A breast cancer patient died before the Kerala High Court could decide her petition seeking a reduction in the price of a life-saving medicine, even though the case had been listed 57 times. The Supreme Court has now taken suo motu cognisance of the delay and issued notice to the Centre. Cancer Drug Plea Remained Pending for Nearly Four Years The petition was filed in the Kerala High Court in June 2022 by a woman undergoing treatment for b

Senate approves housing affordability bill The US Senate on Monday, June 22, approved a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering housing costs by encouraging new construction, easing permitting rules and limiting the role of large investors in the single-family housing market. The measure, called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, passed in an 85 to 5 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives. If approved there, it will be sent t

A homelessness prevention program that began in Santa Clara County is expanding nationwide with a goal of helping more than 10,000 families avoid eviction and remain stably housed. Nonprofit Destination: Home announced it is partnering with 10 organizations across the United States to replicate a rental assistance and case management model focused on preventing housing instability before it leads to homelessness. The expansion spans large and small cities, rural regions and tribal communities, including sites in Minnesota, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, and Asheville, North Carolina. Through the Right at Home initiative, Destination: Home will work with local partners to implement pilot programs based on its established homelessness prevention framework. The initiative is designed to demonstrate that eviction prevention and supportive services can be effectively scaled and adopted as part of broader housing policy. Destination: Home first launched its homelessness prevention program in 2017 after observing an increase in residents falling into homelessness in Santa Clara County. Backed by private funding, the nonprofit provided rental assistance, case management and supportive services to families at immediate risk of eviction. The approach aimed to stabilize households facing temporary financial crises, helping them maintain housing while addressing underlying challenges. In 2024, Santa Clara County formally incorporated the program into its countywide homelessness strategy and expanded it across the region. Since its launch, nearly 44,000 people in the county have avoided homelessness through the initiative, according to program data. A randomized control trial conducted by the University of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities found that 90 percent of participants who received assistance remained housed two years later, highlighting the long-term impact of early intervention. The national expansion has raised $77 million to date. Under the plan, each participating community will receive at least $5 million over five years, with a target of serving approximately 1,500 households per location. The Lab for Economic Opportunities will collect and analyze data to measure outcomes such as housing stability and economic resilience. Funding partners include Cisco, Sobrato Philanthropies, the Valhalla Foundation and The Audacious Project. Researchers involved in the evaluation say prevention plays a critical role in addressing the affordable housing crisis and rising poverty. Eviction can trigger a chain of negative consequences, including job loss, financial hardship and increased reliance on emergency services. By providing eviction relief and community support before families lose their homes, the program seeks to reduce long-term social and economic costs. For some residents, the program has provided essential support during periods of instability. Desiré Campusano received rental assistance multiple times while navigating job transitions and significant rent increases. The assistance helped her remain housed and later move into an affordable apartment, with continued guidance from a case manager. Advocates argue that as unemployment and economic pressures affect households nationwide, homelessness prevention must be prioritized alongside emergency response systems. Supporters of the initiative say investing in rental assistance and case management before a crisis escalates offers a more stable and cost-effective solution to housing insecurity. By expanding its model nationally, Destination: Home aims to build momentum for broader federal funding dedicated to preventing homelessness before it begins.

A proposal to create a new income tax bracket for Virginia’s highest earners is advancing through the General Assembly, with supporters arguing that the measure could generate significant new revenue for public schools, child care programs and affordable housing initiatives across the state. House Bill 188, introduced by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, who represents Virginia Beach’s 96th House District, would establish a higher tax rate beginning in the 2026 tax year. Under the proposal, individuals earning more than $1 million annually would pay a 10 percent tax on income exceeding that threshold. Lawmakers backing the bill say the change would modernize Virginia’s tax structure and target additional contributions from the state’s wealthiest residents. Currently, Virginia uses a relatively flat income tax system in which all income above $17,000 is taxed at a rate of 5.75 percent. Advocates for the legislation contend that the structure places a proportionally heavier burden on middle-income families while allowing top earners to pay the same marginal rate. By creating a new bracket, they argue, the state can make its tax policy more progressive while securing funds for critical public needs. The bill specifies how revenue from the higher tax rate would be distributed. Half of the additional funds would go toward increased basic aid for public schools, a move intended to help districts address teacher shortages, classroom resources and rising operational costs. Thirty percent of the new revenue would be directed to the Child Care Subsidy Program, which assists working families with the cost of care and aims to expand access for low- and moderate-income households. The remaining 20 percent would be allocated to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing development and homelessness prevention efforts. Supporters say the targeted investments could strengthen education, improve workforce participation and address housing shortages that have affected communities statewide. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential impacts on business competitiveness and the possibility that higher-income residents could relocate, affecting overall tax collections. Those debates are expected to continue as the measure moves through committee review. In addition to the new tax bracket, HB 188 includes several technical amendments intended to align existing statutes with the proposed changes. The bill remains under consideration in committee, where lawmakers will determine whether it advances to a full vote in the House and Senate. If approved, the policy would mark one of the most significant adjustments to Virginia’s income tax system in decades and could reshape how the state funds key services tied to education, child care and housing.

Ticket registration for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles opens on January 14 at 9 a.m. Central Time and will remain available until March 18. Fans who sign up within this window at the official registration site will be entered into a lottery system. Notifications will be sent starting March 31 to indicate assigned time slots for ticket purchases. Those selected in the lottery will be able to begin purchasing tickets on April 2. The initial purchasing window, running from April

Congress adjourned for the year without renewing enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, a decision expected to significantly affect health coverage across Ohio beginning in 2026. State health policy analysts warn that as many as 140,000 Ohio residents could lose insurance coverage as premiums rise sharply following the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025. The Affordable Care Act has provided premium tax credits since 2014 to help eligible individuals a

India’s housing finance sector is witnessing a strategic shift as lenders begin treating defence personnel as a separate borrower category rather than grouping them under standard salaried profiles. With urban housing demand cooling and competition intensifying in metro markets, lenders are increasingly turning to defence families as stable, long-term borrowers who require customised solutions rather than generic home loan products. This change in approach has been highlighted by

AUSTIN, Texas – Authorities are investigating a large overnight fire that erupted at an affordable housing development under construction in Southeast Austin, causing widespread damage and prompting concern among nearby residents. The Austin Fire Department reported that the intensity of the flames forced crews to take a defensive approach, battling the blaze from the outside due to rapidly growing heat and structural instability. The incident occurred at a building site along Sou

Open enrollment for Covered California began Monday with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joining state and local officials in encouraging residents to enroll early in health coverage. The new enrollment period opens against a backdrop of financial uncertainty, as ongoing federal funding debates threaten to reshape the affordability of health insurance for millions across the state. This year’s enrollment marks a critical moment for the state’s health care marketplace. Covered Calif

Dublin, California — The City of Dublin is inviting residents to attend two public Zoom meetings to learn more about the proposed Sunflower Hill at Grace Pointe, a 60-unit affordable housing project designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The development, a partnership between Sunflower Hill and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA), aims to provide long-term independent living opportunities while enhancing accessibility and inclusion in the Tri-Valley

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential figures in modern American politics, announced her retirement Thursday morning in a video message to her constituents. Pelosi, a Democrat from California who made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, confirmed she will not seek re-election in 2026, closing a chapter on a congressional career that has spanned nearly four decades. “San Francisco, know your power,” Pelosi said in her recorded message.

Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has made history by becoming the first Indian-origin and Muslim woman to be elected as Lieutenant Governor in the United States. Her victory in Virginia marks a major milestone in American politics, as she defeated Republican candidate John Reid in a closely watched race. The win also cements her place as one of the most prominent voices for progressive causes, including education, gun reform, and women’s rights. Hashmi, who previously became the first Musl

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey — The race to become Jersey City’s next mayor is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, featuring a diverse lineup of seven candidates, including former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. Each contender is offering distinct visions for the city’s future, with housing affordability, development, and integrity in governance emerging as central themes in the campaign. McGreevey, once a prominent figure in state politics, is attempt

A property collective known as Petra, which manages three apartment complexes in Washington, D.C., has been ordered to pay $700,000 after being found liable in a housing discrimination lawsuit. The legal action accused Petra of intentionally discriminating against lower-income residents in order to boost profits, violating several District housing laws. The outcome represents a significant step in the city’s continuing efforts to ensure equal access to affordable housing and to hold landlords

A plan to build one of Cupertino’s first 100 percent affordable housing projects, designed to support some of the community’s most vulnerable residents, has stirred opposition from neighbors concerned about safety and parking. The proposed project, located along Mary Avenue, aims to create 40 affordable homes on a 0.79-acre site. Out of these, 19 homes would be reserved for adults and families with children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, while 20 u

Performance & Range The Chevrolet Bolt (recent model specs) is powered by a ~200-hp electric motor and offers an EPA-rated range of about 259 miles on a full charge in optimal conditions. The Nissan Leaf, in its current generation, typically comes wit

Choosing between leasing and buying an electric vehicle (EV) is one of the most important decisions for today’s eco-conscious drivers. Both options come with their own financial and lifestyle advantages, making it essential to evaluate which path fits your personal needs. Leasing an EV offers lower upfront costs and smaller monthly payments compared to buying. It’s an attractive option if you prefer driving

EV vs hybrid cars – which is better for city driving? This is one of the most common questions for urban commuters looking to balance cost, convenience, and sustainability. Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed for zero tailpipe emissions, quiet rides, and lower long-term running costs. They are especially effective in city environments where daily commutes are shorter, traffic is frequent, and access to charging points is easier. With regenerative braking

Buying your first car is an exciting milestone, but figuring out the financial side of things can feel overwhelming. A car loan can make your dream of owning a vehicle a reality, but without the right knowledge, first-time buyers may face high interest rates, hidden fees, or unfavorable loan terms. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing the right car loan so you can make a confident, informed decision. From understanding your credit score and how

Finding a reliable and stylish car doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. The Guide to the Best Budget-Friendly Cars of 2025 highlights the most affordable new models that combine practicality, efficiency, and modern features at prices everyday buyers can appreciate. With rising costs across the auto market, these vehicles prove that budget-friendly choices can still deliver value, comfort, and advanced technology.