Multiple people were killed after a small private jet crashed shortly after takeoff near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, according to local law enforcement officials. The incident occurred late Thursday morning and prompted an immediate response from emergency crews and federal aviation authorities. Iredell County Chief Deputy Bill Hamby said the crash took place shortly after 10:15 a.m. local time. While authorities confirmed fatalities, officials said the exact num

Pakistan’s request to reduce the 18 percent GST on condoms and other contraceptives has been rejected by the International Monetary Fund, leaving the government unable to make birth-control products cheaper in a period of rising population and financial pressure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked the Federal Board of Revenue to approach the IMF for immediate approval to remove the tax, but the lender made it clear that such changes cannot be made mid-year and may only be considered du

Illinois has joined a growing number of states allowing medical aid in dying after Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation authorizing physician-assisted death for certain terminally ill patients. The governor’s office announced Friday that the measure, formally known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, will take effect on Sept. 12, 2026, giving state health officials time to establish oversight procedures and implementation protocols. The law permits eligible adults diagnosed with termi

The United States government has revoked approximately 85,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, according to a statement shared by the State Department on X. The announcement described the cancellations as part of a sharpened national security agenda endorsed by both the president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The message emphasized that the administration intends to continue its intensified oversight of foreign nationals as part of its broader commitment

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expects to sign an executive order this week establishing a single nationwide standard for artificial intelligence, a move he argued is necessary to replace the growing web of state-level AI laws. The announcement marks a significant step in the administration’s effort to shape the national regulatory structure around rapidly advancing AI systems, and it comes amid intensifying debate over who should hold authority to set protections for co

Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly defended the Taliban government's right to maintain political and economic relations with India, pushing back against Pakistan’s criticism over Kabul-Delhi engagement. Speaking at a conference in Kabul, Muttaqi dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India supports anti-Pakistan groups, calling them inconsistent and politically motivated. He reminded that Pakistan itself maintains diplomatic presence in New Delhi with act

The 91st annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Thursday, marking the start of a major holiday weekend as visitors and residents prepare for several days of celebrations across the city and surrounding suburbs. The long-running event, known for drawing tens of thousands of spectators, will once again fill the downtown corridor with floats, dancers, marching bands, specialty performers and an array of local and national talent. Organizers expect a strong turnout as families make

Illinois residents can now use digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards on their iPhones, marking a significant technological shift in how individuals verify their identity at airports, bars, restaurants, and select venues across the state. The program officially began Tuesday morning following the implementation of a new state law that authorizes digital IDs and enables their integration into mobile devices. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch

Cristiano Ronaldo made an unexpected appearance at a White House state dinner hosted by United States President Donald Trump in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The high-profile gathering, held in the East Room, brought together political leaders, top executives and international guests, adding a notable sporting figure to an already prominent list. The presence of the Portuguese football icon drew considerable attention, marking one of his rare visits to the Unite

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson delivered his annual State of the City address on Thursday, choosing the newly launched Texas Stock Exchange as the backdrop for a speech that centered on growth, public safety, and the evolving landscape of downtown. The mayor used the moment to emphasize both the accomplishments of the past year and the challenges that lie ahead, particularly as major employers and professional sports teams reassess their future ties to the city. During his 20-minute remarks, John

In yet another provocative statement, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that his country is fully prepared for a two-front war against India on the eastern border and the Taliban on the western front. Speaking at a public event, Asif said, “We are ready for war on two fronts. Allah helped us in round one and He will help us in round two.” His remarks came just a day after a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed 12 people and injured 36 others. The Pakis

Open enrollment for Covered California began Monday with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joining state and local officials in encouraging residents to enroll early in health coverage. The new enrollment period opens against a backdrop of financial uncertainty, as ongoing federal funding debates threaten to reshape the affordability of health insurance for millions across the state. This year’s enrollment marks a critical moment for the state’s health care marketplace. Covered Calif

Democrats achieved a sweeping victory in Virginia’s state elections, capturing all three top statewide offices and expanding their majority in the House of Delegates. The results mark a decisive shift toward Democratic dominance in the commonwealth, with nearly every county moving blue and the party significantly strengthening its legislative control. The night’s outcome signals a strong voter response to national and local political dynamics and reinforces Virginia’s transformation into a

The race for Texas State Senate District 9 in Tarrant County is headed to a runoff after none of the three candidates managed to secure a majority in Tuesday’s election. With 100% of precincts reporting, Democrat Taylor Rehmet and Republican Leigh Wambsganss emerged as the top two contenders, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive second round. Taylor Rehmet, a military veteran and union leader, finished with 48% of the total vote. Wambsganss, a conserva

In a historic political milestone, Democrat Mikie Sherrill is set to become the 57th governor of New Jersey following her victory in the 2025 gubernatorial election. Sherrill’s win marks the first time in decades that a single party has secured three consecutive terms in the state’s top office. Her election also makes her the first female Democratic governor in New Jersey’s history, a development that has drawn widespread celebration across the state’s political spectrum. Sh

In a move that has sparked outrage and concern, Pakistani authorities denied entry to 12 Hindu pilgrims who were part of a 1,932-member Sikh Jatha traveling to Pakistan to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The group crossed the Attari–Wagah border on Tuesday for the annual pilgrimage, but the 12 Hindu devotees were stopped at the immigration counters despite being initially cleared for travel. According to reports, their passports even bore immigration stamps before Paki

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced the formation of a new redistricting advisory commission to recommend fair and balanced congressional maps for the state. The move comes at a time when several states are reexamining their district boundaries to ensure equal representation and compliance with democratic principles. The commission’s primary goal will be to enhance public trust in the redistricting process and guarantee that every Maryland resident’s voice is fairly represented in Cong

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

California voters are preparing to decide the future of the state’s congressional map through Proposition 50, the only statewide measure on this November’s ballot. The initiative seeks to redraw California’s 52 congressional districts in an effort to rebalance national political representation. Supporters say the measure would help ensure equitable congressional power by giving Democrats five additional seats in the U.S. House, countering partisan redistricting in states like Texas that ha