SUMMARY: A recent University of North Florida poll found that 25% of Duval County voters see housing costs as Jacksonville’s top issue, surpassing crime, which ranked second at 12%. Education, transportation, infrastructure, economy, and property taxes followed. Mayor Donna Deegan noted this is the first poll where crime wasn’t the leading concern, crediting Jacksonville’s crime reduction efforts but emphasizing the urgent need to address affordable housing. UNF professor Sean Freeder linked the shift to local economic pressures and national inflation concerns. Deegan said the city plans to add over 4,000 affordable housing units this year and explore new programs and funding to tackle the crisis.

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SUMMARY: “This House,” a new opera premiered at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, explores Black history through a family saga set in a Harlem brownstone. Written by Lynn Nottage and her daughter Ruby Aiyo Gerber, with music by Ricky Ian Gordon, it intertwines events like the Civil War, Great Migration, and AIDS crisis. The story follows descendants debating the fate of their ancestral home, haunted by memories and ghosts. The production blends contemporary themes with history, featuring eight Black characters and rich, emotional performances. Conductor Daniela Candillari and director James Robinson bring a modern, immersive experience to this poignant meditation on heritage and resilience.

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SUMMARY: Far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders withdrew his Party for Freedom from the four-party ruling coalition, triggering a political crisis just weeks before a NATO summit in The Hague. Wilders criticized the government’s failure to enforce stricter migration policies, demanding a 10-point plan including military border control and asylum seeker rejection. The coalition, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, now faces an uncertain future: continuing as a minority government or calling new elections. Other coalition leaders condemned Wilders’ move as irresponsible and self-serving. Wilders’ exit marks another withdrawal from power after similar past disputes, deepening instability amid global challenges.

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