As the nation continues to grapple with cuts to social safety nets, a new provision in the congressional budget bill has provided a significant boost to affordable housing efforts. The recently passed H.R. 1 includes an increase in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which has long served as the primary federal tool for financing affordable housing projects. Starting next year, states will be able to permanently expand their tax credit allocations by 12 percent, giving developers new o

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, and dressing up is the highlight of the celebration. Parents often search for fun, creative, and affordable costumes that bring joy to their kids without overspending. With so many options available online and in stores, finding great deals on Halloween costumes has become much easier. The key is knowing where to look and planning early to grab the best discounts.

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), celebrating kids’ birthdays is a special way to stay connected to cultural roots while creating lasting memories abroad. However, with rising costs in many countries, parents often look for creative ways to make the day joyful without overspending. The good news is that birthdays don’t need to be lavish to be memorable. With some planning and thought, NRIs can host beautiful celebrations on a budget. One of the most effective ways to save

Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and intricate cooking techniques. However, many people often believe that preparing authentic Indian dishes can be expensive and time-consuming. The good news is that you don't need a hefty budget to enjoy the bold, aromatic flavors of Indian food. Whether you are a student on a tight budget, a busy parent, or simply someone looking to eat tasty and healthy meals without spending a lot, low-budget Indian recipes offer a delici

Cooking delicious, nutritious Indian meals on a tight budget may seem challenging, but it is entirely possible! With a little planning, creativity, and smart shopping, you can enjoy the rich, flavorful cuisine that India is known for, all while sticking to a $5 a day budget. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, the key is using affordable ingredients, making simple substitutions, and relying on traditional, easy-to-make Indian dishes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the pr

Austin Independent School District (ISD) is taking critical steps to address a multi-year budget deficit and ensure a more efficient education system. The district, which has faced deficits for three consecutive years, plans to close some schools, redraw attendance boundaries, and implement other realignment measures. The ultimate goal is to reduce $30 million from the district’s budget and streamline operations while preserving the quality of education.

Spring Independent School District (ISD), located in northwest Harris County, kicks off the 2025-26 school year on August 12, 2025. Despite a slight enrollment decline of 345 students, the district remains an essential part of the local community, with a student population of 33,590 as reported by the Texas Education Agency. Student Demographics and Enrollment Trends

The recently dismissed superintendent of the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District is speaking out, claiming his termination was retaliation for raising concerns about questionable board member reimbursements. German Cerda, who was let go less than a year into his tenure, said the board’s decision to fire him “without cause” does not reflect the true reason behind his removal. From his home, Cerda described the shock of being walked out

Managing shared family expenses can be a challenging task, especially when multiple people are involved, and money is being spent on a variety of needs. However, thanks to advancements in technology, managing these expenses has become much easier with the help of AI apps. These apps are designed to streamline the process of tracking and splitting expenses among family members, ensuring that everyone stays on top of their contributions without any confusion. One of the most popular a

Texas shoppers will soon enjoy a break on sales tax during one of the state’s most anticipated retail events of the year—the annual tax-free weekend. From Friday, August 8, through midnight on Sunday, August 10, 2025, qualifying purchases of certain items will be exempt from state and local sales tax. This initiative, created to help families during the back-to-school season, provides relief on a range of essentials, including clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies, provi

Tensions ran high during a DC Council meeting Monday evening as members voted on the 2026 budget while also tackling the controversial amendment to Initiative 82, a wage law aimed at increasing pay for tipped workers. The session began over an hour late without any official explanation, sparking frustration among attendees. When questioned, Council Chair Phil Mendelson explained that the delay stemmed from extensive internal discussions and negotiations over multiple issues. The mos

Choosing a car for your family isn’t just about engine specs or flashy exteriors. It’s a thoughtful decision that impacts your day-to-day life, safety, and convenience. Whether you're planning weekend road trips, school pickups, grocery runs, or just need more room for your growing family, selecting the right family car is essential. In this article, we'll walk you through the key considerations every parent or guardian should make before purchasing a car tailored to their fa

Tensions are mounting in Washington, DC after DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson came under fire from the city's police union for his response to a protest that took place outside his residence over the weekend. The protest centered around Initiative 82, a controversial measure that has drawn sharp division among residents, lawmakers, and labor advocates. According to the DC Police Union, Mendelson allegedly called the police to report a group of peaceful protesters gathere

Relocating to the USA and bringing your beloved Indian home furnishings along can seem like a daunting and expensive task. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to transfer your furniture without paying a fortune. Whether you’re a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) moving for work, study, or family reasons, this guide will help you navigate affordable options for shipping your home furnishings from India to the USA.

Campbell’s financial future has been thrown into uncertainty as a legal battle over a voter-approved sales tax measure locks up millions of dollars in city revenue. The dispute revolves around Measure K, a half-cent sales tax increase approved by over 70 percent of voters last November. The tax raised the city's rate to 9.875 percent and was expected to generate roughly $7 million annually for essential city services. However, due to an active lawsuit challenging the measure’s le

Nearly 100,000 California state workers will have their return-to-office mandate delayed by another year, thanks to a new agreement between the state and SEIU Local 1000, California’s largest public employee union. The revised deal, announced Sunday, pauses Governor Gavin Newsom’s previously mandated office return schedule for union-represented workers, shifting the timeline from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. The decision marks a significant development for thousands of public em

Columbus, Ohio – With airfare prices trending downward in 2025, travelers departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport are finding more opportunities to save money, especially if they plan their trips smartly. According to travel industry experts, average fares are down 7 percent compared to last year, and this year could be the most affordable time in recent memory for both domestic and international travel. Flexible planning, strategic timing, and the willingness to fly on

Austin is considering a new proposal to introduce a parks maintenance fee that could be added to residents' utility bills. The proposal, introduced by Council Member Paige Ellis of District 8, aims to address the city's growing park maintenance needs as the city expands. Ellis believes this fee will help Austin manage the rising demand for new park facilities, maintain older infrastructure, and fund new land acquisitions. According to the Austin Parks

Santa Clara County supervisors have taken a major step toward adopting a $14 billion budget that attempts to preserve essential public services amid mounting state and federal funding threats. The unanimous preliminary approval followed weeks of hearings and workshops, with final adoption expected on June 17. However, the mood among county leaders was far from celebratory, as they confronted the reality of declining external support and growing local demand. Supervisors acknowledg