Santa Clara County officials are preparing to propose a sales tax increase to voters in an effort to safeguard the county’s public hospital system from severe federal revenue losses. The Board of Supervisors is expected to convene a special meeting around August 7 to decide whether to place the measure on the November 4 ballot. The proposed five-eighths cent sales tax would raise the current rate from 9.125% and is seen as a crucial step to help offset billions in anticipated funding cu

Indian festivals are a grand celebration of culture, tradition, and food. The joy of gathering with family and friends is often enhanced by a delicious spread of special dishes that are prepared for every occasion. Whether it's the festive fervor of Diwali, the vibrancy of Holi, the devotion of Navratri, or the sacred observances of Eid, every Indian festival is marked by mouth-watering dishes that are as rich in flavor as they are in tradition.

Choosing a car for your family isn’t just about engine specs or flashy exteriors. It’s a thoughtful decision that impacts your day-to-day life, safety, and convenience. Whether you're planning weekend road trips, school pickups, grocery runs, or just need more room for your growing family, selecting the right family car is essential. In this article, we'll walk you through the key considerations every parent or guardian should make before purchasing a car tailored to their fa

Bill Spelman, the former Austin City Council member and University of Texas professor, passed away at the age of 68. Spelman, renowned for his work in public policy and criminology, was remembered for his commitment to data-driven policymaking and his significant contributions to the Austin community. The news was shared by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who paid tribute to Spelman, describing him as a man who brought intellect, integrity, and heart to everything he

Nestled at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains, south of Salinas on California’s Central Coast, the vineyards of Scheid Family Wines stretch across fertile, fog-kissed land. Among these is Isabelle’s Vineyard, known for its high-quality pinot noir and chardonnay grapes that thrive in the cool marine air, warm sun, and nutrient-rich soil. But there's something more than just natural elements fueling this award-winning winery—it’s the wind. For over

As summer rolls in and school halls fall silent, families across Illinois are seeking affordable and enriching ways to spend time together. Whether it’s a day in the park, a movie outing, or a refreshing swim, the season offers many leisure options. But for those looking to make the most of summer without stretching their budget, Illinois libraries have something unique in store. The Explore More Illinois program is quietly transforming how residents experience the state&

  A fragile and tense ceasefire may be emerging in the Middle East after days of intense military escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Hours after Iran launched missiles targeting the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, President Donald Trump announced on social media that both Iran and Israel had agreed to a total ceasefire. However, neither Iran nor Israel officially confirmed the agreement through diplomatic channels. Iranian state media claimed that the Islami

The conflict between Iran and Israel surged into a more dangerous phase on Friday as both sides traded heavy missile and drone attacks for the eighth straight day. For the first time in the current escalation, Iran deployed missiles equipped with cluster munitions a highly controversial weapon after Israel launched targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. One of the Iranian missiles struck a hospital in so

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel launched a massive aerial assault deep into Iranian territory overnight, targeting sensitive military and nuclear facilities. Dubbed Operation Rising Lion, the offensive involved 40 Israeli fighter jets that dropped over 100 precision-guided bombs on strategic locations across cities such as Arak, Natanz, Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Kermanshah. One of t

In a dramatic and dangerous turn of events, Iran and Israel exchanged a series of airstrikes over the weekend, marking one of the most intense escalations in their long-standing rivalry. The conflict began on Friday when Israel launched its largest-ever military offensive against Iranian targets, citing the need to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program. In response, Iran retaliated with missile and rocket strikes early Saturday, hitting key Is

 In a world-first that blurs the lines between science fiction and reality, humanoid robots took center stage at the World Robot Competition in China, engaging in a high-tech kickboxing match that left audiences stunned. Developed by Unitree Robotics, the bots traded precise punches and agile kicks in both exhibition and competitive rounds an electrifying showcase of the cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. The event, held in Hangzhou as part of a

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now emerging in the United States after becoming dominant in China and causing a significant rise in cases across Asia. U.S. health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the variant closely as scientists continue to analyze whether NB.1.8.1 poses greater risks in terms of transmission, severity, and resistance to existing vaccines. The variant was initially identified in Asia, particularly in Ch

Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated by millions of Muslims across the world. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The date of Eid is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which varies across regions. In 2025, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on Monday, March 31 or Tuesday, April 1, depending on moon sightings.  

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a renewed ground offensive in central and southern Gaza, regaining control of a strategically significant land corridor. This development follows intense aerial bombardments that killed over 400 people and effectively ended a fragile two-month-old ceasefire with Hamas. The IDF announced the new "pinpointed" ground operations through an official statement, explaining that the military action aims to expand a security zone and establish a