concerts that surpassed noise limits. Residents are considering legal action to block future events due to the high noise levels. During the concert, experts recorded readings of 80 decibels, well above the permitted 53 decibels for a concert venue. The stadium’s revamp aims to increase Real Madrid’s income beyond football, with the recent concerts contributing to the club’s financial goals.
Palestinians commemorated the 1948 “Nakba” on Wednesday, marking the time when hundreds of thousands were dispossessed of their homes in the war at the birth of the state of Israel. The Nakba has been a defining experience for Palestinians for more than 75 years, shaping their national identity. This year’s commemoration focused on the plight of around two million Palestinians in Gaza, most living in temporary shelters after being displaced by the Israeli campaign. More than 5.9 million Palestinians are currently registered as refugees in various locations, including refugee camps that have grown into urban townships. Events marking the Nakba anniversary were also held in Ramallah, where a student was killed in a clash with Israeli forces.
A global investigation over the past four years points to Cyprus as a hub for criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, smuggling tobacco products, extortion, illegal betting, and fixing football matches. The report, based on Interpol data, highlights a rise in extreme criminality in Cyprus, with recent assassinations, arson attacks, bombings, and underworld killings. Criminal organizations in Cyprus are mostly foreign and involved in crimes against property, money laundering, drug trafficking, and bribing public officials. In 2024, there were 55 arsons and bomb attacks reported in 101 days.
A property tax company called Ownwell in North Texas is offering to file homestead designation paperwork for homeowners for free, but then charges 25% of the savings from homestead exemptions. The company has been criticized for making false promises and misstating the pricing of its competitors. The Better Business Bureau revoked Ownwell’s A+ rating in February. It is advised to make sure you have a homestead exemption on your primary residence and not fall for deceptive practices during the property tax season.
The majority Greek Cypriot population voted down the UN plan in the referendums held on April 24, 2004, with a turnout of 89.18% for Greek Cypriots and 87% for Turkish Cypriots.
Fact: Gov. Phil Murphy proposed a new state budget that would retroactively increase the state’s Corporate Business Tax, promising that the increase would only be temporary.
The Republican Study Committee budget proposes over .5 trillion in cuts to Social Security and raises Medicare costs for seniors. This budget would also lead to longer wait times for seniors and people with disabilities when calling for assistance with Social Security and Medicare.
The most recent state-to-state migration data shows that California, New York, and Illinois are experiencing population loss to red states due to factors such as high taxes, high housing costs, and crime. Lawmakers in blue states like New York and Illinois are proposing tax hikes, while red states like Georgia and Iowa are taking action to reduce taxes and improve their fiscal advantages. Governor Gavin Newsom of California has blocked some tax hikes, but voters will decide on a proposed income tax increase in November.
Lawmakers in Venezuela allied with President Nicolas Maduro approved the creation of a new state in the Esequibo region, which is disputed with Guyana. This decision aligns with Maduro’s claims over the 160,000-square-km territory but has no immediate effect. Venezuela and Guyana agreed to avoid force and not escalate tensions after a meeting between Maduro and the Guyanese leader. Despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) case pending on the territory’s ownership, Venezuela does not recognize the ICJ and cites a December referendum, which allegedly had over 10 million voters, as justification for its actions, including oil exploration in Esequibo. Guyana maintains its borders are non-negotiable and will defend its sovereignty. The new state, named Guayana Esequiba, will have its temporary capital in Tumeremo, Bolivar, and its creation will be official upon publication in the gazette. Its borders will be the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil, Guyana, and the Venezuelan states of Delta Amacuro and Bolivar. This move comes as Venezuela revives its claim to the territory following significant oil and gas discoveries.