Oakland has activated 18 new speed cameras across the city as part of a broader effort to address speeding and improve traffic safety on local streets. The cameras are now operational, though drivers will not immediately receive citations. City officials have implemented a 60-day grace period during which warnings will be issued instead of fines, allowing motorists time to adjust to the new enforcement system. Mayor Barbara Lee is scheduled to outline additional details of the initi

Bo Bichette has reached an agreement with the New York Mets on a three-year contract valued at $126 million, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The agreement was finalized Friday and is pending the completion of a successful physical examination. The terms reflect one of the most significant free-agent signings of the offseason and bring a proven offensive presence to the Mets’ infield as the club continues to reshape its roster. The contract includes opt-out clau

A senior Iranian cleric closely aligned with the country’s leadership has called for the execution of detained protesters and issued direct threats toward the United States, further intensifying tensions as Iran continues a sweeping crackdown on nationwide unrest. Speaking during Friday prayers in Tehran, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami delivered a forceful sermon that was broadcast on state radio and echoed by chants from worshippers gathered in the capital. Khatami, known for his hardli

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has underscored her determination to assume the presidency of Venezuela as the nation grapples with a complex political transition, even as the United States appears to prioritize engagement with acting President Delcy Rodriguez. Machado’s remarks came during a high-profile visit to Washington this week that highlighted deepening divisions over the future of Venezuelan leadership, democratic reform and international diplomatic strategy.

China and Canada have announced a significant reduction in tariffs and signalled a broader reset in their bilateral relationship following high-level talks in Beijing, marking a notable shift after years of strained diplomatic and trade ties. The agreement was confirmed after a meeting on Friday between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly a decade. Under the deal, China is expected to reduce tariffs on Canad

Bank of India’s Mumbai North Zone recently organised an NRI Meet titled “Pravasi Sampark” as part of its ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with Non-Resident Indian customers and better understand their evolving banking, investment, and remittance requirements. The initiative reflects the bank’s focus on strengthening long-term relationships with the global Indian diaspora by offering customer-centric and technology-driven financial solutions. The event was attended by sen

The opening weeks of 2026 have delivered a series of dramatic geopolitical developments tied to the United States, ranging from the capture of Venezuela’s president to sharp rhetoric surrounding Iran’s handling of domestic unrest and renewed discussion of using force to secure Greenland. Yet, in contrast to the gravity of these headlines, global equity markets have continued to post steady gains, raising questions about why investors appear largely unfazed by rising international tensions

Greenland’s foreign minister has spoken of the intense political and emotional strain facing the autonomous Arctic territory following renewed statements from US President Donald Trump suggesting that Washington intends to acquire Greenland, with senior figures in his administration indicating that even military options have not been fully ruled out. The comments have triggered strong reactions across Europe and have raised fresh concerns about sovereignty, security, and stability within the N

Verizon acknowledged a widespread disruption to its wireless network on Tuesday after customers across the United States reported problems with voice and data services. The company confirmed that its engineering teams are actively working to identify the cause of the outage and restore full service as quickly as possible. In a statement shared on social media, Verizon said it was aware of issues affecting some customers’ ability to place calls and access mobile data. The company e

Hundreds of U.S. troops have begun evacuating from a major air base in Qatar as part of a coordinated precautionary effort amid rising tensions with Iran. The move comes as the U.S. administration considers a range of military and diplomatic options in response to Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, raising concerns about potential retaliation against American forces stationed across the region. Service members at Al Udeid Air Base are being relocated to other military installa

A snow squall warning was issued for parts of the Chicago metropolitan area during the morning rush hour as drivers encountered rapidly worsening conditions marked by near whiteout visibility and sudden bursts of heavy snow. Visibility dropped sharply across several locations, creating hazardous travel conditions in a matter of minutes. Officials urged motorists to delay travel whenever possible as the fast-moving system swept through the region during peak commute hours. Weather auth

New Jersey mayors are expressing deep concern following President Donald Trump’s announcement that his administration plans to terminate federal funding for sanctuary cities and states that resist his immigration policies. The move, which is expected to take effect on February 1, could have wide-ranging consequences for several municipalities across the state and has renewed debate over the balance of power between federal authority and local governance. New Jersey is home to multip

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued a renewed travel advisory advising Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran, citing the deteriorating security situation amid widespread anti-government protests across the country. The warning comes as unrest in Iran enters its third consecutive week, with the capital city of Tehran remaining one of the focal points of the demonstrations. In an official statement, the ministry said that Indian nationals are being “onc

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and armed conflicts across multiple regions, China quietly achieved two major economic milestones in 2025, underscoring its continued influence over global manufacturing and trade. Official data released this month shows that the country recorded the largest annual trade surplus in its history while further consolidating its position as the world’s leading automobile producer and seller. These achievements came despite persistent pressures

Iran has once again imposed sweeping restrictions on internet access, escalating its long-standing campaign of digital control by reportedly disrupting even satellite-based connectivity such as Starlink. The latest shutdown marks a significant development, as Starlink has long been considered resistant to conventional censorship and network blocking methods used by state authorities. Digital rights researchers monitoring the situation say the government has deployed military-grade G

Scott Adams, the cartoonist whose comic strip “Dilbert” became a defining satire of modern corporate life before his career unraveled amid controversy, has died at the age of 68. His death was announced Tuesday by his former wife, Shelly Miles, during a livestream posted on Adams’ social media accounts. She said he died at his home in Northern California, where he had been receiving hospice care. Adams had revealed in 2025 that he was suffering from prostate cancer that had me

If you have ever dreamed of owning a private island and have $5 million to invest, Mouse Island in Lake Erie presents a rare opportunity. Situated approximately a quarter mile off the northern tip of Catawba Island in northwest Ohio, this seven-acre island is officially for sale. From above, the island resembles a small mouse swimming toward Cleveland, complete with a short tail at its western edge, making it a visually unique property in the region. The island offers 360-degree views

Global K-pop sensation BTS has officially announced its highly anticipated return to live performances with a massive world tour scheduled across 2026 and 2027. This will be the group’s first major tour in several years, drawing excitement from fans worldwide and marking the largest tour of their career. The tour will include more than 70 stops across multiple continents, with Chicago confirmed as one of the major North American dates, highlighting the group’s enduring global appeal.