Port Authority raises bridge and tunnel tolls by 3% as new year begins
Drivers crossing major Port Authority bridges and tunnels are facing higher travel costs as new toll rates officially take effect with the start of the year. The increase, set at 3 percent, applies to eastbound traffic and affects all motorists regardless of whether they use E-ZPass or pay by plate, adding another financial consideration for daily commuters and occasional travelers alike. For drivers who rely on these crossings for work, the change is being felt immediately. Many co
Port Authority raises bridge and tunnel tolls by 3% as new year begins
Drivers crossing major Port Authority bridges and tunnels are facing higher travel costs as new toll rates officially take effect with the start of the year. The increase, set at 3 percent, applies to eastbound traffic and affects all motorists regardless of whether they use E-ZPass or pay by plate, adding another financial consideration for daily commuters and occasional travelers alike. For drivers who rely on these crossings for work, the change is being felt immediately. Many co
San Jose firefighters battle three-alarm fire at Buddhist temple damaged in 2024 blaze
San Jose firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire early Monday morning at a Buddhist temple on Foss Avenue that had already sustained significant damage during a major blaze last year, according to fire officials. Crews were dispatched at approximately 5:37 a.m. to the 90 block of Foss Avenue after reports of a structure fire at Chua Duyen Giac, a large, two-story mixed-use Buddhist temple located in the Alum Rock area. Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire condi
San Jose firefighters battle three-alarm fire at Buddhist temple damaged in 2024 blaze
San Jose firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire early Monday morning at a Buddhist temple on Foss Avenue that had already sustained significant damage during a major blaze last year, according to fire officials. Crews were dispatched at approximately 5:37 a.m. to the 90 block of Foss Avenue after reports of a structure fire at Chua Duyen Giac, a large, two-story mixed-use Buddhist temple located in the Alum Rock area. Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire condi
Colombia’s Petro condemns US action in Venezuela, warns of armed response
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday issued a sharp response following reports that United States forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, escalating already heightened tensions across Latin America. Petro’s remarks came in the wake of renewed warnings and threats from US President Donald Trump toward Venezuela, a country that has remained at the center of prolonged geopolitical friction in the region. In a message posted on social media, Petro suggested he
Colombia’s Petro condemns US action in Venezuela, warns of armed response
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday issued a sharp response following reports that United States forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, escalating already heightened tensions across Latin America. Petro’s remarks came in the wake of renewed warnings and threats from US President Donald Trump toward Venezuela, a country that has remained at the center of prolonged geopolitical friction in the region. In a message posted on social media, Petro suggested he
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump’s Venezuela strategy leaves opposition leader Machado isolated
María Corina Machado, long regarded as the most prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, has emerged as the principal political casualty of Donald Trump’s latest moves on Venezuela. Despite her vocal alignment with Trump and public support for his hardline stance against Nicolás Maduro, Machado now finds herself sidelined as Washington recalibrates its approach to the crisis-ridden nation. Trump has publicly claimed that the United States will effectively “run”
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump’s Venezuela strategy leaves opposition leader Machado isolated
María Corina Machado, long regarded as the most prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, has emerged as the principal political casualty of Donald Trump’s latest moves on Venezuela. Despite her vocal alignment with Trump and public support for his hardline stance against Nicolás Maduro, Machado now finds herself sidelined as Washington recalibrates its approach to the crisis-ridden nation. Trump has publicly claimed that the United States will effectively “run”
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump invokes Monroe Doctrine while defending US operation in Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to a 19th-century foreign policy principle while addressing media questions about recent US actions in Venezuela, drawing renewed attention to the Monroe Doctrine and its historical significance. Speaking on Saturday, Trump described the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a modernized extension of the doctrine first articulated in 1823. He characterized the move as an assertion of American authority in the Western Hemis
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump invokes Monroe Doctrine while defending US operation in Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to a 19th-century foreign policy principle while addressing media questions about recent US actions in Venezuela, drawing renewed attention to the Monroe Doctrine and its historical significance. Speaking on Saturday, Trump described the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a modernized extension of the doctrine first articulated in 1823. He characterized the move as an assertion of American authority in the Western Hemis
US–Venezuela crisis – Maduro faces U.S. court after capture as Washington asserts control over Venezuela
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to make their first court appearances in New York City, just days after U.S. authorities captured them in a surprise operation that has intensified political tensions across the Western Hemisphere. The couple is being transferred under heavy security to federal court in Manhattan, where they will face a series of serious criminal charges brought by U.S. prosecutors. According to court documents, Madu
US–Venezuela crisis – Maduro faces U.S. court after capture as Washington asserts control over Venezuela
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to make their first court appearances in New York City, just days after U.S. authorities captured them in a surprise operation that has intensified political tensions across the Western Hemisphere. The couple is being transferred under heavy security to federal court in Manhattan, where they will face a series of serious criminal charges brought by U.S. prosecutors. According to court documents, Madu
Colombia’s President Petro rejects Trump’s drug trafficking allegations and US threats
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has firmly rejected accusations and threats made by US President Donald Trump, following remarks in which Trump alleged that Petro was linked to drug trafficking and suggested he could be targeted in a United States operation. The exchange has further strained diplomatic relations between the two countries and prompted a strong public response from Colombia’s head of state. In a series of posts published on social media platform X on Sunday, Petro
Colombia’s President Petro rejects Trump’s drug trafficking allegations and US threats
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has firmly rejected accusations and threats made by US President Donald Trump, following remarks in which Trump alleged that Petro was linked to drug trafficking and suggested he could be targeted in a United States operation. The exchange has further strained diplomatic relations between the two countries and prompted a strong public response from Colombia’s head of state. In a series of posts published on social media platform X on Sunday, Petro
Kavitha Breaks Down in Tears, Requests Resignation in Council Speech
In a deeply emotional moment at the Telangana Legislative Council, senior political leader and former BRS member Kavitha broke down in tears while delivering a powerful speech that sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape. Speaking with visible anguish, Kavitha made serious allegations against the ruling establishment and her own party, stating that she had been selectively targeted
Kavitha Breaks Down in Tears, Requests Resignation in Council Speech
In a deeply emotional moment at the Telangana Legislative Council, senior political leader and former BRS member Kavitha broke down in tears while delivering a powerful speech that sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape. Speaking with visible anguish, Kavitha made serious allegations against the ruling establishment and her own party, stating that she had been selectively targeted
US–Venezuela crisis – US seizes Maduro in Caracas raid as Trump threatens further military action
US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Venezuela following a dramatic military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that additional military action remains a possibility if the South American nation does not comply with US demands, signaling a sharp escalation in Washington’s posture toward the region. The operation, conducted
US–Venezuela crisis – US seizes Maduro in Caracas raid as Trump threatens further military action
US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Venezuela following a dramatic military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that additional military action remains a possibility if the South American nation does not comply with US demands, signaling a sharp escalation in Washington’s posture toward the region. The operation, conducted
US–Venezuela crisis – China condemns US action in Venezuela, demands release of Nicolas Maduro
China has issued a strong response to recent actions taken by the United States in Venezuela, sharply criticizing what it described as unilateral behavior and calling for the immediate release of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The remarks came amid growing international attention to Washington’s role in the South American nation and broader concerns about adherence to international law and diplomatic norms. Speaking during high-level talks in Beijing with
US–Venezuela crisis – China condemns US action in Venezuela, demands release of Nicolas Maduro
China has issued a strong response to recent actions taken by the United States in Venezuela, sharply criticizing what it described as unilateral behavior and calling for the immediate release of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The remarks came amid growing international attention to Washington’s role in the South American nation and broader concerns about adherence to international law and diplomatic norms. Speaking during high-level talks in Beijing with
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump claims Cuban casualties in US operation that captured Venezuela’s president
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Cuban nationals were among those killed during a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The remarks followed a large-scale pre-dawn action carried out by American forces in and around Caracas, marking a dramatic escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Venezuelan government. Speaking after the operation, Trump said that Cuban personnel had been pr
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump claims Cuban casualties in US operation that captured Venezuela’s president
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Cuban nationals were among those killed during a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The remarks followed a large-scale pre-dawn action carried out by American forces in and around Caracas, marking a dramatic escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Venezuelan government. Speaking after the operation, Trump said that Cuban personnel had been pr
US–Venezuela crisis – United States files narco-terrorism charges against Venezuelan president after strikes
The United States announced criminal charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, hours after what officials described as large-scale military strikes carried out early Saturday. According to US authorities, the couple has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple counts related to drug trafficking and terrorism, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Caracas leadership. In a sta
US–Venezuela crisis – United States files narco-terrorism charges against Venezuelan president after strikes
The United States announced criminal charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, hours after what officials described as large-scale military strikes carried out early Saturday. According to US authorities, the couple has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple counts related to drug trafficking and terrorism, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Caracas leadership. In a sta
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump calls Venezuela mission brilliant after US captures Nicolas Maduro
US President Donald Trump on Saturday described a US military mission in Venezuela as a “brilliant operation” after announcing that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country. In brief remarks during a telephone interview, Trump credited detailed planning and the performance of US personnel for what he portrayed as a decisive and successful action. According to Trump, the operation was the result of months of preparation and coordination involvi
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump calls Venezuela mission brilliant after US captures Nicolas Maduro
US President Donald Trump on Saturday described a US military mission in Venezuela as a “brilliant operation” after announcing that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country. In brief remarks during a telephone interview, Trump credited detailed planning and the performance of US personnel for what he portrayed as a decisive and successful action. According to Trump, the operation was the result of months of preparation and coordination involvi
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump claims large-scale U.S. strikes in Venezuela, says Maduro and wife captured
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the United States had carried out what he described as “large scale” strikes against Venezuela, triggering international attention and raising urgent questions about the status of the South American nation’s leadership. In a statement released on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured during the operation and removed from the country.
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump claims large-scale U.S. strikes in Venezuela, says Maduro and wife captured
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the United States had carried out what he described as “large scale” strikes against Venezuela, triggering international attention and raising urgent questions about the status of the South American nation’s leadership. In a statement released on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured during the operation and removed from the country.
US–Venezuela crisis – Venezuela accuses Trump of military aggression after explosions near Caracas base
Venezuela has formally accused the United States under President Donald Trump of carrying out what it described as extremely serious military aggression after a series of loud explosions were reported in the capital city of Caracas. In a strongly worded statement issued by the Venezuelan government, officials said the incident amounted to a direct attack on the country’s sovereignty and national security. Caracas claimed the alleged aggression was aimed at destabilizing the nation and gaining
US–Venezuela crisis – Venezuela accuses Trump of military aggression after explosions near Caracas base
Venezuela has formally accused the United States under President Donald Trump of carrying out what it described as extremely serious military aggression after a series of loud explosions were reported in the capital city of Caracas. In a strongly worded statement issued by the Venezuelan government, officials said the incident amounted to a direct attack on the country’s sovereignty and national security. Caracas claimed the alleged aggression was aimed at destabilizing the nation and gaining
US–Venezuela crisis – Russia condemns U.S. strike on Venezuela, urges restraint after Caracas explosions
Russia sharply criticized the United States on Saturday following reports of a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, describing the operation as an act of armed aggression and warning that the situation risks further destabilization if restraint is not exercised. The condemnation came after a series of explosions were reported in Caracas in the early hours of the morning, raising fears of a major escalation in an already volatile geopolitical standoff. In a statement issued by t
US–Venezuela crisis – Russia condemns U.S. strike on Venezuela, urges restraint after Caracas explosions
Russia sharply criticized the United States on Saturday following reports of a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, describing the operation as an act of armed aggression and warning that the situation risks further destabilization if restraint is not exercised. The condemnation came after a series of explosions were reported in Caracas in the early hours of the morning, raising fears of a major escalation in an already volatile geopolitical standoff. In a statement issued by t
US–Venezuela crisis - US launches strikes at multiple military sites across Venezuela
The United States launched coordinated military strikes on several locations across Venezuela on Saturday, December 3, according to official statements from Venezuelan authorities. The reported attacks targeted strategic defence installations in and around the capital, marking a sharp escalation in tensions b
US–Venezuela crisis - US launches strikes at multiple military sites across Venezuela
The United States launched coordinated military strikes on several locations across Venezuela on Saturday, December 3, according to official statements from Venezuelan authorities. The reported attacks targeted strategic defence installations in and around the capital, marking a sharp escalation in tensions b
Violinist sues Will Smith alleging retaliation after reporting harassment on tour
A professional violinist has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that he was dismissed from a concert tour with actor and rapper Will Smith after reporting what he describes as a disturbing hotel room intrusion that raised serious safety and harassment concerns. The legal filing claims the termination amounted to retaliation and names both Smith and a management company connected to the tour as defendants. According to the complaint, the violinist, Brian Ki
Violinist sues Will Smith alleging retaliation after reporting harassment on tour
A professional violinist has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that he was dismissed from a concert tour with actor and rapper Will Smith after reporting what he describes as a disturbing hotel room intrusion that raised serious safety and harassment concerns. The legal filing claims the termination amounted to retaliation and names both Smith and a management company connected to the tour as defendants. According to the complaint, the violinist, Brian Ki
Iconic eagle removed as Anheuser-Busch sells historic Newark brewery
An iconic feature of Newark’s industrial skyline is being dismantled as ownership of the city’s longtime Anheuser-Busch brewery changes hands. Crews arrived at the sprawling factory complex early Friday morning, signaling the start of work to remove the illuminated eagle that has stood above the brewery for decades. The towering sign, visible from surrounding neighborhoods and major roadways, has long been associated with the facility and has become a familiar sight for generations of res
Iconic eagle removed as Anheuser-Busch sells historic Newark brewery
An iconic feature of Newark’s industrial skyline is being dismantled as ownership of the city’s longtime Anheuser-Busch brewery changes hands. Crews arrived at the sprawling factory complex early Friday morning, signaling the start of work to remove the illuminated eagle that has stood above the brewery for decades. The towering sign, visible from surrounding neighborhoods and major roadways, has long been associated with the facility and has become a familiar sight for generations of res
Chicago budget takes effect with new taxes on bags, rideshares, betting, and alcohol
Chicago’s newly approved budget is now in effect, introducing a series of tax changes that will be rolled out in stages throughout the year. While some measures began immediately on Jan. 1, others are scheduled to take effect in the coming weeks and months, gradually reshaping costs for consumers and businesses across the city. Among the changes that began with the start of the new year is an increase in the checkout bag tax. Shoppers now pay 15 cents per grocery bag, up from the
Chicago budget takes effect with new taxes on bags, rideshares, betting, and alcohol
Chicago’s newly approved budget is now in effect, introducing a series of tax changes that will be rolled out in stages throughout the year. While some measures began immediately on Jan. 1, others are scheduled to take effect in the coming weeks and months, gradually reshaping costs for consumers and businesses across the city. Among the changes that began with the start of the new year is an increase in the checkout bag tax. Shoppers now pay 15 cents per grocery bag, up from the









