House to vote on Trump’s big policy bill as Johnson vows to ‘get it over the line’

Trinidad and Tobago is set to award Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi its highest honor during his upcoming two-day visit—the first by a sitting Indian PM. While the country’s Hindu community, many of whom trace their roots to India, sees this as a proud moment, the move has sparked backlash from Muslim groups, who cite Modi’s controversial human rights record.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a ceremonial handshake—it’s a flashpoint in Trinidad’s cultural and political landscape. The split reaction reflects deeper tensions over Modi’s global image, with some celebrating his leadership and others alarmed by accusations of discrimination under his rule. For a small, diverse nation like Trinidad, balancing diplomatic ties with domestic sensitivities is no easy feat.

U.S. contractors working at aid distribution sites in Gaza have reportedly fired live rounds and stun grenades at desperate Palestinians trying to access food, according to eyewitness accounts and videos reviewed by the AP. The contractors, hired to secure aid deliveries, appear to be using excessive force against civilians caught in the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another headline about Gaza—it’s a disturbing escalation in how aid is being handled (or mishandled) during the conflict. If foreign contractors are shooting at starving people trying to feed their families, it raises serious ethical and legal questions about who’s really being "protected" here. It also underscores how dire conditions have become when even food distribution turns violent.

Despite promises to trim the federal bureaucracy, new data reveals the U.S. government workforce has barely budged—shrinking by just 1% (about 23,000 jobs) during Trump’s second term. Critics call it a "disappointing" pace, arguing it shows how deeply entrenched bureaucratic systems are, even under an administration that vowed to slash them.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about numbers—it’s a reality check for anyone who thought shrinking the federal government would be quick or easy. Whether you see bureaucracy as necessary or bloated, this story highlights how hard it is to change the system, no matter who’s in charge. For small-government advocates, it’s a frustrating setback; for defenders of federal workers, it might be a quiet relief. Either way, it’s a reminder that big promises often meet even bigger inertia.

A horrific drive-by shooting in Chicago left four people dead and 14 others injured outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge. The gunmen are still on the run, and authorities are scrambling to piece together what happened.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crime headline—it’s a stark reminder of how gun violence continues to shatter lives in Chicago and beyond. With suspects still loose, the community is left grieving and on edge. Stories like this fuel the debate over public safety and gun control, but for now, the focus is on the victims and finding answers.

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) plans to push a bill that would mandate proof of citizenship for voting and overhaul the U.S. census to exclude non-citizens in population counts. This move aligns with broader conservative efforts to tighten election security and reshape political representation.

Editor’s Note: If passed, this could drastically alter how congressional districts are drawn and who gets to vote—critics argue it’s a push to suppress participation, while supporters claim it safeguards elections. Either way, it’s another flashpoint in the heated debate over immigration, democracy, and who truly "counts" in America.