US House Approves Opportunity Zones Tax Cut Extension

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has approved H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), aimed at extending and enhancing the Opportunity Zones program to promote investment in economically distressed communities through 2033, including new designations in U.S. territories and a focus on rural areas. The OBBB would lower income thresholds for qualifying zones and expand eligibility to all income types, broadening the potential for tax-free growth and boosting targeted investments. Meanwhile, debates continue over America's Christian heritage, with conservatives asserting that Christian values and references are deeply embedded in U.S. founding documents, traditions, and government practices, despite criticism from liberals. The legacy of Christian conservatism in politics is traced back to Jerry Falwell's 1979 gathering that launched the Moral Majority, a movement that shaped culture wars and conservative electoral successes over decades. Additionally, the American Unitarian Association marks its 200th anniversary, highlighting the historical development of liberal religious movements in the U.S. that emerged in response to Calvinist orthodoxy and promoted a rationalist approach to religion. These diverse developments illustrate ongoing cultural, political, and religious dynamics shaping America’s identity and policies today.