Chicago’s newly approved budget is now in effect, introducing a series of tax changes that will be rolled out in stages throughout the year. While some measures began immediately on Jan. 1, others are scheduled to take effect in the coming weeks and months, gradually reshaping costs for consumers and businesses across the city. Among the changes that began with the start of the new year is an increase in the checkout bag tax. Shoppers now pay 15 cents per grocery bag, up from the

WASHINGTON — The first day of Kwanzaa was observed in Southeast Washington with a gathering that brought together multiple generations to reflect on culture, history, and community. Nearly 150 people filled two rooms of the Anacostia Community Museum as families assembled to mark the start of the weeklong celebration, which runs from December 26 through January 1. The event centered on storytelling led by Mama Ayo, a longtime cultural educator who has spent decades teaching the pr

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

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

The United States has cautioned India about China’s evolving two-front strategic approach that combines diplomatic calm along the Line of Actual Control with an aggressive expansion of military support to Pakistan. The warning comes from the US Department of Defense’s 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments involving the People’s Republic of China, a comprehensive assessment of Beijing’s military modernisation and regional ambitions. The report h

The United States briefly slipped behind the rest of the world in timekeeping after a powerful storm struck Colorado last week, disrupting operations at the country’s official timekeeping facility. Following the incident, American time was recorded as lagging by 4.8 microseconds compared to the global standard, a tiny difference that nevertheless raised serious concerns about the resilience of critical infrastructure systems. The disruption occurred at the National Institute of St

Brookfield Zoo is offering Chicago-area residents and visitors an excellent opportunity to explore one of the region’s most popular attractions without paying an admission fee, as the zoo has announced free entry on most days throughout January and February. The expanded winter free admission schedule gives families, students, and animal enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a meaningful outdoor experience during the colder months while keeping expenses low. With a wide variety of exhibits and thousan

The Mahayuti alliance recorded a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra local body elections, winning 207 municipal president posts across the state and establishing strong control over urban local governance. Results from the State Election Commission showed the Bharatiya Janata Party leading the tally with 117 seats, making it the single-largest party in the polls. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena followed with 53 posts, while the Nationalist Congress Party secured 37, giving the ruling allianc

A small family-run restaurant in Jersey City has become a standout success story in the local dining scene, driven by determination, cultural pride, and an unlikely culinary journey. Korai Kitchen, the city’s first Bangladeshi restaurant, is operated by a mother-daughter duo whose path to national recognition began without formal training or professional kitchen experience. Chef and owner Nur-E Gulshan Rahman opened Korai Kitchen alongside her daughter, Nur-E Farhana, in February

A school bus crash in Moorestown left ten people injured Tuesday afternoon after a collision at a busy local intersection, according to authorities. The accident occurred at the intersection of Borton Landing Road and Hartford Road, an area frequently traveled by school transportation vehicles and commuters during afternoon hours. Police said the crash involved a school bus carrying students and a passenger vehicle. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the

A severe storm swept through the city of Guaba in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul on December 15, causing the collapse of a towering replica of the Statue of Liberty installed outside a local Havan megastore. The dramatic incident occurred as strong winds battered the region, drawing widespread attention after videos of the structure toppling were shared on social media. According to Brazil’s civil defence authority, Defesa Civil, wind speeds during the storm reache

US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering the formation of a new geopolitical grouping known as the “Core-5,” a proposed alliance that would bring together the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan. The initiative is being explored as a potential alternative to the Group of Seven, signaling a significant shift in Washington’s approach to global leadership and alliance-building. If pursued, the Core-5 could represent one of the most powerful strategic blocs ever as

As colder weather settles in across central Ohio, several communities continue to support local growers and small businesses through a variety of winter farmers markets. Operating indoors or in sheltered locations, these markets ensure residents have year-round access to fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal items and other locally sourced products. Organizers say the winter season often strengthens the sense of community, allowing shoppers and vendors to connect in a more personal setting wh

Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly defended the Taliban government's right to maintain political and economic relations with India, pushing back against Pakistan’s criticism over Kabul-Delhi engagement. Speaking at a conference in Kabul, Muttaqi dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India supports anti-Pakistan groups, calling them inconsistent and politically motivated. He reminded that Pakistan itself maintains diplomatic presence in New Delhi with act

A 14-year-old Lewisville ISD student died Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Flower Mound, prompting an ongoing police investigation and a wave of grief throughout the community. Authorities responded to the collision just before 4 p.m. at the intersection of Valley Ridge Boulevard and Browning Drive, an area that sees steady neighborhood traffic during after-school hours. According to the Flower Mound Police Department, officers arrived to find that a juvenile pedestrian had been injured after a pickup truck entered the intersection while she attempted to cross the roadway. Investigators reported that the driver of a 2020 Chevrolet pickup truck had been stopped at a stop sign facing south in the 6000 block of Browning Road. As the driver began moving forward, the pedestrian, identified as 14-year-old Flower Mound resident Isha Mishra, was struck. Emergency responders transported her to Medical City Denton Hospital, where she later died despite medical efforts. The Denton County Medical Examiner confirmed her identity shortly after the incident. Officials noted that Mishra was a ninth-grade student at Marcus High School. In a statement, Lewisville ISD expressed deep sorrow over the loss, acknowledging the impact the tragedy has had on the school community. The district stated that crisis counseling teams would remain available to support students and staff coping with the news and emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of Mishra’s family during such a difficult time. Police said the driver, a 60-year-old Lewisville resident, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. He was not injured in the crash, and investigators have not released his name as the inquiry continues. No charges have been announced as detectives work to review roadway conditions, vehicle movement, and witness accounts to determine the circumstances leading to the collision. The tragedy has resonated deeply within the Flower Mound community, particularly among families and students who frequent the area near the crash site. The Village Church, located close to both Marcus High School and the scene of the incident, opened its doors for a prayer vigil on Wednesday to offer residents a space for comfort. Lead pastor Matt Chandler noted that the crash occurred only a short distance from the church, and he emphasized the congregation’s desire to provide support for those struggling with grief and shock. In addition to the vigil, the church announced a recovery-focused event scheduled for Wednesday evening, intended to assist individuals coping with trauma and emotional distress. Organizers invited the public to gather at the church’s campus on Justin Road to reflect, pray, and find community support as residents continue processing the devastating loss. As Flower Mound police continue their investigation, the incident has renewed local conversations about pedestrian safety, traffic awareness, and the need for heightened caution near school zones and residential areas. The death of the young student has left classmates, educators, and neighbors mourning a life cut tragically short while the community rallies to support those affected.

A warm and memorable Friendsgiving celebration brought together families from Santa Clara County’s support and advocacy programs at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose, creating an atmosphere centered on unity, wellness and meaningful connection. Held on November 15, the event welcomed families participating in the Dependency Wellness Court and the Court Appointed Special Advocates program. It offered them a rare opportunity to share time together in a supportive setting designed to reduce s

Jeff’s Donuts, a 24-hour donut shop known for its scratch-made menu, is preparing to launch its first Ohio location in the Columbus region. The company has confirmed that the new store will open at 5717 North Hamilton Road in the Trouville neighborhood, situated just north of Gahanna, with an anticipated debut in early 2026. The expansion marks a significant moment for the brand as it steps into the Ohio market with what will become its first franchised location. The upcoming stor

Hundreds of Austin families received meaningful holiday support on Sunday during a large Thanksgiving meal distribution hosted at Huston-Tillotson University. The event, which has become an anticipated annual tradition for many local residents, once again aimed to ease financial stress for households preparing for the holiday season. The Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity collaborated with students from the university’s honors program to organize the drive-thro

A major phase in SpaceX’s Starship test program faced an unexpected setback on Friday when Booster 18, the company’s first next-generation Block 3 Super Heavy booster, sustained significant structural damage during a ground test in South Texas. The incident occurred at SpaceX’s Massey test facility near Starbase, where the vehicle was undergoing routine gas-system pressure checks ahead of more rigorous structural proofing. Shortly after 4 a.m. local time, livestream footage captured the

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