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The White House Council of Economic Advisers released an analysis estimating that the United States faces a shortage of roughly 10 million homes. The report argues that easing regulatory burdens could unlock a construction surge, stabilise home prices, expand home‑ownership and accelerate overall economic growth. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders in March directing federal agencies to reduce housing‑regulation costs and to facilitate mortgage lending by smaller banks. Yet, critics note that the administration has been slow to prioritize high housing costs amid falling approval ratings tied to tariffs, the US‑Israel conflict with Iran, and unmet inflation‑reduction promises. Mortgage rates have risen from just under 6 % to 6.37 % for a 30‑year loan, further inflating the cost of home purchase. Trump has publicly defended higher home prices to protect existing owners, stating, “I don’t want to drive housing prices down… I want to drive housing prices up for people that own their homes.” The housing chapter of the annual Economic Report of the President, obtained by the Associated Press, outlines a blueprint showing how increased homebuilding could benefit the middle class and the broader economy, providing a potential political narrative for the president. According to the report, if homebuilding had continued at its pre‑2008 pace, the nation would have **10 million more houses** today. The 2008 crisis, driven by risky lending and a housing bubble, still casts a long shadow. Home prices have surged **82 % since 2000**, while median incomes have risen only **12 %**, a disparity previously softened by historically low mortgage rates. The post‑COVID inflation spike and higher rates have made affordability a top concern for voters under 40. Regulatory costs—dubbed the “bureaucrat tax”—are estimated to add **over $100,000 per new home** through updated building codes, compliance fees and zoning approvals. The report projects that trimming these costs could enable the construction of **up to 13.2 million homes**, potentially delivering an **average 1.3 percentage‑point boost to annual GDP** over the next decade and supporting **two million manufacturing and construction jobs**. One administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that federal funding to states could be tied to regulatory reductions, creating a financial incentive for local governments. The analysis also criticises the green‑energy housing standards introduced under former President Joe Biden, which mandate more efficient HVAC systems and water‑heater requirements. Citing a 2021 National Association of Home Builders study, the report claims these standards could add **up to $31,000** to a new home’s price, with a **payback period of up to 90 years** for homeowners via lower utility bills. While rolling back such standards might lower upfront costs, the report acknowledges potential long‑term utility‑bill increases for owners. Legal challenges further complicate the picture: a Texas federal judge recently sided with 15 Republican‑led states, deeming the Biden‑era standards for federally backed housing **unlawful**. Overall, the White House’s proposal positions regulatory reform as a lever to address the housing deficit, stimulate economic growth, and generate jobs, while navigating the political and environmental trade‑offs inherent in the debate.

In a vivid display of dissent, demonstrators assembled in Paris to condemn a draft law described by opponents as a ‘liberty‑killing’ anti‑Semitism bill. The rally underscored growing concerns that the legislation could erode civil liberties while attempting to combat hate speech. Participants voiced their alarm that the bill’s provisions might set a precedent for broader restrictions on free expression, urging lawmakers to reconsider its wording.

U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Pope Leo XIV on Sunday night, branding the pontiff “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” The criticism was posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, where he asserted he does not want a Pope who “criticises the President of the United States.” The outburst appears to be a direct response to recent statements by Pope Leo that condemned the United States’ involvement in the Israel‑Iran conflict. Last week, the Pope issued a rare rebuke of Trump’s threat to eradicate Iranian civilisation, calling the threat “truly unacceptable.” On Sunday, he further urged world leaders to halt ongoing bloodshed, describing the war‑driving mindset as a “delusion of omnipotence.” Trump’s post also referenced the Pope’s earlier questioning of the administration’s hard‑line immigration stance, noting the pontiff’s remark that such policies might not be “pro‑life.” In his response, Trump demanded that Leo “use common sense,” stop “catering to the radical left,” and focus on being a “great Pope, not a politician.” Adding a personal jab, Trump claimed credit for the Vatican’s selection of the first U.S.-born Pope, suggesting the election was intended to curry favour with the White House. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he wrote, before reiterating that he is “not a big fan” of the pontiff, accusing him of “liking crime” and labeling him “very liberal.” The tension echoes past friction between Trump and the Vatican, notably with Pope Francis, who had previously criticized the president’s immigration proposals and questioned his Christian credentials. Despite the diplomatic spat, Pope Leo is scheduled to commence an 11‑day African tour on Monday, beginning with a historic visit to Muslim‑majority Algeria.

The US political landscape is increasingly dominated by money, with billionaires and corporations spending vast amounts to influence elections and policy. In California, signature collectors are being paid $15 apiece to gather signatures in support of countermeasures against a proposed billionaire tax.The crisis has escalated since the 2010 Citizens United decision, which shredded limits on independent corporate election spending, fueling the growth of cash-flush Super Pacs and anonymous dark money non-profits. In 2024, $1.5bn in Super Pac donations came from organizations that aren’t required to name their donors.The ruling has, on balance, boosted conservatives, with Republicans receiving a four-point electoral bump in states where Citizens United struck down existing bans on corporate donations. Meanwhile, rampant income inequality has fueled a parallel democratic deficit, with the richest 10% of Americans now owning 93% of the stock market.To rebalance the scales, alternatives such as public election financing are being explored, which helped Zohran Mamdani secure his mayoral victory in New York City last year. Currently implemented in 15 states and Washington DC, these programs issue grants, vouchers and matching funds that augment the power of small donations.Citizens United might also be circumvented by novel legal maneuvering, with states holding considerable authority to define the powers they grant to incorporated entities. In Montana, organizers are collecting signatures for a Transparent Election Initiative that would strip corporations of the power to engage in election spending.

King Charles's upcoming visit to the White House to meet with Donald Trump is poised to be a delicate diplomatic situation. The king will have to navigate a complex web of potential insults and controversies, including Trump's past comments about the UK's military assets, his criticism of British politicians, and his unconventional social media posts.Historically, Charles has had his share of awkward encounters with US presidents. During his visit to President Nixon in 1970, officials awkwardly presented Nixon's daughter Tricia as a potential match for the then-young prince. Later, during a visit to Ronald Reagan, Charles was handed a cup of tea with the bag still in it, leaving him unsure of how to proceed.In contrast, Charles's meetings with the Clintons and Bushes were uneventful, and his 2015 meeting with Obama was notable for his frank discussion on climate change, which, although not necessarily polite, was a significant moment.However, the current situation with Trump is particularly challenging. Trump has publicly criticized the UK's military assets, including the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, bearing the names of members of the royal family. Additionally, Trump has made derogatory comments about Pope Francis, which could complicate relations between the US and the Vatican.The king will also have to address Trump's recent social media post featuring an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus, which could be seen as blasphemous or insensitive. Given Trump's unpredictable nature, it's uncertain what he might say or do during the visit.While it would be unprecedented for the king to cancel the visit, the situation is already out of the ordinary. It remains to be seen how Charles will navigate this complex diplomatic situation and maintain the dignity of his office.

England and Spain meet again on Tuesday night in front of more than 70,000 at Wembley in the Women's World Cup 2027 qualifiers. This match comes eight-and-a-half months after they faced off in the Euro 2025 final, which England won.Spain has undergone significant changes since then, with a new head coach, Sonia Bermúdez, and a crop of emerging young players. Despite these changes, they remain unbeaten since the Euros with five wins and a draw in six matches. Bermúdez has already led them to the Nations League title.The visitors have a number of talented young players, including Fiamma Benítez, the 21-year-old Atlético Madrid midfielder, who has made a strong impact with seven goal contributions in the Champions League this season. Another player to watch is Vicky López, the Barcelona winger, who has become a regular starter.England head coach Sarina Wiegman believes that despite the changes, Spain's DNA remains the same: they want to have the ball and play dynamically. Wiegman noted that there might be some tweaks but the principle will be very similar.For England, Leah Williamson is an injury doubt due to a hamstring injury, but she has started training with her international teammates. Keira Walsh is set to win her 100th cap and Wiegman praised her vision and game understanding.England will have to make at least one change from the starting XI that beat Spain in Switzerland, with Ella Toone out injured. Jess Park is likely to start in her place.

The world of teen text abbreviations can be confusing, especially for adults trying to keep up. SYBAU, WYLL, and PMO are just a few examples of the latest abbreviations that have left many grownups scratching their heads.Research by the anagram website Unscramblerer.com has revealed the most confusing examples of teen text abbreviations. SYBAU, for instance, is often mistakenly believed to mean 'stay young, beautiful and unique.' However, its actual meaning is far more explicit: 'shut your bitch ass up.'WYLL is another abbreviation that has sparked curiosity. While some might think it means 'would you levitate lightly,' it actually stands for 'what you look like.' PMO, on the other hand, has two possible meanings: 'put me on' or 'pisses me off.'The list also includes other popular abbreviations like WFH (work from home) and TBH (to be honest). However, not all abbreviations are as straightforward. ASL, for example, is often believed to mean 'age, sex, location,' but research suggests it actually means 'as hell.'The use of text abbreviations has become such an entrenched cultural norm that their use has now ossified, meaning parents no longer have to fear the worst about what their children are communicating. As one commenter joked, 'I will stay young, beautiful and unique. Thank you.'

Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, is set to launch his own publishing imprint, Tucker Carlson Books, in partnership with US-based publisher Skyhorse. The imprint aims to provide a platform for books that might otherwise be censored or shut down.Among the initial titles to be published are Russell Brand's How to Become a Christian in Seven Days, described as a "testimony and guide to a timeless, yet zeitgeist-capturing, grounded, yet psychedelic encounter with Christ." Brand is currently facing charges of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault in the UK, to which he has pleaded not guilty.Another title set to be published is Milo Yiannopoulos's Ex Gay. Yiannopoulos, a controversial "alt-right" commentator, has previously been shunned by publishers due to his contentious views. His 2017 memoir, Dangerous, was canceled by Simon & Schuster after footage surfaced in which he made comments that appeared to condone sex between adult men and underage boys.Carlson, a former Trump supporter and promoter of right-wing conspiracy theories, was reportedly fired from Fox News in 2023. He soon launched his own media company, Tucker Carlson Network, and the imprint is being launched in partnership with this network.Skyhorse publisher Tony Lyons stated that the imprint will give "a platform to things that would, in many cases, be shut down, be censored, and be covered over by propaganda." Carlson emphasized that Lyons is "just looking for books that nobody else will publish."Skyhorse, which was launched in 2006, claims to be one of the fastest-growing independent book publishers in the US. Its previous publications include Woody Allen's memoir Apropos of Nothing and US Secretary of Health and anti-vaccine activist Robert F Kennedy Jr's The Real Anthony Fauci.

Conversations about mundane topics are often dreaded, but research suggests that people enjoy them more than they anticipate. A study involving 1,800 volunteers found that participants enjoyed chatting about dull subjects, such as the stock market or vegan diets, more than they expected. The findings indicate that by avoiding potentially dull exchanges, individuals may miss out on the mood boost and health benefits that come with connecting with others. Elizabeth Trinh, a PhD candidate in management and organisations at the University of Michigan, noted that people tend to underestimate how interesting and enjoyable conversations about boring topics can be. Trinh and her colleagues conducted a series of experiments to gauge how people responded to conversations on dull topics. Participants were asked to predict how much they would enjoy discussing topics they considered boring, and then engage in brief conversations about those topics. The results, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, showed that people consistently found the conversations more enjoyable than they expected. The surprise enjoyment arises because individuals base their expectations on static components, such as the topic and the other person, rather than dynamic components, like the conversation itself. Trinh suggests that people may benefit from lowering the bar for what makes a conversation worth having and reframing conversational goals. Instead of focusing on enjoyment, individuals could think about what they might learn from the conversation. Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioural science at the University of Chicago, added that the fear of a boring conversation shouldn’t prevent people from starting one. “If a conversation is boring once you’re in it, you also have a surprising amount of power to make it better!”