San Jose policy on police identification remains in effect despite federal ruling
San Jose officials say the city’s efforts to regulate immigration enforcement activities remain firmly in place, even as a recent federal court decision temporarily paused a related California law. Local leaders emphasized that the ruling does not weaken San Jose’s existing requirements for law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves while on duty. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision Thursday that put California’s No Vigilantes Act on hold pending
San Jose policy on police identification remains in effect despite federal ruling
San Jose officials say the city’s efforts to regulate immigration enforcement activities remain firmly in place, even as a recent federal court decision temporarily paused a related California law. Local leaders emphasized that the ruling does not weaken San Jose’s existing requirements for law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves while on duty. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision Thursday that put California’s No Vigilantes Act on hold pending
JCP&L crews restore power as outages drop after major blizzard
JCP&L has deployed more than 2,500 linework personnel across its service region as the utility continues efforts to restore electricity following a powerful winter blizzard that caused widespread outages. Officials reported that the number of customers without power has dropped to about 15,000, marking significant progress in the restoration campaign. Crews remain heavily focused on OceanCo, where the storm brought down more than 60 trees and damaged critical infrastructure. Utility crew
JCP&L crews restore power as outages drop after major blizzard
JCP&L has deployed more than 2,500 linework personnel across its service region as the utility continues efforts to restore electricity following a powerful winter blizzard that caused widespread outages. Officials reported that the number of customers without power has dropped to about 15,000, marking significant progress in the restoration campaign. Crews remain heavily focused on OceanCo, where the storm brought down more than 60 trees and damaged critical infrastructure. Utility crew
Social Security repeatedly declares Dallas woman dead, halts benefits
A 94-year-old Dallas resident has been mistakenly declared dead by the Social Security Administration multiple times, creating ongoing financial hardship for her and her family. The latest error, recorded in December 2025, marks the fourth time since 2017 that Helen Cvik has been incorrectly listed as deceased despite being alive. According to her family, the repeated Social Security error has disrupted critical benefit payments needed to cover assisted living expenses, insurance premiums an
Social Security repeatedly declares Dallas woman dead, halts benefits
A 94-year-old Dallas resident has been mistakenly declared dead by the Social Security Administration multiple times, creating ongoing financial hardship for her and her family. The latest error, recorded in December 2025, marks the fourth time since 2017 that Helen Cvik has been incorrectly listed as deceased despite being alive. According to her family, the repeated Social Security error has disrupted critical benefit payments needed to cover assisted living expenses, insurance premiums an
Phillipsburg sinkholes raise safety concerns after dump truck incident
Phillipsburg officials say repair work on several large sinkholes could take days or even weeks as crews continue to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the underlying cause. Local authorities are working closely with engineers and utility providers to determine whether additional ground failures could occur in the affected area. Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. said the town is taking the situation seriously, noting that while the region sits on a substantial limestone deposit wh
Phillipsburg sinkholes raise safety concerns after dump truck incident
Phillipsburg officials say repair work on several large sinkholes could take days or even weeks as crews continue to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the underlying cause. Local authorities are working closely with engineers and utility providers to determine whether additional ground failures could occur in the affected area. Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. said the town is taking the situation seriously, noting that while the region sits on a substantial limestone deposit wh
Federal and Dallas officials outline joint crackdown on violent crime
Federal and local law enforcement leaders gathered Tuesday morning in Dallas to present a unified strategy aimed at addressing violent crime across the city and surrounding North Texas communities. The briefing, led by representatives from the Department of Justice and several investigative agencies, outlined ongoing enforcement efforts and emphasized closer coordination among federal, state and local authorities to disrupt criminal networks and improve public safety. Ryan Raybould, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, opened the press conference by describing violent crime as a top priority for federal prosecutors. He said the Justice Department is working alongside regional partners to pursue cases involving firearms offenses, drug trafficking, organized crime and repeat offenders. According to Raybould, combining investigative resources and intelligence-sharing has already strengthened cases brought before federal courts and increased the likelihood of long-term sentences for individuals responsible for serious offenses. Senior officials from multiple agencies attended the event, including Brian Garner, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Dallas; Joseph Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Jeremy Wright, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations; Christopher Altemus, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation; and Major Eric Wilson of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s North Texas Criminal Investigation Division. Each agency highlighted its specific role in combating crime, from targeting illegal firearms and narcotics distribution to tracing financial crimes and dismantling trafficking operations. Garner said the ATF continues to focus on removing illegal guns from the streets and investigating firearm-related violence. Tucker noted that the DEA has increased operations against drug supply chains that often contribute to violent incidents, while Wright emphasized the FBI’s work in intelligence coordination and complex investigations involving gangs and organized groups. Pickard described HSI’s efforts to disrupt cross-border smuggling and related criminal enterprises, and Altemus explained how financial investigations conducted by IRS-CI help uncover money laundering tied to illegal activities. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux underscored the importance of partnerships between federal agents and local officers, calling collaboration essential to responding quickly to emerging threats. He said the department has seen benefits from joint task forces that allow investigators to share data and conduct targeted enforcement in neighborhoods experiencing higher crime rates. Officials said these efforts are intended not only to make arrests but also to deter future offenses and restore confidence among residents. Throughout the briefing, leaders stressed that sustained cooperation, combined with community engagement, remains central to their approach. They said continued operations, coordinated raids and prosecution strategies will aim to reduce violence, hold offenders accountable and improve safety across Dallas and the wider Texas region.
Federal and Dallas officials outline joint crackdown on violent crime
Federal and local law enforcement leaders gathered Tuesday morning in Dallas to present a unified strategy aimed at addressing violent crime across the city and surrounding North Texas communities. The briefing, led by representatives from the Department of Justice and several investigative agencies, outlined ongoing enforcement efforts and emphasized closer coordination among federal, state and local authorities to disrupt criminal networks and improve public safety. Ryan Raybould, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, opened the press conference by describing violent crime as a top priority for federal prosecutors. He said the Justice Department is working alongside regional partners to pursue cases involving firearms offenses, drug trafficking, organized crime and repeat offenders. According to Raybould, combining investigative resources and intelligence-sharing has already strengthened cases brought before federal courts and increased the likelihood of long-term sentences for individuals responsible for serious offenses. Senior officials from multiple agencies attended the event, including Brian Garner, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Dallas; Joseph Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Jeremy Wright, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations; Christopher Altemus, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation; and Major Eric Wilson of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s North Texas Criminal Investigation Division. Each agency highlighted its specific role in combating crime, from targeting illegal firearms and narcotics distribution to tracing financial crimes and dismantling trafficking operations. Garner said the ATF continues to focus on removing illegal guns from the streets and investigating firearm-related violence. Tucker noted that the DEA has increased operations against drug supply chains that often contribute to violent incidents, while Wright emphasized the FBI’s work in intelligence coordination and complex investigations involving gangs and organized groups. Pickard described HSI’s efforts to disrupt cross-border smuggling and related criminal enterprises, and Altemus explained how financial investigations conducted by IRS-CI help uncover money laundering tied to illegal activities. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux underscored the importance of partnerships between federal agents and local officers, calling collaboration essential to responding quickly to emerging threats. He said the department has seen benefits from joint task forces that allow investigators to share data and conduct targeted enforcement in neighborhoods experiencing higher crime rates. Officials said these efforts are intended not only to make arrests but also to deter future offenses and restore confidence among residents. Throughout the briefing, leaders stressed that sustained cooperation, combined with community engagement, remains central to their approach. They said continued operations, coordinated raids and prosecution strategies will aim to reduce violence, hold offenders accountable and improve safety across Dallas and the wider Texas region.
Conflicting groundhog predictions emerge across New Jersey on seasonal forecast
As many residents across New Jersey look ahead to a shift in seasonal weather, this year’s Groundhog Day forecasts offered contrasting visions of what lies ahead. Two well-known groundhogs from different parts of the state delivered opposing predictions, leaving the ultimate outlook for winter and spring unresolved and adding to the tradition’s familiar uncertainty. At Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, Essex Edwina emerged before a crowd of families and visitors to make her annua
Conflicting groundhog predictions emerge across New Jersey on seasonal forecast
As many residents across New Jersey look ahead to a shift in seasonal weather, this year’s Groundhog Day forecasts offered contrasting visions of what lies ahead. Two well-known groundhogs from different parts of the state delivered opposing predictions, leaving the ultimate outlook for winter and spring unresolved and adding to the tradition’s familiar uncertainty. At Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, Essex Edwina emerged before a crowd of families and visitors to make her annua
Friends honor cricket player Arun Sandram killed in late-night I-40 crash
Family members, friends, and the wider sports community are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of 35-year-old Arun K. Sandram, who was killed in a late-night crash on Interstate 40 in Raleigh. The incident occurred on Sunday evening along the eastbound lanes of I-40, just before the interchange with I-440, leaving loved ones struggling to come to terms with the unexpected loss of a man they describe as kind, energetic, and deeply passionate about sports. The news of his death has sent shockwave
Friends honor cricket player Arun Sandram killed in late-night I-40 crash
Family members, friends, and the wider sports community are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of 35-year-old Arun K. Sandram, who was killed in a late-night crash on Interstate 40 in Raleigh. The incident occurred on Sunday evening along the eastbound lanes of I-40, just before the interchange with I-440, leaving loved ones struggling to come to terms with the unexpected loss of a man they describe as kind, energetic, and deeply passionate about sports. The news of his death has sent shockwave
Five-story mural transforms downtown Dallas parking garage into public art landmark
A once-unadorned parking garage wall in downtown Dallas has been transformed into a striking five-story mural, marking a significant addition to the city’s growing public art landscape. The new artwork now spans the west-facing exterior of The Adolphus Hotel’s parking structure, introducing a vivid and imaginative presence along Commerce Street. The mural, titled “The Time Keeper,” was officially unveiled this week as part of the Downtown Dallas Mural Initiative, an effort a
Five-story mural transforms downtown Dallas parking garage into public art landmark
A once-unadorned parking garage wall in downtown Dallas has been transformed into a striking five-story mural, marking a significant addition to the city’s growing public art landscape. The new artwork now spans the west-facing exterior of The Adolphus Hotel’s parking structure, introducing a vivid and imaginative presence along Commerce Street. The mural, titled “The Time Keeper,” was officially unveiled this week as part of the Downtown Dallas Mural Initiative, an effort a
Thelma Beall, co-founder of Ledo Pizza and pioneer of Maryland-style pizza, dies at 101
ADELPHI, Md. — Thelma Beall, co-founder of the Maryland-based restaurant institution Ledo Pizza and a defining figure in the region’s culinary history, died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 101. Her passing marks the end of an era for a brand that began as a small neighborhood restaurant and grew into one of the most recognizable names in Maryland-style pizza. Beall was born in 1924 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and spent her early years rooted in Prince George’s County. After
Thelma Beall, co-founder of Ledo Pizza and pioneer of Maryland-style pizza, dies at 101
ADELPHI, Md. — Thelma Beall, co-founder of the Maryland-based restaurant institution Ledo Pizza and a defining figure in the region’s culinary history, died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 101. Her passing marks the end of an era for a brand that began as a small neighborhood restaurant and grew into one of the most recognizable names in Maryland-style pizza. Beall was born in 1924 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and spent her early years rooted in Prince George’s County. After
Port Authority raises bridge and tunnel tolls by 3% as new year begins
Drivers crossing major Port Authority bridges and tunnels are facing higher travel costs as new toll rates officially take effect with the start of the year. The increase, set at 3 percent, applies to eastbound traffic and affects all motorists regardless of whether they use E-ZPass or pay by plate, adding another financial consideration for daily commuters and occasional travelers alike. For drivers who rely on these crossings for work, the change is being felt immediately. Many co
Port Authority raises bridge and tunnel tolls by 3% as new year begins
Drivers crossing major Port Authority bridges and tunnels are facing higher travel costs as new toll rates officially take effect with the start of the year. The increase, set at 3 percent, applies to eastbound traffic and affects all motorists regardless of whether they use E-ZPass or pay by plate, adding another financial consideration for daily commuters and occasional travelers alike. For drivers who rely on these crossings for work, the change is being felt immediately. Many co
San Jose firefighters battle three-alarm fire at Buddhist temple damaged in 2024 blaze
San Jose firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire early Monday morning at a Buddhist temple on Foss Avenue that had already sustained significant damage during a major blaze last year, according to fire officials. Crews were dispatched at approximately 5:37 a.m. to the 90 block of Foss Avenue after reports of a structure fire at Chua Duyen Giac, a large, two-story mixed-use Buddhist temple located in the Alum Rock area. Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire condi
San Jose firefighters battle three-alarm fire at Buddhist temple damaged in 2024 blaze
San Jose firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire early Monday morning at a Buddhist temple on Foss Avenue that had already sustained significant damage during a major blaze last year, according to fire officials. Crews were dispatched at approximately 5:37 a.m. to the 90 block of Foss Avenue after reports of a structure fire at Chua Duyen Giac, a large, two-story mixed-use Buddhist temple located in the Alum Rock area. Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire condi
Iconic eagle removed as Anheuser-Busch sells historic Newark brewery
An iconic feature of Newark’s industrial skyline is being dismantled as ownership of the city’s longtime Anheuser-Busch brewery changes hands. Crews arrived at the sprawling factory complex early Friday morning, signaling the start of work to remove the illuminated eagle that has stood above the brewery for decades. The towering sign, visible from surrounding neighborhoods and major roadways, has long been associated with the facility and has become a familiar sight for generations of res
Iconic eagle removed as Anheuser-Busch sells historic Newark brewery
An iconic feature of Newark’s industrial skyline is being dismantled as ownership of the city’s longtime Anheuser-Busch brewery changes hands. Crews arrived at the sprawling factory complex early Friday morning, signaling the start of work to remove the illuminated eagle that has stood above the brewery for decades. The towering sign, visible from surrounding neighborhoods and major roadways, has long been associated with the facility and has become a familiar sight for generations of res
Kwanzaa celebration draws families to Anacostia museum as unity takes center stage
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
Kwanzaa celebration draws families to Anacostia museum as unity takes center stage
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 hospitalized after three-vehicle crash on Indian Head Highway in Accokeek
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
Five hospitalized after three-vehicle crash on Indian Head Highway in Accokeek
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
Christmas Eve store hours and Christmas Day closures across central Ohio
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
Christmas Eve store hours and Christmas Day closures across central Ohio
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
Brookfield zoo offers free admission on most days in january and february
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
Brookfield zoo offers free admission on most days in january and february
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
Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Polls: BJP Leads With 117 Wins In Local Body Elections
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
Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Polls: BJP Leads With 117 Wins In Local Body Elections
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
Cupertino appoints Tina Kapoor as new city manager after years of leadership turnover
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
Cupertino appoints Tina Kapoor as new city manager after years of leadership turnover
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
Santa Clara County tax rift grows as leaders clash over Measure A spending plan
Santa Clara County’s recently approved sales tax increase has triggered a growing conflict among its supporters, with county officials, law enforcement leaders and community advocates divided over how the revenue should be distributed. The dispute centers on Measure A, a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase approved by 57% of voters, which county leaders described as a critical source of funding for the region’s strained public hospital system. Now, disagreements over future budget alloca
Santa Clara County tax rift grows as leaders clash over Measure A spending plan
Santa Clara County’s recently approved sales tax increase has triggered a growing conflict among its supporters, with county officials, law enforcement leaders and community advocates divided over how the revenue should be distributed. The dispute centers on Measure A, a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase approved by 57% of voters, which county leaders described as a critical source of funding for the region’s strained public hospital system. Now, disagreements over future budget alloca
Texas Election Results 2025: Full List of General and Special Election Outcomes
Texans across the state went to the polls on November 4, 2025, for the general and special elections that determined key constitutional amendments and filled several important local and state positions. The ballot included seventeen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, a special election for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, and numerous local races throughout major cities and rural counties. The election was one of the most closely followed statewide events of the year, shaping l
Texas Election Results 2025: Full List of General and Special Election Outcomes
Texans across the state went to the polls on November 4, 2025, for the general and special elections that determined key constitutional amendments and filled several important local and state positions. The ballot included seventeen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, a special election for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, and numerous local races throughout major cities and rural counties. The election was one of the most closely followed statewide events of the year, shaping l









