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

Illinois is set to enter 2026 with sweeping changes to state policy as more than 200 new laws take effect at the start of the year, touching nearly every aspect of daily life. The legislation approved by lawmakers spans healthcare access, workplace protections, public safety, education standards, insurance coverage and the growing role of artificial intelligence, marking one of the most expansive legislative updates in recent years. Several of the most consequential measures focus o

A light-hearted White House Christmas tradition took an unexpectedly awkward turn after US President Donald Trump was gently cut short by First Lady Melania Trump during a live holiday call, creating a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms. The exchange occurred during the annual Chr

The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes in Nigeria targeting Islamic State terrorists, following what US President Donald Trump described as escalating attacks against Christians in the region. The strikes, which Trump said were conducted on his direct orders, were aimed at extremist groups operating in northwest Nigeria and were described as both numerous and deadly.

US military activity near Venezuela has intensified as the US Coast Guard moves to apprehend a third oil tanker operating in international waters, according to officials who confirmed the development on Sunday. The operation marks the second action of its kind during the weekend and the third within a week, highlighting an escalating enforcement strategy against oil tankers under sanctions. One official stated that the vessel involved is subject to restrictions linked to United States measure

The US Justice Department restored a photograph featuring President Donald Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files after briefly removing it, triggering strong political reactions. Officials explained that the temporary removal was made to ensure no Epstein victims were identifiable in the image, not to protect the president. The photograph, which showed a desk drawer holding a picture of Trump with several women, was first taken down during a review process but reinstated within 24

United States President Donald Trump issued an unusually direct intervention in Honduras’s national politics on Friday, stating that Washington could withdraw financial support for the Central American nation if his preferred presidential candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura, does not win the upcoming election. The remarks were posted on his Truth Social platform just two days before Hondurans head to the polls on Sunday. Trump simultaneously revealed that he intends to grant a pardon to form

President Donald Trump formally withdrew his endorsement of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on Friday, ending a long-running alliance that had once positioned Greene among his most vocal supporters in Congress. The move marked the latest escalation in a widening political rift, one that has increasingly drawn national attention as debates over foreign policy, party loyalty, and the handling of Justice Department documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein intensify in

California voters have overwhelmingly approved Proposition 50, Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial redistricting plan that reshapes congressional boundaries across the state. The measure, which effectively suspends California’s independent redistricting commission until the next census in 2030, has drawn both praise and criticism for its potential impact on partisan balance and democratic fairness. Early results show Proposition 50 passing decisively, with approximately 65 per

Pakistan has offered Bangladesh the use of its Karachi port for exporting jute and other goods, marking a significant geopolitical move amid deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations. The offer comes shortly after India banned the import of jute products through land routes, a major blow to Bangladesh’s export sector. The development was formalized during the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting in Dhaka, held after a gap of nearly 20 years, signaling a thaw in relatio

Maryland’s governor has warned that hundreds of thousands of residents could soon lose access to food assistance because the federal government has refused to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. He said that an official communication from Washington ordered the state not to issue new benefits beginning November 1, potentially leaving 680,000 residents, including nearly 270,000 children, without the support they need to eat. Speaking from Annapolis, the go

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to another record close on Tuesday, buoyed by a series of strong corporate earnings reports that reinforced investor optimism about the resilience of major U.S. companies. Gains from household names such as Coca-Cola, 3M, and General Motors helped the blue-chip index climb even as technology shares lagged, reflecting a rotation from growth stocks into more traditional sectors. The 30-stock Dow rose 218.16 points, or 0.47%, to finish at 46,924.

Russia has rejected United States President Donald Trump’s recent demand for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine, reaffirming its long-held conditions for peace. The Kremlin’s latest response makes clear that Moscow’s stance on the conflict remains unchanged, despite renewed diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and European allies seeking to end the devastating two-year war. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismiss

Thousands of demonstrators across the United States took to the streets on Saturday for the “No Kings” protests, a series of nationwide rallies denouncing President Donald Trump’s leadership and the ongoing government shutdown. The events brought a mix of political activism and festive energy to city squares, parks, and the nation’s capital, as participants called for accountability, the protection of democratic institutions, and an end to what they described as authoritarian tendenci

Thousands of Americans gathered across the country on Saturday as part of the expanding “No Kings” protests, a growing grassroots movement challenging the leadership and policies of President Donald Trump. From major metropolitan centers to smaller towns, citizens voiced their concerns over what they describe as an erosion of democratic principles, rising authoritarianism, and government overreach. The movement’s slogan, “No Kings,” symbolizes a call to uphold the constitutional bal

Across the United States, thousands of people gathered on Saturday for large-scale “No Kings” protests to express discontent with the direction of the country under President Donald Trump. Demonstrators filled public squares and streets in major cities, calling for renewed commitment to democracy and denouncing what they described as growing authoritarian behavior in government. Supporters of the president, however, dismissed the demonstrations as unpatriotic, labeling them as “hate rallie

India is once again at the center of global diplomatic attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil imports. The Indian government swiftly denied the statement, emphasizing that its energy decisions are made independently and based solely on national interest. This move highlights New Delhi’s determination to maintain strategic autonomy amid increasing international pressure. Over the past two years

Hours after United States President Donald Trump asserted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that New Delhi would soon halt the purchase of oil from Russia, the Indian government issued a carefully worded statement reiterating its independent energy policy. The clarification underscored India’s commitment to protecting its national interests and consumers amid global price volatility, without directly confirming or denying Trump’s remarks. In a s

The United States has warned that steep tariffs could soon be imposed on China if Beijing proceeds with its newly announced restrictions on rare earth exports, heightening concerns of another trade confrontation between the two largest economies in the world. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Tuesday that the decision now rests largely on China’s next actions, suggesting that the situation remains fluid in the run-up to a crucial diplomatic meeting later this month. Pr

Former President Barack Obama has entered the political fray ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, appearing in a new campaign advertisement urging California voters to approve Proposition 50 — a ballot measure that could significantly alter the state’s congressional landscape in favor of Democrats. The 30-second ad, released this week, features Obama directly addressing voters as he calls for support of the measure, which seeks to redraw California’s congressional districts. T