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Senate Approves Stopgap Funding Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown

In a dramatic turn of events, the U.S. Senate passed a six-month funding bill just hours before a potential government shutdown. The bill, which faced significant opposition from Democrats, was approved with a 54-46 vote. The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump's desk for final approval. The funding measure, often referred to as a continuing resolution (CR), was a contentious issue, with Democrats criticizing it for lacking input from their party and for falling short on key priorities like healthcare and housing assistance. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged his colleagues to support the bill, emphasizing that a government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences. Despite internal divisions, some Democrats sided with Republicans to ensure the bill's passage, prioritizing the avoidance of a shutdown over their reservations about the legislation. The decision has sparked debates within the Democratic Party, with some members expressing frustrati...

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Healthy Meals: Lentil Soup



Here's a classic Lentil Soup recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)


Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentils:

  • Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Add Spices and Garlic:

  • Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaf. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

4. Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes:

  • Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable or chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

5. Season and Finish:

  • Once the lentils are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  • Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.

6. Serve:

  • Ladle the lentil soup into bowls.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

This lentil soup is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a comforting meal. You can also customize it by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.





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