EPA chief Lee Zeldin reaffirms his agency’s commitment to helping West Virginia maintain its coal-powered energy production. In a nod to local leadership and historical precedent, Zeldin points to the state’s ongoing reliance on coal-fired power plants as a foundation for its economic stability.
Crawford County Memorial Hospital does more than provide critical healthcare services. Last year, the facility injected $70.7 million into the local economy and supported 595 jobs, demonstrating the pivotal role hospitals can play in community development.
Ohio’s natural riches are worth $1.7 billion, according to a newly released report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Sand, gravel, coal, and other geologic commodities continue to bolster the state’s economy.
The Army Corps of Engineers is suspending $11 billion in infrastructure projects because of the ongoing government shutdown, according to White House budget director Russell Vought. He attributes the freeze to a lapse in federal funding, describing it as the result of a “Democrat shutdown.”
Another wave of tariffs is hitting furniture, timber, and lumber, raising concerns about escalating costs. While the White House insists these policies are rooted in “fairness” and “reciprocity,” critics worry about the broader economic toll of protectionist measures.
While the U.S. government ceased operations on Wednesday, stock markets soared, with one benchmark index breaking its previous record. Traders now predict the shutdown will stretch about two weeks, reflecting an average duration seen in past governmental stoppages.
A longstanding trade agreement between the United States and Africa has ended, leaving exporters without the preferential treatment they once relied on. As businesses in Nairobi and beyond brace for higher tariffs, industry leaders warn of new competitive pressures.
Canada’s housing crisis is so severe that internal government documents warn it could harm the broader economy. Officials plan to launch a new agency to build homes faster, reflecting mounting pressure on Ottawa to find immediate solutions.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes plans to visit Benson next month to address rising concerns over a new aluminum recycling plant. The proposed facility by Aluminum Dynamics Inc. has sparked strong community reactions, placing it at the forefront of Mayes’s upcoming discussions.
With only three-and-a-half weeks remaining, Congress faces increasing pressure to reach an agreement and prevent a federal government shutdown. If lawmakers fail to act, federal workers and grant-reliant programs in Northeast Tennessee could suffer the consequences.
