US President Donald Trump indicated that his administration is prepared to examine new tariffs on a range of agricultural imports, including Canadian fertiliser and Indian rice, after American farmers raised concerns that low-priced foreign goods were eroding their competitiveness. The comments came during a roundtable discussion at the White House, where the President unveiled a $12 billion support package intended to cushion farmers from mounting price pressures and market volatility. Througho

The Reserve Bank of India has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down from 5.5% to 5.25%. This marks a total reduction of 125 basis points in 2025, sparking fresh hope among homebuyers for affordable loan EMIs as banks prepare to revise lending rates. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which met on December 3, 4 and 5, voted unanimously after assessing inflation control, liquidity status and growth expectations. Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed the move, addin

The Department of Government Efficiency has rejected claims that it was quietly dissolved months before the end of its contract, calling recent reports inaccurate and misleading. The agency, known for its focus on reducing federal spending and reviewing large segments of the government’s budget, responded after speculation arose regarding its operational status. A recent report had cited an unnamed United States official asserting that the department “doesn’t exist,” prompting widespr

The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear a high-profile dispute over the early termination of federal COVID-19 unemployment benefits, a decision that could determine whether roughly $900 million in aid will finally reach hundreds of thousands of residents. The case centers on Gov. Mike DeWine’s 2021 decision to withdraw the state from the federal program that provided an additional $300 per week to eligible jobless workers during the height of the pandemic. Lower courts have concluded that

India has signed its first structured, long-term contract to import liquefied petroleum gas from the United States, marking what government officials describe as a major turning point in the country’s energy sourcing strategy. The announcement comes at a time when global energy markets remain highly volatile and nations are increasingly seeking diversified, stable supply lines. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the agreement will help safeguard India’s fuel supply du

Cook County property owners are finally set to receive their long-delayed second installment property tax bills, with officials confirming that 1.8 million bills are expected to be mailed by Friday. The bills, which are normally delivered during the summer, will carry a due date of December 15, marking the end of a months-long delay that left many residents uncertain about their financial planning for the year. The delay stems from an extensive modernization of Cook County’s aging

The longest government shutdown in United States history has finally come to an end, but the deep wounds it has inflicted across the economy and federal systems will not heal anytime soon. Though President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to reopen the government after a record 43 days, the aftershocks continue to ripple through essential sectors. With another possible shutdown looming on January 30, the reprieve may be only temporary, leaving the nation bracing for renewed political and econo

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

If you’ve filed your income tax return and are still waiting for your refund, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers in India experience refund delays even months after filing. The good news is that under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the government must pay interest on delayed refunds provided the delay isn’t caused by the taxpayer. The interest rate is fixed at 0.5% per month or 6% per annum, calculated as simple interest on the refundable amount. Interest begins from

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

A senior pharmaceutical executive collapsed during an Oval Office event where former U.S. President Donald Trump was announcing a new initiative to reduce the prices of obesity drugs. The incident caused a sudden interruption to the live broadcast of the announcement, which was centered on a major agreement between the Trump administration and leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. According to eyewitnesses, the executive, later identified as Gordon Findlay of Novo Nordisk, lost his

As the government shutdown drags on, becoming the longest in U.S. history, its effects are rippling through communities in unexpected ways. While much of the national attention has focused on food insecurity and housing struggles, a quieter crisis is unfolding — women across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic feminine hygiene products. In Rockville, Maryland, nonprofit founder Dana Marlowe has witnessed this need firsthand. Marlowe, who started I

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced significant flight reductions across 40 major U.S. airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway, beginning Friday. The move comes as the agency struggles to maintain safety standards during what has become the longest government shutdown in American history, now stretching into its 37th day. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned earlier this week that the continued shutdown could cause “mass chaos, cancellati

The district has revised its proposed plan to close several schools, confirming that three campuses—Palm Elementary, Bryker Woods Elementary, and Maplewood Elementary—will no longer be part of the closure list. The announcement came through a letter dated November 4 from Superintendent Matias Segura to the community, explaining the decision to modify the timeline and focus. The superintendent emphasized that while the closure list has changed, the district remains committed to its long-term

The annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, a long-standing tradition honoring American servicemen and women, has been canceled this year due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The decision, described as deeply disappointing but unavoidable, has affected veterans’ families, volunteers, and community members who look forward to the heartfelt event each year. Every November, volunteers gather at the DFW National Cemetery to place thousands o

SPRINGFIELD — In a decisive move to address a looming financial crisis in the state’s transportation network, Illinois lawmakers approved a new $1.5 billion public transit funding bill in the early hours of Friday morning. The legislation, passed during the final moments of the veto session, aims to secure the future of Chicago’s major transit systems and prevent what officials described as a potential “fiscal cliff.” The new measure, which avoids the more controversial st

WASHINGTON — Thousands of District residents could soon lose critical dental and vision benefits as Washington, D.C. prepares to overhaul its Medicaid program starting January 1, 2026. The city’s decision to reduce Medicaid eligibility and transition many enrollees into a new system known as the Healthy DC Plan has sparked deep concern among healthcare providers and community advocates. The upcoming changes follow a decision to lower the income threshold for Medicaid eligibility

With Governor Gavin Newsom signing Senate Bill 63, known as the Connect Bay Area Transit Act, a major regional push to secure the future of public transportation in Northern California has officially begun. The bill, signed on October 13, authorizes a voter initiative for a 14-year regional sales tax measure that would appear on the November 2026 ballot. The proposal seeks to generate billions in funding to sustain and expand Bay Area transit networks, including BART, Caltrain, and the Valley

New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that the American sanctions imposed on Iran will not affect the Chabahar Port project, a critical component of India’s regional connectivity and trade strategy. The confirmation underscores New Delhi’s commitment to maintaining strategic investments in the port, even as it continues its dialogue with the United States on broader trade and diplomatic issues. The Chabahar Port, located on Iran’s southeastern c

More than 140,000 Central Texans are expected to lose access to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the government shutdown continues. With funding for the program now exhausted, officials have confirmed that no payments will be issued for the month of November. The loss of this essential aid will leave thousands of families across the region struggling to afford basic groceries and necessities, pushing many to seek emergency food assistance. According t