US plan for Gaza outlines divided security zones under new proposal
The United States is developing a proposal that would divide Gaza into separate security and reconstruction areas as part of a broader plan connected to an upcoming vote at the United Nations Security Council. The plan, described in military documents referenced by officials familiar with the discussions, outlines a division of the territory into a green zone that would fall under Israeli and international military oversight and a red zone that would remain heavily damaged following months of
Trump moves to ease grocery costs with food tariff exemptions
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order removing import tariffs on a broad selection of food products in an effort to curb rising grocery costs and ease pressure on consumers. The decision marks one of the most significant adjustments to his trade policy since tariffs were introduced as a central feature of his economic agenda. The order comes at a moment when Americans have voiced growing frustration over inflation, particularly food prices, following last we
Franklin and Delaware counties report multimillion-dollar home sales in October
The luxury housing market in central Ohio recorded another strong month in October, with Franklin County leading high-end sales as the most expensive property reached a price of $2.4 million. Delaware County also saw significant movement in the upper tier of its residential market, where two homes tied for the top position at $1.5 million each. Together, the regions reflected a steady appetite for premium real estate across several of the area’s most sought-after communities. In F
Cook County to mail delayed property tax bills with December deadline
Cook County property owners are finally set to receive their long-delayed second installment property tax bills, with officials confirming that 1.8 million bills are expected to be mailed by Friday. The bills, which are normally delivered during the summer, will carry a due date of December 15, marking the end of a months-long delay that left many residents uncertain about their financial planning for the year. The delay stems from an extensive modernization of Cook County’s aging
Modi’s Bihar victory boosts prospects for India–US trade deal on farm concessions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party is positioned to advance crucial trade negotiations with the United States after securing a decisive electoral victory in Bihar, a development that analysts say could provide New Delhi with the political space needed to offer farm-related concessions long sought by Washington. The National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, appeared headed for an overwhelming win as early trends from the Election Commission showed the coalition leadi
China warns Japan of “crushing defeat” as tensions rise over Taiwan dispute
Tensions between China and Japan escalated sharply this week after Beijing delivered a series of unusually forceful warnings against any potential Japanese involvement in the Taiwan Strait. China’s defence ministry declared that Japan would face what it called a crushing defeat at the hands of the People’s Liberation Army if Tokyo attempted to intervene militarily in a Taiwan conflict. The warning, issued on Friday, followed a similar statement from China’s foreign ministry a day earlie
Saudi crown prince seeks security guarantees as Trump pushes Israel normalisation
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is preparing for a high-stakes visit to Washington this week, marking his first trip to the United States in seven years. The visit comes at a moment of deep regional unease, with Saudi Arabia seeking firmer American security guarantees as tensions rise across the Middle East. While US President Donald Trump is expected to press the crown prince to move toward normalising relations with Israel, officials and analysts suggest that Riyadh remains reluctant
Musk disputes claims of new xAI fundraising as AI startup valuations surge globally
Elon Musk pushed back Wednesday against reports that his artificial intelligence company xAI had raised $15 billion in new capital, calling the claim false shortly after sources familiar with the matter indicated the funding round had closed. The initial reports suggested that investors had added $5 billion to an earlier $10 billion round disclosed in September, which placed the company’s valuation at roughly $200 billion. According to individuals close to the fundraising efforts, much of t
Atmospheric river brings heavy rain, strong winds and disruptions across Bay Area
An atmospheric river moved into the Bay Area late Wednesday and continued through Thursday, delivering a powerful surge of rain and strong winds that disrupted travel, caused flooding concerns and led to isolated property damage and school closures. The storm system, which forecasters had been tracking earlier in the week, arrived with enough intensity to prompt weather advisories across all nine Bay Area counties as residents faced the first significant rainfall event of the season.
Columbus lawmakers split as Congress ends nation’s longest government shutdown
The nation’s longest government shutdown ended Wednesday night after the House approved a short-term spending bill that restores federal operations and provides temporary funding for key agencies. The shutdown, which lasted 43 days, concluded with the passage of a measure funding military construction, veterans’ affairs, the Department of Agriculture and the legislative branch through September 30, 2026, while extending funding for the rest of the government through January 3. The Senate
Starbucks Red Cup Day sees high demand amid labor strike at dozens of stores
Starbucks Red Cup Day, one of the company’s most anticipated promotional events of the holiday season, returned nationwide on Thursday, Nov. 13, offering customers a free limited-edition 2025 reusable red cup with the purchase of any featured holiday or fall beverage. The annual giveaway traditionally draws heavy foot traffic to stores, and this year the company announced it had prepared more cups than ever to meet demand. The promotion is available while supplies last at participating loca
Dallas mayor outlines city priorities in annual State of the City address
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson delivered his annual State of the City address on Thursday, choosing the newly launched Texas Stock Exchange as the backdrop for a speech that centered on growth, public safety, and the evolving landscape of downtown. The mayor used the moment to emphasize both the accomplishments of the past year and the challenges that lie ahead, particularly as major employers and professional sports teams reassess their future ties to the city. During his 20-minute remarks, John
Chick-fil-A tests new chicken and waffles sandwich in two U.S. cities
Chick-fil-A is preparing to introduce a new twist to its breakfast and lunch lineup, and only two cities in the United States will have early access. Beginning December 1, select restaurants in San Antonio, Texas, and Baltimore, Maryland, will serve as test markets for the company’s new chicken and waffles sandwich, a menu item that blends sweet and savory flavors and is expected to draw strong interest from customers familiar with the chain’s ongoing menu experiments. The limited-time t
New Jersey poll finds Garden State drivers say New Yorkers are the worst
A long-running regional rivalry gained new life this week as a statewide survey revealed that many New Jersey motorists believe New York drivers are the worst on the road. The findings come from the latest Rutgers-Eagleton poll, which examined how Garden State residents perceive the driving habits of motorists from neighboring states. According to the results, a significant share of New Jersey drivers remain convinced that the behavior of their counterparts across the Hudson River poses the g
Dan Snyder’s former Potomac mansion heads to auction after major price cuts
Dan Snyder’s former Potomac riverfront mansion, a sprawling luxury estate once listed among the most expensive residential properties in the region, will be offered at auction next month after a series of price reductions and an eventual charitable donation. The estate, which was gifted to the American Cancer Society nearly two years ago, is now expected to generate millions for cancer research and patient support programs across the country. Snyder, the former owner of the Washin
US government shutdown ends but economic and social fallout continues to deepen
The longest government shutdown in United States history has finally come to an end, but the deep wounds it has inflicted across the economy and federal systems will not heal anytime soon. Though President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to reopen the government after a record 43 days, the aftershocks continue to ripple through essential sectors. With another possible shutdown looming on January 30, the reprieve may be only temporary, leaving the nation bracing for renewed political and econo
US House passes spending bill to end shutdown, Trump expected to sign
The United States House of Representatives has approved a spending bill intended to end the ongoing federal government shutdown, marking a decisive step toward restoring full government operations after weeks of disruption. The measure passed with a 222–209 vote following a contentious debate in Washington, where party leaders exchanged blame over the prolonged impasse. Six Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the legislation, giving the Republican-led chamber the margin it needed to
House set to vote on bill to end record U.S. government shutdown
The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote Wednesday evening on a bill that would officially bring an end to the longest government shutdown in American history. According to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the process to move the legislation forward will begin late in the afternoon, with the final vote expected to take place around 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Speaking to reporters, Scalise emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that lawmakers must act
US imposes new sanctions on global network aiding Iran’s missile and drone programs
The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and drone development programs. The move underscores Washington’s ongoing effort to curtail Tehran’s military capabilities and disrupt its network of global suppliers. In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department confirmed that 32 individuals and companies operating across eight countries—including Iran, the
