The United States government has urged Americans in parts of the Middle East to leave the region as fighting linked to the escalating Iran war intensifies, complicating travel and raising security concerns. The State Department issued updated guidance advising citizens to depart from 14 countries, including Israel, Lebanon, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, as regional security conditions deteriorate. Until recently, Americans in several of these countries had been instructed to s

The U.S.-Iran war entered its fourth day on Tuesday, widening beyond its initial flashpoints and sending shockwaves through global financial and energy markets. Investors reacted swiftly to the escalating Middle East conflict, with U.S. stocks opening sharply lower. European stocks and major Asian markets also declined, reflecting mounting concerns over geopolitical instability and the risk of a broader regional confrontation. Oil prices surged amid growing fears of an energy supply

The United States could face an economic impact of up to $210 billion as Operation Epic Fury intensifies tensions with Iran, according to leading budget analysts. President Donald Trump has indicated that the conflict may continue for at least four weeks, raising concerns about prolonged military spending and wider fallout for the US economy. Estimates by economist Kent Smetters of the Penn Wharton Budget Model suggest that the total cost of the Iran conflict could significantly strain federa

Israel’s air force carried out overnight strikes on key government sites in Iran, including the country’s presidential complex and a building linked to its top security authority, according to a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces. The military said it targeted what it described as the “Iranian regime’s leadership compound,” identifying it as the central headquarters of Iran’s leadership structure. In a post published on X, the Israel Defense Forces stated that

Federal authorities are investigating whether a deadly shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas, may have been an act of terrorism after two people were killed and 14 others injured in a late-night attack that has shaken the city. The violence unfolded within hours of US airstrikes against Iran, prompting questions about whether the timing was coincidental or connected to broader geopolitical tensions. Officials have cautioned that the investigation remains in its early stages and that conclusions sho

The United States and Israel continued coordinated military strikes inside Iran as tensions escalated following the deaths of three American service members during the latest phase of the conflict. Former US President Donald Trump said the United States would respond forcefully to the losses, warning that additional casualties could occur before the confrontation reaches a conclusion. The deaths mark the first confirmed American fatalities since the latest round of joint operations targeting Ira

More than a dozen locally owned restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, are offering special discounts to diners as part of the annual Columbus Independents Weeks event, which runs from March 2 through March 14. The promotion is organized by Columbus Independents, an association representing independent restaurants that aims to encourage residents and visitors to support local food businesses while enjoying limited-time dining deals across the city. During the event, participating restaurant

Protesters gathered Saturday outside the federal building in San Francisco to denounce recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, assembling less than a day after the military action was announced. Demonstrators later marched through downtown streets, chanting anti-war slogans and calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Participants carried signs criticizing military spending, condemning both major political parties, and expressing opposition to immigration enforcement and forei

Chicago residents purchasing alcohol from local liquor stores will see a new tax added to their bills starting Sunday, as the city implements a revised taxation system on retail liquor sales. The Chicago Department of Finance confirmed that a 1.5 percent liquor tax will officially take effect after a two-month delay that was granted to allow retailers additional time to update billing systems and prepare for the change. The new Chicago liquor tax replaces the previous structure that

A nationwide recall has been issued in the United States for more than 3.2 million grill brushes manufactured by Weber after safety officials warned that metal bristles from the brushes can detach and create a serious risk of injury. The recall was announced following multiple complaints that loose wire bristles became stuck in food and were accidentally swallowed, leading to potential internal harm. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall covers six different models of metal

Iran launched a large-scale counter-attack targeting United States military bases across the Middle East, with several strikes also reported in the United Arab Emirates, triggering panic in major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Explosions were heard in multiple locations on Saturday, prompting emergency responses and heightened security across the Gulf region. Authorities confirmed that precautionary evacuations were carried out in several high-profile locations, including the Burj Khalifa

The United States and Israel have launched large-scale military strikes on Iran, triggering a rapid escalation that has pushed West Asia toward a wider conflict. US President Donald Trump announced the start of major combat operations, while calling on the Iranian public to oppose their leadership. Within hours, Iran responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli positions and US military facilities across the region, raising fears of a prolonged confrontation. Explosions were reported in

India on Saturday, February 28, called on all parties involved in the escalating military confrontation across West Asia to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, stressing that the safety of civilians must remain the highest priority. The Ministry of External Affairs said dialogue and diplomacy were essential to reduce tensions following the rapid spread of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The ministry stated that sovereignty and territorial integrity of al

The Santa Cruz Wharf is set to fully reopen this spring, more than a year after a powerful winter storm caused significant damage to the historic structure. The repairs mark an important milestone for the coastal city, which relies heavily on tourism and visitor activity along its waterfront. The wharf, originally built more than a century ago, remains one of the most recognized landmarks on the California coast and a major attraction for both residents and travelers. City officials confirme

The United States and Israel carried out a coordinated military operation against Iran on February 28, marking a sharp escalation in West Asia tensions and raising concerns about a wider regional conflict. Officials familiar with the development said the strikes were aimed at key military and political targets, including locations linked to Iran’s leadership and nuclear programme. Iranian authorities later responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli territory and facilities used by US for

The collapse of the Geneva nuclear talks on February 26, 2026, marked a decisive setback in months of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Mediators had earlier indicated that progress was being made, but negotiations ultimately failed after both sides refused to compromise on core demands. Officials confirmed that technical-level discussions were scheduled to continue in Vienna, though the situation deteriorated rapidly following milit

Residents of the San Ramon Valley are set to hear from a seismologist about a recent surge in earthquake activity that has drawn attention across the region. A researcher from the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory will speak Friday at the San Ramon Community Center, addressing why nearly 100 earthquakes have been recorded in the valley over the past 30 days. The most significant event occurred on the morning of February 2, when a magnitude 4.2 tremor shook the area. The quake was wi

Iran has denied inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency access to several nuclear sites struck during a 12-day conflict involving Israel and the United States in June, according to a confidential report circulated among member states. The development has left the UN watchdog unable to verify the status of Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities or confirm the size and location of its enriched uranium stockpile. In its latest assessment, the Vienna-based nuclear monit

Holi 2026, the festival of colors, will be celebrated across the globe on March 3 and 4, but the occurrence of a rare lunar eclipse on March 3 is causing confusion, particularly in India. Traditionally, Holi is celebrated on Phalguna Purnima, the full moon night, which in 2026 falls on March 3. However, the lunar eclipse that occurs on the evening of March 3 triggers the "sutak" period, which is considered inauspicious for performing religious rituals. Holika Dahan, the bonfire lighting cerem