Iran remained largely cut off from the global internet on Friday as authorities enforced a nationwide digital blackout while protests continued to spread across the country, intensifying an already volatile political and economic crisis. Internet monitoring data showed that connectivity across Iran had dropped to almost zero for more than 12 hours, severely limiting access to online communication platforms as demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide. According to internet trackin

The proposed India–US trade deal failed to materialise because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not personally call US President Donald Trump, according to claims made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Speaking on a podcast, Lutnick said the final step required to close the agreement was direct communication between the two leaders, which did not happen, leading to the collapse of the negotiations. Lutnick stated that the framework of the deal had been completed and was rea

Iran witnessed a dramatic escalation in nationwide unrest as anti-Khamenei protests intensified following a rallying call by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Demonstrations entered their 12th consecutive day, with residents across Tehran and other cities chanting slogans from homes and marching through streets despite heavy restrictions imposed by authorities. Late Thursday, internet connectivity and telephone services were abruptly cut across the country, triggering what monitorin

Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has officially begun preparations to launch her own political party in the state, setting the stage for a fresh political chapter ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. The move has sparked significant interest in Telangana’s political circles, as it signals a potential shift in leadership dynamics within the region. According to sources, Kavitha has already initiated the foundation-level planning for her par

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

A major health care provider headquartered in Columbus has expanded its real estate footprint with the purchase of a newly constructed industrial facility in Hilliard, reflecting its continued growth across central Ohio. OhioHealth acquired the property known as the Mill Run Innovation Center for $23 million in a transaction completed in late December, according to records from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office. The property is located at 3401 Mill Run Drive and includes a 130,

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to use his final State of the State address on Thursday to portray the state as a governing model for the nation, drawing a sharp contrast with what he describes as instability and dysfunction at the federal level under President Donald Trump. The Democratic governor plans to argue that California’s policy direction and values stand in opposition to those coming from Washington, positioning the state as both a counterweight and an alternative to the curre

Several northbound lanes of Interstate 55 were closed for hours Thursday morning in the southwest suburbs after a high-speed crash sent a vehicle crashing onto the interstate, killing one person and injuring another. The incident triggered widespread traffic disruptions during the peak rush hour commute and prompted authorities to urge motorists to avoid the area while an investigation was underway. The crash occurred at approximately 4:23 a.m. along Frontage Road near Taylor Road i

Australia’s political landscape saw a significant shift on Thursday after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the launch of a royal commission into last month’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The decision came after weeks of sustained pressure from victims’ families, community leaders, and public figures, who had called for the country’s most powerful form of independent inquiry. The

Speculation about fresh job cuts at Microsoft sparked widespread debate online after reports claimed the technology giant was preparing for another major round of layoffs in January 2026. According to the report, as many as 22,000 roles could be at risk, triggering concern across social media platforms and technology forums. The rumours gained momentum quickly, particularly because Microsoft has carried out significant restructuring in the recent past. However, the company has now firmly deni

India has ushered in a new phase of insurance regulation with Parliament clearing the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, a move that comes at a time when trust between insurers and policyholders is increasingly strained. For millions of Indians, insurance is ultimately judged not by policy documents or premium receipts but by the ease and fairness of claim settlement. Delays, repeated document requests, late-stage exclusions, and opaque rejections have long plag

High political drama unfolded in Kolkata after the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids linked to an alleged money laundering case at locations associated with the Indian Political Action Committee. The situation took an unprecedented turn when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally arrived at the residence of I-PAC head Prateek Jain while the search operation was still underway. S

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organisations and treaties, marking one of the most extensive reversals of US participation in global institutions in recent history. According to a White House memorandum, the administration determined that continued involvement in these bodies was contrary to the interests of the United States, citing concerns over sovereignty, ideological alignment, and financial comm

A River North restaurant has earned national attention for its distinctive blend of design and cuisine, marking another milestone for Chicago’s evolving dining scene. Crying Tiger, which opened in October at 51 W. Hubbard St., has been named among the most beautiful new restaurants in America for 2025, according to a recently released national ranking highlighting standout hospitality spaces across the country. The restaurant was recognized for its ability to merge Chicago’s ind

Former White House physician and retired US Navy doctor Ronny Jackson has emerged as a central figure in negotiations that led to a $500 million mining and rare earths agreement between American and Pakistani entities, according to recent disclosures filed with the US Department of Justice. The filings, submitted under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, outline Jackson’s direct engagement with Pakistani officials and detail his involvement in shaping the deal at multiple stages.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Republican lawmakers that failure to secure victories in the 2026 congressional midterm elections could lead to renewed impeachment efforts by Democrats. Speaking at a closed-door Republican retreat in Washington, Trump emphasized the political stakes of the upcoming vote, telling party members that maintaining control of Congress was critical to protecting his presidency. He said Democrats would seek grounds for impeachment if Republicans lost thei

A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 6.4 struck offshore near the town of Baculin in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, January 7, underscoring the persistent seismic risks faced by communities in the region. The earthquake occurred at sea, approximately 58.5 kilometers from the nearest coastline and around 27 kilometers east of the town of Santiago on the island of Mindanao. The tremor was felt across parts of eastern Mindanao, prompting heightened monitoring by authorities, though

U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican who represented California’s 1st Congressional District, has died at the age of 65, according to an announcement released Tuesday morning by the National Republican Congressional Committee. His death brings an abrupt end to a political career that spanned more than two decades in state and federal office and leaves a significant vacancy in a district already facing major political uncertainty. LaMalfa represented a vast and predominan

Gunfire was reported late Monday night in the vicinity of Venezuela’s presidential palace, unsettling residents in central Caracas just days after former leader Nicolas Maduro was captured in a dramatic United States military operation. Witness accounts indicated that the shots were fired around 8:00 pm local time near the Miraflores Palace, a location that has long served as the symbolic center of political authority in the country. According to sources cited by AFP, the incident