As ‘smart cities’ tools grow nationwide, so do privacy and ethical concerns

Research indicates that many Americans misunderstand the tax system, contributing to dissatisfaction with taxes, as a Cato Institute survey reveals that 55% of taxpayers feel they pay too much. Despite the progressive nature of the tax code, which sees the top 10% of earners paying 72% of federal income taxes, a significant portion of the population lacks clarity on tax brackets, with many mistakenly believing their top marginal rate applies to all their income. This...

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the deployment of 60-70 National Guard personnel to Albuquerque by mid-May to address rising juvenile crime and fentanyl issues, although their role will not include direct law enforcement actions. The state's GOP criticized this measure as insufficient, calling for more substantial reforms like bail reform and increased penalties, while expressing concerns over perceived leniency towards juvenile offenders. Recent data indicated a significant uptick in juvenile arrests, and local...

Immigration authorities detained Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi, a U.S. permanent resident, during his naturalization interview in Vermont, allegedly as retaliation for his protests against the Israel-Gaza war. His detention is part of a broader crackdown on foreign students, with Mahdawi's lawyers claiming he was targeted due to his activism. Federal officials have faced criticism from lawmakers, who labeled the action "immoral and inhumane," as Mahdawi's attorneys filed a petition challenging his detention, which a...

A Texas high school student, Karmelo Anthony, 17, had his bond reduced from $1 million to $250,000 after being charged with the murder of fellow student Austin Metcalf, who was stabbed during a track meet on April 2. Following the bond reduction hearing, Anthony must adhere to strict conditions including house arrest and no contact with Metcalf's family. The incident arose from an altercation reportedly triggered when Metcalf asked Anthony to move from under their...

As President Trump expands executive power, Democratic organizations like ActBlue and Indivisible prepare for potential criminal investigations, prompted by claims from Trump's allies. Legal experts warn that these groups could be targeted, leading to coordinated efforts to defend against possible repercussions, especially amidst Trump's rhetoric about using federal resources against political adversaries. Amid rising tensions, Indivisible, a prominent protest group, has mobilized extensive grassroots activism, underscoring the perceived threats from the Trump administration and the...

Rising Economic UncertaintyKevin L. Kliesen from the St. Louis Federal Reserve highlights that the increase in economic uncertainty from last spring to this spring is the steepest in nearly 40 years, complicating decision-making for both companies and consumers and potentially leading to recessions. Menzie Chinn from the University of Wisconsin illustrates this uncertainty with the example of potential homebuyers who, despite lower interest rates, may hesitate due to fears of falling home prices. Additionally, the...