Hamas is facing a new problem in Gaza: coming up with the cash it needs to pay its rank and file.

Israel last month cut off supplies of humanitarian goods to the enclave, some of which Hamas had been seizing and selling to raise funds, according to Arab, Israeli and Western officials. Its renewed offensive has targeted and killed Hamas officials who played important roles in distributing cash to cadres and sent others into hiding, Arab intelligence officials said.

Harvard University scientists are facing the prospect of laying off staff, euthanizing research animals and bringing yearslong science projects to a halt as a freeze on federal funds looms.

On Monday, after the university rejected government demands to change how it runs and admits students, the Trump administration said it would stop $2.26 billion in funds previously awarded to the school as part of an investigation into how the university dealt with antisemitism.

Federal spending is higher since President Trump took office even as the Department of Government Efficiency slashes contracts, cuts jobs and ends diversity programs.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of daily financial statements issued by the Treasury Department found government spending since the inauguration is $154 billion more than in the same period in 2024 during the administration of President Joe Biden.

DOGE claims cuts of $150 billion so far, but the Journal analysis found those efforts have yet to affect the bottom line.

Senate Republicans scored a win over their House counterparts in the early morning hours of Friday, officially passing their preferred budget resolution to tackle some of President Trump's priorities, such as securing the southern border. 

Senate Republicans adopted a narrower budget proposal focused on defense, border security and energy priorities after a marathon series of votes that stretched into the early hours of Friday. 

Senate Republicans took their first step Friday toward securing new funding for  border security and the military, after Democrats forced GOP lawmakers to take uncomfortable amendment votes all night on hotly contested issues on Capitol Hill.

President Trump insisted Wednesday that Senate Republicans abandon their effort to dump his promised tax reductions from a pending budget reconciliation bill — a strategy that House Republicans fear could doom his core campaign pledges to workers and retirees.

The showdown between House and Senate Republicans is escalating as the two groups barrel ahead with their contrasting strategies to pass President Trump’s legislative agenda — with the upper chamber expected to move this week.

Two legislative proposals likely to produce positive outcomes for Northwest Indiana in the years ahead were among the final measures to win approval during the 2024 session of the Indiana General Assembly.

Hoosier lawmakers adjourned their nine-week annual session Friday night after a marathon day of revising, debating and approving the final texts of dozens of anticipated new laws, including some percolating since Jan. 8 when the Republican-controlled House and Senate solemnly convened to implement what they believed was the will of the people.

The holidays are an exciting time for parties, sweet treats, shiny decor and family gatherings. Of course, this season is also the busiest time of year for shopping.

“While this time of year is often associated with joy and celebration, it can also bring about financial stress and anxiety,” said Kara Stevens, author of “Heal Your Relationship with Money” and founder of the Frugal Feminista. “Maintaining financial boundaries during the holiday season is crucial for several reasons.”