Author: Andrew Rogers

The Santa Fe Mansion Tax will move forward after the New Mexico Supreme Court declined to reconsider a lower court ruling that allows the tax to take effect. The decision clears a major legal hurdle for the city and brings the voter-approved measure closer to full implementation. On Thursday, the state’s highest court denied a petition from the Santa Fe Association of Realtors that sought review of a Court of Appeals decision. That ruling had already found that the city acted within its authority when it approved the tax. By refusing to hear the appeal, the Supreme Court effectively ended…

Oregon is set to receive more than $100 million in federal funding for critical community projects across nearly every county in the state. The investments were secured by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden as part of the first two federal spending packages for fiscal year 2026 that recently cleared Congress. The Oregon Community Project Funding package includes 54 locally driven projects with a combined value of $102.7 million. The projects reflect priorities identified by residents, local governments, and community groups throughout the state. Both senators say the funding is the result of years of direct engagement with Oregonians…

Maine Governor Janet Mills has requested a direct meeting with President Donald Trump following a deadly shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The incident, which marked the second fatal shooting of a civilian by a federal agent in the city this month, has raised serious concerns among state leaders as immigration enforcement expands nationwide. The Maine ICE Deployment Shooting comes amid the Trump administration’s large-scale effort to increase federal immigration actions across multiple states. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced the launch of “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine. As part of that operation, federal agents have…

A growing wave of public anger spread into Wisconsin after a Minneapolis nurse with ties to Green Bay was shot and killed by a federal immigration officer. The fatal encounter led to protests in Milwaukee and renewed debate over federal enforcement actions, gun laws, and protest rights. Family members identified the man as Alex Pretti, 37, a nurse who lived and worked in Minneapolis. He was taking part in a protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies when the shooting occurred. Education records confirm that Pretti graduated from Preble High School in Green Bay. After high school, he attended the…

With travel costs rising, free and safe public transportation can make a big difference for tourists. These five American cities provide fare-free transit and secure options for getting around. Miami’s Metromover is a free tram system with 21 stops, gliding above streets and connecting major neighborhoods like Downtown, Brickell, and the Riverwalk. Security measures, including cameras and patrols, have improved safety since 2020. Razorback Transit, run by the University of Arkansas, offers free bus routes for residents and visitors. The system connects downtown, Dickson Street, and the university campus, with clear schedules and a focus on rider safety. The Hop…

Venezuela’s interim government says it has released more than 600 prisoners, but rights groups and families of those still detained say the pace of freedom has been slow and far from enough. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the number this week, but her claim has sparked fresh frustration among relatives demanding the release of all political prisoners. Rodríguez said on Friday that 626 people have been freed since December as part of an ongoing effort to release detainees held under the previous government. She also said she plans to ask the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to verify…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has commented on Greenland’s potential value amid renewed US interest in the Arctic island. His remarks come as international attention focuses on the strategic and economic importance of Greenland, especially following US President Donald Trump’s reported interest in purchasing it. Putin cited history to frame the discussion, referencing the 1867 Alaska purchase. At that time, the United States bought roughly 1.7 million square kilometers of Alaskan territory from Russia for $7.2 million. Adjusted for inflation, Putin calculated that the payment would equal about $158 million in today’s dollars. Greenland, he noted, is even larger than Alaska,…

U.S.-Iran naval tensions have increased after Washington confirmed that a large US naval force is moving toward the Middle East. The deployment comes at a time of heightened regional strain and strong warnings from Iranian military leaders. US President Donald Trump confirmed the move while speaking to reporters during his return to Washington after an international economic meeting. He said the deployment is not a declaration of war. He described it as close monitoring and a precautionary step. The naval group includes a major aircraft carrier and several guided missile warships. These vessels are equipped with advanced air defense systems,…

Idaho lawmakers may soon face limits on how many bills they can request after a record-breaking 2025 legislative session. Senator Jim Guthrie, a Republican from McCammon, introduced a resolution this week aimed at reducing strain on the Idaho Legislature’s research arm. The Senate State Affairs Committee introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 114 on Friday. The resolution would cap lawmakers’ requests to the Legislative Services Office (LSO) at 10 completed pieces of draft legislation per year. Guthrie, who chairs the committee, said the proposal was not requested by the LSO but aims to address rising demands on legislative staff. Legislative activity in…

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will visit China from January 25 to 28, meeting the country’s top leaders in Beijing to strengthen trade and business ties. The visit comes as Finland seeks to expand economic relations and promote Finnish companies in the Chinese market. Orpo will be accompanied by executives from more than 20 Finnish companies. The delegation represents industries including machinery, forestry, clean energy, innovation, and food. During the visit, both sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance the work of the China–Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation. According to the Finnish Government Communications Department,…