Federal prosecutors have charged the founder of Irving-based Tricolor Holdings with orchestrating a years-long scheme that allegedly defrauded major lenders of nearly $1 billion, marking a dramatic collapse for a company once positioned as a key provider of auto loans to borrowers with poor credit histories. Authorities announced the charges Wednesday alongside the arrests of two former top executives and guilty pleas from two others. According to an indictment unsealed in federal c

California regulators have warned Tesla that its license to sell electric vehicles in the state could be temporarily suspended early next year unless the automaker revises how it markets its self-driving technology. The warning follows a legal decision concluding that Tesla misled consumers for years by overstating the capabilities of its driver assistance systems, particularly through the use of the terms Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. In a decision released late Tuesday, an admi

Despite stricter visa regimes, no-fly lists, and repeated warnings from both domestic and foreign authorities, thousands of Pakistani citizens continue to travel abroad or attempt to do so for the purpose of begging, particularly in Gulf nations. Recent disclosures to Pakistan’s National Assembly reveal the scale of the challenge, underscoring concerns about organised networks exploiting pilgrimage and tourist visas to reach foreign destinations. Saudi Arabia has deported approxim

Multiple people were killed after a small private jet crashed shortly after takeoff near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, according to local law enforcement officials. The incident occurred late Thursday morning and prompted an immediate response from emergency crews and federal aviation authorities. Iredell County Chief Deputy Bill Hamby said the crash took place shortly after 10:15 a.m. local time. While authorities confirmed fatalities, officials said the exact num

Google has launched Gemini 3 Flash as its new default AI model across the Gemini app and Search, saying it delivers faster performance and stronger reasoning skills than previous releases. The company claims Gemini 3 Flash not only surpasses 2.5 Flash, but also comes close to matching its advanced Pro model. The move strengthens Google’s position in the competitive AI market, where OpenAI recently released GPT-5.2. With Gemini 3 Flash now becoming the primary experience for millions of user

Taiwan experienced a moderate 5.1 magnitude earthquake on Thursday, briefly shaking buildings across the capital city of Taipei. According to reports citing the island’s weather administration, the quake struck off the eastern coast, with its epicentre about 18 km from Hualien city at a depth of nearly 31.6 km. While the tremor was noticeable enough to cause concern among residents, officials confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Taipe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Order of Oman, the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his contribution to strengthening India-Oman relations. The award was presented during PM Modi’s ongoing visit to Muscat, the final stop of his three-nation tour that included Jordan and Ethiopia. This recognition adds to his record of over 28 prestigious civilian honours from nations around the world, including recent distinctions such as

Pakistan’s request to reduce the 18 percent GST on condoms and other contraceptives has been rejected by the International Monetary Fund, leaving the government unable to make birth-control products cheaper in a period of rising population and financial pressure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked the Federal Board of Revenue to approach the IMF for immediate approval to remove the tax, but the lender made it clear that such changes cannot be made mid-year and may only be considered du

Tension in Bangladesh has sharply escalated after India closed its visa centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, prompting violent protests and warnings of further unrest. Demonstrators clashed with security personnel near the Assistant High Commission of India in Rajshahi after attempting to march toward the compound. Protesters accused India of injustice and went so far as to threaten bloodshed, saying they would use swords or other weapons if necessary. The situation has alarmed authorities on both

A migratory seagull carrying a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found along Karnataka’s Karwar coast, raising questions due to the location’s proximity to the strategic INS Kadamba naval base. Locals first spotted the bird near Timmakka Garden in Uttara Kannada district and alerted the marine division of the forest department. The discovery drew attention because INS Kadamba hosts key Indian Navy assets and is undergoing expansion that will make it one of the largest naval bases in th

Karnataka deputy chief minister and senior Congress MLA DK Shivakumar has stirred a new political flashpoint by challenging the BJP-led central government to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s image from Indian currency notes. His remarks came during a protest against the Centre’s decision to alter the rural employment scheme named after Gandhi, a move Congress leaders argue undermines the legacy of the Father of the Nation. Shivakumar accused the BJP of playing with constitutional values

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been selected for the prestigious Business Reformer of the Year award by The Economic Times, earning nationwide recognition for his push to transform the state into a major investment destination. The award highlights the renewed momentum in business policy, infrastructure development and industrial expansion under his leadership. With a strong focus on investor confidence and governance reforms, Naidu has positioned Andhra Pradesh as a key

The Telangana Panchayat elections revealed two major political trends shaping the state’s future. Congress, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has solidified its position as the dominant force across the state. With over 52 percent of the seats, the party’s rural and semi-urban appeal has clearly expanded. These results reflect continued voter trust since the 2023 Assembly victory, confirming Congress as the strongest political presence in Telangana. On the ot

The debate surrounding censorship on OTT platforms in India has intensified in recent years, with discussions rising over the language, visuals, and narrative formats used in digital entertainment. As the popularity of online streaming surged, so did public and political scrutiny, raising questions about whether OTT content would come under the same certification framework as theatrical releases. For a period, there were reports hinting at the possibility of the Central Board of Film Certific

President Donald Trump has introduced a strikingly unconventional transformation to the White House’s historical displays, turning a traditional walkway honoring former presidents into a sharply worded political statement. Along the West Colonnade near the Rose Garden, newly installed plaques beneath presidential portraits present blunt assessments of Trump’s predecessors while offering an expansive portrayal of his own record in office. The changes have drawn immediate attention from vis

Norovirus infections are increasing earlier than expected this season across the United States, with particularly elevated activity being detected in parts of the Bay Area, according to recent wastewater monitoring data. Public health experts say the early rise is being driven in part by a new variant of the virus, leaving many people without prior exposure or immunity. Data collected from wastewater surveillance systems show especially high levels of norovirus in the South Bay, Red

A children’s costume sold through Amazon has been recalled after federal safety officials determined it contains prohibited toxic chemicals, prompting an urgent warning to parents and caregivers. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall on Dec. 11, advising consumers to immediately remove the costume from children’s access and destroy it to prevent potential harm. The recall involves SKCAIHT-branded costumes designed to resemble mermaid or princess outfit

German lawmakers are widely expected to approve a defense procurement package exceeding 50 billion euros on Wednesday, marking one of the most significant military spending decisions in the country’s post-war history. The move reflects a broader shift in Germany’s security policy as the government seeks to strengthen national and allied defense capabilities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Agenda documents for the Bundestag’s Budget Committee indicate that members are

Gil Gerard, the actor who rose to international fame as the title character in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed on Tuesday by his wife, Janet Gerard, who shared the news through a personal message accompanied by photographs reflecting their life together. According to her statement, the actor died following a brief but aggressive battle with a rare form of cancer, a diagnosis that progressed rapidly over the course of only a few days.