Maryland’s governor has warned that hundreds of thousands of residents could soon lose access to food assistance because the federal government has refused to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. He said that an official communication from Washington ordered the state not to issue new benefits beginning November 1, potentially leaving 680,000 residents, including nearly 270,000 children, without the support they need to eat. Speaking from Annapolis, the go

The office of Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced Friday that the anticipated surge in federal immigration enforcement across the greater San Francisco Bay Area has been cancelled. According to Mayor Lee’s statement, she received confirmation from Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez that operations by the U.S. Border Patrol in the region—including Oakland—are not proceeding at this time. In her release, Mayor Lee stated that she spoke with Sheriff Sanchez, who communicated

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board.  The origina

HOUSTON, Texas — A new statewide survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University reveals that Texans remain deeply divided over former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to the findings, 51 percent of registered voters said they approve of the administration’s immigration approach, while 49 percent disapprove, reflecting an evenly split electorate on one of the state’s most politically charged issues. The survey highlights a

The streets of Chicago’s Little Village turned tense on Thursday morning as heavily armed federal agents clashed with residents during an enforcement operation near the Discount Mall at 26th and Troy. The scene unfolded amid growing public concern over the expanding presence of federal officers in local neighborhoods. Witnesses reported the use of chemical irritants, including tear gas and pepper bullets, while helicopters hovered overhead and residents recorded the confrontation on their p

Walmart Inc. has temporarily halted its job offers to candidates requiring H-1B work visas, according to people familiar with the company’s internal hiring policy. The decision follows the Trump administration’s recent move to impose a $100,000 application fee on new H-1B petitions — a significant shift in immigration policy that has prompted widespread reassessment among U.S. corporations employing international talent. The temporary hiring freeze primarily affects Walmart’

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to another record close on Tuesday, buoyed by a series of strong corporate earnings reports that reinforced investor optimism about the resilience of major U.S. companies. Gains from household names such as Coca-Cola, 3M, and General Motors helped the blue-chip index climb even as technology shares lagged, reflecting a rotation from growth stocks into more traditional sectors. The 30-stock Dow rose 218.16 points, or 0.47%, to finish at 46,924.

Russia has rejected United States President Donald Trump’s recent demand for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine, reaffirming its long-held conditions for peace. The Kremlin’s latest response makes clear that Moscow’s stance on the conflict remains unchanged, despite renewed diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and European allies seeking to end the devastating two-year war. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismiss

Thousands of demonstrators across the United States took to the streets on Saturday for the “No Kings” protests, a series of nationwide rallies denouncing President Donald Trump’s leadership and the ongoing government shutdown. The events brought a mix of political activism and festive energy to city squares, parks, and the nation’s capital, as participants called for accountability, the protection of democratic institutions, and an end to what they described as authoritarian tendenci

Thousands of Americans gathered across the country on Saturday as part of the expanding “No Kings” protests, a growing grassroots movement challenging the leadership and policies of President Donald Trump. From major metropolitan centers to smaller towns, citizens voiced their concerns over what they describe as an erosion of democratic principles, rising authoritarianism, and government overreach. The movement’s slogan, “No Kings,” symbolizes a call to uphold the constitutional bal

Across the United States, thousands of people gathered on Saturday for large-scale “No Kings” protests to express discontent with the direction of the country under President Donald Trump. Demonstrators filled public squares and streets in major cities, calling for renewed commitment to democracy and denouncing what they described as growing authoritarian behavior in government. Supporters of the president, however, dismissed the demonstrations as unpatriotic, labeling them as “hate rallie

India is once again at the center of global diplomatic attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil imports. The Indian government swiftly denied the statement, emphasizing that its energy decisions are made independently and based solely on national interest. This move highlights New Delhi’s determination to maintain strategic autonomy amid increasing international pressure. Over the past two years

CHICAGO – Federal immigration officers working in the Chicago area will now be required to wear body cameras following a court order issued by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. The decision came after the judge reviewed video footage and reports showing the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures during protests against immigration enforcement operations. The mandate aims to ensure accountability and transparency amid growing public concerns over the treatment of demonstrators and co

Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly. The anx

Hours after United States President Donald Trump asserted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that New Delhi would soon halt the purchase of oil from Russia, the Indian government issued a carefully worded statement reiterating its independent energy policy. The clarification underscored India’s commitment to protecting its national interests and consumers amid global price volatility, without directly confirming or denying Trump’s remarks. In a s

The United States has warned that steep tariffs could soon be imposed on China if Beijing proceeds with its newly announced restrictions on rare earth exports, heightening concerns of another trade confrontation between the two largest economies in the world. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Tuesday that the decision now rests largely on China’s next actions, suggesting that the situation remains fluid in the run-up to a crucial diplomatic meeting later this month. Pr

Former President Barack Obama has entered the political fray ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, appearing in a new campaign advertisement urging California voters to approve Proposition 50 — a ballot measure that could significantly alter the state’s congressional landscape in favor of Democrats. The 30-second ad, released this week, features Obama directly addressing voters as he calls for support of the measure, which seeks to redraw California’s congressional districts. T

Federal judges in San Francisco have sharply rebuked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its handling of immigrant detentions, ordering the temporary release of dozens of detainees over concerns about violations of constitutional due process rights. The rulings come amid a nationwide surge in ICE arrests and a growing wave of legal challenges questioning the agency’s detention practices. The cases stem from a series of habeas corpus petitions filed by immigration at

The United States has approved the supply of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Pakistan, marking a new phase in defence cooperation between the two countries. The US Department of War announced the inclusion of Pakistan as one of several international buyers under a recently modified arms contract with Raytheon, the American defence manufacturer responsible for producing the missile systems. According to the department’s notification, Raytheon received

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has expressed support for reforms to the H-1B visa programme in the United States but warned that the proposed $100,000 application fee could have serious consequences for innovation and access to global talent. Speaking in a recent discussion, he said the idea of tightening the system to prevent misuse was good in principle but added that such a steep financial barrier could transform the American dream into a privilege for the few. The proposed increase in H-