Veteran singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery, prompting the rescheduling of his January concert dates. The announcement was made Monday through a personal statement shared on social media, in which the 82-year-old performer described the circumstances that led to the discovery of the illness and reassured fans about his prognosis. Manilow said the diagnosis followed a period of recurring bronchitis that las

Several major technology companies in the United States have advised employees working on H-1B visas to avoid international travel or return to the country immediately, as uncertainty grows around new immigration rules, higher application costs, and prolonged delays in visa interview appointments. The guidance reflects mounting concern among employers and workers about potential re-entry complications and extended periods of disruption caused by recent policy changes. In recent mont

Brookfield Zoo is offering Chicago-area residents and visitors an excellent opportunity to explore one of the region’s most popular attractions without paying an admission fee, as the zoo has announced free entry on most days throughout January and February. The expanded winter free admission schedule gives families, students, and animal enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a meaningful outdoor experience during the colder months while keeping expenses low. With a wide variety of exhibits and thousan

Frozen shrimp sold at Jewel-Osco grocery stores in Illinois are being recalled following a federal investigation that raised concerns about possible contamination during handling and storage, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Federal officials said the affected shrimp may have been packaged, prepared, or held under insanitary conditions and could potentially contain trace amounts of radioactive material. The recall was issued Friday by Direct Source Seafood LLC, a

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders who traveled to India in December for routine visa renewals are facing serious uncertainty after US consulates unexpectedly canceled or postponed their interview appointments. What was planned as a short visit during the holiday season has turned into a prolonged ordeal for many professionals, with several applicants now being told that their next available interview dates could be as late as October 2026. The sudden changes have left thousands stranded in I

Christmas 2025 arrives on December 25, celebrated worldwide as a season of joy, warmth and togetherness. Rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ, the festival has evolved into a global cultural occasion that blends faith, tradition, food, music and family gatherings. While Christmas began as a religious commemoration, it now speaks to people of many backgrounds, offering a sense of connection and celebration as the year comes to an end. Today, streets light up with decorations, homes fill with fe

No bake Christmas desserts continue to rise in popularity because they provide a perfect mix of convenience and indulgence during the festive season. These desserts avoid oven use, relying instead on refrigeration to achieve creamy, rich textures. With families preparing for gatherings, travel, cooking and gifting, the appeal of simple yet impressive desserts has grown significantly. They save time, reduce stress and still deliver satisfying flavour. What Makes No Bake Dess

Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has said that the Narendra Modi government is dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to make way for the newly approved G RAM G law. She argues that the transition marks a major shift from a rights-based employment guarantee to a discretionary programme that could weaken rural incomes and job security. According to her, the change may affect millions who rely on the scheme for seasonal work, wages and protection against distre

Sheikh Hasina has accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of losing control of Bangladesh as the country faces growing unrest, rising extremism, and weakening ties with India. The former Prime Minister said that violence has become routine and that the current administration appears unable to stop attacks targeting civilians, minorities, and institutions. Sharif Osman Hadi, a radical student leader, was shot in Dhaka on December 12 and later died from his injuries. His dea

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a direct warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, urging them to choose between maintaining ties with Islamabad or supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Addressing religious scholars at the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad on December 10, Munir alleged that a large portion of militants entering Pakistan were Afghan nationals. His remarks, shared on local broadcasts over the weekend, highlighted rising tensions b

Shocking new details have surfaced about last weekend’s mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where two gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The attack killed 15 people and left over 40 injured, including two police officers. Court documents released on Monday indicate that the accused gunmen, Sajid Akram and his father Naveed Akram, conducted specialised weapons training before carrying out the shooting. Police allege the pair practiced at

US military activity near Venezuela has intensified as the US Coast Guard moves to apprehend a third oil tanker operating in international waters, according to officials who confirmed the development on Sunday. The operation marks the second action of its kind during the weekend and the third within a week, highlighting an escalating enforcement strategy against oil tankers under sanctions. One official stated that the vessel involved is subject to restrictions linked to United States measure

Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 ended on a remarkable high as commoner Kalyan Padala lifted the trophy, along with Rs 35 lakh prize money and a Maruti Suzuki Victorious car, defeating celebrity contestant Thanuja in a thrilling finale. The result aligned perfectly with the season’s core theme of commoners versus celebrities, a narrative that kept viewers engaged throughout the show’s run. Kalyan’s victory highlighted how audience relatability and trust outweighed star status in determining th

India’s workplaces are undergoing a silent cultural shift as Gen Z employees withdraw emotionally from their jobs without formally resigning. Unlike trends in the West, where burnout and dissatisfaction have led to open resignations, young workers in India are staying employed but disengaged, creating a new pattern described by experts as silent resignation or resenteeism. A recent survey by Youngstown State University found that 46 percent of Gen Z workers in the United States pl

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, marking a landmark moment for the country’s atomic energy sector. The legislation opens India’s civil nuclear domain to private companies for the first time, signaling a major shift in national energy policy. The SHANTI Bill was approved during the Winter Session of Parliament and formally notified by the government, clearing the way for private i

The Mahayuti alliance recorded a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra local body elections, winning 207 municipal president posts across the state and establishing strong control over urban local governance. Results from the State Election Commission showed the Bharatiya Janata Party leading the tally with 117 seats, making it the single-largest party in the polls. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena followed with 53 posts, while the Nationalist Congress Party secured 37, giving the ruling allianc

The US Justice Department restored a photograph featuring President Donald Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files after briefly removing it, triggering strong political reactions. Officials explained that the temporary removal was made to ensure no Epstein victims were identifiable in the image, not to protect the president. The photograph, which showed a desk drawer holding a picture of Trump with several women, was first taken down during a review process but reinstated within 24

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has resurfaced in the public eye after months of political silence, levelling serious allegations against the Congress-led government headed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Responding swiftly, Revanth Reddy countered KCR’s accusations and issued a challenge for an open debate in the Telangana Assembly on river water issues. He urged the BRS supremo to attend the sessions scheduled from January 2, assuring full respect and stating that the

Fans attending Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field will now have a new option for verifying their age when purchasing alcohol, as the stadium begins accepting digital Illinois driver’s licenses and state identification cards stored in Apple Wallet. The update takes effect starting Saturday, coinciding with the Bears’ matchup against the Green Bay Packers, marking a significant step in the expansion of mobile identification use at major sporting venues. Illinois Secretary of Sta

Fans attending Saturday night’s primetime matchup at Soldier Field will have a new way to stay warm as the Chicago Bears introduce a distinctly local twist on a classic cold-weather beverage. A Chicago-style hot chocolate, crafted specifically for the game against the Green Bay Packers, will make its debut inside the stadium, offering supporters a combination of comfort and regional character. The beverage blends traditional hot cocoa with Jeppson’s Malört and Amaretto, creatin