In a significant move to combat homelessness in the Austin area, Travis County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved an $11.5 million contract to help fund a new affordable housing project. The contract, awarded to the Austin Area Urban League, supports the nonprofit’s Urban Empowerment Zone I, a supportive housing development that will bring 80 new affordable units for adults along with vital on-site services.

Palo Alto is taking steps toward a significant transformation of its downtown neighborhood through a new housing plan that targets increased residential development in the city’s transit-rich areas. For years, the downtown region has seen almost no new housing, adding only seven units since 2013 while also losing dozens of apartments due to conversions. Now, with the approval of an ambitious Housing Element and funding of $800,000 from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, city le

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the global spread of smart devices, many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are growing increasingly concerned about digital privacy and data security. From smart TVs to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home, these devices offer convenience—but at what cost? Are they quietly listening, watching, and recording your private moments? In this article, we explore the top AI privacy concerns NRIs face, how smart devices collect data, and what y

In a decisive move to expand its housing stock and reshape its urban landscape, Palo Alto has approved a 368-unit apartment complex on El Camino Real, at the former location of a long-time restaurant. This development is one of the city’s most significant recent housing projects and reflects a shifting approach toward accommodating higher-density residential buildings along major corridors. The project, located at 3150 El Camino Real and led by Acclaim Companies, symbolizes

A major court ruling has secured rent refunds for more than 2,500 tenants of a large rent-controlled apartment complex in Ward 8, following years of substandard living conditions and widespread building neglect. The decision marks a significant legal and financial victory for residents who endured unsafe and unhealthy housing while ownership failed to comply with mandated repairs. The case involves a long-standing dispute over a residential complex formerly known as Marbury Plaza.

Residents of the Birchwood at Fairmount Hotel senior living complex in Jersey City are grappling with the unsettling possibility of being temporarily relocated from their homes. Ingerman Development Company, the owner of the property, has announced a major rehabilitation plan for the aging facility, slated to begin in September. While the upgrades are being lauded as necessary to ensure safe and modern living conditions, the process has sparked concerns among the elderly residents and their f

The tech industry is buzzing with innovation, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) is at the forefront of this transformation. In the USA, young Indian entrepreneurs are leading the way, launching successful AI startups that are shaping the future of technology. With a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, these young adults are making waves in the AI ecosystem. Why AI? Why Now? AI is everywhere, from healthcare to finance, and its

An Indian student, Charanpreet Singh, was severely injured in a racially motivated assault in Adelaide, Australia, on July 19, 2025. Singh, 23, had been out with his wife to see the city’s light displays when they were attacked near Kintore Avenue. After parking their car, the couple was surrounded by a group of five men who suddenly jumped out of another vehicle and launched an unprovoked attack on Singh. The attackers, reportedly armed with metal knuckles or sharp objects, viciously s

Homeowners looking to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Dublin now have a golden opportunity to offset construction costs. Thanks to the Senate District 7 ADU Accelerator Program, residents can qualify for rebates of up to $15,000 to encourage small-unit construction and ease the local housing crisis. How the Rebate Works The total funding pool of

An Oakland neighborhood recently witnessed a dramatic transformation as 51 volunteers joined together to remove over 21 tons of illegally dumped garbage from streets and sidewalks in the Wood Street area. The effort targeted the intersection of 24th and Wood Street, a site long plagued by trash piles, abandoned items, and public safety concerns. The cleanup marked a significant step toward reclaiming the area for residents and rebuilding community pride. Though the vibrant graffit

Santa Clara is advancing a comprehensive two-year plan aimed at reducing homelessness across the city by increasing shelter capacity, expanding outreach services, and supporting unsheltered residents through a range of targeted programs. The Santa Clara City Council recently reviewed a draft work plan that proposes 34 projects and initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness more effectively and sustainably. The plan includes building a new 90-bed shelter for families, piloting

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in Texas, obtaining a driver’s license is a vital step towards settling down and gaining mobility. Whether you have just moved to the state or are planning to drive as a resident, understanding the process of acquiring a Texas driver’s license is essential. While the procedure can seem complex for NRIs, it is fairly simple once you know the steps and gather the required documents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the proces

When moving to the USA, one of the first decisions NRIs need to make is where to live. Should you go for shared housing or rent a full apartment? Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Let’s break down both options so you can make the best choice based on your budget and lifestyle. Shared Housing for NRIs: A More Affordable Option

Santa Clara County property values have reached a historic high, with the total net assessed value of real estate and personal property now approaching $726 billion. This rise, however, comes with a significant caveat: it reflects the county’s slowest year of growth in more than a decade. Economic uncertainty, mounting construction costs, and a steep drop in demand for commercial space have created strong headwinds for the region's development. Despite the record-setting

Securing a lease in the United States can be challenging for individuals without a US credit score, especially for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) who are new to the country. However, not having a credit history in the US doesn’t mean renting a home is impossible. Several strategies and alternatives can help you secure a lease and navigate the rental market effectively. Understand the Rental Market

San Jose has updated its long-standing rent control policy to clearly include recreational vehicles (RVs) located on mobile home lots, following disputes over illegal rent increases by mobile park landlords. The clarification addresses recent cases where property owners raised rents beyond legal limits, claiming RVs were not covered under the city’s mobile home ordinance. The rent control regulation, which has been in effect for over 40 years, prohibits rent increases of mor

NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) looking for housing in Texas can fall victim to scams. These frauds target those unfamiliar with local markets or unable to inspect properties in person. Here are the top 3 scams to watch out for and how to avoid them. 1. Phantom Rental Listings How It Works: Fraudsters post fake listings on websites like Craigslist, Zillow, or Facebook Marketplace. They ask for an upfront deposit or rent through untraceable methods after the NRI

As home prices continue to climb and the dream of owning a house feels increasingly distant for many Americans, a special event in Columbus aimed to help residents bridge the gap between aspiration and action. The Homebuyer Resource Fair, a collaborative effort between Fifth Third Bank, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and COCIC-Franklin County Land Bank, offered attendees a comprehensive introduction to the homebuying process, financial literacy, and the tools needed to take c