Budget Pressure Builds in New York City As New York City faces a projected budget shortfall, public attention has turned to whether property taxes could rise under a newly unveiled fiscal plan introduced by city leadership. The proposal comes amid slowing revenue growth, rising service costs, and long-term economic uncertainty. City officials say the budget framework is designed to stabilize finances while maintaining essential public services. However, questions remain about how the administration intends to close the gap without significantly impacting residents. The Deficit Challenge New York City, like many large metropolitan areas, has encountered fiscal strain due to: Increased spending on public services Infrastructure maintenance costs Housing and shelter expenditures Fluctuations in commercial property values Analysts note that commercial real estate has faced volatility in recent years, which affects property tax revenue — one of the city’s largest fu...

  A group of independent United Nations human rights experts has stated that materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein case suggest conduct that may amount to crimes under international law , including the potential classification of crimes against humanity. The comments, issued in a formal communication, reflect concerns about the scale, organization, and systemic nature of alleged abuses described in investigative records and court filings. The experts emphasized that further legal evaluation would be required to determine whether international legal thresholds are met. What the UN Experts Said According to the statement, the experts noted that the documented allegations — if substantiated — point to: Systematic exploitation Organized networks of abuse Potential cross-border elements Failures in accountability mechanisms They clarified that their assessment is based on publicly available information and that formal judicial determinations would require comprehens...

                          Remembering a Civil Rights Figure The passing of Jesse Jackson marks the end of a significant chapter in American civil rights history. A longtime activist, minister, and political figure, Jackson spent decades advocating for racial equality, economic justice, and expanded civic participation. His influence extended across generations, from the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s to contemporary debates about social and economic reform. Early Life and Background Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. was born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina. He rose to national prominence during the civil rights era, working alongside prominent leaders of the movement. Jackson became associated with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization founded by Martin Luther King Jr. , and later established his own advocacy initiatives. His early activism focused on: Voti...

  Peace Talks Conclude Quickly Amid Tensions High-stakes diplomatic talks aimed at advancing peace between Ukraine and Russia concluded in less than two hours, with officials describing the session as “difficult.” The meeting followed renewed public remarks from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who criticized aspects of a proposed peace framework associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the talks ended without a breakthrough, highlighting the deep divisions that continue to shape negotiations in the ongoing conflict. Zelensky’s Criticism President Zelensky publicly described certain elements of the proposed approach as “unfair,” suggesting that any framework requiring territorial concessions without firm security guarantees would be unacceptable to Ukraine. Ukraine’s leadership has consistently maintained that: Sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable Security guarantees must accompa...

  Presidents Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, honors George Washington , the first President of the United States, along with other U.S. presidents. Because it is a federal holiday, many government services and financial institutions will close, while most retail stores and private businesses remain open — often offering major sales events. Here’s what to expect across the country. 🇺🇸 What’s Closed on Presidents Day 2026 🏛 Federal Government Offices All non-essential federal offices will be closed, including: Federal administrative offices Federal courts Social Security offices Passport agencies 🏫 Public Schools Most public schools will be closed, though policies may vary by district. 📬 U.S. Post Offices USPS offices will be closed No regular mail delivery Priority Mail Express may still operate 🏦 Banks Most major banks will be closed. However: Online banking services remain available ATMs will operate normally 📈 Sto...