For 25 years, Larry De Young has lived peacefully in the coastal town of Montara in San Mateo County, raising horses and enjoying the open landscape. But what was once a tranquil view has become a growing concern. Just across a dirt road from his property lies a stretch of state-owned land, now densely packed with flammable, non-native eucalyptus trees and other overgrowth that he believes poses a severe wildfire threat to his home and his community. The 100-acre parcel of land wa

Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a statewide initiative to ban homeless encampments across California, aligning with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s push to eliminate tents and makeshift shelters from public spaces. The plan would limit public camping to no more than three consecutive nights and prohibit sitting, lying, or sleeping on sidewalks and streets where it impedes movement. It would also make constructing temporary shelters like sheds on public land unlawful. This announcement was t

The way you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. A slow or chaotic beginning can affect your physical energy, mental clarity, and emotional balance. On the other hand, a few mindful and consistent morning practices can give your metabolism the boost it needs and lift your mood in subtle but powerful ways. While no routine fits all, there are foundational rituals supported by both modern wellness practices and biological rhythms that can make mornings more energizing and

Testing and monitoring for HIV in South Africa have experienced a sharp decline in recent months, following significant cuts in US aid that previously supported healthcare workers and local clinics. According to unreleased data from South Africa's National Health Laboratory Service, the drop in viral load testing—especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, and youth—is raising alarm among health experts. The United States had been contributing approxima

California Governor Gavin Newsom is reversing his stance on expanding free health care access for undocumented immigrants, a move that once underscored his push toward universal health care in the state. In a major policy shift, Newsom is proposing to halt new Medi-Cal enrollment for low-income immigrants without legal status beginning in 2026 and require monthly premium payments from current enrollees starting in 2027. The decision comes as the state grapples with a growing $6.2 bi

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects around 1 in 100 adults globally. It is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can significantly disrupt daily life. While many people with OCD respond well to standard treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a significant number estimated at around 40% do not achieve sufficient symptom reli

Santa Clara County is making significant strides in enhancing healthcare access for children with developmental disabilities by expanding its Pediatric Development Specialty Center at the county-owned O’Connor Hospital. This move is part of the county’s broader commitment to meet the growing needs of youth requiring specialized developmental support and to ease the burden on families facing long wait times for care. The expansion includes the addition of an entire new suite on the ho

Korean cuisine has been making waves across the globe, and India is no exception. From fiery ramen bowls to bibimbap and crispy Korean fried chicken, the love for Korean flavors is rapidly growing. Among these culinary delights, kimchi stands tall as a beloved and iconic dish. Traditionally made with fermented cabbage or radishes, kimchi is celebrated for its punchy flavors and impressive health benefits. But what if you could give this Korean staple an Indian twist? Enter Raw Mango

India has blocked access to several X (formerly Twitter) accounts affiliated with Chinese and Turkish state-run media, escalating digital and diplomatic tensions amid growing concern over foreign propaganda. The ban follows a heated exchange earlier this week between the Indian Embassy in Beijing and China’s Global Times over controversial coverage of Operation Sindoor India’s recent military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Among the major accounts restr

Videos of young Chinese children cooking meals, scrubbing floors, and folding laundry without adult help are going viral across platforms like Douyin, capturing global attention. From toddlers peeling garlic to elementary school kids making dumplings, the rising visibility of these domestic mini-experts reflects a larger cultural shift in parenting, discipline, and societal expectations in China. This trend is being called xiaozhi, meaning “Little Grown-Ups” children tak

House Republicans have unveiled a sweeping new tax proposal dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” aligning with President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promises. The bill includes major tax breaks for workers, significant penalties for elite educational institutions, and the introduction of a 5% tax on money transfers sent abroad, a move likely to impact immigrant families across the country. The proposed legislation eliminates federal income taxes on tips and o

In a critical move to reform the Texas Lottery, a new Senate bill filed by Senator Bob Hall could provide the much-needed lifeline to an increasingly scrutinized institution. Senate Bill 3070, introduced at the tail end of the Senate session, seeks to abolish the Texas Lottery Commission and place oversight of the state-run lottery under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This bold step aims to address concerns raised over illegal activities and enhance accountability within th

Several over-the-counter eye products have been voluntarily recalled following a U.S. Food and Drug Administration audit that uncovered issues related to manufacturing practices. The recall, issued by AvKARE, involves Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution, a commonly used product for treating dry or irritated eyes. According to the recall announcement posted by the company, the products were pulled due to deviations in manufacturing that may have compromised quality and potentially pose a risk

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is pushing forward a new proposal aimed at addressing the city’s growing homelessness crisis by aligning local policy with recent guidance from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The mayor’s “responsibility to shelter” framework is built on the principle of offering shelter or treatment to homeless individuals while also establishing legal accountability for those who repeatedly refuse help. This approach echoes the governor’s broader model

Across the United States, a growing number of lawmakers are pushing to require warning labels on social media platforms to alert teenagers to potential mental health risks. Legislators in states like California, Texas, and New York are introducing measures that could change how platforms present themselves to younger users, with the broader aim of addressing a worsening youth mental health crisis. The proposed legislation aims to inform users, especially teens, about the psycholog

A powerful and persistent fire broke out at a vacant warehouse in west Baltimore, rapidly intensifying to a rare seven-alarm event that drew over 200 firefighters to the scene. The incident began around 7 p.m. and quickly expanded in scale due to the building’s contents and structural design. Emergency responders faced significant challenges as they worked to contain a deep-seated blaze fed by flammable materials stored inside, particularly mattresses on multiple underground levels.

In a major overhaul of its evaluation process, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially implemented a relative grading system for Class 10 and 12 board examinations starting with the 2024 batch. This significant reform moves away from the traditional absolute marking method and aims to bring fairness, reduce student stress, and align Indian academic assessments with international practices. Under the relative grading model, students' performance is assessed

Renowned agricultural and aquaculture scientist Dr Subbanna Ayyappan, who had been reported missing since May 7, has been found dead in the River Cauvery near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna, Karnataka. His body was discovered on May 10, and later confirmed by police and family. The tragic development marks the loss of a towering figure in India’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. Dr Ayyappan, aged 69, lived in Mysuru with his wife and was last seen on the morning of May 7. His

As the Indian diaspora continues to flourish across the United States, a remarkable cultural evolution is taking shape. Leading this transformation are second-generation NRIs—children of Indian immigrants who have been born or raised abroad. Unlike their parents, who often held tightly to the traditions of their homeland, these young individuals are approaching Indian culture from a fresh perspective. Rather than simply preserving customs as they were practiced in India, they are reinte

A groundbreaking discovery by scientists in Australia could mark a major turning point in the fight against debilitating brain disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne have identified a small molecule that can block the death of brain cells a breakthrough that may pave the way for future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The research, published in the journal Science