Anthropic rejects Pentagon demand for unrestricted military AI access
Artificial intelligence company Anthropic said on Thursday that it will not permit the Pentagon unrestricted access to its technology, pushing back against pressure from US officials who warned of possible action under the Defense Production Act. The dispute highlights growing tensions between private AI developers and the US government over how advanced systems should be deployed in military and intelligence operations. According to the company, the Pentagon had given Anthropic a d
Illinois primary election 2026: how to register and vote before March 17
Illinois voters are preparing to head to the polls for a series of high-profile races in the upcoming March 17 primary election, with contests ranging from U.S. Senate and governor to congressional seats and local judgeships. Although the standard voter registration period has closed across the state, eligible residents still have opportunities to register and cast their ballots before and on Election Day. The Illinois primary election will determine party nominees for several state
Texas Senate primary tightens as Cornyn, Paxton near runoff
AUSTIN, Texas — Primary elections across Texas are set for Tuesday, and newly released polling suggests several high-profile contests could extend into runoff elections as candidates vie for their party nominations in key statewide races. According to data from the Texas Politics Project, the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate remains highly competitive. The poll indicates that Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a narrow lead with 36% support among likely Republican primary vot
India reaffirms zero tolerance for terrorism at UN human rights council
India remains steadfast in its fight against terrorism in all its forms, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said while addressing the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council virtually on Wednesday. He asserted that attacks on innocent civilians can never be justified under any circumstances and called for a unified global response rooted in a zero tolerance approach to terrorism. Speaking at the UNHRC session, Jaishankar urged the Unite
911 call released in Miami case of Indian-origin doctor accused of child’s murder
Eight months after a four-year-old girl was found dead in a swimming pool at a Miami rental property, authorities have released the 911 call placed by her mother, bringing renewed attention to a case that continues to move through the Florida court system. The recording, made public this week, offers new insight into the moments following the child’s death and comes as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings scheduled for May. Dr. Neha Gupta, 37, an Oklahoma-based pedia
San Jose meeting house marks 140 years with ADA renovation drive
The oldest Quaker meeting house west of Iowa is marking its 140th anniversary with a renewed focus on accessibility, launching a fundraising campaign to modernize the historic property while preserving its architectural heritage. The San Jose meeting house, a longstanding landmark in local and California history, is working to bring its facilities into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as part of a broader commitment to inclusivity and community outreach. The
Former US Air Force pilot arrested for allegedly training Chinese military
A former United States Air Force fig
Ohio lawmakers propose mandatory cardiac screenings for student athletes
Ohio lawmakers are advancing new leg
North Korea signals conditional talks with US, labels South Korea ‘most hostile’
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has concluded a rare party congress with a pointed message to the United States, stating that Pyongyang could improve relations with Washington if it is recognised as a nuclear power. At the same time, he hardened his stance toward South Korea, describing it as the country’s “most hostile” enemy and ruling out further engagement. According to state media reports released on February 26, Kim said there was “no reason” North Korea and the Unit
Nikkei 225 hits record high on Takaichi trade as Asia markets advance
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 climbed to another record high on Thursday, extending its streak of gains as investor enthusiasm around the so-called Takaichi trade continued to fuel buying in domestic equities. The index rose 1.1 percent to close at an all-time high of 59,199.31, marking its third consecutive session of record finishes. The broader Topix index also advanced 1.45 percent, reaching a fresh peak as market sentiment remained buoyant. The rally in Japan stocks has been c
San Jose urges state to rescind card room regulations over revenue concerns
San Jose officials are calling on state regulators to withdraw newly approved gambling regulations that they say could significantly disrupt the city’s finances and threaten more than 1,000 local jobs. In a letter dated Feb. 19 and addressed to Attorney General Rob Bonta, city leaders warned that the new rules governing California’s card rooms would dramatically reduce tax revenue generated by the city’s two licensed casinos, Casino M8trix and Bay 101. According to city offici
Tahawwur Rana case: Canada points to fraud grounds for revoking citizenship
Canada’s immigration authorities have declined to comment on the specific citizenship case of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian citizen accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, citing privacy laws and respect for ongoing legal proceedings. However, officials have reiterated that fraud and misrepresentation remain valid grounds for citizenship revocation under Canadian law. In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it c
US Treasury sanctions over 30 linked to illicit Iranian oil network
The United States Treasury Department announced on Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels accused of facilitating illicit Iran oil sales and supporting Tehran’s weapons programs. The action, carried out through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), forms part of Washington’s continuing maximum pressure campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s military capabilities and financial networks. According to the Treasury, the measures
Maryland moves to curb rising energy bills with new reforms
LARGO, Md. — Facing mounting public pressure over sharply rising utility costs, Maryland lawmakers and local officials are advancing a series of measures aimed at delivering immediate financial relief while pursuing long-term changes to the state’s energy infrastructure. The coordinated push reflects growing concern among residents who say recent power bills have become increasingly difficult to manage. In Annapolis, the administration of Gov. Wes Moore introduced Senate Bill 38
Oakland welcomes Olympic champion Alysa Liu with celebrations
Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu received an enthusiastic welcome as she returned to the Bay Area this week, marking a celebratory homecoming for the Oakland native following her latest international triumph. The 20-year-old figure skating champion landed at San Francisco International Airport late Monday night after a lengthy trip from Italy, where she recently secured her gold medal performance. Fans gathered at the arrival gate to greet Liu with cheers and applause, underscoring t
Narendra Modi receives rare honours from both Israel and Palestine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset Medal, marking a significant milestone in India-Israel relations. The honour, considered the highest award of Israel’s Parliament, was presented in recognition of Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to the Indian prime minister following his address to the Israeli Parliam
Suicide blast in Pakistan’s Bhakkar kills four policemen, security tightened
A suicide bomber targeted a police checkpost in Pakistan’s Bhakkar district on Tuesday evening, killing four policemen and injuring several others in an attack that has heightened security concerns in the region. The explosion occurred around 7 pm near a bridge connecting Dera Ismail Khan with Punjab, according to local police officials. Initial reports had indicated that two police personnel were killed and four injured, but officials later confirmed that the death toll had risen
Modi receives standing ovation during historic address at Knesset
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a standing ovation in Israel’s parliament on Wednesday as he delivered a historic address to the Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to speak before the Israeli legislature. Lawmakers rose to their feet and chanted his name as Modi began his remarks by conveying greetings from 1.4 billion Indians. In his speech, the prime minister strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated India’s firm policy of zero tolerance toward ex
Roxbury residents protest planned ICE detention center in vacant warehouse
Tensions are rising in Roxbury, New Jersey, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement moved forward with plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration detention center despite strong opposition from residents and local officials. Community members have staged protests in recent weeks and voiced concerns during town council meetings, arguing the proposed facility raises humanitarian, financial and neighborhood safety issues. Many residents say they oppose the ICE detention
