Green card holders will no longer be eligible for government-backed small business loans in the United States beginning March 1, 2026, following a policy change by the US Small Business Administration that tightens citizenship and residency requirements for borrowers. The revised rules limit access to key SBA lending programs exclusively to US citizens and nationals who maintain their principal residence within the country or its territories, effectively barring lawful permanent residents from participation. According to an official policy notice issued in early February, the agency updated its Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 8, the framework that governs lender and development company loan programs. The revision rescinds earlier procedural guidance that permitted limited ownership by foreign nationals or certain residents living outside the United States. Under the new language, every direct and indirect owner of a small business applicant must meet the citizenship criteria. The SBA said the updated rules require 100 percent of ownership interests in any applicant or borrowing entity to be held by eligible US citizens or nationals. As a result, even minority ownership by a legal permanent resident will disqualify a company from receiving SBA-backed financing. The policy applies broadly to applicants, operating companies, and entities tied to the loan structure, leaving little flexibility for mixed-ownership businesses. The change is expected to affect a wide range of small and early-stage firms that rely on SBA loans for working capital, equipment purchases, and expansion. Many startups and family-owned enterprises depend on these lending programs because they offer lower interest rates and government guarantees that make financing more accessible. With the new restrictions in place, businesses that include green card holders among their owners may need to reconsider ownership arrangements or seek alternative sources of credit from private lenders. Agency officials indicated that the revisions align loan eligibility standards with existing federal regulations and a recent executive directive emphasizing stricter residency compliance. The policy will take effect for all new applications submitted on or after the effective date. Existing and prospective borrowers are being advised to review their ownership structures carefully to ensure continued eligibility under the updated requirements. The move marks a significant shift in how federal small business lending programs define qualification, narrowing access to public funds and reshaping the financing landscape for immigrant entrepreneurs. As the implementation date approaches, legal and financial advisers expect increased demand for guidance from affected business owners who must evaluate their options within the new framework.

Melissa Gilbert publicly reflected on the lasting impact of child exploitation in the entertainment industry weeks before her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, became the subject of an arrest warrant linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors in New Mexico. According to an arrest warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department on January 9, authorities allege that Busfield, 68, engaged in unlawful sexual contact with two 11-year-old twin boys. The identities of the minors have not been released. One of the children reportedly told investigators that the alleged conduct began when he was seven years old. The warrant outlines two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The warrant was issued following a lengthy investigation that began in November 2024, after a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted law enforcement regarding possible sexual abuse. Investigators were informed that the boys were child actors who had met Busfield while working on the television series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as a director during its production run from 2022 through 2025. The children’s parents told police that medical professionals raised concerns that the boys may have been groomed. At the time, officials determined the case did not meet the criteria for further action. The matter resurfaced in October 2025, when the children’s mother filed a formal police report and contacted Child Protective Services, stating that both boys disclosed abuse allegedly occurring between November 2022 and spring 2024. She was later informed that without evidence of physical injury, additional steps could not be taken at that stage. During interviews with investigators, Busfield reportedly denied the allegations and suggested the parents were motivated by frustration after their children were replaced by another actor. Shortly thereafter, he was notified by a studio that an internal inquiry had been initiated following a complaint. The warrant also notes that Busfield had been accused of sexual assault in a separate matter in 1994, though no charges were filed at that time. Weeks before the warrant became public, Gilbert, 61, shared a personal message on social media reflecting on her own experiences as a minor working in television. In the post, she described revisiting images from her teenage years and confronting the reality that she had been expected to portray romantic scenes with significantly older co-stars. Writing through a modern lens, Gilbert emphasized that she was a child at the time and expressed gratitude that trusted adults were present to protect her, while acknowledging that many young performers are not afforded similar safeguards. Her comments were part of a broader response to public discourse surrounding the minimization of child sexual exploitation. Gilbert cautioned against language that downplays abuse and urged greater care when discussing crimes involving minors. Gilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013 and have spoken publicly about their long relationship, which began after reconnecting in 2012. In April of last year, Gilbert marked their wedding anniversary with a social media tribute highlighting their family life and creative partnership. Representatives for both Gilbert and Busfield have not issued public statements regarding the arrest warrant. The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrest had been made as of the warrant’s issuance. Authorities have emphasized that the allegations are claims and that Busfield is entitled to due process as the legal proceedings move forward. Law enforcement officials continue to encourage anyone with information related to child abuse to report concerns to appropriate authorities, noting that early reporting can be critical in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Several casualties are feared after a major road accident on the Delhi–Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district during the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, following a collision triggered by dense fog. The incident occurred around 4 am when visibility on the high-speed corridor dropped sharply due to heavy fog, leading to multiple vehicles crashing into each other and catching fire. Eyewitness accounts and visuals from the scene indicate that several vehicles, inc

Novak Djokovic captured yet another milestone in his illustrious career on Saturday, claiming his 101st ATP singles title after a gripping three-set victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens. The 38-year-old Serbian, who continues to redefine longevity in tennis, battled for more than three hours to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win that tested both players to their physical and mental limits. The final was a showcase of resilience,

The historic Kelton House Museum & Garden in Columbus, Ohio, has been declared unsafe after a gas explosion and fire earlier this week caused extensive structural damage. City officials said that while the landmark is not in immediate danger of collapse, the building sustained significant harm, forcing authorities to restrict access as restoration assessments begin. Built in 1852, the Kelton House holds a unique place in Ohio’s history as part of the Underground Railroad, wher

A devastating explosion rocked the historic Kelton House Museum and Garden in downtown Columbus on Monday afternoon following a powerful gas leak that led to widespread destruction. Officials described the incident as “catastrophic,” with several structures around the museum completely leveled. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and all firefighters who responded to the scene were confirmed safe. According to fire officials, crews responded to reports of a gas leak aroun

Indian-origin telecom executive Bankim Brahmbhatt, once celebrated as one of the top 100 global leaders in telecommunications, is now at the center of a massive $500 million financial fraud case in the United States. Brahmbhatt, the Gujarat-born CEO of US-based telecom companies Broadband Telecom and Bridgevoice under the Bankai Group, is being sued by HPS Investment Partners — the private credit arm recently acquired by global investment giant BlackRock. The case has shocked both

DALLAS — A late-night carbon monoxide scare prompted a swift response from Dallas Fire-Rescue after dangerous gas levels were detected inside a residential building in the Bishop Arts District. Authorities confirmed that hazardous materials (HazMat) crews were deployed to the Davis Building in the Oak Cliff area following reports of a carbon monoxide alarm just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found several residents evacuating as alarms so

A horrific bus accident on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route claimed 12 lives when a Volvo bus caught fire near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh during the early hours of Friday. The Kaveri Travels bus, carrying around 40 passengers, began its journey from Hyderabad at midnight. Around 3:30 am, it collided with a two-wheeler near Ullindakonda on NH-44, leading to a spark that quickly engulfed the vehicle in flames. Within minutes, the fire spread throughout the AC bus, leaving passengers trapped as many

Less than a week after being convicted of murdering her fifth husband with insulin, Texas resident and former military veteran Sarah Hartsfield has filed an appeal to overturn her conviction and requested a new trial. The 50-year-old Chambers County woman was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years, following swift jury deliberations that concluded her fate. Her case has drawn widespread attention due to the unusual nature of the crime, her multiple marriages,

At least 20 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan. The tragic incident occurred on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway when the vehicle, carrying 57 passengers, was engulfed in flames shortly after smoke was seen emerging from its rear section. According to local authorities, the bus had departed Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. and was en route to Jodhpur when the driver noti

Residents on Columbus’ west side are voicing growing concerns that emergency response times are lagging behind the city’s rapid pace of development. In neighborhoods such as Scioto Woods, once a quiet residential area off Trabue Road, new apartment complexes are springing up at a record rate — and so are fears that police, fire, and ambulance services are struggling to keep up when every second counts. The transformation of the west side has been particularly visible near The

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is gearing up for an exciting cinematic event as a massive film festival announces its lineup of big titles alongside local filmmaker screenings. This festival promises to be a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and cinematic excellence, offering audiences a chance to see some of the most anticipated films of the year right here in Texas. What makes this festival truly special is its

Residents of the historic Dallas Mercantile Building were forced to evacuate Thursday afternoon after a major water line rupture caused extensive flooding and electrical damage throughout the high-rise. The sudden malfunction left dozens of tenants displaced, with no clear timeline for when they will be allowed to return to their homes. The incident has stirred frustration among residents, who say the response from the property management company has been slow and inadequate. The pr

Eight civilians were killed on Wednesday after Pakistan’s security forces opened fire during the third consecutive day of violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The unrest, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has seen widespread demonstrations across Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Mirpur, where locals accuse Islamabad of denying them fundamental rights for decades. According to local sources,

A large apartment complex in Far Northeast Dallas was damaged late Sunday night after a fire spread rapidly through part of the property, forcing an urgent response from emergency crews. Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed that the fire broke out around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Audelia Road and Forest Lane, a busy area surrounded by residential neighborhoods and local businesses. Residents reported seeing heavy smoke as the fire quickly spread, with flames shooting through the roof by the

In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all movies made outside the United States. In a statement, Trump argued that Hollywood is losing ground as other countries lure American filmmakers with attractive incentives and benefits. The tariff is set to have a significant impact on the global film industry, particularly Indian cinema, which has seen an increasing presence in the US market.

The Dallas City Council has approved a record $5.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26, marking the largest financial package in the city’s history. The sweeping plan, finalized after months of debate and more than a dozen amendments, passed with 11 council members voting in favor, three against, and one abstention. While the budget delivers a tax rate reduction and increased funding for police and fire departments, it also makes cuts to some community services, sparking frustration amo

Three firefighters in Colleyville, Texas, were injured on Wednesday evening while working to extinguish a blaze on Emerald Drive. According to officials, the call came in just before 5 p.m. in the 6100 block of the residential neighborhood. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but during the course of operations, three firefighters sustained injuries that required hospitalization. Authorities confirmed that none of the injuries are life threatening, and all th

Carlos Alcaraz delivered one of the finest performances of his blossoming career as he defeated Jannik Sinner in a four-set thriller to capture the US Open title. The Spaniard displayed a mix of composure, shot-making brilliance, and unwavering confidence to overcome his rival 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory not only handed Alcaraz his sixth grand slam title but also allowed him to reclaim the world number one ranking, snatching it directly from Sinner in a final that h