In response to the powerful tornadoes that swept through parts of Kentucky last week, a dedicated team of 28 volunteers from Ohio, including residents from Blacklick and New Albany, mobilized quickly to bring relief to communities left devastated by the disaster. These volunteers, affiliated with the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, were among the first to arrive in some of the hardest-hit areas around London, Kentucky, delivering both ess

The Democratic Party is raising strong objections to President Donald Trump’s newly proposed tax and immigration legislation, warning that it will severely impact Medicaid funding and disproportionately hurt blue states and cities like New York City, Newark, and Jersey City. The bill, detailed on Sunday, May 11, is already becoming one of the most contentious legislative efforts of Trump’s current agenda, and it has reignited heated national debates around healthcare, tax reform,

An estimated 1,500 people lined up on Monday across Fairfax County to pay their respects to Congressman Gerry Connolly, whose passing last week marked the end of a decades-long career in public service. The long lines and heartfelt tributes reflected not only his political influence but also the deep personal connections he built throughout Northern Virginia. Gerry Connolly died at age 75 after battling cancer. He had served the region in various leadership roles, first on the Fai

President Donald Trump commemorated Memorial Day by honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen military personnel during a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Standing before a crowd gathered at the hallowed site, Trump delivered a passionate and emotional speech, describing the fallen as “great, great warriors” and “America’s best and bravest.” His tribute was marked by reverence, personal stories of heroism, and a brief moment of poli

Santa Clara County is facing a significant structural budget deficit heading into the 2025-26 fiscal year, compelling leaders to make hard choices that could affect critical social services. With a projected $70 million drop in federal funding, plus anticipated state reductions, county officials are navigating how to minimize the damage to essential programs that serve the most vulnerable residents. One of the major outcomes of the budget proposal is the elimination of 279 full-ti

In a landmark economic achievement, India has officially become the world’s 4th largest economy, overtaking Japan, according to recent data shared by government officials and confirmed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The development comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s ambitious goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the milestone on social media platform X, stati

As Memorial Day 2025 approaches, many Americans prepare for a long weekend filled with family gatherings, outdoor activities, and last-minute shopping. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or simply want to stock up on supplies, knowing which stores and restaurants are open or closed is essential. Here's a detailed roundup of what will be operating across the U.S. on Memorial Day and which places you’ll want to plan ahead for. Several major retailers will r

A major water and wastewater utility serving the East Bay is preparing to vote on a proposed rate increase aimed at funding critical upgrades to century-old infrastructure. The plan, if approved, would raise rates by 13% over two years for water customers and 17% for wastewater customers, with the changes set to begin in July. Customers can expect their average monthly water bill to increase by approximately $8, with wastewater bills rising just over $4. The additional revenue wil

President Trump’s newly introduced legislative proposal, titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has sparked significant reactions both domestically and internationally. Calling it the most significant piece of legislation in the history of the country, President Trump urged the Senate to pass it quickly after its narrow approval in the House of Representatives by a margin of 215–214. The bill sets forth comprehensive reforms including tax restructuring, reduced feder

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the inaugural session of the Rising North East Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, declared the Northeast region of India as the most diverse and dynamic contributor to the nation’s development. Highlighting its multifaceted significance, he stated that from trade and tradition to textiles and tourism, Northeast India exemplifies true diversity and strength within the country. The two-day summit, held on May 23rd and 24th, aims

In a surprise development, the Senate has passed the No Tax on Tips Act, giving swift legislative approval to a key piece of President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax agenda. Championed as a promise to working-class Americans during Trump’s re-election campaign, the bill provides a significant tax break for service industry workers who receive tips. The legislation, introduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, gained bipartisan support, including from Democratic Senators Jacky Rose

San Jose is taking major steps to ramp up housing development by expanding financial incentives aimed at drawing more residential builders into the city. In a unanimous vote on May 13, city leaders approved a boost to its multifamily housing incentive program, increasing the cap on eligible new homes from 1,500 to 1,800 units. Under this initiative, developers can qualify for a 50% reduction in commercial, residential, mobile home park, and building and structure taxes through the end of the yea

JPMorgan has unveiled its 2025 Summer Reading List, a curated selection of 16 books that delve into themes of happiness, resilience, artificial intelligence, and the future of global finance. Now in its 26th year, this annual list is compiled from over 1,000 suggestions by JPMorgan's client advisors and refined by a dedicated review committee. The list serves as a guide for the affluent seeking insightful and transformative reads during the summer months. Darin Oduyoye, Chi

The United States Senate has taken a major step toward regulating stablecoins, a rapidly expanding segment of the cryptocurrency market. In a procedural vote on Monday, the Senate voted 66-32 to advance a bill designed to establish a federal regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers, marking a significant development in a legislative process that had previously stalled due to political tensions. Stablecoins are digital currencies tied to tangible assets such as the US dollar or

Japan's economy contracted in the first quarter of 2025 for the first time in a year, and the decline was sharper than expected. This latest data highlights the fragile nature of the country's recovery, now under added pressure from anticipated US trade actions that threaten to weigh further on exports and consumer sentiment. According to newly released government statistics, Japan’s real gross domestic product (GDP) shrank at an annualized rate of 0.7% from January

Markets across the globe rallied after a major breakthrough in US-China trade relations led to a temporary easing of tariffs, injecting optimism into an environment recently weighed down by economic uncertainty. A new agreement between the two economic giants saw both sides commit to a 90-day reduction in tariffs, effectively pausing years of escalating trade hostilities. The United States agreed to cut tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China responded by lowering its tariffs on

When Ali Shirkhodaei arrived in the United States from Iran in 2006, he had no idea how difficult life would be as a new immigrant, even with a molecular biology degree. At 28 years old, he faced a long and discouraging year of unemployment, struggling to land any job in a foreign land. But what he did know was that he wanted to build a life that reflected the kindness he grew up with in the streets of Tehran. Almost two decades later, that spirit continues to define his journey, now as the o

The way you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. A slow or chaotic beginning can affect your physical energy, mental clarity, and emotional balance. On the other hand, a few mindful and consistent morning practices can give your metabolism the boost it needs and lift your mood in subtle but powerful ways. While no routine fits all, there are foundational rituals supported by both modern wellness practices and biological rhythms that can make mornings more energizing and

Despite relentless rainfall on Tuesday evening, thousands of people stood united along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the 37th Annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Candlelight Vigil. The solemn event served as a poignant tribute to police officers across the nation who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Families, friends, and fellow officers braved the weather, carrying candles and standing quietly as the names of the deceased were read aloud, one after another.

House Republicans have unveiled a sweeping new tax proposal dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” aligning with President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promises. The bill includes major tax breaks for workers, significant penalties for elite educational institutions, and the introduction of a 5% tax on money transfers sent abroad, a move likely to impact immigrant families across the country. The proposed legislation eliminates federal income taxes on tips and o