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Amsterdam City Council Approves Sharp Tourist Tax Increase Despite Business Objections

Amsterdam City Council Approves Sharp Tourist Tax Increase Despite Business Objections

The Amsterdam City Council has approved a significant increase in its tourist tax, raising it from 12.5 percent to 16 percent in 2027, with further annual increases planned to reach 20 percent. This decision, led by Mayor Femke Halsema and a coalition of aldermen, aims to combat overtourism, which saw Amsterdam host a record 21 million tourists last year. The move comes despite strong opposition from the city's cultural institutions and hospitality groups, who argue that the higher tax could deter visitors and negatively impact their struggling businesses. They fear tourists might opt to stay outside Amsterdam, still visiting the city but spending less money locally. Alderman Melanie van der Horst stated that the revenue generated from the tax is also needed for public services like waste collection, and city-commissioned research suggests the tax will reduce tourist numbers without harming financial resources.
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European Union and Australia Sign Agreement for Horizon Europe Research Cooperation

European Union and Australia Sign Agreement for Horizon Europe Research Cooperation

The European Union and Australia have officially signed an agreement allowing Australian researchers and organizations to participate in and lead projects under Horizon Europe, the EU’s primary research and innovation program. The agreement was formalized in Brussels on November 12, 2026, by Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and Australia’s Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres. This collaboration specifically covers Horizon Europe’s Pillar II, which has a budget of €52.4 billion and funds collaborative research in critical areas such as health, climate, energy, and digital technologies. Australian participants will gain access to funding and opportunities on terms similar to their EU counterparts, and will also maintain access to parts of Horizon Europe open to non-EU countries, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the Innovative Europe pillar. This makes Australia the 24th country to associate with Horizon Europe, followi...
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IHMC Researchers Investigate Exercise and Nitrate Supplementation to Combat Aging and Improve Healthspan

IHMC Researchers Investigate Exercise and Nitrate Supplementation to Combat Aging and Improve Healthspan

Researchers at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) are conducting a new NIH-funded study, BOOST-X, to investigate whether adding a nitrate supplement to endurance and resistance training can further reduce all-cause mortality risk and reverse hallmarks of aging in adults over 59. This study builds on their ongoing five-year clinical trial, M³AX, which aims to demonstrate exercise's ability to improve healthspan and quality of life. Dr. Marcas Bamman, Senior Research Scientist at IHMC and Director of Healthspan, Resilience and Performance Research, leads the BOOST-X trial. The study will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with participants receiving either a nitrate supplement (beetroot juice) or a placebo. The goal is to enhance vascular and cardiorespiratory function, improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and lower oxidative stress, particularly for older adults who may have reduced nitric oxide synthesis and stiff arteries. The multi-site trial, involvi...
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Homeowners Ineligible for Federal Solar Tax Credit on Lease Buyouts in 2026

Homeowners Ineligible for Federal Solar Tax Credit on Lease Buyouts in 2026

Homeowners who buy out their leased solar panel systems in 2026 will not be able to claim the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit. This is due to several factors outlined by IRS guidelines and recent legislation. Firstly, the tax credit was already claimed by the leasing company when the panels were originally installed, and the IRS prohibits 'double-dipping' on the same asset. Secondly, to qualify for residential energy credits under IRS Section 25D, the property's 'original use' must begin with the taxpayer; buying out a leased system means acquiring used equipment, which is explicitly barred from receiving clean energy incentives. Lastly, the residential solar tax credit under Section 25D expired on December 31, 2025, with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). While third-party commercial systems under Section 48/48E have a temporary transition window, individual residential buyers cannot claim a Section 25D tax credit for purchases completed in 2026. This means that even if a homeowner were i...
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Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi Highlights Tourism's Role in Reducing City Debt and Funding Social Programs

Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi Highlights Tourism's Role in Reducing City Debt and Funding Social Programs

Naples, Italy, is undergoing a significant transformation, with tourism playing a crucial role in its economic recovery and development. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi reported that the municipality has reduced its local debt by EUR 1.5 billion, largely attributed to increased tourism. This financial improvement has enabled the city to invest more in welfare, social housing, and grants for small enterprises. The city, once perceived as dangerous in certain areas due to organized crime, is now experiencing a boom in tourism, with new flight routes contributing to its growth as a tourist hub. While the benefits are evident, critics question the city's long-term strategy for managing potential overtourism and gentrification, concerns that Mayor Manfredi addressed in a recent interview.
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Soil Association Revokes Organic Certification for British Farmed Salmon Amid Environmental and Welfare Concerns

Soil Association Revokes Organic Certification for British Farmed Salmon Amid Environmental and Welfare Concerns

Soil Association Revokes Organic Certification for British Farmed Salmon Amid Environmental and Welfare Concerns
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New York Appellate Division Rules on Damages in Clean Green CNG Tech. Corp. v Diversified Erection Servs. Case

New York Appellate Division Rules on Damages in Clean Green CNG Tech. Corp. v Diversified Erection Servs. Case

New York Appellate Division Rules on Damages in Clean Green CNG Tech. Corp. v Diversified Erection Servs. Case
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Anthropic CEO Predicts AI Could Eradicate Major Diseases by 2036, Sparks Debate on Medical Transformation

Anthropic CEO Predicts AI Could Eradicate Major Diseases by 2036, Sparks Debate on Medical Transformation

Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic, has predicted that artificial intelligence could render diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and mental illness 'relics of the past' within the next decade. This statement was made in Anthropic’s investor-roadshow video released on November 10, 2026, and has reignited discussions about the potential speed of AI's impact on medicine. Amodei believes that increasingly powerful AI systems can significantly accelerate scientific discovery, potentially compressing decades of biomedical progress into a few years. Anthropic, known for its Claude AI models, is expanding its involvement in biotechnology and experimental drug discovery. While AI is already supporting cancer screening, molecular research, and new treatment development, the idea of eradicating these complex diseases within ten years remains speculative, as cancer, for instance, is not a single disease, and laboratory discoveries require extensive clinical validation.
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Economists Warn $20 Federal Minimum Wage Could Worsen Affordability Crisis and Lead to Job Losses

Economists Warn $20 Federal Minimum Wage Could Worsen Affordability Crisis and Lead to Job Losses

Economists Warn $20 Federal Minimum Wage Could Worsen Affordability Crisis and Lead to Job Losses
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Cozy Little Fall Market to Host 28 Montana Vendors and Santa in Great Falls

Cozy Little Fall Market to Host 28 Montana Vendors and Santa in Great Falls

Cozy Little Fall Market to Host 28 Montana Vendors and Santa in Great Falls
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Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Requires Specific Health Insurance for Long-Term Stays

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Requires Specific Health Insurance for Long-Term Stays

Spain's digital nomad visa, established under Law 14/2013, mandates specific health insurance coverage for all long-term visa applicants. Immigration officers require proof of either public or private health coverage from an insurer authorized to operate within Spain. Crucially, policies with waiting periods before coverage begins are not accepted, and the insurer must be officially authorized in Spain. This requirement often rules out generic travel insurance and many international plans sold outside Spain, which may include co-pays, exclusions, or waiting periods. For 2027, Spanish insurers like ASISA, DKV, and Sanitas are considered reliable options, with monthly costs ranging from approximately 37 to 108 euros, depending on age and province. These plans are typically 'sin copagos' (no co-pays) and are accepted for visa purposes.
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Berkeley Law Hosts National Conference on Generative AI in Legal Education

Berkeley Law Hosts National Conference on Generative AI in Legal Education

Berkeley Law's Clinical Program recently hosted a national conference titled 'GenAI in Law School Clinics,' bringing together over 150 participants from the U.S. and beyond. The conference aimed to foster a broader conversation among clinical faculty regarding the appropriate and useful application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in legal practice and education. Discussions covered professional responsibility, ethical implications, client privacy concerns, and pedagogical choices surrounding GenAI. Panelists and attendees explored the technology's potential benefits, such as aiding in spellchecking or drafting boilerplate complaints, while also addressing significant drawbacks like bias in AI tools, climate impact, and the challenge of protecting sensitive client information when using large language models. Jonathan Smith, a professor at Washington University School of Law, emphasized that law is a human discipline requiring difficult decisions about mercy and compassion, which cannot be red...
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Lewis Hamilton Criticizes Former Formula 1 Drivers for Lack of Empathy Towards Young Talent

Lewis Hamilton Criticizes Former Formula 1 Drivers for Lack of Empathy Towards Young Talent

Lewis Hamilton Criticizes Former Formula 1 Drivers for Lack of Empathy Towards Young Talent
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Soliant Seeks Classroom Assistant in West Warwick, Rhode Island to Support Student Success

Soliant Seeks Classroom Assistant in West Warwick, Rhode Island to Support Student Success

Soliant is actively recruiting a contract paraprofessional for a school environment near West Warwick, Rhode Island. This role focuses on supporting student success by working directly within the classroom and assisting teachers. The paraprofessional will contribute to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all learners, collaborating with educators and specialists to provide both academic and behavioral support. Key responsibilities include assisting teachers with instructional materials, offering one-on-one or small group student support, fostering positive relationships, and helping implement individualized education plans (IEPs) when necessary. The position also involves preparing classroom materials, supervising students in various settings, supporting classroom management, and maintaining confidentiality.
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NTT DATA Business Solutions Introduces Elevate Framework for AI-Powered Business Transformation

NTT DATA Business Solutions Introduces Elevate Framework for AI-Powered Business Transformation

NTT DATA Business Solutions Introduces Elevate Framework for AI-Powered Business Transformation
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EU to Establish Tourism Crisis Coordination Centre Amidst Industry Shifts

EU to Establish Tourism Crisis Coordination Centre Amidst Industry Shifts

The European Commission is preparing to establish a Crisis Preparedness and Management Coordination Centre as part of its new EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between national and European public authorities to share experiences and best practices in responding to tourism-related crises. The move comes after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the profound economic impact of disruptions on the tourism sector, which extends beyond hotels to various related industries like detergent manufacturers and fine wine producers. Victoria Petrova, a senior tourism expert at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), emphasized that tourism is a significant economic and industrial ecosystem, contributing over 10% of the gross value added to the European economy. The Commission's strategy, adopted on November 4, has full support from the Council and seeks to create a more resilient and prepared tourism industry across Europe. The center...
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South Korea Evaluates Next-Generation Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Prioritizing Animal-Free Testing

South Korea Evaluates Next-Generation Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Prioritizing Animal-Free Testing

South Korea is actively evaluating and implementing next-generation risk assessment strategies for its food regulatory science, with a significant focus on transitioning towards animal-free testing methods. A recent review and policy evaluation highlighted the integration of these advanced methodologies, aiming to align national food safety infrastructure with evolving international standards. Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis spanning 2015 to 2025 and surveyed 877 South Korean stakeholders to understand the global research trajectory and local regulatory readiness. The study found that while progress in chemical and cosmetic industries is notable, the food safety sector lags due to complex food matrices, dynamic gastrointestinal digestion processes, and limited toxicological data for novel dietary ingredients. Key priorities identified include developing AI-driven exposure models and stratified risk assessment approaches for sensitive populations, though a shortage of specialized modeling expe...
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New York's No-Fault Insurance System: Understanding PIP Coverage and Claim Deadlines

New York's No-Fault Insurance System: Understanding PIP Coverage and Claim Deadlines

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, also known as no-fault coverage, pays for medical bills, lost earnings, and certain expenses for individuals involved in a car crash, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage is capped at $50,000 per person for combined items, including necessary medical and rehabilitation care, 80% of lost earnings (up to $2,000 per month for a maximum of three years), and other reasonable expenses up to $25 per day for one year. The system includes strict deadlines for claims: written notice of a claim must be submitted within 30 days, and health care bills within 45 days. Proof of lost earnings is due within 90 days. Insurers can deny claims for late notice or based on an independent medical examination. Pain and suffering are not covered by no-fault insurance and require a separate claim against the at-fault driver, which is only permissible for 'serious injuries' as defined by state law. Motorcycles are ex...
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UNICEF Seeks Senior Fundraising Associate for Content in Mexico City

UNICEF Seeks Senior Fundraising Associate for Content in Mexico City

UNICEF is actively recruiting a Senior Fundraising Associate (Content) for its Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) team in Mexico City. This G-7 level position is crucial for advancing UNICEF's mission to support children's rights and well-being in Mexico through integrated programs and advocacy. The role involves specialized operational support for planning and executing integrated fundraising campaigns, ensuring content is strategic, evidence-based, audience-relevant, brand-compliant, and optimized for fundraising results. Key responsibilities include content development and production, internal coordination with external production partners, performance monitoring, and content governance. The successful candidate will supervise a Fundraising Associate (Content) and will be instrumental in developing concepts, briefs, scripts, copy, and audiovisual assets, as well as coordinating with internal stakeholders and agencies.
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See Robyn Strip Down ‘Sexistential’ Songs for Tiny Desk Performance

See Robyn Strip Down ‘Sexistential’ Songs for Tiny Desk Performance

Swedish pop icon also revisits "Show Me Love" and "Ever Again" for NPR mini-concert