Author: The Associated Press

Wisconsin judge convicted of obstructing arrest of immigrant resigns as GOP threatens impeachment

Courtesy: AP Embattled Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was convicted of obstruction last month for helping an immigrant evade federal officers, has sent her resignation letter to the governor. The letter was sent Saturday. Republicans had been making plans to impeach her ever since her Dec. 19 conviction. A spokesperson for Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, said his office received…

Maduro’s case will revive a legal debate over immunity for foreign leaders tested in Noriega trial

Courtesy: Associated Press MIAMI (AP) — When deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro makes his first appearance in a New York courtroom Monday to face U.S. drug charges, he will likely follow the path taken by another Latin American strongman toppled by U.S. forces: Panama’s Manuel Noriega. Maduro was captured Saturday, 36 years to the day after Noriega was removed by…

Finland Stuns 2-Time Defending Champ US 4-3 in OT in World Junior Quarterfinals

The Americans lost their last two games in the tournament.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Arttu Valola scored at 2:11 of overtime and Finland stunned the two-time defending champion United States 4-3 on Friday night in the world junior hockey quarterfinals. Michigan State’s Lee Ryker tied it for the United States with 1:33 left in regulation and Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf off for an extra attacker. Lee Tuuva and…

US Hockey Picks 4 Nations-Heavy Roster for the Winter Olympics, Adding Keller, Thompson and Jones

The first U.S. game is Feb. 12 against Latvia.

Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller helped the U.S. win the world hockey championship for the first time since 1933, while Seth Jones was a key part of the Florida Panthers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup run. Those contributions earned them a spot on the U.S. team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics as the only three additions from the 4 Nations Face-Off early last year. USA…

FBI says it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group

  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The FBI said Friday it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plot targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old man who authorities say pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group. Christian Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after investigators say he shared…

Investigation continues into the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Switzerland

People mourn behind flowers near the sealed off Le Constellation bar, where a devastating fire left dead and injured during the New Year’s celebrations in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner) CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss investigators believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles started a fire in a bar at an Alpine ski resort that…

Tesla loses crown as world’s bestselling electric vehicle maker to Chinese rival as sales fall for second year in a row

NEW YORK (AP) — Tesla lost its crown as the world’s bestselling electric vehicle maker on Friday as a customer revolt over Elon Musk’s right-wing politics and stiff overseas competition pushed sales down for a second year in a row. Tesla said that it delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, down 9% from a year earlier. Chinese rival BYD, which sold 2.26…

Napheesa Collier Will Have Surgery on Both Ankles and be Sidelined for Four to Six Months

Collier had been rehabbing ankle injuries suffered during the WNBA season.

MIAMI (AP) — Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and is expected to be sidelined four to six months, including the upcoming Unrivaled season, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league announced Thursday. Collier had been rehabbing ankle injuries suffered during the WNBA season but said last month that she was working back to full strength so…

Packers to Start QB Clayton Tune in Regular-Season Finale at Minnesota

Green Bay (9-6-1) already is locked into the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Clayton Tune will start at quarterback for Green Bay in its regular-season finale Sunday at Minnesota with the Packers intending to rest Jordan Love as he prepares for the playoffs. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday that Love has cleared concussion protocol, but isn’t expected to play against the Vikings (8-8). Green Bay (9-6-1) already is…

Zohran Mamdani begins his term as NYC mayor with an historic swearing in

New York Attorney General Letitia James, left, administers the oath of office to mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, center, as his wife Rama Duwaji looks on, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics as one of the country’s…

About 40 people dead and 115 injured in fire at Swiss Alpine bar during New Year’s celebration

(CNN) UPDATE — About 40 people were killed and another 115 injured, most of them seriously, during a New Year’s celebration in a Swiss Alpine bar, police said Thursday. Authorities did not immediately have an exact count of the deceased. CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — A fire ripped through a bar’s New Year celebration in a Swiss Alpine resort less than…

Sweden Beats US 6-3 in World Junior Hockey Group Finale

Chase Reid, Will Zellers and Teddy Stiga scored for the United States.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Lucas Pettersson and Eddie Genborg each scored twice and Sweden beat the United States 6-3 on Wednesday night in the world junior hockey championship to complete group play unbeaten. Casper Juustovaara opened the scoring in the first period on a deflection, and the Swedes led 5-1 in the second period in the Group A finale….

Packers Claim Trevon Diggs One Day After Cowboys Waived the Veteran Cornerback

Heading to Green Bay reunites Diggs with injured Packers defensive end Micah Parsons.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Trevon Diggs was claimed by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, a day after the Dallas Cowboys waived the 2021 All-Pro cornerback. This move enables Green Bay to boost its injury-riddled secondary by taking a chance on a two-time Pro Bowl selection seeking a career reset. Diggs had an NFL-leading 11 interceptions and earned All-Pro honors with Dallas in…

What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds

The Trump administration has said it is freezing child care funds to all states until they provide more verification and administrative data about the programs in a move fueled by a series of alleged fraud schemes at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents. All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republican administration is focusing most of its ire…

Jahri Evans & Kevin Williams Named Pro Football Hall of Fame Modern Era Finalists

Williams made it to the finalist stage for the first time in his sixth year of eligibility.

Quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald headlined a group of four modern era finalists in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore were the two other first-year eligible players who were also announced Tuesday among the 15 finalists. Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly…

BC’s James Hagens Scores Twice, US Beats Slovakia 6-5 in World Junior Hockey

Caleb Heil backstopped the U.S. in goal, making 26 saves.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Boston College forward James Hagens scored in a 1:03 span late in the second period and early in the third and the United States overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Slovakia 6-5 on Monday night in the world junior hockey championship. Hagens, from Hauppauge, New York, tied it at 4 with 45 seconds left in…

Derrick Henry’s Virtuoso Performance Helps Ravens Stay Alive with 41-24 Win Over Packers

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost its third straight, enabling the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North title.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — With their backs against the wall, the Baltimore Ravens made sure they wouldn’t underutilize Derrick Henry again. The five-time Pro Bowl running back responded by delivering one of the greatest performances of his brilliant career to keep the Ravens’ playoff hopes alive. Henry rushed for a season-high 216 yards — the most ever by a…

Smith’s Diving TD Catch in Overtime Sends Minnesota to 20-17 Win Over New Mexico in Rate Bowl

Minnesota extended its postseason winning streak to nine games with a 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday.

PHOENIX (AP) — Jalen Smith scored his second touchdown on a diving 12-yard catch in the first overtime and Minnesota extended its postseason winning streak to nine games with a 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday. A year after Kansas State beat Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl, the 2025 version turned defensive in the…

Vikings Eliminate Lions with Defense-Dominating 23-10 Victory, Racking Up 6 Turnovers and 5 Sacks

“The story of the game is turnovers,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “You can’t turn the ball over six times and win in this league.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Harrison Smith reveled in his moment with the roaring Minnesota crowd, blowing kisses during an extended showing on the videoboard near the end of one of his best games in a 14-year career. The Vikings had a blast, even if their season is over next week. Smith, well, was flying around the field like a kid on…

DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish release of Epstein files despite Dec. 19 deadline

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Wednesday that finishing the release of all of the Jeffrey Epstein files could take a “few more weeks,” further delaying compliance with a Dec. 19 deadline set by Congress. The department said the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, as well as the FBI, found more than a million…

Investigators sift through wreckage after a deadly Pennsylvania nursing home explosion

Explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home traps people inside, authorities say (credit: Parkland Fire Company) BRISTOL, Pa. (AP) — Construction crews and drones searched the rubble of a Pennsylvania nursing home Wednesday, a day after a powerful explosion killed at least two people, collapsed part of the building and left several residents unaccounted for. Emergency responders from across the region had evacuated…

Vikings Will Start Brosmer at QB vs. Lions With Hairline Fracture Found on McCarthy’s Throwing Hand

McCarthy has played in just 8½ of a possible 33 games in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (95) after throwing the ball during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his throwing hand that will keep him out of Minnesota’s upcoming game against Detroit, making…

Gas explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home traps people inside, authorities say

BRISTOL, Pa. (AP) —An explosion at a nursing home just outside Philadelphia collapsed part of the building and left people injured and trapped inside, authorities said. A plume of black smoke rose from Silver Lake Healthcare Center in Bristol Township, as emergency responders across the region gathered there. Bucks County emergency management officials reported that there were injuries, but had…

Bears Stun Packers 22-16 With Improbable Rally as Williams Finds Moore For Winning Score in OT

Moore had 97 yards receiving with Rome Odunze missing his third straight game due to a foot injury.

CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Williams felt it as soon as the ball left his hand. Then, in a flash, the Bears were celebrating yet another wild win. Williams threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore in overtime, and Chicago overcame a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter Saturday night for a 22-16 win over the Green Bay Packers, who lost quarterback…

J.J. McCarthy Gets Injured as The Vikings Hand The Giants Their Ninth Loss in a Row

“It was an interesting 24 hours or so for our team,” O’Connell said. “But I’m really proud of the way the guys handled a little bit of the adversity yesterday and then found a way to win a football game.”

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — J.J. McCarthy had already injured his right, throwing hand by the time he ran for a touchdown. Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell asked the rookie quarterback if he was OK, though the discomfort eventually made McCarthy unable to grip the ball. McCarthy exited just before halftime, and backup Max Brosmer helped the Vikings win their third game…

Timberwolves Formalize a Reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a Plan to Finally Retire his No. 21 Jersey

Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

FILE – Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Garnett, right, drives against Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Minneapolis, Nov. 25, 2015. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves announced on Thursday they’ve hired the Hall of Fame member and franchise icon as…

Police are investigating link between Brown shooting and killing of MIT professor, AP sources say

A police vehicle is parked at an intersection near crime scene tape at Brown University, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, R.I., following a Saturday shooting at the university. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Six days into the investigation into last weekend’s mass shooting at Brown University, authorities said Thursday that they’re looking into a connection between that…

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family among 7 killed in North Carolina plane crash

Greg Biffle headshot, former race car driver UPDATE: Former race driver Greg Biffle and members of his family were among seven people who died in a plane crash Thursday in North Carolina, state police said. The business jet erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles (72 kilometers)…

Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House before signing an executive order regarding childhood cancer and the use of AI, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s handpicked board voted Thursday to rename Washington’s leading performing arts center as the Trump-Kennedy Center, the White House said. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the…

Prosecutor says 14 Minnesota programs are targeted for fraud and the state is swamped with crime

  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson describes a sprawling fraud investigation involving state-run programs in Minnesota at a news conference Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell’Orto) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — At least 14 state-run programs in Minnesota have been flagged for fraud, a prosecutor said Thursday as he announced new charges in several schemes. First Assistant U.S….

Trump administration moves to cut off transgender care for children

President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Washington, as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz listen. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday unveiled a series…

Deaths reported after business jet crashed at an airport in North Carolina

  Business jet crashes at an airport in North Carolina(CNN) UPDATE: A sheriff said there were deaths Thursday in the crash of a business jet that was trying to land at a regional airport in Statesville, North Carolina. “I can confirm there were fatalities,” Iredell County Sheriff Grant Campbell said, though he declined to say how many. The Federal Aviation…

The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC

YouTube In a seismic shift for one of television’s marquee events, the Academy Awards will depart ABC and begin streaming on YouTube beginning in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday. ABC will continue to broadcast the annual ceremony through 2028. That year will mark the 100th Oscars. But starting in 2029, YouTube will retain global rights…

Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate gave final passage to an annual military policy bill Wednesday that will authorize $901 billion in defense programs while pressuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide lawmakers with video of strikes on alleged drug boats in international water near Venezuela. The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which raises troop pay by 3.8%, gained bipartisan backing as it moved…

Hyundai and Kia will repair millions of vehicles under a deal to fix anti-theft technology

(Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP, File) Automakers Hyundai and Kia must offer free repairs to millions of models under a settlement announced Tuesday by Minnesota’s attorney general, who led an effort by dozens of states that argued the vehicles weren’t equipped with proper anti-theft technology, leaving them vulnerable to thefts. Under the nationwide settlement, the companies will offer a free…

Twins Add First Baseman Josh Bell with Agreement on $7 Million Contract, AP Source Says

Bell projects to help fill a void at first base and designated hitter with the Twins for his 11th major league season.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins and durable switch-hitting slugger Josh Bell agreed Monday on a one-year, $7 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because completion of the deal was pending a physical exam, said Bell will get a $250,000 signing bonus and…

Authorities renew search for the Brown University shooter after releasing a person of interest

A police vehicle is parked at an intersection near crime scene tape at Brown University, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, R.I., following a Saturday shooting at the university. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police renewed their search Monday for the gunman who killed two Brown University students and wounded nine others, a day after they released a person of…

Rob Reiner’s son Nick has been taken into custody after deaths of director-writer and his wife Michele, AP source says

FILE – Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner arrive on the red carpet at the State Department for the Kennedy Center Honors gala dinner, Dec. 2, 2023, in Washington. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rob Reiner’s younger son, Nick Reiner, was in police custody Monday for what investigators believe was the fatal stabbing of the director-actor and his wife at their Los…

Bo Nix’s 4 TD Passes Lead Broncos to 34-26 Win Over Packers, Who Lose Micah Parsons to Injury

The Packers (9-4-1), who led 23-14 in the third quarter before falling apart offensively, slipped a half-game behind Chicago ahead of their Soldier Field showdown with the Bears next weekend.

DENVER (AP) — Bo Nix tied his career high with four touchdown throws and Denver’s defense stifled Jordan Love in the second half of the Broncos’ 34-26 win Sunday over the Green Bay Packers, who lost star Micah Parsons to a knee injury. With their NFL-best 11th consecutive victory, the Broncos (12-2) clinched a playoff berth and moved a game ahead…

Wild Acquire Quinn Hughes From the Canucks in a Blockbuster NHL Trade

Minnesota sent center Marco Rossi, defenseman Zeev Buium, winger Liam Ohgren and a first-round pick in the 2026 draft to suddenly rebounding Vancouver to complete the deal.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Minnesota Wild have acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in the biggest blockbuster trade of the NHL season. The teams announced the seismic move Friday night, after the 2024 Norris Trophy winner as the league’s top defenseman had been the most talked-about trade candidate over the past couple of weeks. Minnesota sent center Marco Rossi, defenseman Zeev Buium,…

Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of Americans

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year. Senators rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts — an unceremonious end to a monthslong…

MyPillow founder and Trump supporter Mike Lindell says he’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026

Mike Lindell SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) — Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump known to TV viewers as the “MyPillow Guy,” officially entered the race for Minnesota governor Thursday in hopes of winning the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. “I’ll leave no town unturned in Minnesota,” Lindell told The Associated Press in an interview ahead…

Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be immediately released from immigration detention

FILE – Kilmar Abrego Garcia joins supporters in a protest rally outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Baltimore, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File) GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A federal judge in Maryland ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia freed from immigration detention on Thursday while his legal challenge against his deportation moves forward. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled…

Trump says the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela amid mounting tensions with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. It’s the Trump administration’s latest push to increase pressure on Maduro, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States. The U.S. has conducted a series of deadly military…

Keisean Nixon Has Game-Sealing INT and Packers Overtake Bears for NFC North Lead With 28-21 Win

“Man, I’ve been trying to get my hand on the ball all year,” Nixon said. “I wanted that bad. I wanted it so bad.”

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Keisean Nixon couldn’t have picked a better time to get his first interception of the season. Nixon picked off Caleb Williams’ pass in the end zone with 22 seconds remaining to preserve Green Bay’s 28-21 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and the Packers moved into first place in the NFC North. “Man, I’ve been trying…

McCarthy, Vikings Rebound with 31-0 Win Over Reeling Commanders, Who Lose Daniels to Injury Again

“It felt good to play to the standard our fans expect,” coach Kevin O’Connell said.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings had no bigger problem in this messy season than turnovers, with a league-worst minus-15 margin entering this week. In a much-needed momentum-builder for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, they finally kept a firm grip on the ball — up and down the field. McCarthy threw a career-high three touchdown passes in his first turnover-free game, returning…

FIFA gives President Donald Trump a peace prize in a departure from its traditional focus on sport

President Donald Trump is presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was awarded the new FIFA peace prize on Friday at the 2026 World Cup draw — giving the…

Doctor who sold ketamine to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry gets 2 1/2 years in prison

FILE – Dr. Salvador Plasencia leaves federal court on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to giving ketamine to Matthew Perry, leading up to the actor’s 2023 overdose death. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) — A doctor who pleaded guilty to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry in the weeks before the “Friends” star’s overdose death was…

Pentagon watchdog finds Hegseth’s use of Signal posed risk to US personnel, AP sources say

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 in Quantico, Va. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon’s watchdog found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he used the Signal messaging app to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Houthi militants…

Steelers Cut Veteran Corner Darius Slay and Sign Wide Receiver Adam Thielen to Practice Squad

Thielen had just eight catches for 69 yards in his return to Minnesota.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Adam Thielen didn’t stay out of work long. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed the veteran wide receiver to their practice squad on Tuesday, a day after the 35-year-old was released by the Minnesota Vikings so he could pursue more playing time elsewhere. Thielen had just eight catches for 69 yards in his return to Minnesota, where he starred from 2014-22…