Glenn Close transforms in new trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Lionsgate has released the first trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, offering audiences their initial look at Glenn Close in a role that marks one of the most dramatic physical transformations of her career. The veteran actress appears nearly unrecognizable as Drusilla Sickle, an austere and unsettling official from the world created by author Suzanne Collins. The upcoming film serves as both a sequel to the 2023 feature The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and
Mamdani to meet President Trump as affordability, safety take center stage
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Thursday that he will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to address what he calls the most pressing issue facing the city: affordability. Speaking at City Hall Park, Mamdani outlined his intentions ahead of the meeting and emphasized that New Yorkers expect their leaders to confront the rising cost of living that affects millions across the five boroughs. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, has drawn considerable attention
New Ninja Kidz Action Park opens with 20 attractions for families and kids
A new children’s attraction at American Dream in East Rutherford is giving young fans of a popular family vlogging channel the ability to step directly into the world they usually watch online. Ninja Kidz Action Park, which opened in August, transforms the energy and excitement of the Ninja Kidz YouTube channel into a full-scale indoor adventure space designed for active play, exploration, and family fun. The park features 20 different attractions, offering a wide variety of physi
Buddhist monks injured during 2,300-mile peace walk after crash in Texas
A cross-country spiritual pilgrimage known as the Walk for Peace was interrupted this week after a crash on U.S. 90 near Dayton left two Buddhist monks injured. The monks were among a group walking across the United States on a 2,300-mile trek designed to promote unity, compassion, and inner peace. The incident occurred on Wednesday as the group continued its route through Texas, one of several states included in the long-distance journey. The Walk for Peace began on October 26 at t
Las Vegas Sands intensifies push for casino legalization in Texas
A major political battle is unfolding in Texas as the Las Vegas Sands organization accelerates its long-term campaign to expand legalized gambling in the state. The company, which hopes to build a luxury casino resort in North Texas modeled after its world-renowned Marina Bay Sands property in Singapore, is preparing to invest substantial financial resources into upcoming political contests. Executives say this effort will continue for years as they work to overcome significant legal and poli
Fight over $900M in COVID-19 jobless benefits heads to Ohio Supreme Court
The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear a high-profile dispute over the early termination of federal COVID-19 unemployment benefits, a decision that could determine whether roughly $900 million in aid will finally reach hundreds of thousands of residents. The case centers on Gov. Mike DeWine’s 2021 decision to withdraw the state from the federal program that provided an additional $300 per week to eligible jobless workers during the height of the pandemic. Lower courts have concluded that
Cupertino appoints Tina Kapoor as new city manager after years of leadership turnover
The Cupertino City Council voted unanimously to appoint Tina Kapoor as the city’s next city manager, formally removing the word “interim” from her title and signaling a shift toward stability after years of leadership turnover. The decision places Kapoor at the head of the municipal administration during a period of ongoing debate over housing, development, and long-term economic planning in the Bay Area. Her appointment follows a series of frequent leadership changes that have shaped t
Bush and Biden to attend Cheney service while Trump receives no invitation
Former president Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the memorial service for former vice president Dick Cheney on Thursday, joining a group of national leaders and longtime associates gathering in Washington to honor the influential political figure. The service, set to begin at 11 a.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral, will include tributes from several individuals who worked closely with Cheney throughout his decades of involvement in public life. Former president George W. Bush, under who
OpenTable names 16 Chicago restaurants among America’s top dining spots for 2025
A new nationwide dining report has placed Chicago firmly in the spotlight, with OpenTable announcing that 16 restaurants from the city have earned a place on its anticipated Top 100 Restaurants for 2025 list. The annual list, released on Tuesday, reflects strong feedback from diners across the country and highlights restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional experiences. OpenTable stated that the selections were shaped by “diner demand,” relying on more than 10 million verified rev
Russia offers India Su-57 tech transfer ahead of Putin’s visit next month
Russia has reportedly proposed a wide-ranging technology transfer package for its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet, signalling that defence cooperation may take centre stage when President Vladimir Putin visits India next month. The offer comes as New Delhi continues to balance long-standing strategic ties with Moscow while facing Western scrutiny over its neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine. The proposal, according to officials familiar with the matter, could strengthen India
Asha Jadeja Motwani claims role in Trump’s H-1B shift as debate intensifies
Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th
California attorney general faces scrutiny over campaign-funded legal expenses
Questions continue to emerge at the California Capitol as Attorney General Rob Bonta faces heightened scrutiny over his use of campaign funds for legal services during his recent reelection effort. The issue gained traction after disclosures showed that Bonta’s campaign spent more than $468,000 on legal assistance connected to a federal inquiry that intersected with his 2022 campaign. Although Bonta has not been accused of wrongdoing, his reliance on campaign money to cover significant lega
Illinois launches digital IDs for iPhone users at airports, bars, and restaurants
Illinois residents can now use digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards on their iPhones, marking a significant technological shift in how individuals verify their identity at airports, bars, restaurants, and select venues across the state. The program officially began Tuesday morning following the implementation of a new state law that authorizes digital IDs and enables their integration into mobile devices. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch
Texas court dismisses murder case against Allen Causey in Anita Byington killing
Prosecutors in Travis County have dismissed the long-standing murder case against Allen Andre Causey, more than three decades after he was convicted in the 1991 killing of Anita Byington. Causey, who received a 50-year prison sentence, spent years in state custody before his release on parole in 2022. The decision to end the case follows a series of legal developments that raised significant concerns about the evidence used to secure his initial conviction. Attorneys with the Innoce
Early global surge of H3N2 flu raises concern as U.S. enters peak season
Health officials across the United States are closely monitoring a rapidly spreading H3N2 influenza strain that has already led to unusually large outbreaks in several countries. The early and aggressive activity observed abroad is raising concern that the U.S. may be headed toward a more challenging flu season than in recent years. Countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan have recorded stronger-than-normal waves of influenza infection, with some regions reporting significant
Washington Metrobus introduces contactless payments to expand convenience for riders
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has introduced full contactless payments on Metrobus, marking a significant expansion of the Tap. Ride. Go. system that first debuted on Metrorail earlier this year. Beginning Tuesday, riders across the region can use a contactless credit or debit card, as well as mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, to pay fares directly at the bus card reader. The update is designed to reduce friction for daily commuters and casual riders, particul
Sundar Pichai warns AI boom carries risks as global excitement surges
Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has urged caution as global enthusiasm for artificial intelligence continues to fuel record valuations and intense competition across the technology sector. In an interview, Pichai described the present moment as remarkable for innovation, yet marked by clear signs that investor expectations may be stretching beyond what the industry can sustain. His comments arrive at a time when comparisons to previous periods of market exuberance, particularly the late
Cristiano Ronaldo attends White House state dinner hosted by President Trump
Cristiano Ronaldo made an unexpected appearance at a White House state dinner hosted by United States President Donald Trump in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The high-profile gathering, held in the East Room, brought together political leaders, top executives and international guests, adding a notable sporting figure to an already prominent list. The presence of the Portuguese football icon drew considerable attention, marking one of his rare visits to the Unite
