The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote Wednesday evening on a bill that would officially bring an end to the longest government shutdown in American history. According to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the process to move the legislation forward will begin late in the afternoon, with the final vote expected to take place around 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Speaking to reporters, Scalise emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that lawmakers must act

City officials in Columbus, Ohio have announced a sweeping increase in utility rates — including water, sewer, stormwater and electric services — as part of a broader infrastructure strategy aimed at ensuring safe tap water, accommodating future growth and reinforcing drought resilience. The proposed package would represent the largest adjustment in recent years and positions the city to meet both current demands and long-term capital needs. According to municipal sources, inflation and