A growing push for higher taxes on wealthy homeowners in New York is intensifying the debate over how far states should go to raise revenue, as policymakers weigh the broader economic impact on investment, housing and taxpayer behavior.

FOX Business’ Connor Hansen joined FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.” to report on the latest proposals, which center on a new tax targeting high-value second homes owned by nonresidents.

The proposal comes as voters nationwide continue to express frustration with their overall tax burden, even as Internal Revenue Service data shows average tax refunds are up compared to last year. At the same time, states like New York are advancing policies aimed at capturing more revenue from top earners and luxury property owners, a group that already contributes a significant share of total tax collections.

MASSACHUSETTS TOWN WEIGHS 50% PROPERTY TAX HIKE AS RESIDENTS PUSH BACK

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul at an event in Brooklyn. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took to X to frame the effort as part of a broader push to increase contributions from the wealthy.

HOCHUL TAX PLAN TARGETS HIGH-END SECOND HOMES AMID REVENUE PRESSURES

“When I ran for mayor, I said I was going to tax the rich. Well today, we’re taxing it,” Mamdani said.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has argued that the proposal is designed to address perceived imbalances between full-time residents and part-time property owners.

BUSINESSES SHIFT TO LOWER-REGULATION STATES AS COSTS MOUNT

“The property value of homes like that is driven by everything New York City has to offer. That’s why it’s a valuable place. But the people who own these pied-à-terres are not contributing in the same way that the 8.3 million New York residents do,” Hochul said in a statement on the official website of New York State.

The proposal underscores a widening divide in tax policy approaches as states navigate competing pressures to generate revenue while maintaining economic competitiveness.

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The UK could face food shortages by the summer if the Iran war continues, a worst case scenario drawn up by government officials suggests.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could continue to disrupt global supply chains, leading to shortages of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is used in the food and drinks industry.

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said these scenarios are planning tools, not predictions of future events.

BBC business correspondent Emma Simpson explains what this could mean for supermarket shelves.

The head of the International Energy Agency says Europe has “maybe 6 weeks or so jet fuel left” amid shortages due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol offered the analysis in an interview, telling the AP that the Hormuz situation has caused “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced.”

“In the past there was a group called ‘Dire Straits.’ It’s a dire strait now, and it is going to have major implications for the global economy. And the longer it goes, the worse it will be for the economic growth and inflation around the world,” he said.

“I can tell you soon we will hear the news that some of the flights from city A to city B might be canceled as a result of lack of jet fuel,” he added.

TRUMP DETAILS SWEEPING ‘ALL OR NOTHING’ BLOCKADE OF STRAIT OF HORMUZ AFTER FAILED IRAN TALKS

Nations across the globe are seeing fuel prices rise amid the war in Iran. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The war in Iran has caused oil prices to spike in the U.S. as well, though Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent has said the surge is “transient.”

For its part, Iran has threatened to shut down traffic in the Red Sea and other regional shipping lanes if the U.S. continues its blockade of Iranian ports this week.

TRUMP AGREES TO 2-WEEK CEASEFIRE IF IRAN OPENS STRAIT OF HORMUZ

European airlines are expected to face fuel shortages in the coming weeks if the Iran war continues. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Iran’s Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi issued the threat on Iranian television on Wednesday.

Aliabadi said if the U.S. blockade continues, it “creates insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers” and constitutes “a prelude” to violating the ongoing U.S.-Iran ceasefire, the news outlet reported. 

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“The powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea,” Aliabadi reportedly added.

TUCSON, Ariz. — More than 75 days after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson, authorities and forensic experts say the chances of finding her alive have grown increasingly slim, even as the high-profile investigation continues with DNA analysis, genetic genealogy and thousands of public tips.

Guthrie, the mother of NBC’s “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on Jan. 31, 2026, after visiting her older daughter’s home. She was reported missing the next day when she failed to appear at church. Pima County Sheriff’s officials and the FBI believe she was taken against her will in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, with drops of her blood found on the front porch and her pacemaker disconnecting from her phone around 2:30 a.m., suggesting it moved out of range.

Doorbell camera footage released by the FBI in February shows a masked man, described as approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with a mustache, approaching the door wearing gloves and carrying a backpack. He appears armed. Black gloves similar to those in the video were later recovered nearby, though DNA from them and the scene has not matched entries in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System.

The case has drawn intense national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence. The family offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return, while the FBI increased its own reward to $100,000. Despite receiving tens of thousands of tips, no suspects have been publicly named, and no arrests have been made as of mid-April.

Forensic experts and former investigators describe the odds of recovery as challenging after such an extended period. In typical stranger abductions of elderly victims, the probability of finding the person alive drops sharply after the first 48 to 72 hours. At 75 days, many law enforcement veterans say the focus often shifts from rescue to recovery and prosecution.

“For cases like this, especially involving an elderly victim with visible signs of violence at the scene, the statistical likelihood of survival diminishes significantly with each passing week,” said one retired FBI supervisory special agent familiar with similar investigations. “The window for a live recovery narrows rapidly once initial leads go cold.”

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that investigators believe they know the motive behind the abduction, though details remain undisclosed to protect the probe. Some profilers, including those who worked with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, have suggested possible retribution or a personal cause linked to the family, rather than a random act or straightforward ransom scheme. Multiple unverified ransom notes have surfaced, some sent to media outlets demanding cryptocurrency, but authorities have not confirmed their authenticity or role in the case.

DNA evidence and potential genetic genealogy remain key hopes. Experts note that even without a CODIS hit, advanced forensic techniques could eventually identify a suspect through familial matches or other databases. However, processing such evidence can take months, and the lack of immediate breakthroughs has frustrated observers.

The investigation has included searches of the surrounding desert, neighborhood canvassing, review of neighborhood security footage and examination of a possible earlier incident around Jan. 11 that may connect to the abduction. Family members, including Savannah Guthrie’s siblings and their spouses, have been cleared of suspicion and described as cooperative victims.

Savannah Guthrie returned to the “Today” show in early April after taking time away, expressing continued hope while acknowledging the agonizing wait. In public statements, she and the family have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Retired homicide detectives and criminal profilers who have analyzed the case on national platforms point to several factors complicating recovery efforts. The masked intruder’s careful actions — covering the camera lens — suggest planning and awareness of surveillance. The absence of disarray inside the home beyond the porch blood spatter has led some to speculate the abduction may have involved someone familiar with Guthrie or the residence, though no evidence has confirmed that theory.

Statistical data on abductions of elderly women shows that in the vast majority of solved homicide cases involving female victims, the perpetrator is known to the victim in some capacity. Forensic psychologist Dr. Gary Brucato has publicly estimated that around 92 percent of women killed know their attackers, leading him and others to suggest the suspect may be local to the Tucson area and could have had prior interaction with Guthrie or her family.

Yet the case has hallmarks of a calculated stranger crime as well, with the masked figure and apparent use of force. Profiler Ann Burgess, known for her work inspiring the “Mindhunter” series, has floated retribution as a possible motive, potentially tied to the family’s public profile. She has urged authorities to release additional small pieces of evidence to generate more tips from the public.

The prolonged timeline has made the investigation “much harder,” according to former agents. With no major new leads reported in recent weeks, some analysts describe it as drifting toward cold-case status, though law enforcement insists active work continues on digital forensics, Google imagery requests and other avenues.

Challenges specific to elderly victims include limited physical mobility — Guthrie was described as unable to walk far unaided — and potential health vulnerabilities that could reduce survival chances in captivity or if abandoned. Her pacemaker provided an early clue to the timing but has not yielded further location data.

Public interest remains high, fueled by true crime discussions, podcasts and social media speculation. However, officials have cautioned against unfounded theories that could hinder the probe or harass innocent parties. Amateur sleuths have scrutinized everything from the doorbell video to purported ransom communications, but authorities emphasize that verified tips through official channels are most valuable.

As the search enters its third month, the emotional toll on the family is evident. Savannah Guthrie has shared brief messages of gratitude for public support while focusing on privacy during this difficult period. The broader Guthrie family continues to cooperate fully with investigators.

Looking ahead, experts say breakthroughs often come from persistent tip follow-up or advances in forensic technology. Genetic genealogy has solved numerous long-term cases in recent years, offering a potential path forward here. Continued analysis of the gloves, blood evidence and any digital footprints left by the suspect could still yield results.

For now, the chance of finding Nancy Guthrie alive appears low based on standard patterns in similar abductions, though authorities and the family maintain hope and urge vigilance. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or Crime Stoppers at 88-CRIME.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by elderly individuals living alone and the complexities of high-profile investigations where media attention both helps and complicates efforts. While the odds may feel daunting after more than two months, law enforcement stresses that cases can resolve unexpectedly through a single overlooked detail or tip.

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has captivated the nation not only because of her daughter’s fame but also due to the unsettling circumstances — a quiet suburban home, a masked figure on camera and an elderly woman seemingly taken without clear motive. As weeks turn into months, the focus remains on bringing her home or achieving justice, whatever the outcome.

Investigators continue processing evidence and pursuing leads, with the FBI deeply involved. The public’s role in providing tips remains crucial, as even small observations from the community could shift the trajectory.

For the Guthrie family and the many following the case, the uncertainty persists. Experts agree that while the statistical probability of a safe recovery diminishes daily, the commitment to solving the abduction has not wavered. The coming weeks and months will test whether forensic advances, renewed tips or other developments can pierce the veil surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s fate.

‘It can change quite quickly, but now we’re doing really well’

The managing partner of law firm Ward Hadaway has confirmed the company is on track to reach ambitious growth targets, saying more mergers are on the cards for the growing law firm.

Steven Petrie took on the top job two years ago and immediately set out plans to accelerate growth and boost turnover by more than 50% within five years. He also wanted to double turnover in 10 years, reaching £100m in turnover by 2034.

Financial results for its 2025 year show growth is consistent, with turnover increasing from £48.1m to £53.6m as the firm aims for its long-term growth targets while remaining independent. The Newcastle law firm now has around 600 people, with additional offices in Teesside, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham, having opened in the Midlands in June 2025 and merged with Teesdale Business Park-based Endeavour Partnership the following month.

Mr Petrie said the company’s growth plan is currently tracking ahead of pace, and added that further mergers will likely be seen at Ward Hadaway, on the back of the successful integration with Endeavour Partnership.

Mr Petrie said: “The plan is going really well. We were previously growing at about 6% to 7%, but then we put out what some people call an ambitious vision and in the first year we achieved 11.6% growth. And with a month to go of this financial year, the second year, we’re running at 14% currently. So we’re way ahead of where we ought to be.

“I’m not going to jump too far ahead with that because it can change quite quickly, but now we’re doing really well.

“We opened a new office last year in Birmingham and we’ve already run out of space, so we’ve had to take another floor there. We’re currently at 20 there but now have space for 54.

“What we’ve been really good at is not putting all of our eggs in one basket. If there is a property crash it’s not the end of world because we’ve got a busy employment team or a busy litigation team. We’ve always had a really good spread. As a result, we are certainly looking at key areas.

“It would be fair to see there are some areas which are busier than others and we’re obviously expanding into those areas. But it’s not one size fits all because each regional office is at a different point of its trajectory.”

Mr Petrie said Ward Hadaway is frequently approached by smaller operations keen to become part of the company. However, he said the business is not interested in expansion for growth’s sake, or to simply expand its geographical footprint, and that the firm would only consider joining forces with other companies if they could combine as a ‘good fit’.

He confirmed: “We are talking to various firms, but as you can imagine because we’ve put our growth vision ‘out there’, we’re approached a lot by firms.

“We’re not interested in acquisitions. We’re not looking at acquiring firms. What we are looking to do is add to what we describe as our excellent people culture at Ward Hadaway. We’re looking for like-minded firms who share the same values and who are aligned with values and behaviours as we are.

“And it depends on the regions. For instance, if there was a firm in one of the locations where we have offices we would be really interested. But equally, it wouldn’t put us off if there was a firm that had offices in locations where we’re not currently. Basically, if it was the right fit in terms of client profile and people culture, we’d be interested in having the conversation with them.

“It’s not a case of just trying to be bigger for turnover’s sake. It’s very much a case of people having to be the right fit, and being able to complement what we’ve already got. That’s really important.”

Job creation is also expected in each office, including the Newcastle office which currently employs around 320 people. As the oldest office in the group it also houses all the main business services functions, including the finance team, the HR team and the IT division.

Mr Petrie said: “We are committed to growing every office. We have offices which are smaller and are in bigger legal markets, so they are growing at a faster rate, as you would expect. But that doesn’t mean that we’ve taken my eye off the ball in Newcastle, and we are talking to various people now at all levels.

“The difference in Newcastle is it’s not just about partner recruitment. There’s also a lot of organic growth in Newcastle as we need more junior lawyers and support staff.”

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is racing the clock to return from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain sustained April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Slovenian guard seeking every available edge to shorten a typical four-to-six-week recovery and potentially rejoin his team during the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets.

Doncic, who leads the league in scoring at more than 33 points per game this season, underwent specialized regenerative treatments in Spain, including multiple injections aimed at accelerating tissue repair. He is scheduled to rejoin the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday, April 17, ahead of Saturday’s Game 1, though he remains out indefinitely with no confirmed return date. Coach J.J. Redick and team officials continue to emphasize caution to avoid re-injury in what could become a physically demanding first-round series.

A Grade 2 hamstring strain involves partial tearing of muscle fibers, causing significant pain, swelling and weakness without a complete rupture. Standard recovery involves initial rest, inflammation control and progressive rehabilitation, but elite athletes like Doncic often explore advanced options to compress timelines while prioritizing long-term durability.

Sports medicine specialists say the most effective ways to speed recovery include a combination of biologic therapies, structured physical therapy, nutrition optimization, sleep and load management. Doncic’s recent trip to Madrid focused on regenerative approaches more readily available or advanced outside strict U.S. regulations.

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapies top the list of interventions. PRP uses concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood to deliver growth factors that promote healing and reduce inflammation. Stem cell injections, often harvested from bone marrow or adipose tissue, aim to regenerate damaged muscle and tendon tissue. In Europe, doctors can sometimes culture or concentrate these biologics further, potentially enhancing effects compared with standard U.S. protocols where manipulation is more restricted.

A 2022 study on hamstring injuries found that athletes receiving PRP combined with hematoma aspiration returned to play about nine days faster on average — roughly 23.5 days versus 32.4 days with conventional care. While individual results vary, such treatments have helped high-profile athletes shorten soft-tissue recovery windows.

Physical therapy forms the backbone of any accelerated plan. Once acute pain subsides, controlled eccentric exercises strengthen the hamstring while improving flexibility and neuromuscular control. Progressive loading — gradually increasing intensity, volume and sport-specific movements — helps rebuild resilience without overload. Therapists monitor range of motion, strength symmetry and pain levels daily, using tools like isokinetic testing or force plates for objective data.

Doncic’s history with lower-body injuries, including prior hamstring and calf issues, makes careful progression essential. In past recoveries he has spoken about learning to prioritize full healing over rushing back, a lesson that could guide this process. Experts stress avoiding premature return, as re-injury rates for hamstrings can exceed 30 percent in the NBA if athletes test the tissue too soon.

Nutrition and supplementation play supporting roles. Anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants and collagen — think salmon, berries, turmeric and bone broth — help manage swelling. Protein intake supports muscle repair, while adequate hydration and micronutrients like vitamin C, zinc and magnesium aid collagen synthesis. Some athletes add supplements such as tart cherry extract or curcumin, though evidence is mixed and medical supervision is recommended.

Sleep and recovery modalities matter enormously at the elite level. Quality rest allows the body to release growth hormone and repair tissue. Techniques like cryotherapy, compression garments, massage and electrical stimulation can reduce soreness and improve circulation without replacing active rehab. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy or infrared saunas occasionally appear in pro protocols, though scientific backing varies.

Load management is critical for a player like Doncic, whose game relies on explosive changes of direction, deceleration and burst speed. Once cleared for on-court work, ramp-up involves non-contact drills, then limited minutes with monitoring for fatigue or compensatory patterns that could strain other areas like the back or opposite leg. Video analysis and wearable technology help track biomechanics and workload.

Mental preparation cannot be overlooked. Hamstring injuries test patience, especially during playoffs. Sports psychologists help athletes manage frustration, maintain confidence and visualize successful return. Doncic’s competitive drive is legendary, but balancing urgency with smart decision-making will determine whether he can contribute meaningfully if the Lakers advance.

Risks of rushing remain high. Returning before full strength and eccentric control increases chances of compensatory injuries or chronic issues. Medical teams typically require pain-free sprinting, cutting, jumping and at least 90 percent strength symmetry before clearance. Even then, minutes restrictions and monitoring continue.

Doncic’s European treatments reflect a growing trend among NBA stars seeking cutting-edge care abroad. While exact details of his injections remain private, reports indicate multiple sessions focused on biologic enhancement. Upon returning stateside, he will undergo re-evaluation, including imaging and functional testing, to gauge progress.

The Lakers face a tough Houston Rockets squad in the first round starting Saturday. Without Doncic and with Austin Reaves also sidelined by an oblique strain, the team leans heavily on LeBron James and supporting cast. A mid-to-late series return for Doncic could shift dynamics dramatically, but forcing the issue risks derailing both his season and future health.

Longer term, hamstring strains can recur if underlying factors like muscle imbalances, fatigue or training volume are not addressed. Comprehensive off-season programming focusing on posterior chain strength, core stability and mobility will be key for Doncic, who turns 27 later this year and carries a heavy offensive load.

Team medical staff, including physicians, athletic trainers and strength coaches, coordinate every step. Communication between Doncic, his representatives and the Lakers ensures alignment on goals — returning as strong as possible rather than merely as soon as possible.

Fans and analysts continue debating the ideal timeline. Best-case projections with aggressive regenerative care point to a potential return in three to four weeks, possibly late April or early May. Average scenarios land around five weeks, while conservative approaches stretch toward six or more to ensure durability.

Whatever the path, experts agree the foundation remains the same: respect the injury’s biology, follow evidence-based rehab and listen to the body’s signals. Advanced treatments like those Doncic pursued can offer an edge, but they supplement rather than replace diligent physical therapy and smart progression.

As the playoffs begin without him, Doncic’s focus turns to daily gains in the training room and on the practice court. Lakers supporters hope the combination of European innovation, world-class rehab and the Slovenian star’s renowned work ethic can compress the calendar enough to make a difference before the postseason deepens.

In the high-stakes world of NBA recovery, every percentage point of healing counts. For Luka Doncic, the mission is clear — heal smarter, return stronger and help lift the Lakers when the moment arrives.

Mortgage rates fell this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage declined to 6.3% from last week’s reading of 6.37%. 

The average rate on a 30-year loan was 6.83% a year ago.

MIAMI OVERTAKES LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK AS WORLD’S RISKIEST HOUSING MARKET FOR BUBBLE RISK

Realtor Russell Walsh takes a look at a listing by realtor Bryce Garman at Garman’s open house in Dana Point, California, on Aug. 1, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

“Compared to one year ago when rates were at 6.83%, this is a meaningful improvement for homebuyers during what is typically the busy spring homebuying season,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

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The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.65% from last week’s reading of 5.74%.

Mortgage rates are affected by several factors, including the Federal Reserve and geopolitics. Though mortgage rates are not directly affected by the Fed’s interest rate decisions, they closely track the 10-year Treasury yield. The 10-year yield hovered around 4.29% as of Thursday afternoon.

A real estate agent and a prospective buyer stand outside of a home during an open house in Seattle, Washington, on Jan. 18, 2026. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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The decline in mortgage rates follows a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, brokered with help from Pakistan, that was framed by the White House as a step toward broader negotiations.

“The 10-year Treasury yield has eased from last week, and this relief has carried through to mortgage rates,” said Realtor.com senior economist Anthony Smith. “However, the durability of this rate decline hinges on whether the ceasefire holds and evolves into a more lasting resolution. Until there is greater clarity on the geopolitical front, mortgage rate volatility is likely to remain elevated, and any improvement could prove temporary.”