The 91st annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Thursday, marking the start of a major holiday weekend as visitors and residents prepare for several days of celebrations across the city and surrounding suburbs. The long-running event, known for drawing tens of thousands of spectators, will once again fill the downtown corridor with floats, dancers, marching bands, specialty performers and an array of local and national talent. Organizers expect a strong turnout as families make

Two United States National Guard soldiers were critically injured on Wednesday in a targeted shooting just a short distance from the White House, in what authorities have described as one of the most serious security incidents near the presidential district in recent years. The attack occurred at the Farragut West metro station, a busy transit hub situated only two blocks from the presidential complex, heightening concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of high-profile locations in

Hong Kong authorities have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter following a catastrophic fire that swept through a high-rise housing complex in Tai Po, marking one of the city’s deadliest blazes in a decade. Police confirmed the arrests on Thursday and said a full briefing would be held to outline the early findings of the investigation and the circumstances that led to the rapid spread of the flames. The incident has raised urgent questions about building safety, maintenance pro

India has taken a major step toward reducing its dependence on imported critical technologies by approving a new national programme for manufacturing sintered rare earth permanent magnets. These magnets are essential components used in electric vehicle motors, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics and defence platforms. The Union Cabinet cleared a financial package of Rs 7,280 crore to establish a fully integrated domestic supply chain capable of producing 6,000 metric tonnes per yea

Silicon Valley’s commercial real estate sector is experiencing a period of striking contrasts, according to the latest quarterly analysis from Joint Venture Silicon Valley. The region continues to see both strong demand for leased space and a notable slowdown in new development, creating a complex environment for investors, developers, and employers. Between January and September 2025, developers added approximately 5.6 million square feet of new office and industrial space across

Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as vehicle-related crimes continue to rise during the holiday shopping period. According to police, incidents of car break-ins and thefts tend to escalate across the city at this time of year, particularly in areas where crowds and increased foot traffic create opportunities for criminals. Officers say the trend is consistent annually and emphasize that these crimes are largely preventable when drivers take proper precautions.

San Jose officials are intensifying their response to a rapid rise in copper wire thefts that have disrupted streetlights, traffic systems and transit infrastructure across the city. The growing criminal activity has led to widespread outages, costly repairs and mounting concerns from residents, businesses and transportation agencies. The issue was the central focus of a panel discussion on November 12 that brought together leaders from broadband, business, transportation and law enforcement

The Department of Government Efficiency has rejected claims that it was quietly dissolved months before the end of its contract, calling recent reports inaccurate and misleading. The agency, known for its focus on reducing federal spending and reviewing large segments of the government’s budget, responded after speculation arose regarding its operational status. A recent report had cited an unnamed United States official asserting that the department “doesn’t exist,” prompting widespr

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll held discussions with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on Monday, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter, marking the latest attempt by the Trump administration to revive momentum toward a negotiated settlement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The meetings were described as part of a broader diplomatic effort aimed at narrowing longstanding divisions between Moscow and Kyiv, which have intensified despite repeated international appeals for de-es

A 38-year-old woman doctor from Hyderabad died by suicide inside her flat after experiencing emotional distress over the rejection of her US visa application. The tragic incident came to light on Saturday morning when her domestic help alerted the family after repeated knocks at the door went unanswered. The family broke into the flat only to find her lifeless. A suicide note recovered from the scene reportedly mentioned that she had been battling deep disappointment and depression ever since

The United States and Ukraine announced that they have agreed on an updated peace framework designed to advance efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. The revised approach follows a new round of intensive diplomatic discussions in Geneva, where senior officials from both nations worked to address concerns that earlier proposals leaned too heavily toward positions seen as favourable to Moscow. The previous iteration of the plan, strongly backed by President Donald Trump, had

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced that she will resign from the U.S. House of Representatives in January, bringing an abrupt end to her third term. The decision follows a heated public fallout with President Donald Trump, who recently withdrew his endorsement of the Georgia lawmaker after months of rising tensions. Greene, long known as a vocal Trump ally and one of the most prominent figures associated with the MAGA movement, confirmed her departure late Friday, m

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was placed in custody on Saturday and transferred to federal police headquarters in Brasília, deepening tensions in a country still reckoning with the political turmoil that followed the 2022 election. The detention came two months after the Supreme Court convicted him of attempting to orchestrate a coup to overturn his loss, although authorities have indicated that the latest move is not aimed at enforcing that earlier sentence. The development has

For many Indians who arrive in the United States for work, studies, or family reasons, transportation becomes an important part of settling into daily life. Public transport in many American cities is limited, which makes owning a car almost essential. However, one common challenge for newcomers is figuring out how to buy a car while still driving with an Indian license or during the transition period to a U.S. driver’s license. This guide provides clear and general information on where to

The Department of Education’s decision to exclude nursing from its updated definition of a “professional degree” has set off widespread concern among national nursing organizations, which argue the change could significantly restrict access to advanced nursing education and deepen the country’s ongoing workforce shortage. The redefinition comes as part of the federal government’s implementation of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping measure that r

The Supreme Court is preparing for a closed-door conference on Friday to consider whether it will take up a major dispute over President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. The order, issued on the first day of his second term, declares that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily are not entitled to American citizenship. Federal courts across the country have uniformly blocked the order, preventing it from taking effect in any

During his recent visit to the United States, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, made a high-profile commitment to invest $1 trillion in Washington while seated beside the US president at the Oval Office. The announcement underscored the scale of Saudi Arabia’s financial ambitions, but it also renewed debate over whether the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund has sufficient liquidity to support such a massive pledge at a time when its domestic projects are encountering financial strain. Much of the responsibility for executing the investment promise would likely fall on the Public Investment Fund, the kingdom’s flagship sovereign wealth fund, which has been under increasing pressure due to slowing returns from several large-scale ventures. The Public Investment Fund has for years been at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation strategy, financing ambitious projects intended to diversify the nation’s oil-dependent economy. While the fund officially controls assets valued at approximately $1 trillion, a significant portion is tied up in holdings that are difficult to liquidate and lack transparent public valuations. The situation has prompted fund officials, according to people familiar with internal discussions, to caution international partners that future allocations may be scaled back until liquidity conditions improve. This comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is seeking additional capital for ongoing megaprojects that have already absorbed substantial resources. Among the most prominent initiatives facing headwinds is Neom, the futuristic development planned for the kingdom’s northwest. Conceived as a hub for advanced technology, sustainable living, and major tourism attractions, Neom was expected to showcase the scale and innovation of Saudi Arabia’s modernisation efforts. However, the project has encountered delays, rising costs, and questions about its commercial viability. Similar challenges have surfaced across other ventures funded by the PIF, including luxury Red Sea resorts that remain largely unoccupied despite significant investment. These difficulties have intensified scrutiny over the fund’s ability to sustain its commitments while supporting a broad portfolio of domestic developments. Saudi Arabia continues to benefit from substantial oil reserves, but its energy revenues have been constrained by production cuts linked to global market agreements alongside relatively subdued crude prices. As a result, the kingdom is managing a budget deficit and has increased borrowing to support national spending priorities. Analysts note that these fiscal pressures add complexity to the crown prince’s pledge, which arrives at a moment when the government is balancing long-term economic goals with short-term financial realities. The PIF, established in 1971 to support nationally significant industries, grew slowly for decades before being placed under Prince Mohammed’s direct authority in 2015. Since then, the fund has taken on a far more expansive role, backed by injections of government capital, redirected oil revenues, and assets seized under anti-corruption campaigns. Its portfolio now spans global equities, domestic infrastructure, and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, reflecting the prince’s drive to position the kingdom as a major player in future technologies. Despite achieving notable gains during periods of rising markets, the fund’s more recent initiatives have faced tougher conditions. In response to financial pressures, the fund’s leadership has reportedly adjusted internal forecasts, restructured teams, and replaced executives overseeing underperforming ventures. Officials have also signalled a shift in focus toward private investments in technology firms, an area viewed as strategically important to the kingdom’s long-term plans. These moves come as global investors track the fund’s evolving strategy, especially given the symbolic weight of the crown prince’s $1 trillion pledge. While signs of strain are evident within the fund’s operations, analysts caution that it is premature to conclude that Saudi Arabia is facing broader economic distress. The kingdom retains substantial financial capacity, and its long-term diversification agenda continues to receive strong state backing. However, the contrast between ambitious international commitments and the financial demands of domestic megaprojects has raised questions about sustainability. Observers will be watching closely to determine whether the kingdom can balance its aspirations abroad with the fiscal realities at home, particularly as the PIF navigates a period of tighter liquidity and heightened scrutiny.

Reports suggesting that the United States and Russia have drafted a confidential peace proposal for Ukraine have stirred uncertainty in Kyiv and prompted questions across Europe about the future direction of the conflict. The alleged initiative, first detailed in recent media reports, points to a possible framework designed without Ukrainian participation and containing concessions that could fundamentally reshape the country’s territorial and security landscape. Senior U.S. milit

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Thursday that he will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to address what he calls the most pressing issue facing the city: affordability. Speaking at City Hall Park, Mamdani outlined his intentions ahead of the meeting and emphasized that New Yorkers expect their leaders to confront the rising cost of living that affects millions across the five boroughs. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, has drawn considerable attention

The Cupertino City Council voted unanimously to appoint Tina Kapoor as the city’s next city manager, formally removing the word “interim” from her title and signaling a shift toward stability after years of leadership turnover. The decision places Kapoor at the head of the municipal administration during a period of ongoing debate over housing, development, and long-term economic planning in the Bay Area. Her appointment follows a series of frequent leadership changes that have shaped t