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

President Donald Trump formally withdrew his endorsement of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on Friday, ending a long-running alliance that had once positioned Greene among his most vocal supporters in Congress. The move marked the latest escalation in a widening political rift, one that has increasingly drawn national attention as debates over foreign policy, party loyalty, and the handling of Justice Department documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein intensify in

Congress candidate Naveen Yadav has delivered a convincing victory in the Jubilee Hills bypoll, securing 98,988 votes after the final round of counting. He defeated BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha Gopinath, who stood at 74,259 votes, resulting in a solid 24,729-vote margin. This win strengthens the Congress position in one of Hyderabad’s most influential constituencies, known for its diverse urban voter base and political significance. The outcome indicates strong approval of the ruling party

CHICAGO — Several Chicago Public Schools have earned top positions in the newly released rankings of Illinois’ “Best Elementary Schools” for the 2025–2026 academic year, according to data compiled from federal education sources. The annual report placed Chicago institutions prominently among the state’s top performers, alongside high-achieving schools from Rockford, Hinsdale, and Naperville. The latest rankings evaluated more than 47,000 public elementary schools and 23,

Across the United States, thousands of people gathered on Saturday for large-scale “No Kings” protests to express discontent with the direction of the country under President Donald Trump. Demonstrators filled public squares and streets in major cities, calling for renewed commitment to democracy and denouncing what they described as growing authoritarian behavior in government. Supporters of the president, however, dismissed the demonstrations as unpatriotic, labeling them as “hate rallie

Mass demonstrations are expected across the United States on Saturday as protesters gather in thousands of cities and towns for the second “No Kings” protest of the year. The coordinated events are being organized in opposition to what participants describe as increasingly authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump and his administration. The “No Kings” movement, which has been active since early 2025, is centered on defending democratic institutions, civil liberties, a

A family in Palos Hills is celebrating the safe return of their beloved macaw after a tense search that stretched over several days and involved local volunteers, neighborhood groups, and a dedicated bird rescue team. The nine-year-old blue and gold macaw, named Baby, went missing during a weekend camping trip, sparking a community-wide effort to bring him back home safely. The ordeal began on Sunday when Jonathan Medina and his wife took Baby along with them on a camping trip at Bu

A tense confrontation unfolded outside the federal immigration facility in Broadview on Friday morning, where protesters and facility staff clashed during a demonstration against enforcement operations. The suburban site, long associated with processing and detention, became the center of a heated standoff linked to “Operation Midway Blitz.” The protest began with about two dozen demonstrators holding signs and chanting in opposition to immigration enforcement. As the

Hours after thousands of Chicago residents filled the streets to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, a disturbing hate incident unfolded outside the office of 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez. Chicago police confirmed that a dead rat and a threatening handwritten note were discovered at his office on Sunday evening. The message, described as derogatory and anti-immigrant, referred to undocumented immigrants as “vermin,” sparking outrage and concern across the community.

A new twist on Chicago’s beloved deep dish pizza has arrived, and it comes with an unexpected ingredient: mustard. Giordano’s, the iconic name in Chicago style pizza, has partnered with Jim’s Original, the legendary Maxwell Street Polish sausage brand, to create a collaboration that brings together two of the city’s most recognizable food traditions. The result is the Jim’s Original Deep Dish Pizza, part of Giordano’s Chi Town Flavors series. The

Tensions are rising in Chicago as immigration advocates prepare for multiple protests against the Trump administration’s newly announced enforcement initiative, “Operation Midway Blitz.” The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation will target what it described as “criminal illegal aliens” in Chicago and across Illinois. The move has triggered demonstrations, community alerts, and sharp criticism from state and local officials. On Tuesday

A lawsuit has been filed against the Chicago Park District and former lifeguard Charles Leto after a deadly shooting at the Douglass Park pool left one teenager dead and another permanently paralyzed. The incident, which took place on June 26, has shaken the West Side community and raised serious questions about hiring and oversight within the park district. According to the lawsuit, Leto, 55, is accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critically injuring 14-year-o

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday addressing the growing concern over federal immigration enforcement and President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard as part of an expanded crackdown on crime. This move follows reports from federal officials who say that ICE, Border Patrol, and other agencies will soon send numerous agents and equipment to the city with the aim of increasing arrests of undocumented immigra

The Republican-controlled Texas Senate has approved new congressional maps designed to strengthen the party’s hold on power in Washington, completing a contentious redistricting process that has triggered heated partisan battles both within the state and across the country. The decision, reached in an overnight session, clears the way for Governor Greg Abbott to sign the measure into law, a move that will reshape Texas’ political landscape for years

Residents across the Chicago area spent Sunday in cleanup mode after a powerful storm system swept through late Saturday night, leaving widespread destruction in its path. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail battered communities across the suburbs, destroying homes, causing flooding, and knocking out power to tens of thousands of households. Among the hardest hit was a large condominium building in Mount Prospect, where dozens of residents were displaced after t

Leasing a car in the USA as an international student can be a practical and convenient way to get around, especially if you plan to stay for a longer period. Unlike buying a car, leasing offers lower monthly payments and allows you to drive a new vehicle for a set term (typically 2-3 years) with the option to purchase it later. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to lease a car as an Indian student in the USA. 1. Check Eligibility for Leasing Before you

A tweet from Texas Senator Mayes Middleton has sparked a wave of controversy after he questioned whether Houston Representative Gene Wu, a prominent member of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, was “back in China.” This remark was made amid the ongoing standoff in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers, including Wu, left the state to prevent a Republican-led redistricting vote from proceeding. Middleton's

A newly proposed Congressional map in Texas is drawing attention for the major changes it would bring to two North Texas districts currently held by Democratic representatives. The redistricting plan could significantly alter the political landscape in Districts 32 and 33, with the potential to shift control in at least one of these seats ahead of the next midterm elections. The Republican-led proposal comes amid growing efforts to gain ground in key districts and align with broad

Cook County Crime Stoppers has announced a $1000 reward for any information that can help identify and locate the driver involved in a fatal hit and run that claimed the life of 22 year old Marcella Herrera. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, July 19, along South Ashland Avenue near West 19th Street on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Marcella was crossing the street with her fiancé when a silver SUV struck both of them, killing her and leaving her fiancé se

Gita Gopinath, the renowned Indian-born economist and current First Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is set to leave her position at the IMF at the end of August. She will return to Harvard University to take up the prestigious role of the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics in Harvard's Department of Economics. This move marks a new chapter in Gopinath's illustrious career, one that began at the I