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The Times of India

Americas / The Times of India

'Operation Eau de Fraud': Chicago YouTuber charged after replacing luxury perfumes with modeling clay

A YouTuber from Chicago has been charged in connection with an intricate perfume return fraud scheme. He allegedly swapped high-end fragrances for modeling clay and resealed packaging. During a search of his apartment, authorities confiscated hundreds of perfume bottles valued at approximately $250,000. The case was initiated after a luxury retailer flagged concerning returns of modified items, underscoring the escalating issue of return fraud in the retail sector.

5 Aug 2026 12:49 pm
Mark Zuckerberg's wife invested $125 million in a school for the disadvantaged; now she is closing it to focus on AI

The Primary School, offering tuition-free education to low-income families, has officially closed, impacting around 540 children who depended on its support. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the school's benefactor, is redirecting its resources towards biotechnology and artificial intelligence. As part of its commitment, it has announced substantial funding aimed at assisting affected students and local organizations.

4 Aug 2026 1:36 pm
'I will fight tooth and nail': Brewery owner who offered free beer if Trump died, loses licence

Kirk Bangstad, owner of Wisconsin's Minocqua Brewing Company, has vowed to fight tooth and nail after the state revoked his brewery's operating permits. The action follows allegations that the company illegally transported beer from Illinois without the required permits or paying taxes. Bangstad, whose brewery previously made headlines for promising free beer if Donald Trump died, called the revocation an absurd act of heavy-handedness and plans to appeal.

4 Aug 2026 12:51 pm
Cocaine worth 1,002 lbs found hidden in rebar truck at California border

Federal officers seized more than $20 million in cocaine hidden beneath the floorboards of a commercial truck carrying 269 bundles of rebar at Californias Calexico border crossing, arresting the driver after finding 366 packages of narcotics.

4 Aug 2026 12:50 pm
California approved a State Farm insurance settlement after proposed increases reached 52%

California insurance regulators approved a State Farm settlement, saving policyholders approximately $530 million. This agreement significantly reduced proposed rate increases for homeowners and renters across the state. Thousands of policyholders will now receive refunds with ten percent annual interest. The settlement also imposes new conditions on State Farm regarding policy non-renewals. A dedicated process was established for Los Angeles wildfire claims disputes.

3 Aug 2026 6:25 pm
Meet Will Grand, the LSU graduate who turned food waste into 10,000 meals

A simple observation about food waste at Louisiana State University led former student Will Grand to start Giving Greek, a student-run organisation that has donated more than 10,000 meals to a Baton Rouge homeless shelter. Grand was recently recognised by US Senator Bill Cassidy, who praised his initiative for inspiring community service and helping people in need

3 Aug 2026 4:30 pm
Meet the General Grant Tree: The world's second-largest tree that became America's only living National Shrine

The General Grant Tree stands as the world's second-largest tree by volume. It became America's National Christmas Tree in nineteen twenty-six. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared it a living National Shrine in nineteen fifty-six. This sequoia honors men and women who served the nation. Its size and history make it a remarkable natural landmark.

3 Aug 2026 11:53 am
Pacific trend raised US Southwest wildfire area 22%, cut Australias 19%

A Pacific Ocean warming trend has impacted wildfire conditions globally. This pattern amplified fire risks in the southwestern United States significantly. Conversely, it eased fire conditions in eastern Australia during the study. Researchers analyzed decades of wildfire and climate data for these findings. Understanding these ocean-climate links can improve future wildfire forecasts.

3 Aug 2026 11:52 am
Quote of the day by Jim Brown: I set my standards so high, no one could be harsher on me than - a simple philosophy behind extraordinary success and discipline

Jim Brown believed personal standards drove his success more than external factors. He set expectations so high that outside judgment could not surpass his own. This internal accountability fostered genuine self-discipline and continuous personal growth. His philosophy emphasizes focusing on self-improvement rather than seeking external approval. This principle extends beyond sports, shaping character and legacy through sustained commitment.

2 Aug 2026 8:02 pm
Teen's routine fishing trip ends with a South Dakota record that had stood since 1970

A routine fishing trip on South Dakota's Wall Lake turned into a record-breaking moment for teenager Jack Backman after he caught a one-pound pumpkinseed, setting a new state record. Thinking he had hooked a crappie, Backman was surprised to discover the rare catch. The fish beat a 12-ounce state record that had stood since 1970.

2 Aug 2026 6:00 pm
Quote of the day by LeBron James: I think the reason why I'm the person who I am today is because - an inspiring lesson on resilience, adversity and the power of difficult beginnings

LeBron James credits his difficult childhood for shaping his current character and perspective. He views past hardships as the essential foundation for his achievements. These challenging experiences fostered patience, gratitude, and determination within him. His journey demonstrates that starting circumstances do not permanently define one's future. Real success often carries a responsibility to help others facing similar struggles.

2 Aug 2026 5:44 pm
14-year-old Montana boy uses rodeo lasso to save drowning man on camping trip

A family camping trip in Montana turned into a dramatic rescue when 14-year-old Jory Thomas used his rodeo lasso skills to save a man from the fast-moving Yellowstone River. After a raft and paddleboard crashed into a bridge pillar, one person was swept downstream. Jory roped the man on his first attempt and pulled him safely to shore before emergency responders arrived.

31 Jul 2026 3:13 pm
U.S. avocado imports cut chemical use, reduce nitrogen pollution by 10%

New United States import rules for Mexican avocados prompted growers to reduce chemical use. This change significantly lowered nitrogen pollution in nearby Mexican waterways. Stricter inspections and phytosanitary certificates encouraged more careful pest management practices. The market access incentivized cleaner production methods without halting trade. This demonstrates how trade policies can yield unexpected environmental benefits.

31 Jul 2026 3:10 pm
Teen lifeguard saves 3 in massive waves on first day, earns Trumps praise

A 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder Williams performed a dramatic ocean rescue in Santa Cruz. He bravely pulled a 10-year-old boy from powerful surf at Seabright Beach. After his shift, Williams also helped save two more individuals in a separate incident. This heroic teenager received nationwide praise for his actions and bravery. His dedication highlights the importance of lifeguard training and quick response.

31 Jul 2026 2:00 pm
Quote of the day by Tiger Woods: Talent is something you are born with, and a skill is something you - a lesson on why practice matters more than natural ability

Tiger Woods emphasizes that skill, not just talent, drives success in golf. He argues that consistent practice and discipline build essential skills over time. Woods himself exemplifies this by dedicating decades to relentless training and improvement. Natural ability provides a starting point, but sustained effort determines ultimate achievement. This lesson applies broadly, highlighting the power of deliberate practice in any field.

30 Jul 2026 8:30 am