As spring unfolds in Chicago, the cherry blossoms in Jackson Park have reached their peak, offering a breathtaking display of pink and white hues. Located just south of the Museum of Science and Industry, the approximately 190 cherry trees surrounding the Columbia Basin are in full bloom, attracting visitors from across the region. These trees, planted in 2013 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the World’s Columbian Exposition, have become a seasonal highlight on Chicago's S

Millions of Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies should prepare for an especially difficult spring in 2025, as medical experts warn that this year’s allergy season is shaping up to be one of the worst on record. With pollen counts already registering 10% to 20% higher than average in many regions, doctors are urging allergy sufferers to act early and take proactive steps to manage their symptoms. Climate and environmental changes have been steadily reshaping allergy

Sandy Spring Friends School, a long-standing independent Quaker institution in Montgomery County, Maryland, announced on Monday that it will permanently close at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. The school’s leadership, including Board of Trustees members and top administrators, shared the difficult news in a letter addressed to families, faculty, students, and the local community. In the letter, school officials cited an unsustainable financial situation as the drivi

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s prized signing and one of world football’s most electrifying talents, is set to lead his side in one of their toughest Champions League battles yet. On Wednesday, Mbappe will step onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu with the goal of sparking a miraculous comeback against Arsenal, who hold a commanding 3-0 lead from the quarter-final first leg. Mbappe, who joined Madrid in 2024 to pursue Champions League glory, faces a moment that defines careers&md

In a major development that blends star power with football management, Luka Modric, the legendary Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder, has officially joined Swansea City AFC as an investor and co-owner, the Championship club confirmed on Monday. At 39, Modric remains an active player for Real Madrid, with a glittering career spanning over a decade in Spain. During his time at the Bernabéu, he has helped the Spanish giants secure six UEFA Champions League titles, solidifying his legacy

Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, once hailed as one of the most promising batters in the country and childhood friend of Sachin Tendulkar, is currently battling severe health issues and financial instability. The 52-year-old ex-India star, who played 104 ODIs and 17 Test matches, came into the public spotlight again in December 2024 after being hospitalized in Thane for urinary infections and severe cramps. Kambli was admitted to Akruti Hospital on December 21, 2024. His medical conditio

Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2025, following a stellar performance during the ICC Champions Trophy. The announcement came on Tuesday via the International Cricket Council (ICC), recognizing Iyer’s crucial contributions during a defining month for Indian cricket. The 30-year-old right-hander beat out two notable New Zealand competitors, Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra, to earn the prestigious honor. With this win

A quiet Sunday morning in Northwest Austin turned into chaos and devastation after a powerful house explosion shook the Double Spur Loop neighborhood just before noon on April 13. According to the Austin Fire Department, the two-story home was completely leveled by the blast, and the effects of the explosion were felt and seen miles away. Initial emergency calls came in around 11:30 a.m., with witnesses reporting a massive boom and visible smoke plumes. Emergency crews arr

In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the tennis world, world number five Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters in his opening match on Wednesday, falling in straight sets to Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo. The 6-3, 6-4 defeat not only marks a disappointing start to Djokovic’s clay season but also extends his title drought since winning gold at the Paris Olympics last year. Djokovic, 37, who had entered the tournament dealing with the effects of an e

In a light-hearted yet sharp exchange during an IPL 2025 commentary panel, Virender Sehwag openly sledged fellow commentator and former teammate Ambati Rayudu over his enthusiastic praise of MS Dhoni. The moment occurred following Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), in which Dhoni, despite his valiant knock, could not take his side to victory. Rayudu, who has been one of Dhoni’s strongest vocal supporters in recent years, was in full praise mode after the C

In a dominant performance that reaffirmed their strength in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), the Gujarat Titans (GT) secured a thumping 58-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Wednesday. Assistant coach Parthiv Patel praised the team’s bowling unit for its clinical execution, highlighting the players’ ability to defend a challenging 217-run target on a batting-friendly pitch. After a match-winning 82-run knock from Sai Sudharsan, GT's bowlers rose to the occasion, with P

In a heartfelt act of friendship, remembrance, and community service, a New Jersey Girl Scout has created a nature trail dedicated to the memory of her late friend. Joellie Giquinto of Medford Lakes recently unveiled “Marketa’s Trail,” a peaceful, mile-long path winding through the wooded areas of her hometown. The trail is named in honor of Marketa McCabe, a close friend who passed away at the age of 20, four years ago. The project, rooted in love and resilience, has earned Jo

​A tragic and violent incident unfolded Tuesday evening in a residential neighborhood of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, where a mass shooting claimed the lives of three individuals and left three others critically injured. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatalities and the ongoing search for suspects in what has become a major criminal investigation in the area. The shooting occurred in the vicinity of Lafayette Boulevard and Olde Greenwich Drive.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi has emerged as one of the most exciting new talents in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. While his bowling has consistently delivered crucial wickets for LSG, it’s his post-wicket celebrations that have unexpectedly become a talking point—and not always for the right reasons. Rathi, who was acquired for a modest INR 30 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction, has proved to be a valuable asset for the Lucknow franchise.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions across India. With rising global temperatures and increasingly severe summer heatwaves caused by climate change, managing asthma has become more challenging than ever. Extreme heat, low humidity, and deteriorating air quality can all trigger asthma symptoms and lead to serious health complications, especially in children, the elderly, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions. According to the World Health Organisation (W

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are setting the tone for the IPL 2025 season in remarkable fashion, and their latest triumph against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede has etched a new chapter in the tournament's history. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB have become the first team ever to defeat three powerhouses—Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI)—on their home grounds in a single season under the same captain. Only on

Following Mumbai Indians' (MI) high-octane defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), MI skipper Hardik Pandya offered a candid explanation for his side’s tactical shifts and batting collapse. The match, played at the Wankhede Stadium, saw RCB set a formidable target of 222 runs, and while MI launched a strong counterattack led by Tilak Varma and Pandya himself, they ultimately fell short. In the post-match presentation, Hardik d

Efforts to halt the long-discussed Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project have returned to the Texas state legislature, reigniting a decade-long battle over one of the most ambitious transportation proposals in the state’s history. The Texas Central Railway project, which aims to connect Houston and Dallas in under 90 minutes using Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train technology, is once again under scrutiny in Austin, where lawmakers are advancing bills aimed at limiting or complet

Juventus’ push for Champions League qualification suffered another blow on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow contenders AS Roma in a tense clash at the Stadio Olimpico. The result leaves Juve in fifth place with 56 points, tied with fourth-placed Bologna in a crowded and competitive race for the final two Champions League spots. Manuel Locatelli opened the scoring for Juventus with a brilliant volley just before half-time, only for Eldor Shomurodov to equalize four minute

As the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage nears, Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of certain categories of visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas and will remain in place until mid-June, aligning with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The decision reportedly aims to address logistical challenges and prevent unauthorized participation in the Hajj. The countries impacted by this move inc