Russia’s doomsday radio sends rare surge of cryptic signals amid rising Europe war fears
Russia’s mysterious shortwave radio station known as UVB-76, often referred to as the “Doomsday Radio” or “The Buzzer,” transmitted an unusually high number of cryptic messages this week, drawing renewed attention from military analysts and security observers across Europe. The rare surge in activity included three transmissions on Monday, eight more on Wednesday, and an extended broadcast combining faint music with long sequences of Morse code, an operational pattern that has not b
Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata, meets Shah Rukh Khan during GOAT India tour
Kolkata witnessed a rare convergence of global sporting excellence and popular culture on Saturday, December 13, as legendary footballer Lionel Messi arrived in the city as part of his three-day GOAT India tour. The visit transformed the city into a focal point of international attention, with fans, sports enthusiasts, and cultural observers closely following every development surrounding the Argentine icon’s presence. The historic Yuva Bharti stadium served as the backdrop for a series of
Dick Van Dyke turns 100, marking a century of charm in American entertainment
Few figures in Hollywood history have reached the age of 100 with their reputation not only intact but warmly cherished. Dick Van Dyke reaches that milestone today, standing as a rare constant in an industry defined by reinvention and impermanence. Once known for tripping over an ottoman on television and dancing with animated penguins on film, he has outlived many of his contemporaries and even the criticisms that once followed his most famous performances. Van Dyke’s career span
In-N-Out Burger removes “67” from order system after viral TikTok disruptions
In-N-Out Burger has quietly removed the number “67” from its in-store ordering system after a viral social media trend began drawing disruptive crowds of teenagers to its locations across the western United States. The decision follows weeks of incidents in which young customers gathered inside restaurants, waiting specifically for the number to be called over the intercom, often responding with loud celebrations that disrupted normal operations. Videos circulating widely on Tik
Thailand and Cambodia halt border fighting after talks with US president Trump
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt fighting following days of deadly clashes along their disputed border, raising hopes for a return to stability in the volatile region. The announcement came after Trump held separate phone conversations with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, as tensions threatened to escalate into a broader military confrontation. In
Tulsi Gabbard flags terror vetting gaps among Afghan evacuees after US withdrawal
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on Friday that roughly 2,000 Afghan nationals who entered the United States following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan are suspected of having links to terrorist organisations, raising renewed questions about the vetting process used during the large-scale evacuation effort. Her remarks added to an ongoing debate in Washington over national security risks tied to the resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans after the collapse of
Immigration, innovation and irony: examining the backlash against Indian technologists
Recent calls by some US political activists to reduce or eliminate the presence of Indian professionals in American workplaces have reignited a long-running debate over immigration, national identity and economic growth. Mark Mitchell, a US pollster who has promoted what he describes as a “de-Indianisation” consultancy, has become a prominent voice in this discourse. His arguments reflect a broader strain of nativism that has surfaced periodically throughout American history, often at mom
Illinois legalizes medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients starting in 2026
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
Water main break shuts lanes on Route 17 North in Mahwah, repairs ongoing
Crews from Veolia Water and the New Jersey Department of Transportation are continuing repair operations following a water main break that disrupted traffic along Route 17 North in Mahwah. The incident occurred near milepost 4.7, where damage to the underground water line forced the closure of two travel lanes and led to significant traffic slowdowns in the area. According to officials on scene, the left lane of Route 17 North remains heavily impacted as multiple service and support
Trump weighs Core-5 global power bloc as potential alternative to the G7
US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering the formation of a new geopolitical grouping known as the “Core-5,” a proposed alliance that would bring together the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan. The initiative is being explored as a potential alternative to the Group of Seven, signaling a significant shift in Washington’s approach to global leadership and alliance-building. If pursued, the Core-5 could represent one of the most powerful strategic blocs ever as
US Embassy delays H-1B visa interviews in India, pushing appointments to 2026
The US Embassy in India has postponed temporary work visa interviews scheduled for mid-December, triggering widespread concern among Indian professionals awaiting H-1B visa processing. The affected interviews have now been rescheduled to March and April 2026, according to communications sent to applicants and legal experts familiar with the matter. The unexpected decision has disrupted travel and employment plans for thousands of workers who rely on timely visa stamping to continue their role
Winter farmers markets continue across central Ohio with fresh local goods
As colder weather settles in across central Ohio, several communities continue to support local growers and small businesses through a variety of winter farmers markets. Operating indoors or in sheltered locations, these markets ensure residents have year-round access to fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal items and other locally sourced products. Organizers say the winter season often strengthens the sense of community, allowing shoppers and vendors to connect in a more personal setting wh
Hazardous surf and dense fog expected across Bay Area through Friday
Coastal communities across the Bay Area are being urged to prepare for hazardous surf conditions through Friday as forecasters warn of powerful waves and persistent marine risks. According to the National Weather Service, breaking waves between 12 and 16 feet are expected along northwest- and west-facing beaches from Sonoma County down to Monterey Bay, creating an elevated threat for anyone entering or approaching the water. A Beach Hazards Statement remains active for the North Bay, San Francis
Mango launches first Illinois store on Chicago’s Mag Mile
A new international fashion entrant has arrived on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile as Mango formally opened its first Illinois store on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing national expansion. The two-story boutique, located at the prominent intersection of Michigan Avenue and Erie Street, represents the company’s 60th U.S. location and underscores its intention to strengthen its presence in major retail corridors across the country. Crowds gathered ahead of the
US proposes five-year social media checks for visa-free foreign travellers
American authorities have unveiled a proposal that would require foreign tourists from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, to provide a five-year record of their social media activity before entering the United States. The measure, introduced by Customs and Border Protection, seeks to significantly expand the personal information collected from travellers who qualify for the visa waiver programme. Forty-two countries currently participate in the programme, which allows short-te
Chances of a white Christmas remain uncertain as temperatures trend warmer
As the holiday season approaches, the question of whether the tri-state region will see a white Christmas is once again gaining attention. For many residents, the image of fresh snow on Christmas morning remains a nostalgic hallmark of winter. However, meteorological records and upcoming forecasts suggest that the chances of reaching the traditional definition of a white Christmas—at least one inch of snowfall on December 25—remain uncertain and historically uncommon for much of the area.
DC streetcar to shut down amid budget strain and low post-pandemic ridership
The District of Columbia is preparing to close the DC Streetcar after years of delays, significant investment, and ridership levels that never returned to pre-pandemic levels. City officials confirmed that the streetcar, which operates along H Street NE and Benning Road NE from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue NE, will end service on March 31 due to budget pressures and consistently low demand. The announcement marks a major shift in Washington’s transit strategy, coming nearly a decade aft
US revokes 85,000 visas as Trump administration intensifies security review
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
