When Tax Laws Challenge Public Opinion: Insights from OBBBA
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025, passed with public opposition, generated fiscal imbalances and cut key programs. The discrepancy between fiscal standards and what is seen by citizens was due to the fact that the majority of funding comes from wealthy citizens. However, other projects such as Connecticut’s Citizens’ Election Program, with public financing for campaigns, demonstrate the possibility of aligning legislation with public opinion.
Ukraine War Developments: What’s Happening?
The super-vertex in Washington between Trump, Zelensky and European leaders showed a united Euro-Atlantic front on Ukraine, highlighting a possible meeting between Zelensky and Putin. A trilateral meeting was agreed despite divergences and uncertainties, and security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed, including possible US air support. Trump praised the leaders present, but thorny issues were avoided. The expectation of peace remains difficult to achieve.
Hazard, Kentucky: A Civic Renaissance that Redefines Appalachia
Hazard, Kentucky, is experiencing a civic renaissance led by young people and organizations like InVision Hazard, revitalizing its downtown and civic spirit despite the decline of the coal industry and the opioid epidemic. This shift has transformed the city center into a vibrant and safe place through creative collaboration and a willingness to take risks. Hazard is an example of resilience and creativity in Appalachia.