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.    

The United States Justice Department has released its largest-ever batch of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, triggering fresh political debate and global attention. The newly disclosed material includes nearly 30,000 files, made up of around 29,000 pages of documents and dozens of video clips, some of which were reportedly recorded inside a prison.

US President Donald Trump has announced an ambitious plan to revive American naval dominance with the creation of a new class of heavily armed battleships named after himself. The announcement was made from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he introduced what he called the Golden Fleet, a sweeping initiative aimed at modernising and expanding the US Navy through large-scale shipbuildi

US President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy during a campaign-style rally in North Carolina after revisiting the FBI’s August 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. While recounting the episode to a cheering crowd, Trump unexpectedly shifted attention to First Lady Melania Trump

Christmas 2025 arrives on December 25, celebrated worldwide as a season of joy, warmth and togetherness. Rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ, the festival has evolved into a global cultural occasion that blends faith, tradition, food, music and family gatherings. While Christmas began as a religious commemoration, it now speaks to people of many backgrounds, offering a sense of connection and celebration as the year comes to an end. Today, streets light up with decorations, homes fill with fe

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has resurfaced in the public eye after months of political silence, levelling serious allegations against the Congress-led government headed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Responding swiftly, Revanth Reddy countered KCR’s accusations and issued a challenge for an open debate in the Telangana Assembly on river water issues. He urged the BRS supremo to attend the sessions scheduled from January 2, assuring full respect and stating that the

Fans attending Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field will now have a new option for verifying their age when purchasing alcohol, as the stadium begins accepting digital Illinois driver’s licenses and state identification cards stored in Apple Wallet. The update takes effect starting Saturday, coinciding with the Bears’ matchup against the Green Bay Packers, marking a significant step in the expansion of mobile identification use at major sporting venues. Illinois Secretary of Sta

Fans attending Saturday night’s primetime matchup at Soldier Field will have a new way to stay warm as the Chicago Bears introduce a distinctly local twist on a classic cold-weather beverage. A Chicago-style hot chocolate, crafted specifically for the game against the Green Bay Packers, will make its debut inside the stadium, offering supporters a combination of comfort and regional character. The beverage blends traditional hot cocoa with Jeppson’s Malört and Amaretto, creatin

The world’s richest individual added significantly to his fortune after a major legal reversal in the United States. The Delaware Supreme Court on Friday cleared Elon Musk’s long-disputed $56 billion compensation package from Tesla, overturning a lower court ruling that had invalidated the 2018 pay plan. The decision marked a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn global attention to executive compensation, corporate governance, and shareholder rights at one of the world’s most valuabl

Erika Kirk, chief executive officer of Turning Point USA and widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has publicly endorsed US Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election, marking a notable moment in the early shaping of the next presidential race. The endorsement represents the first major institutional backing for Vance from within the conservative grassroots movement and signals growing consolidation of support among influential Republican-aligned organizations.

The Trump administration on Thursday ordered an immediate suspension of the United States’ diversity visa lottery programme, citing national security concerns following deadly shootings at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The directive was issued by the Department of Homeland Security after authorities confirmed that the suspect in the attacks had entered the country through the diversity visa programme, also known as the green card lottery. Homeland Security

A fresh batch of images released from the estate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has once again drawn public attention to the wide network of influential figures who interacted with him over the years. The newly disclosed photographs feature several well-known personalities, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, philosopher Noam Chomsky, and former adviser to US President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon. Lawmakers overseeing the releas

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has signed an executive order initiating a significant change in federal marijuana policy, directing that cannabis be reclassified as a less dangerous drug under US law. The move represents one of the most notable shifts in national drug policy in recent years, although it stops short of legalizing marijuana for recreational use at the federal level. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the order would begin the process of

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

A fatal carbon monoxide incident in Fairfield County prompted a large emergency response Thursday morning, resulting in the death of an elderly woman and the hospitalization of several individuals, including first responders. Authorities said the incident occurred at a residence in the 9200 block of Slough Road NW, where emergency crews were dispatched following reports of a potential carbon monoxide exposure inside the home. According to Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape, firefighters from the Bloom Township Fire Department were called to the scene at approximately 9:30 a.m. Upon entering the residence, responders discovered multiple occupants and a family pet showing symptoms commonly associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. The presence of those symptoms led crews to take immediate safety measures while assisting the individuals inside the home. A 96-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff Lape confirmed that two additional family members were transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for medical treatment. Officials did not release details regarding their conditions, citing privacy concerns. The family pet found inside the home was also affected, though authorities did not provide further information on its status. In addition to the residents, seven firefighters were taken to area hospitals as a precautionary measure after potential exposure during the response. Officials emphasized that the firefighters were transported out of an abundance of caution, underscoring the risks emergency personnel face when responding to incidents involving toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. The scene was secured while investigators worked to determine the source of the exposure. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can quickly become deadly in enclosed spaces, often without warning. Authorities have not yet released information regarding whether the home was equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors at the time of the incident. The Fairfield County Coroner’s Office has taken over the investigation into the woman’s death and will conduct further examinations to determine the exact cause. Sheriff Lape stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional findings may be released once all assessments are completed. Officials used the incident to remind residents of the importance of carbon monoxide safety, particularly during colder months when heating systems are in frequent use. Emergency responders stressed the value of properly maintained appliances and working carbon monoxide alarms in preventing similar tragedies.

President Donald Trump has introduced a strikingly unconventional transformation to the White House’s historical displays, turning a traditional walkway honoring former presidents into a sharply worded political statement. Along the West Colonnade near the Rose Garden, newly installed plaques beneath presidential portraits present blunt assessments of Trump’s predecessors while offering an expansive portrayal of his own record in office. The changes have drawn immediate attention from vis

Norovirus infections are increasing earlier than expected this season across the United States, with particularly elevated activity being detected in parts of the Bay Area, according to recent wastewater monitoring data. Public health experts say the early rise is being driven in part by a new variant of the virus, leaving many people without prior exposure or immunity. Data collected from wastewater surveillance systems show especially high levels of norovirus in the South Bay, Red

German lawmakers are widely expected to approve a defense procurement package exceeding 50 billion euros on Wednesday, marking one of the most significant military spending decisions in the country’s post-war history. The move reflects a broader shift in Germany’s security policy as the government seeks to strengthen national and allied defense capabilities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Agenda documents for the Bundestag’s Budget Committee indicate that members are

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has told a federal court that construction of a new White House ballroom must proceed, arguing that national security concerns and presidential authority outweigh objections raised by a historic preservation organization seeking to halt the project. The position was outlined in a detailed court filing submitted Monday in response to a lawsuit challenging the demolition of the East Wing and the planned expansion of the Executive Mansion. The la

The Telangana electoral landscape is witnessing a significant development through the ongoing Panchayat elections, which are progressing smoothly across the state. The verdict being delivered by the rural electorate is proving to be a strong indicator of the prevailing political scenario in Telangana. Statistical trends emerging from the results clearly suggest a commanding lead for the ruling Congress party over its rivals, BRS and BJP. Congress has secured 4,538 seats