Indian students from Telangana killed in US car crash during California trip
Two young women from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the United States after the car they were travelling in plunged into a gorge along a mountainous stretch of road in California. The incident occurred at a sharp curve on Alabama Hills Road, a scenic but challenging route known for its winding terrain. The deaths have sent shockwaves through their hometowns in Telangana, where families and residents are struggling to come to terms with the sud
Kwanzaa celebration draws families to Anacostia museum as unity takes center stage
WASHINGTON — The first day of Kwanzaa was observed in Southeast Washington with a gathering that brought together multiple generations to reflect on culture, history, and community. Nearly 150 people filled two rooms of the Anacostia Community Museum as families assembled to mark the start of the weeklong celebration, which runs from December 26 through January 1. The event centered on storytelling led by Mama Ayo, a longtime cultural educator who has spent decades teaching the pr
Big Brother alum Mickey Lee dies at 35 after flu-related cardiac complications
Mickey Lee, a former contestant on the reality television series Big Brother, has died at the age of 35 after suffering multiple cardiac arrests linked to complications from the flu, according to a statement released by her family. The announcement was shared publicly on Friday through Lee’s official Instagram account, one day after her death on Thursday. In their message, Lee’s family reflected on her impact both on and off television, describing her as a person whose authentic
China sets world record with 700 km/h superconducting maglev train test
China has set a new global benchmark in rail transportation technology after successfully accelerating a superconducting magnetic levitation train to a speed of 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds. The achievement marks the fastest acceleration ever recorded for a maglev system and positions China as the first country to demonstrate this capability using superconducting electric maglev technology. The experiment was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defe
Top 15 highest-paying jobs without a college degree, ranked by salary
Earning a bachelor’s degree is no longer the only route to securing a high-paying and stable career. A recent analysis based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data identifies several occupations that offer strong earning potential without requiring a traditional four-year college degree. The findings reflect a changing labor market in which skilled trades, technical roles, and experience-based careers continue to grow in demand. Career experts note that while these jobs do not re
Times Square New Year’s Eve to launch America’s 250th anniversary celebrations
As the New Year’s Eve ball descends in Times Square, New York City will mark more than the arrival of 2026. The iconic moment will also serve as the opening signal for a nationwide commemoration of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, blending tradition with a forward-looking tribute to the country’s founding ideals. Organizers say this year’s celebration will feature a distinctly patriotic theme, with the ball illuminated in red, white and blue and an additional confetti re
New Jersey declares statewide emergency as winter storm threatens heavy snow and travel
New Jersey officials have declared a statewide state of emergency in advance of a major winter storm expected to impact travel, power infrastructure, and public safety across the region. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha L. Way announced the declaration as forecasts indicate the storm could bring significant snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous road conditions beginning late Friday afternoon. Meteorologists project that northern portions of the state could receive up to 10
Ohio announces full 2026 fair schedule with nearly 100 county and independent fairs
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has released the official schedule for the 2026 fair season, giving communities across the state an early look at one of Ohio’s most anticipated summer and fall traditions. The announcement confirms dates for fairs in all 88 counties, along with independent fairs, bringing the total number of events scheduled statewide to nearly 100. The calendar allows families, exhibitors, and fair organizers to begin planning months in advance for a season rooted in agr
Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state, opens path to diplomatic ties
Israel has become the first member of the United Nations to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic development for the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa. The announcement ends decades of international non-recognition for Somaliland, which has operated as a separate political entity since breaking away from Somalia in 1991 following a prolonged civil conflict. The recognition was formalised on Friday when Isr
Five hospitalized after three-vehicle crash on Indian Head Highway in Accokeek
Five people were taken to area hospitals late Christmas night after a three-vehicle crash on Indian Head Highway in Accokeek, Maryland, according to officials from the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department. Firefighters said the injured individuals suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries following the collision, which occurred along the 14250 block of the highway. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Christmas D
Christmas Eve store hours and Christmas Day closures across central Ohio
As Christmas Day approaches, shoppers across central Ohio are adjusting their plans as many retailers prepare to close early on Christmas Eve and shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday, prompting widespread schedule changes as businesses balance customer demand with time off for employees to spend with family and friends. For consumers making last-minute purchases or gathering ingredients for holiday meals, knowing store hours ahead of
Naples restaurant staff donates holiday party funds to coworker’s adoption
The holiday season took on a deeper meaning at a restaurant in Naples, Florida, where a routine staff meeting turned into a moment of collective generosity that has since captured widespread attention online. What began as an announcement about the cancellation of a holiday party quickly became an emotional surprise centered on compassion, teamwork, and support for family. During the gathering, general manager Brandon Newton informed employees that the restaurant would not be holdin
Illinois enacts wide-ranging public safety and gun laws set to take effect in 2026
Illinois will see a significant expansion of public safety and criminal justice reforms in 2026, as hundreds of new laws approved by the General Assembly take effect across the state. Among the most consequential measures are new requirements for firearm storage, expanded protections for crime victims, and updated procedures for law enforcement reporting and investigations. Lawmakers said the package of legislation reflects growing concerns about gun safety, violent crime, and gaps in service
Texas Original opens large-scale medical cannabis facility as compassionate use program expands
Texas Original has opened a new medical cannabis facility that significantly expands its operational capacity as Texas continues to broaden access under the state’s Compassionate Use Program. The newly launched site, located along FM 969, represents a major step forward for the company, consolidating every stage of production under a single roof and positioning the organization for long-term growth as patient demand increases. The 75,000-square-foot facility is nearly ten times la
YouTuber Adam the Woo dies at 51 after being found unresponsive at Florida home
YouTuber Adam the Woo, a well-known travel and theme park content creator, has died at the age of 51 after being found unresponsive at his home in Celebration, Florida, authorities confirmed. The creator, whose legal name was David Adam Williams, was pronounced dead on Monday, Dec. 22, at his residence in the Orlando-area suburb. According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initially responded to Williams’ home earlier in the day for a well-being check. At that tim
Trump administration announces cash incentive for undocumented migrants to self-deport
The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced a new financial incentive aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country, offering cash payments and paid travel as part of a broader effort to accelerate deportations and reduce enforcement costs. The initiative, introduced ahead of the holiday season, is being framed by federal officials as a cost-effective alternative to traditional immigration enforcement measures. According to the Depar
New Virginia laws take effect Jan. 1, impacting wages, health care, and data privacy
Several new state laws aimed at improving worker pay, expanding health care protections, and strengthening consumer safeguards are set to take effect across Virginia on Jan. 1, marking one of the most wide-ranging policy updates in recent years. The measures touch on issues ranging from minimum wage increases to medical billing practices and digital protections for children, reflecting priorities lawmakers say are rooted in everyday concerns of residents. Political analyst Leslie Ca
Barry Manilow announces lung cancer surgery, January concerts rescheduled
Veteran singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery, prompting the rescheduling of his January concert dates. The announcement was made Monday through a personal statement shared on social media, in which the 82-year-old performer described the circumstances that led to the discovery of the illness and reassured fans about his prognosis. Manilow said the diagnosis followed a period of recurring bronchitis that las
