Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, D.C.: The U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time, marking an unprecedented level of government indebtedness. To ease the burden of the massive debt, President Donald Trump’s administration is placing greater emphasis on rapid economic growth. Economists and financial-market analysts, however, are questioning whether economic growth alone can realistically reduce such a huge debt burden.

According to data from the U.S. Treasury Department, the national debt now exceeds $40 trillion. Of that amount, approximately $32.3 trillion is debt held by the public, while another $7.8 trillion is held by government accounts and trust funds.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has argued that the United States must rely on economic growth to help manage its mounting debt. The administration’s reasoning is that if the economy grows rapidly, the debt-to-GDP ratio could decline while stronger economic activity could also generate higher government revenues.

Economists, however, remain skeptical of the strategy. They argue that given the size of the current federal budget deficit, rising interest costs and structural pressures on government spending, it will be extremely difficult to resolve the debt problem through economic growth alone.

As U.S. debt continues to rise, so does the government’s cost of servicing that debt. Interest payments have become one of the largest components of federal spending. The growing interest burden could put additional pressure on funding for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other government programs in the years ahead.

The mounting debt is also affecting the U.S. bond market. Yields on long-term U.S. Treasury securities have risen, potentially increasing the government’s cost of borrowing. Market analysts say that lowering interest rates alone will not solve the problem; Washington also needs a credible long-term strategy to reduce budget deficits.

Critics of the Trump administration’s growth-focused strategy warn that if economic growth does not outpace the growth of the national debt, the debt burden could continue to increase rather than decline. A recent analysis by economists cautioned that, given the current deficit and rising interest costs, relying solely on economic growth to overcome a $40 trillion debt burden would be extremely difficult.

The milestone comes at a time when the U.S. government is simultaneously facing major decisions involving trade policy, defense spending, taxation and Social Security programs. As a result, controlling the national debt could become one of Washington’s biggest economic challenges in the years ahead.

Analysts say that in addition to promoting economic growth, the United States will need to control government spending, increase revenues and implement measures to reduce the long-term budget deficit if it hopes to slow the continued rise in national debt.

Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC: The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday cleared a judicial obstacle that had blocked parts of President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to tighten restrictions on mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections.

In a 6–3 decision, the justices granted the Trump administration’s emergency request to suspend a lower-court injunction that had prevented the administration from moving forward with key portions of the order. The court’s three liberal justices dissented.

The ruling, however, did not determine whether Trump’s entire executive order is lawful or constitutional. Instead, the justices concluded that the states challenging the order had brought their case prematurely with respect to certain provisions. The decision leaves the door open for further legal challenges as the November election approaches.

Trump’s executive order, issued in March, directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile lists of eligible U.S. citizens in each state and provide those lists to state authorities before federal elections. It also directs the Justice Department to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of state and local election officials who issue federal ballots to people deemed ineligible to vote.

The order further directs the U.S. Postal Service to develop new rules governing mail-in and absentee ballots, including new envelope markings and tracking requirements. It seeks to limit the delivery of ballots to voters included on state-specific lists.

A separate nationwide injunction blocking the Postal Service from enforcing some of the new requirements remains in effect, meaning the Supreme Court’s decision does not immediately put every provision of Trump’s mail-voting plan into force.

The case was brought by 23 states and the District of Columbia, which argued that the federal government was improperly interfering with the states’ authority to administer elections. The states also warned that implementing major changes to mail voting so close to the midterm elections could disrupt election administration and potentially disenfranchise voters.

The timing of the decision is particularly significant. Military and overseas ballots for the November elections are expected to begin going out in early September, leaving election officials with limited time to adjust their systems to any new federal requirements.

Voting-rights advocates and Democratic officials have criticized the Supreme Court’s decision, warning that the administration’s proposed changes could create confusion and restrict access to mail voting. Supporters of Trump’s order argue that the measures are necessary to strengthen election integrity and ensure that only eligible voters receive federal ballots.

The legal battle is not over. Additional challenges are expected as the administration moves to implement the order and as states prepare for the November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.

Shibbir Ahmed, United Nations Headquarters, New York: The United States has proposed expanding the arms embargo to cover the entire territory of Sudan as part of efforts to increase pressure on the parties involved in the country’s ongoing civil war. In a draft resolution presented to the United Nations Security Council on Monday, Washington called for extending the existing arms restrictions beyond Darfur to the whole of Sudan, including measures aimed at stopping the transfer of drones and other weapons and military equipment.

The U.S. initiative is intended to prevent foreign military assistance from reaching the parties involved in the Sudan conflict and to pressure them to return to the negotiating table. U.S. officials have argued that military, financial and political support from outside countries has contributed to prolonging the war.

The proposal, however, has exposed divisions within the Security Council. China and Russia, both permanent members of the council, have raised objections to the U.S. initiative. As permanent members, both countries have veto power. Britain and France, meanwhile, have supported the U.S. proposal. Denmark, which holds the Security Council presidency this August, has also backed the initiative.

Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. According to the United Nations, the fighting has displaced millions of people and created a severe humanitarian crisis across large parts of the country. The protection of civilians and the need to end the conflict were also key issues raised during Monday’s Security Council meeting.

UN political and peacebuilding chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned the Security Council that the conflict in Sudan is worsening and that the warring parties continue to rely on military solutions. She called for stronger international action to help bring an end to the fighting.

If adopted, the U.S. proposal would pave the way for an international arms embargo covering the entire territory of Sudan, including restrictions on the supply of weapons, ammunition and military equipment. Preventing the transfer of modern military technologies, including drones, is also a key objective of the initiative.

However, opposition from China and Russia has created uncertainty over whether the proposal can secure enough support in the Security Council. The U.S. initiative has therefore emerged as a major point of diplomatic tension at the United Nations as international efforts continue to end Sudan’s devastating war.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, D.C.: After 47 years, the United States has officially removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list. The decision by the U.S. administration on Monday marks the end of a major chapter in the special terrorism-related restrictions imposed on Syria since the country was placed on the list in 1979.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision was based on steps taken by Syria to distance itself from international terrorism. Washington’s move is being viewed as an important step toward rebuilding relations with Syria and helping the country reintegrate into the international economic system.

Syria was designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1979. The designation subjected the country to various U.S. economic and trade restrictions and created significant legal and compliance risks for international banks and investors seeking to conduct business with Syria.

The latest decision is expected to improve Syria’s prospects for reintegration into the international financial system. After years of civil war, Syria’s new leadership has sought relief from U.S. restrictions in an effort to attract foreign investment and support reconstruction and economic recovery.

According to Reuters, the U.S. decision could remove one of the major obstacles facing international banking and investment involving Syria. Several major financial institutions have already shown interest in potential activities in the Syrian market.

On the same day, the United States also took another significant terrorism-related step involving Syria. Washington revoked the designation of the Nusrah Front as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization. The group later became known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

However, removing Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list does not mean that all U.S. sanctions against the country have been lifted. Syria’s security situation remains a concern, and the U.S. State Department continues to maintain its highest level of travel warning for the country.

Relations between Damascus and Washington have changed significantly in recent months under Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, U.S. engagement with Syria’s new leadership has increased.

After 47 years, Washington’s decision to remove Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list therefore represents more than the lifting of one designation. It could also signal a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic and economic policy toward Syria and the broader Middle East.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, D.C.: The Trump administration has launched a major new economic campaign aimed at further isolating Iran from the global economy. On Monday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the initiative, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast.” According to Washington, the campaign is designed to shut down key economic and financial channels connected to Iran and cut off the regime’s sources of revenue.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department launched the unprecedented campaign at the direction of President Donald Trump. He said the United States has identified global financial networks linked to Iran, oil-smuggling operations and mechanisms used to evade sanctions, and is now taking coordinated action to shut them down.

The White House said the new campaign includes additional sanctions targeting key sectors of Iran’s economy, including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The administration says the measures are intended to prevent Iran from using these sectors to generate revenue and maintain access to international markets.

The Trump administration is also increasing the risks for foreign companies and individuals doing business with Iran. According to the White House, parties that continue certain business activities with Iran could face secondary sanctions. This means the pressure is not limited to Iran itself but could also extend to foreign companies and financial networks that maintain economic ties with the country.

Bessent said the United States has identified networks involved in Iranian oil sales, financial transfers, exchange houses, free-trade zones, banking operations and maritime transportation of energy products. The new campaign is intended to prevent Iran from using these networks to evade sanctions and generate revenue.

The Treasury Department said U.S. officials are engaging with governments around the world and pressing them to halt specific activities connected to Iran. Washington has warned that countries or companies that refuse to comply could face unilateral action under U.S. law.

The new campaign also increases pressure on Iran’s banking sector. Bessent specifically called for the closure of all branches of Bank Melli Iran. He also warned that institutions assisting Iran with money laundering could be cut off from the U.S. dollar-based financial system.

The White House said the economic campaign is part of President Trump’s broader Iran policy. The administration argues that, after weakening Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities, Washington is now seeking to increase pressure on the country’s economic capacity in an effort to further isolate Tehran internationally.

The new U.S. measures could also create additional pressure on international trade and financial markets. Companies in third countries involved in Iran’s oil, shipping, banking and commercial sectors will now have to weigh the potential risks associated with the expanded U.S. sanctions regime.

The Trump administration’s new campaign therefore represents more than another round of sanctions against Iran. It is a broader effort to place coordinated and sustained pressure on Iran’s global economic connections and financial lifelines.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC: The United States’ national debt has surpassed the $40 trillion mark for the first time, reaching approximately $40.047 trillion on Wednesday, according to the latest data from the U.S. Treasury Department. The historic milestone underscores the scale of the U.S. government’s accumulated debt and is renewing concerns over the country’s long-term fiscal stability.

According to Treasury data, about $32.266 trillion of the total debt is debt held by the public, while approximately $7.782 trillion consists of intragovernmental holdings—amounts owed by one government account or agency to another.

Debt More Than Doubles in Less Than a Decade

The U.S. national debt has increased at an extraordinary pace over the past decade. When Donald Trump first took office as president in 2017, the national debt stood at approximately $19.95 trillion. It has now more than doubled, surpassing $40 trillion.

Economists say no single administration is responsible for the rapid increase. Massive government spending during the COVID-19 pandemic, persistent federal budget deficits, tax cuts and rising spending on major entitlement programs have all contributed to the growth of the national debt. The debt increased substantially during both the Trump and Joe Biden administrations.

Rising Interest Costs Add to Fiscal Pressure

Beyond the size of the debt itself, the cost of servicing it has become a major concern for the U.S. government. According to Reuters analysis, interest payments on the federal debt have become one of the largest components of federal spending and have surpassed spending on Medicare, ranking behind Social Security among the government’s largest expenditures.

Economists warn that interest costs could rise further as older debt is refinanced at higher interest rates. This could limit the government’s ability to allocate resources to areas such as education, infrastructure, defense and other public programs.

Large July Budget Deficit

The latest milestone comes amid continuing large federal budget deficits. According to Reuters, the U.S. government recorded a budget deficit of approximately $432 billion in July alone, one of the largest monthly deficits in the country’s history.

Rising spending on Social Security and Medicare, along with lower-than-expected revenue from tariffs and other sources, contributed to the large shortfall.

Trump Policies Could Add Further to Debt

Concerns are also growing over the potential impact of the Trump administration’s recent tax and spending policies. According to Reuters, President Trump’s widely discussed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could add approximately $4.7 trillion to the national debt over the coming years, based on estimates cited in the report.

Economists and budget watchdogs warn that continued growth in federal debt could reduce the government’s fiscal flexibility. It could also make it more difficult for Washington to respond to future economic downturns, inflationary pressures or other national emergencies.

Investor Concerns Grow

The growing national debt is also putting pressure on the U.S. government bond market. Yields on long-term Treasury securities have recently reached multi-year highs as investors demand higher returns to hold long-term U.S. government debt.

On Wednesday, the Treasury Department announced plans to increase its long-term Treasury bond buyback operations. The size of individual operations is expected to increase from about $2 billion to at least $4 billion.

Following the announcement, yields on long-term U.S. government bonds declined somewhat, while global bond markets also reacted positively.

Global Economic Implications

U.S. Treasury securities are widely regarded as among the safest and most important financial assets in the world. As a result, major changes in the U.S. debt and Treasury markets can have consequences far beyond American financial markets.

High government debt, inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions have recently contributed to higher long-term government bond yields in several countries.

Reuters reported that following the latest Treasury action, long-term European bond yields also declined somewhat. At the same time, the U.S. dollar came under pressure while gold prices rose sharply.

A Major Fiscal Challenge Ahead

The crossing of the $40 trillion threshold is more than a statistical milestone for the United States. It reflects decades of federal budget deficits and growing reliance on government borrowing.

Budget analysts warn that if the current pace of debt accumulation continues, Washington could face increasingly limited fiscal flexibility. Borrowing could also become more expensive, particularly during periods of economic stress.

The ultimate impact of the $40 trillion debt level will depend on several factors, including economic growth, interest rates, government spending, tax revenues and the fiscal policies adopted by future administrations.

But the historic milestone has already renewed international debate over the sustainability of U.S. government finances and the future management of the world’s largest sovereign debt.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: The 44th annual ‘India Day Parade’ was held in Manhattan, New York, on Sunday, August 16, as part of celebrations marking India’s 80th Independence Day. The grand parade along Madison Avenue showcased the rich culture, heritage, and diversity of India. Thousands of people participated in the parade, while large crowds gathered along both sides of the avenue to enjoy the festivities.

Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), this year’s parade carried the theme ‘Harmony in Heritage.’ According to the organizers, the event is one of the largest celebrations of Indian culture in the United States.

The parade began around noon on Madison Avenue. The procession came alive with the participation of various cultural and social organizations, business groups, regional associations, marching bands, and dance troupes. According to information released by the organizers, more than 40 colorful floats and over 50 marching groups took part in this year’s celebration.

Floats decorated in the three colors of the Indian national flag—saffron, white, and green—made their way along Madison Avenue. Traditional clothing, dance, music, and cultural performances representing different Indian states and regions showcased the country’s remarkable cultural diversity. Indian-Americans of all ages, from children and teenagers to senior members of the community, participated in the parade.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, along with elected officials, political leaders, business leaders, and community representatives, attended the parade. Governor Hochul joined the opening ceremony and participated in the procession alongside other distinguished guests.

Indian film and entertainment personalities were also among the major attractions of this year’s parade. Actress Pooja Hegde was one of the special guests. Cast members and performers from the popular Indian television show ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ also took part in the parade, drawing enthusiastic responses from spectators.

The parade created a festive atmosphere throughout Madison Avenue and the surrounding areas. Large crowds lined the streets, many holding Indian flags and cheering as the procession passed by. The participation of children and young people was particularly notable.

For New York’s Indian-American community, the India Day Parade is more than a celebration of India’s Independence Day. It is also an important occasion for preserving and passing on Indian culture and heritage to younger generations living in the diaspora. At the same time, the parade highlights the contributions of Indian-Americans to the multicultural society of the United States.

According to organizers, the celebrations extended beyond the parade, with food, cultural, and entertainment programs taking place throughout the day. Food vendors, cultural performances, and community booths were set up around Madison Avenue, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The weekend-long India Day celebrations began on Saturday with the hoisting of the Indian national flag at Times Square and a special lighting of the Empire State Building in the colors of the Indian flag. Sunday’s grand parade brought the weekend’s celebrations to a colorful conclusion.

The 44th ‘India Day Parade’ in the heart of Manhattan once again highlighted India’s culture, heritage, and the unity of the Indian diaspora. Under the theme ‘Harmony in Heritage,’ this year’s celebration also emphasized the strong cultural ties between India and the United States.

Note: There are slight differences among reports regarding the parade route. According to official FIA information, the route ran along Madison Avenue from East 38th Street to East 27th Street. NBC New York described the route as covering 13 blocks between East 39th Street and East 26th Street.

A judicial appointee of former President Ronald Reagan on Tuesday ordered Voice of America (VOA) to rehire its employees and resume international broadcasting. The ruling from District Judge Royce C. Lamberth comes more than a year after President Trump significantly downsized the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and directed Voice of America to dismiss all but 68 employees. Lamberth said the Trump administration was in a “flagrant and nearly year-long” refusal to uphold congressional mandates by dwindling its staff and resources.

Two weeks ago, he ruled that Kari Lake was unlawfully serving as the head of USAGM. USAGM is overseen by six bipartisan House and Senate committees. Lawmakers provide funding for the independent agency which focuses on countering misinformation abroad, according to its website.

The two rulings have been celebrated by both plaintiffs, including VOA Director Michael Abramowitz who brought one of the cases against the administration. A separate lawsuit was filed by VOA’s White House bureau chief, Patsy Widakuswara, Press Freedom Editor Jessica Jerreat and USAGM’s Director of Strategy and Performance Assessment, Kate Neeper.

The latter group said it was eager to “rebuild the trust of the global audience” that the broadcaster has been unable to serve for the past year, according to the Washington Post. Officials from USAGM and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

The 51st Annual Convention of the Atlantic County Democratic Party was held on Sunday afternoon, March 8. The convention took place at a hall in Egg Harbor City, where leaders, activists, and supporters from various levels of the party gathered to participate in the event. The program began with the performance of the United States national anthem, followed by speeches from several Democratic Party leaders.

Chairman Michael Suleiman welcomed and congratulated the party leaders, activists, and supporters attending the convention. He also presented awards to several leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the progress of the party.

During the convention, party candidates running for various positions, including congressional seats in the upcoming New Jersey Primary Election, delivered their remarks.

Among those present at the convention were South Asian American Democratic leaders Subrata Chowdhury, Syed Shahid, and Nasir Sheikh. Other notable attendees included Aaron Randolph, Councilman of Atlantic City; Kalim Shabazz, also a councilman of Atlantic City; Constant Mendy Days Chapman, Chairwoman of the Atlantic City Democratic Committee; and Jeff Dorsey, among other party leaders.

At the conclusion of the program, Chairman Michael Suleiman thanked everyone involved for their efforts in making the convention a success.

TUCSON, Arizona — Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she’s “still out there,” a sheriff in Arizona said Thursday. Five days into the desperate search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.

DNA tests showed blood found on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, the sheriff said. Authorities think she was taken against her will from her home in Tucson over the weekend.

“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Nanos said at a news conference. The sheriff, however, acknowledged that authorities have no evidence she’s OK.

Investigators gave a more detailed timeline from the hours after she was last seen Saturday night, and said they are taking seriously a ransom note sent to a handful of media outlets. The note included a demand for money with a deadline set for Thursday evening and a second one for Monday if the first deadline wasn’t met, said Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix. The note also had details about a floodlight at Guthrie’s home and an Apple watch.

“To anyone who may be involved, do the right thing. This is an 84-year-old grandma,” Janke said. Authorities say any decision on ransom demands ultimately is up to the family.

A day earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a message to her mother’s kidnapper, saying they are ready to talk but want proof their mom is still alive. However, there’s been no response to their plea so far, Janke said. Nancy Guthrie spent Saturday night eating dinner and playing games with family members before one of them dropped her off at her home in a well-to-do Tucson neighborhood that sits on hilly, desert terrain, the sheriff said.

About four hours later, just before 2 a.m. Sunday, the home’s doorbell camera was disconnected, Nanos said. But Guthrie did not have an active subscription so the company was unable to recover any footage. Software data recorded movement at the home minutes later, the sheriff said, acknowledging that the motion could have come from an animal. Then at 2:28 a.m. the app on Guthrie’s pacemaker was disconnected from her phone.

Guthrie was reported missing shortly before noon Sunday after she didn’t show up at a church. While she is able to drive and her mind is sharp, the sheriff said she does have difficulty walking even short distances. She also requires daily medicine that’s vital to her health, he has said.

A sheriff’s dispatcher said during the search Sunday that Guthrie has high blood pressure and heart issues, according to audio from broadcastify.com. Investigators searched in and around Nancy Guthrie’s home again for several hours Wednesday.

Authorities are bringing more resources and people into the investigation, and the FBI announced Thursday it was offering up to $50,000 for information. A day earlier, President Donald Trump posted on social media that he was directing federal authorities to help where they can.

At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes, which they handed over to investigators. Authorities made an arrest after a ransom note turned out to be fake, the sheriff said. One note e-mailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN.

“When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax,” she said in an interview aired Wednesday. The sheriff said investigators have believed from the beginning that Guthrie was targeted, but they don’t know whether that was because her daughter is one of television’s most visible anchors.

Savannah Guthrie has hosted “Today” — NBC’s flagship morning show — for more than a decade and had been set to co-anchor the network’s coverage of Friday’s opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics.

Guthrie’s three children say they’re “ready to talk” to whoever sent the notes. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,” Savannah Guthrie said while fighting off tears.

With her voice cracking, she addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her. Guthrie was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron.

“Mamma, If you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” Annie Guthrie said.