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

A historic milestone was achieved for North Andhra as the first aircraft successfully landed at the Bhogapuram Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Vizianagaram district. An Air India flight from Delhi touched down as part of a crucial trial run, signaling that the long-awaited airport is nearing operational readiness. The moment carried strong emotional significance for the region, which has been awaiting a major aviation hub for decades. Onboard the flight were Union Civil Aviation

The United States announced criminal charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, hours after what officials described as large-scale military strikes carried out early Saturday. According to US authorities, the couple has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple counts related to drug trafficking and terrorism, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Caracas leadership. In a sta

A professional violinist has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that he was dismissed from a concert tour with actor and rapper Will Smith after reporting what he describes as a disturbing hotel room intrusion that raised serious safety and harassment concerns. The legal filing claims the termination amounted to retaliation and names both Smith and a management company connected to the tour as defendants. According to the complaint, the violinist, Brian Ki

Victoria Jones, the daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead in a San Francisco hotel in the early hours of New Year’s Day. She was 34. Emergency responders were called to the Fairmont hotel shortly before 3 a.m. after reports of an unresponsive woman. Paramedics arrived at the scene and confirmed that Jones had died, according to officials familiar with the response. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department said emergency crews were disp

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

A 25-year-old student from Telangana lost his life in Germany after attempting to escape from a fire that broke out in his apartment building on December 31, turning what should have been the start of a new year into a moment of deep grief for his family and community. The student, Hruthik Reddy, hailed from Malkapur village in Jangaon district and had been residing in Brandenburg, near Berlin, while pursuing higher studies. According to information provided by his family, a fire er

Congress adjourned for the year without renewing enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, a decision expected to significantly affect health coverage across Ohio beginning in 2026. State health policy analysts warn that as many as 140,000 Ohio residents could lose insurance coverage as premiums rise sharply following the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025. The Affordable Care Act has provided premium tax credits since 2014 to help eligible individuals a

Illinois is set to enter 2026 with sweeping changes to state policy as more than 200 new laws take effect at the start of the year, touching nearly every aspect of daily life. The legislation approved by lawmakers spans healthcare access, workplace protections, public safety, education standards, insurance coverage and the growing role of artificial intelligence, marking one of the most expansive legislative updates in recent years. Several of the most consequential measures focus o

Gold prices are hovering near record highs across both global and domestic markets, supported by a rare convergence of powerful macroeconomic and geopolitical factors. Investors tracking precious metals are increasingly questioning whether the rally still has momentum left or if prices are nearing exhaustion after a sharp multi-year run. Market experts say the surge in gold prices is not being driven by a single trigger. Instead, a combination of safe-haven demand, aggressive centra

Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism over a viral video showing him celebrating with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed the two men referring to themselv

Mickey Lee, a former contestant on the reality television series Big Brother, has died at the age of 35 after suffering multiple cardiac arrests linked to complications from the flu, according to a statement released by her family. The announcement was shared publicly on Friday through Lee’s official Instagram account, one day after her death on Thursday. In their message, Lee’s family reflected on her impact both on and off television, describing her as a person whose authentic

Earning a bachelor’s degree is no longer the only route to securing a high-paying and stable career. A recent analysis based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data identifies several occupations that offer strong earning potential without requiring a traditional four-year college degree. The findings reflect a changing labor market in which skilled trades, technical roles, and experience-based careers continue to grow in demand. Career experts note that while these jobs do not re

As the New Year’s Eve ball descends in Times Square, New York City will mark more than the arrival of 2026. The iconic moment will also serve as the opening signal for a nationwide commemoration of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, blending tradition with a forward-looking tribute to the country’s founding ideals. Organizers say this year’s celebration will feature a distinctly patriotic theme, with the ball illuminated in red, white and blue and an additional confetti re

Illinois will see a significant expansion of public safety and criminal justice reforms in 2026, as hundreds of new laws approved by the General Assembly take effect across the state. Among the most consequential measures are new requirements for firearm storage, expanded protections for crime victims, and updated procedures for law enforcement reporting and investigations. Lawmakers said the package of legislation reflects growing concerns about gun safety, violent crime, and gaps in service

Snowfall in Saudi Arabia is an exceptionally rare event, but what unfolded this winter across parts of the kingdom’s northern desert regions has raised global concern. Areas such as Tabuk and nearby mountainous zones witnessed temperatures plunge below normal, desert hills coated in snow, and official weather alerts issued for conditions usually associated with colder climates. While the visuals of camels walking across snow-covered sands captured global attention, the deeper message behind

Gold prices have surged to a new all-time high as 2025 approaches its final days, marking one of the strongest rallies ever seen in the precious metals market. Spot gold climbed to a record level above $4,500 per ounce in early Asian trade, extending a remarkable year-long run that has delivered gains of more than 70 percent so far this year. Silver and platinum have also joined the rally, underlining that the momentum is not limited to gold alone but reflects broader strength across precious

A shocking incident has sent ripples through the Indian diaspora in Canada after a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman was found murdered in Toronto. Canadian police have confirmed that the case is being investigated as a homicide, with strong suspicion of intimate partner violence. Authorities have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for a man believed to have been known to the victim. The woman has been identified as Himanshi Khurana, a resident of Toronto. Police are actively searchi

The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced a new financial incentive aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country, offering cash payments and paid travel as part of a broader effort to accelerate deportations and reduce enforcement costs. The initiative, introduced ahead of the holiday season, is being framed by federal officials as a cost-effective alternative to traditional immigration enforcement measures. According to the Depar