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 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

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

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

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

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’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

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

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey — The race to become Jersey City’s next mayor is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, featuring a diverse lineup of seven candidates, including former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. Each contender is offering distinct visions for the city’s future, with housing affordability, development, and integrity in governance emerging as central themes in the campaign. McGreevey, once a prominent figure in state politics, is attempt

In a dramatic escalation of local political turmoil, three Purcellville town councilmembers are publicly calling for the resignation of Vice Mayor Carl "Ben" Nett following his indictment on multiple felony charges. Nett, alongside Purcellville Town Manager Kwasi Fraser, was arrested by Virginia State Police on charges that include bid rigging and conspiracy, with Nett also facing four additional felony counts connected to alleged violations involving the Virginia Criminal Informati

Cupertino is preparing for a major leadership transition after the city council approved a settlement with its city manager, marking the end of her tenure and setting the stage for a new appointment. In a closed session vote held on June 3, the council voted 4-1 to settle with Pamela Wu, who had been placed on paid administrative leave in May. The agreement grants Wu a severance package totaling $311,098.53 along with a limited continuation of benefits. According to the terms of t

The City of Pleasanton has officially launched FlashVote, an online community survey tool designed to gather quick, confidential feedback from residents on important local topics. The initiative aims to make it easier for citizens to contribute to city decisions, shaping policies that align with public needs. FlashVote allows Pleasanton residents to participate in brief surveys that typically take just one minute to complete. Each survey remains open for 48 hours and can be answered

In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the Haryana mayoral elections, winning 9 out of 10 mayoral positions in key regions such as Gurugram and Rohtak. The only exception was Manesar, where Dr Inderjit Yadav, an independent candidate and former BJP rebel, claimed victory. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hailed the party's massive win, calling it a validation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a &lsquo

A water main break in Carrollton early Thursday morning transformed the area into an unexpected winter spectacle. The incident, caused by freezing temperatures that led a pipe to burst, covered roads, vehicles, and power lines in thick layers of ice. While the scene was picturesque for some, it caused significant disruptions for local businesses and commuters. The city of Carrollton confirmed that the leak was reported at approximately 3:00 a.m. via its 24-hour