China has set a new global benchmark in rail transportation technology after successfully accelerating a superconducting magnetic levitation train to a speed of 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds. The achievement marks the fastest acceleration ever recorded for a maglev system and positions China as the first country to demonstrate this capability using superconducting electric maglev technology. The experiment was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defe

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

As Christmas approaches, shoppers and workers across the country are navigating adjusted schedules as many retailers, government offices and financial institutions modify their operating hours ahead of the holiday. With Christmas Eve falling midweek this year, the final days before the holiday are expected to be among the busiest for stores and grocery chains, while closures on Christmas Day and limited hours on surrounding days are prompting consumers to plan ahead. Several major retailers are extending hours in the days leading up to Christmas to accommodate last-minute shoppers, though most will close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. Wholesale club Costco has confirmed that its warehouses will operate on reduced schedules, closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Walmart locations nationwide are also expected to close early, with most stores shutting their doors at 6 p.m. Target locations may vary by market, but many stores will close around 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve after offering extended hours earlier in the week. Sam’s Club members should expect a 6 p.m. closing time on Christmas Eve, while Trader Joe’s stores are planning to end operations at 5 p.m. Department and apparel retailers are following similar patterns. Macy’s and Nordstrom locations will generally close earlier than normal on Christmas Eve, with many stores ending the day by 5 p.m. Old Navy locations are expected to close around 6 p.m., while Walgreens stores will largely remain open during regular business hours, though pharmacy counters may operate on limited schedules. Grocery chains including Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Sunset Foods and Heinen’s are also adjusting hours, with most closing between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on the brand and location. Whole Foods stores are expected to operate with modified hours, and Starbucks customers are advised to check individual store schedules. Shopping malls across the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs are also reducing hours on Christmas Eve after extended shopping days earlier in the week. Many major malls will close between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., including Woodfield Mall, Oakbrook Center, Water Tower Place and several outlet centers. Shoppers are encouraged to verify hours directly with mall management, as opening times may differ by location. Beyond retail, several essential services are operating on altered schedules. Most banks will remain open on Christmas Eve but are expected to close earlier than usual. Mail delivery through the United States Postal Service will continue on Dec. 24 and again on Dec. 26, though post office branches will be closed on Christmas Day. Government services in Illinois, including secretary of state offices and DMVs, will be closed on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 before reopening on Friday. Financial markets are also observing holiday schedules. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will end trading early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed for Christmas Day, resuming normal operations on Dec. 26. With a mix of early closures and full-day shutdowns across sectors, consumers are advised to complete errands early and confirm local hours before heading out. The compressed holiday schedule is expected to drive heavier traffic in stores and malls during limited operating windows, making advance planning essential in the final stretch before Christmas.    

A prominent youth leader from Bangladesh, Sharif Osman Hadi, has died in Singapore after succumbing to severe injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in Dhaka earlier this month, officials confirmed on Thursday. His death has sent shockwaves through political circles in Bangladesh and has raised renewed concerns over political violence targeting emerging leaders. Sharif Osman Hadi served as the spokesperson of Inqilab Mancho, a youth-oriented political platform that has g

The Defense Department announced Monday that it has launched a formal investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, over his participation in a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders. The video, recorded by Kelly and several other Democratic lawmakers, called on uniformed personnel to uphold their oath to the Constitution amid growing political tensions surrounding former President Donald Trump’s statements about execut

Former president Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the memorial service for former vice president Dick Cheney on Thursday, joining a group of national leaders and longtime associates gathering in Washington to honor the influential political figure. The service, set to begin at 11 a.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral, will include tributes from several individuals who worked closely with Cheney throughout his decades of involvement in public life. Former president George W. Bush, under who

The nation’s longest government shutdown ended Wednesday night after the House approved a short-term spending bill that restores federal operations and provides temporary funding for key agencies. The shutdown, which lasted 43 days, concluded with the passage of a measure funding military construction, veterans’ affairs, the Department of Agriculture and the legislative branch through September 30, 2026, while extending funding for the rest of the government through January 3. The Senate

In a highly charged public exchange, political commentator Candace Owens has launched a direct criticism of the Kash Patel-led Federal Bureau of Investigation, declaring that she “does not trust him at all.” The assertion comes as Owens accuses Patel of resenting the investigative efforts of Tulsi Gabbard and Joe Kent in the ongoing probe into the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10 at a university event. Owens’ r

In a sharp escalation of political and policy tensions, United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded the imprisonment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, accusing them of failing to safeguard federal immigration officers. The comments came as the administration prepared to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, one of the nation’s largest and most politically influential cities, despite firm objections from local and state auth

Chicago, Illinois — A political and legal confrontation is unfolding between Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and President Donald Trump after the governor condemned and sought to block what he described as an unlawful military deployment to Chicago. Calling the move “unconstitutional and unwarranted,” Pritzker said the Trump administration’s actions amount to a dangerous overreach of executive power designed to create fear and confusion rather than ensure public safety.

California has begun voting on one of the most significant ballot measures in recent memory, a proposal that could alter the national political balance and shape the direction of future elections. The measure asks voters to approve or reject new congressional district maps that would dramatically change California’s representation in Congress by potentially adding up to five Democrat-leaning seats. This decision could have wide-ranging effects on which party controls the U.S. House of Repr

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong warning at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary celebrations in New Delhi, stating that India’s greatest threat today is not infiltration by external forces but demographic changes that could destabilize social equality and national unity. Stressing that “unity in diversity” has always been the soul of India, he said that internal divisions caused by caste, language, regionalism,

President Donald Trump paid tribute to Charlie Kirk during the activist’s funeral, calling him a “great American hero” and a “martyr” for freedom. As thousands gathered to honor Kirk, Trump shared what he said were among Kirk’s final words to him, connecting his memory to the ongoing crime crisis in Chicago. “He was an all-American in everything he did,” Trump said. “One of the last things he said to me was, ‘Please sir,

The National Park Service has announced plans to reinstall the statue of Confederate General Albert Pike in Washington D.C., a monument that has sparked controversy for decades. The bronze statue, originally dedicated in 1901, was torn down by demonstrators during nationwide protests in June 2020 and set ablaze in a moment that became symbolic of the larger debate surrounding Confederate monuments across the United States. Following its removal, the statue was placed under federal custody whi

At least 19 people were killed and over 70 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College building in Dhaka's Uttara area on Monday. The tragic incident occurred while classes were in session, resulting in a horrific scene of chaos and devastation. Television footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the crash site as fire personnel and rescue teams rushe

President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Elon Musk after the billionaire entrepreneur announced the formation of a new political organization named the "America Party." The move has reignited tensions between the two former allies and set the stage for potential upheaval in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump labeled the third-party initiative as "ridiculous" and warned it would only create confusion in an already polarized political system. Befor

In an unprecedented show of domestic force, President Donald Trump has deployed more military personnel to Los Angeles than currently stationed in Iraq and Syria combined. A total of 4,700 troops including over 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines have been sent to quell immigration-related protests that have rocked the city for six consecutive days. For comparison, the Pentagon confirms that only 2,000 troops remain in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq.

In a controversial and incendiary statement, US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday called for California Governor Gavin Newsom to be "tarred and feathered" amid intensifying political clashes over the federal government’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles. Johnson made the comment during a House Republican leadership press conference, where he stopped short of advocating Newsom’s arrest but said the governor should be publicly punish

In another significant gesture towards Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a major infrastructure project transforming the Badvel-Nellore road into a 4-lane national highway. The decision was taken during a recent Union Cabinet meeting chaired by PM Modi and has been hailed as a strategic development for the region. The announcement was formally made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and shortly after, PM Modi took to his social media accounts to share the ne

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan has been arrested in Delhi on serious charges of espionage, having allegedly shared classified information with Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs) since 2023. The jawan, identified as Moti Ram Jat, was posted in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, until just six days before a major terror attack in the area that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The arrest was carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is now examining whet