Many popular destinations struggling with overtourism and infrastructure issues are aiming to fix those problems in an often unpopular way by enacting new taxes on tourists. The city of Galway, on the west side of Ireland, is widely known for its medieval streets, colorful shopfronts and historical landmarks. It is now considering a tourist tax that could generate more than $2.1 million annually in the city, according to The Connacht Tribune newspaper. The proposal envisions an accommodation charge of $1.10 to $2.20 per visitor, per night, for tourists staying in hotels or short-term lodging. Sally-Ann O’Brien, Galway City Council’s new tourism…

LOS ANGELES () — Los Angeles firefighters have repeatedly warned that rising call volumes and chronic understaffing are slowing their response times, and new data shows one major driver — encampment fires.Every time the L.A. Fire Department responds to a blaze, crews must file a report and mark whether it was “Homeless or Encampment Related.” A records request for every such fire since 2020 returned a staggering total — more than 75,000 incidents.The numbers fluctuate month-to-month, but the trend is unmistakable. In 2020, LAFD logged 7,165 homeless-related fires.From January through mid-December 2025, that number climbed to 16,982, an average of…

Bryant Park Picnic Performances, the free outdoor performing arts festival in the heart of Midtown, will return May 28 with its most expansive season yet as it celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. The lineup will feature an American opera showcase with New York City Opera, a special concert for America’s birthday with Carnegie Hall, first-ever Brass and Choir Festivals, as well as performances by artists from around the globe. In total, 24 performances will span music, dance, opera, circus, and more, culminating in a special anniversary tribute concert on September 11. With more than 87,000 in-person attendees and over 440,000 livestream…

St. Thomas University Global has introduced a $0 May Term for 2026, offering eligible students a simple and cost-free route to begin or continue their undergraduate education online. The term will commence on 2 May 2026 and will cover the complete cost of a single course, including tuition, associated fees, books, and required materials. There are no hidden fees or financial commitments involved. With many working adults holding incomplete academic credentials, higher education providers are increasingly focusing on accessible, low-risk opportunities to help students return and finish their studies. “For many students, the biggest barrier is not ability or…

Published on 17/04/2026 – 9:46 GMT+2 On paper, Bulgaria is a recent European success story, having finally adopted the euro on the first of January and joined Schengen. But there is a big euro hangover. On the ground, citizens feel impoverished and ignored by the political class. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT This profound frustration has set the stage for a bitter showdown between two major figures. On one side is Boyko Borissov. He is the veteran centre-right leader of the GERB party. While firmly pro-European, he was plagued by scandals during his decade in power, making him the symbol of the entrenched…

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more! Reese Witherspoon understands the complexities of spring dressing, reaching for easy layers that can be shed at a moment’s notice. And recently, the multi-hyphenate opted for the chicest transitional wardrobe staple yet: a lightweight puffer jacket. The good news is that I found a near-identical version for just $46 on Amazon. Spotted in New York City, Witherspoon wore the notable layer with a button-front top, wide-leg jeans and lace-up sneakers. Oval sunglasses and a tiny bag pulled the look together,…

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! If it’s up to top Senate GOP leaders, the next budget reconciliation package to finally fund the Department of Homeland Security will be on a fiscal cocktail of Wegovy and Ozempic.But other Republicans want this measure to be a high-calorie, political feast. Pop-Tarts, Sour Cream and Onion potato chips from Pringles, topped with Reese’s Pieces and a side of Häagen-Dazs chocolate peanut butter ice cream. All washed down with an entire two-liter of Mountain Dew.Stymied by Democrats — and in many cases themselves — congressional Republicans are now teeing up a reconciliation…

Sleep on a long-haul flight in economy class has always been a fantasy for many travelers. Air New Zealand will soon offer a solution that involves climbing into a triple-tier bunk bed wearing special socks. The airline will soon open bookings for four-hour stints in the Skynest sleep pods and says they will be the first lie-flat beds for budget air travelers. This photo provided by Air New Zealand shows sleeping pods in a mock-up of a plane cabin in Auckland, New Zealand. AP Fliers will get cozy with their fellow passengers, however, so crumbs, strong perfumes and bedsharing are forbidden.…

Washington — The House early Friday approved a short-term renewal until April 30 of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies in a post-midnight session after Republicans revolted and refused President Trump’s push for a longer extension.The measure passed by unanimous consent, meaning no members objected. It now goes to the Senate.A new proposal was unveiled late Thursday that would have extended the program for five years with revisions. It was a departure from the clean 18-month renewal Mr. Trump had demanded and Speaker Mike Johnson had previously backed. Lawmakers scrambled back to the Capitol as Democrats blasted…

In honor of the late Gavin Creel’s birthday, the art and mental health series Common Denominator is making its pilot episode available to stream. The 35-minute episode, hosted by Emmy Award winner Maurice Dubois, features Creel working with Wynwood Artist Peter Tunney. To watch the film, interested parties can enter their email address for a screening link on the Two-Bridge website here. The beloved actor, who passed away in 2024, would have turned 50 years old on April 18. Common Denominator Co-Creator Harris Schwartzberg previously said: “Common Denominator was created to allow artists and guests to openly discuss important issues around loneliness, happiness,…

Germany announced the delivery of Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion four years ago, marking the first heavy weapons of Western design that Berlin supplied from its own stocks. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT On 26 April 2022, Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht confirmed the decision on the sidelines of a meeting of around 40 supporting states at Ramstein airbase. The systems came from industrial stocks and the export had been approved the day before, Lambrecht said at the time. Germany has since delivered at least 55 Gepard systems to Ukraine, where they have become an integral part of…

The Pitt season 2 finale wrapped up most of the character arcs — but did the ending hint at more cast and character exits? HBO Max’s hit series, which premiered in January 2025, follows a group of employees at a fictional Pittsburgh hospital’s ER working a single 15-hour shift. The series is led by Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle), Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball), Dana (Katherine LaNasa), Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh), Dr. McKay (Fiona Dourif), Dr. King (Taylor Dearden), Dr. Santos (Isa Briones), Dr. Whitaker (Gerran Howell) and Javadi (Shabana Azeez). At the end of the second season, which aired on Thursday,…

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Good morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here’s what you need to know to start your day …TOP 31. Historic Israel-Lebanon talks to take place for first time in decades2. Trump hits key battlegrounds to boost GOP ahead of midterms 3. Kamala Harris swipes President Trump over high gas pricesMAJOR HEADLINESFEELING THE FALLOUT — Disbarment looms for Swalwell after rape and assault claims trigger criminal probes. Continue reading …WAVE OF TROUBLE — Beach town deploys helicopters, K9 units amid takeover fears before Orange Crush. Continue reading …EYEING…

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Donald Trump’s push to extend the government’s controversial warrantless surveillance powers suffered a minor setback early Friday morning after a group of conservative lawmakers rejected a compromise deal that would have extended the program for five years while incorporating some minor reforms intended to appease GOP privacy hawks.Shortly before 2 a.m. Friday, the House of Representatives approved a two-week extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), giving lawmakers until April 30 to reach a deal.House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., voiced confidence that his conference can come to…

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! After prosecutors said a subpoena will be issued later this month for Tiger Woods’ prescription drug records, his attorney is fighting against it.Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after taking field sobriety tests following a two-vehicle crash in which his Range Rover turned onto its driver’s side.A court filing showed that a subpoena will be issued to “seek copies of any and all prescription medication on file” for Woods from Jan. 1 through March 27, the date of his car crash and arrest. Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, wrote in a motion that…