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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Shake it off? Not anymore — Rhode Island floats Taylor Swift Tax on fancy homes sitting pretty and empty
Rhode Island wants to add a new tax to super expensive homes that are often empty and people are calling it the 'Taylor Swift tax' because the pop star owns one of those big vacation houses in the state. This new tax would mostly affect rich people with second homes worth over $1 million. Rhode Island shared its new state budget plans this week. One of the budget ideas is being called the 'Taylor Swift tax' by people online and in the news. According to NBC 10 News, this tax would apply to second or vacation homes valued at over $1 million. Tax is only for homes that stay empty It would only apply if the home is empty for more than half the year. If approved, owners would pay an extra $2.50 for every $500 of the home's value above $1 million. For example, if a vacation home costs $2.5 million and it sits empty, the owner could owe an extra $7,500 a year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 10 Most Beautiful Women In The World OMGIFacts Undo Taylor Swift's Watch Hill home in Rhode Island is valued at $17.75 million, so if the rule takes effect, she could end up paying about $136,000 more in taxes each year. Swift bought the house in 2013 and it has 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and is three floors tall, as per the report by NBC 10 News. The mansion is famous, Swift even had celebrity Fourth of July parties there, and it inspired her song 'The Last Great American Dynasty' from her Folklore album. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors is not happy with the proposal. Live Events Realtors say the plan is bad for buyers The group's president, Chris Whitten, said this plan could make the housing market worse and more expensive. He said, 'Please, don't take from our housing market at the moment to balance the budget for other items, it's going to be detrimental.' Another budget proposal would raise the seller's closing fee, called the conveyance tax, according to NBC 10 News. This fee would increase from $2.30 to $3.75 per $500 of the sale price, a 63% rise. For instance, on an average Rhode Island home priced around $492,939, the fee would jump from about $2,200 to $3,700. Both taxes are meant to help the state make more money, but some people think it will hurt regular home buyers and sellers, not just the rich, as per reports. FAQs Q1. What is the Taylor Swift tax in Rhode Island? It's a proposed tax on second homes worth over $1 million that stay empty for more than half the year. Q2. Why is it called the Taylor Swift tax? Because Taylor Swift owns a $17.75 million vacation home in Rhode Island that could be affected by this tax.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Justin Baldoni can obtain Taylor Swift's private text messages with Blake Lively, judge rules
Taylor Swift has once again found herself reluctantly entangled in Hollywood drama. According to a TMZ report, a judge has ruled that Justin Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, can pursue certain communications between the Cruel Summer hitmaker and her close friend, Blake Lively, amid a heated legal battle over the film It Ends With Us. The report states that Lively, who stars in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name, had urged the court to block Baldoni's team from accessing her private messages with Swift. Lively argued that Baldoni, who also directed the film, was using her high-profile friendship with the Blank Space singer to stir public attention. She further alleged that he and Wayfarer Studios were attempting to deflect from more serious allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. The judge, however, ruled that there could be messages between Swift and Lively relevant to the ongoing dispute. Reportedly, the court assured that any obtained communications would be protected under a confidentiality order to address privacy concerns. Swift's name was first dragged into the matter when Baldoni's legal team subpoenaed her for information. Although the demand was later withdrawn, Lively's representatives insisted the damage had already been done. In a strong statement to TMZ, Blake Lively's representatives criticized Baldoni's 'relentless efforts to exploit Swift's popularity' and asserted that there is no connection between Taylor Swift and the claims made by Lively. They also clarified that the court never ordered Lively to produce new documents, contrary to public belief, and that the A Simple Favour actor had already produced more documents than Wayfarer Studios. Justin Baldoni's team has yet to issue a statement on the court's ruling. According to a BBC report, Justin Baldoni had subpoenaed Taylor Swift in May to provide information regarding claims that the pop star allegedly pressured him to accept script revisions proposed by Blake Lively for the film. Baldoni reportedly stated that he was invited to Lively's New York home in 2023 to discuss the matter in the presence of her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and Swift. In response, Swift's representatives clarified that she had no role in any casting or creative decisions and had never seen an edit or provided notes on the film. ALSO READ: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni feud: Judge rules in favour of It Ends with Us director, her distress case faces setback Yes, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively have been close friends for years. There is no public statement confirming an apology. However, Lively's legal team maintains that Swift is being wrongly used in the case and continues to defend her privacy. While not directly about Lively, Taylor used the names of Blake and Ryan Reynolds' children – James, Inez and Betty – in her song Betty from the Folklore album. Yes, Taylor is close to both Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The trio often spend time together, and Reynolds has expressed admiration for Swift in interviews.
USA Today
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home have been identified
Human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home have been identified Show Caption Hide Caption Taylor Swift's heartwarming visit to a children's hospital Singer Taylor Swift visited the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and met with young patients battling illness. Authorities have identified the human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home. After several outlets reported on the remains last month, the South Kingstown Police Department revealed in a June 13 statement that the remains belonged to 31-year-old Eric Wein of Massachusetts. "After working closely with the Mansfield Police Department and the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners, the South Kingstown Police Department has formally concluded its investigation," the statement read. "No foul play is suspected." "We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wein's family and loved ones during this difficult time," the statement concluded. Wein's remains washed ashore on May 14 in Westerly, Rhode Island, which includes the wealthy enclave of Watch Hill, where Swift owns her sprawling residence. Real estate pushback to 'Taylor Swift tax' begins. Will the charge hit everyday cottages? The home, called "Holiday House," inspired the fan favorite hit song, including "The Last Great American Dynasty" from her 2020 album "Folklore." The home even inspired beloved New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry's newest book, "Great Big Beautiful Life." Henry's book, released April 22, follows Alice and Hayden, two journalists vying for the chance to write a blockbuster celebrity memoir. The "Beach Read" author revealed in an interview earlier this year that she drew the story from several real-life tales, including Swift's 2020 song, which is about her Westerly mansion's previous owner, Rebekah Harkness. "I love that song, and love the story behind it," she told E! News in April. "Every once in a while, I find myself back on the Wikipedia page, just reading through. I just find those kinds of larger-than-life families really, really intriguing." "Holiday House" also inspired possible Rhode Island legislation that would enact a "Taylor Swift tax," officially called the "non-owner-occupied tax," which applies to all residential properties assessed at more than $1 million that do not serve as a primary dwelling. To qualify as a primary residence, an owner has to live there more than half the year, or 183 days. By this criteria, Swift would owe Rhode Island around $136,000 in new taxes on her Watch Hill mansion if a new charge to high-end vacation homes proposed in the House version of the state budget passes. Contributing: Patrick Anderson, Providence Journal; Melina Khan, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England
The Sun
15-06-2025
- The Sun
Abandoned Victorian train station in one of the UK's best places to live is now a popular attraction
UNLESS you're a London local, most Brits won't know there's a four mile public walkway that used to be a bustling train route in the middle of the city. The Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London, with half of it stretching across a disused train line. 4 4 Originally, the track was created in the 1860s as part of the railway line between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. In its heyday, the line carried 60,000 passengers, but when numbers dwindled in 1954 Crouch End station closed its doors after 86 years. Just three years later and the line closed completely to commuters. The track remained open until 1964 for freight traffic. Years later in 1972, the track was taken up and the original plans were for it to be turned into a road. These were later withdrawn and in the early 80s, the Parkland Walk was created. Along the walk are bridges, tunnels and of course platforms that are now used by millions including walkers, joggers, dog-walkers and cyclists. Also along the walk is the abandoned Crouch End station which despite remaining closed, still stands. Walkers have described it as being a "ghost station" as it stands frozen in time with both platforms still in place - but with there are no trains, tracks or ticket office. Very near the old Crouch End station is piece of public art that looks like it's crawling out of the wall. Hidden Victorian train station you can only visit once a month 4 It's a Spriggan, which is a figure from Cornish folklore, and was installed in 1993. Near the other end at Highgate station, there is a disused platform that is now used as a bat reserve - and it's illegal to disturb them. Someone who used the Parkland Walk described it as a "peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of Crouch End/Parkland Walk has become my favourite place to go running." Another said it is a "great retreat" to walk and enjoy nature. You don't have to do the whole walk as there are lots of entry and exit points along the way - including some at Crouch End which in 2023, was declared the best place to live in London by The Times. The judges said that it's grand Victorian houses have been snapped up by celebrities and the "lively North London suburb" has a market town feel. People can explore the walk by joining entrances at Oxford Road near Finsbury Park station, Blythwood Road and Ella Road in Crouch Hill and Holmesdale Road in Highgate. Here are five abandoned train stations that are now beautiful hotels with bedroom carriages and grand lobbies. And this creepy UK train line called 'Necropolis' used to only carried dead passengers – ferrying hundreds of corpses a day.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Suing Taylor Swift Asks Her Attorneys to Help Her in the Case
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kimberly Marasco, the Florida artist suing Taylor Swift for copyright infringement, asked Swift's legal team if they would accept service of the lawsuit on Swift's behalf. Marasco made the request in a motion filed Friday after facing persistent difficulties in locating Swift and being notified that the Florida secretary of state's office was backed up with service requests. Newsweek reached out to Marasco and a representative for Swift for comment. Why It Matters Marasco's inability to serve Swift could result in the lawsuit being dismissed or having Swift dropped from it. In a previous lawsuit, Judge Aileen Cannon agreed to drop Swift as a defendant because Marasco was unable to properly serve her. If Swift is dropped from the suit, Cannon may allow the lawsuit to proceed with the other defendants, which is what she decided in a previous suit. Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24. Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24. Press Association via AP Images What To Know Marasco reported months of unsuccessful attempts using process servers and sheriffs in multiple states to locate and serve Swift with legal documents. Efforts included visits to properties associated with Swift in California, Tennessee, New York and Rhode Island. Security personnel at a California residence denied access to process servers, while a Tennessee sheriff confirmed property ownership but stated Swift did not reside there. In Rhode Island, authorities told a process server they would face arrest for trespassing if they attempted service again. When conventional means failed, Marasco attempted to serve Swift via the Florida secretary of state. This form of substituted service is permitted for defendants who conduct business in the state of Florida, provided that the procedural requirements are met. However, Marasco indicated to the court that the secretary of state's office was experiencing a substantial backlog, further delaying her efforts. Marasco said in an email submitted into court records that she had sent a request for waiver of service via email and certified mail to one of Swift's attorneys, James Douglas Baldridge, on March 28. Marasco asked Swift's attorneys to confirm whether he received the communications in the May 27 email. Katherine Wright Morrone, an attorney for Swift, responded by saying they were not authorized to accept the subpoena on the singer's behalf and informed Marasco that they would oppose her motion. Marasco's suit alleges Swift, collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, Universal Music Group, and Republic Records infringed on her poetry in lyrics and visuals from multiple albums, including Lover, Folklore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Department. Marasco is seeking $25 million in damages. Swift's attorneys have repeatedly denied the allegations in the current and previous lawsuit, arguing for dismissal and noting that Marasco's claims are unsupported and, in many instances, time-barred under federal copyright law. What People Are Saying Kimberly Marasco, in a motion filed Friday: "Plaintiff diligently attempted to serve Defendant Taylor Swift, a high-profile individual with extensive security measure, but personal service has proven impracticable." James Douglas Baldridge and Katie Wright Morrone, in a memorandum filed May 20: "In what is now Plaintiff's second frivolous lawsuit against Artist, Plaintiff has again failed to perfect service. Instead, Plaintiff asks the court for a range of relief without meeting any of the required burdens to show it is warranted." What Happens Next Cannon has yet to rule on Marasco's latest motion. Cannon set June 15 as the deadline for Marasco to serve Swift. The court has ordered all defendants not to respond until everyone has been properly served. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
