Five people were taken to area hospitals late Christmas night after a three-vehicle crash on Indian Head Highway in Accokeek, Maryland, according to officials from the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department. Firefighters said the injured individuals suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries following the collision, which occurred along the 14250 block of the highway. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Christmas D

A light-hearted White House Christmas tradition took an unexpectedly awkward turn after US President Donald Trump was gently cut short by First Lady Melania Trump during a live holiday call, creating a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms. The exchange occurred during the annual Chr

As Christmas Day approaches, shoppers across central Ohio are adjusting their plans as many retailers prepare to close early on Christmas Eve and shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday, prompting widespread schedule changes as businesses balance customer demand with time off for employees to spend with family and friends. For consumers making last-minute purchases or gathering ingredients for holiday meals, knowing store hours ahead of

As Christmas approaches, shoppers and workers across the country are navigating adjusted schedules as many retailers, government offices and financial institutions modify their operating hours ahead of the holiday. With Christmas Eve falling midweek this year, the final days before the holiday are expected to be among the busiest for stores and grocery chains, while closures on Christmas Day and limited hours on surrounding days are prompting consumers to plan ahead. Several major retailers are extending hours in the days leading up to Christmas to accommodate last-minute shoppers, though most will close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. Wholesale club Costco has confirmed that its warehouses will operate on reduced schedules, closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Walmart locations nationwide are also expected to close early, with most stores shutting their doors at 6 p.m. Target locations may vary by market, but many stores will close around 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve after offering extended hours earlier in the week. Sam’s Club members should expect a 6 p.m. closing time on Christmas Eve, while Trader Joe’s stores are planning to end operations at 5 p.m. Department and apparel retailers are following similar patterns. Macy’s and Nordstrom locations will generally close earlier than normal on Christmas Eve, with many stores ending the day by 5 p.m. Old Navy locations are expected to close around 6 p.m., while Walgreens stores will largely remain open during regular business hours, though pharmacy counters may operate on limited schedules. Grocery chains including Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Sunset Foods and Heinen’s are also adjusting hours, with most closing between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on the brand and location. Whole Foods stores are expected to operate with modified hours, and Starbucks customers are advised to check individual store schedules. Shopping malls across the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs are also reducing hours on Christmas Eve after extended shopping days earlier in the week. Many major malls will close between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., including Woodfield Mall, Oakbrook Center, Water Tower Place and several outlet centers. Shoppers are encouraged to verify hours directly with mall management, as opening times may differ by location. Beyond retail, several essential services are operating on altered schedules. Most banks will remain open on Christmas Eve but are expected to close earlier than usual. Mail delivery through the United States Postal Service will continue on Dec. 24 and again on Dec. 26, though post office branches will be closed on Christmas Day. Government services in Illinois, including secretary of state offices and DMVs, will be closed on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 before reopening on Friday. Financial markets are also observing holiday schedules. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will end trading early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed for Christmas Day, resuming normal operations on Dec. 26. With a mix of early closures and full-day shutdowns across sectors, consumers are advised to complete errands early and confirm local hours before heading out. The compressed holiday schedule is expected to drive heavier traffic in stores and malls during limited operating windows, making advance planning essential in the final stretch before Christmas.    

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a major financial support initiative for pastors across the state, declaring that Rs 50 crore will be credited directly into their bank accounts on December 24. The announcement was made during the Semi Christmas celebrations organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Government in Vijayawada, marking a significant pre-Christmas gesture tow

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

Chicago is set to officially open its holiday season this weekend as several of the city’s most recognizable Christmas traditions return across multiple neighborhoods. The start of these annual events is expected to draw large crowds, increased traffic and a series of planned road closures, according to city officials. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications advised residents, visitors and motorists to prepare for heavier travel conditions throughout the weekend as celebration

The holiday season in Ohio brings an atmosphere of excitement as families and travelers begin looking for memorable winter attractions that brighten the colder months. Across the state, communities prepare stunning light displays that turn parks, courthouses, gardens and public spaces into festive destinations. This year, the state has organized an extensive list of seventy-nine locations considered among the most impressive holiday light shows available, allowing visitors to explore a wide rang

The holiday season has officially begun to make its presence felt across the Chicago area. From dazzling décor and festive lights to store promotions and the unmistakable scent of seasonal treats, the city’s malls are transforming into winter wonderlands. But perhaps the most heartwarming sign of all is the arrival of Santa Claus himself. For families eager to capture a cherished holiday photo or simply share a moment of joy with the beloved figure in red, many malls across the region are

Reports have surfaced that Google is secretly building an artificial intelligence data centre on Christmas Island, a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. According to a Reuters investigation, the facility is believed to be connected to a military cloud computing deal between Google and the Australian Department of Defence. The island, strategically positioned for maritime monitoring, is said to provide an ideal location for advanced AI and surveillance infrastructure. In

Starbucks has officially unveiled its 2025 holiday cup collection, drink lineup, and festive bakery offerings, marking the return of one of the most anticipated annual traditions for coffee lovers. This year’s designs, according to the company, are meant to “invite all to linger in a space that feels authentically Starbucks,” capturing the warmth and nostalgia associated with the brand’s coffeehouse experience. The new cup designs blend the familiar Starbucks red and green p

Chicago’s annual wave of holiday spirit is arriving just a little later this year. Popular radio station 93.9 LITE FM has announced that it will officially begin broadcasting nonstop Christmas music on Tuesday, November 4, marking the start of its 25th year as Chicago’s go-to station for festive tunes. The station confirmed that the seasonal switch will take place at 3 p.m., when it transitions to “around-the-clock holiday music.” Listeners across the Chicago area can tune i

NEW YORK CITY – The holiday season in New York is officially on the horizon, as Rockefeller Center announced that this year’s iconic Christmas tree will come from East Greenbush, New York, a small town located just outside Albany. The majestic Norway spruce, known for its height, symmetry, and rich green color, will soon make its journey to Midtown Manhattan, where it will become the centerpiece of one of the world’s most beloved holiday traditions. The tree is scheduled to be

As the holiday season approaches, the traditional hustle and bustle inside China’s Christmas product factories is strikingly absent this year. Long the workshop of the world when it comes to festive goods—from plastic pine trees to twinkling LED lights—these factories now face grim prospects due to the United States’ sudden and steep import tariffs. President Donald Trump’s recent escalation of trade tensions, with a 104% tariff slapped on Chinese imports, has effec

In response to Russia's Christmas Day attack on Ukrainian cities and its energy infrastructure, President Joe Biden has instructed the U.S. Defense Department to maintain its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Biden condemned Russia’s actions, which were aimed at disrupting Ukraine’s power supply and endangering the country’s energy grid during the harsh winter. The attack, which involved cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones, is part of Russia’s ong

The question of where Santa Claus lives has sparked a variety of claims from countries across the globe. Finland, for instance, touts Korvatunturi in Lapland as Santa's home, drawing tourists to the region. Denmark points to Greenland, Sweden suggests Mora, and all these locations are close to the North Pole, contributing to the myth of a snowy Santa home. However, this image of Santa as a jolly man with reindeer and a sleigh was not always so cheerful. Historically, European fo

Get ready to take your Christmas party to the next level with these 5 creative chaat recipes. Chaat is a favorite at many festive gatherings, and this year, you can give your menu a holiday twist. Whether you’re serving classic favorites like Dahi Bhalla or mixing it up with tangy fruit chaat, these dishes will bring both flavor and cheer to your celebrations. Palak Patta Chaat – Christmas Twist This classic chaat gets a festive mak

Christmas is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. While the holiday season is marked by red and green decorations, festive lights, and abundant feasts, one tradition that stands out is the Christmas cake. Across the globe, different cultures have their own special holiday cakes that are served to bring sweetness to the celebration. Let’s take a look at 5 traditional Christmas cakes from around the world: Christmas Cake - Engla