US & World News Archives

Pope Leo XIV travels to historic Christian site in Turkey to commemorate creed and pray for unity

6 hours ago

By NICOLE WINFIELD, ANDREW WILKS and MEHMET GUZEL - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV is heading to join Orthodox patriarchs in commemorating an important moment in Christian history. They are gathering at the site in Turkey of an unprecedented A.D. 325 meeting of bishops to pray that Christians might once again be reunited. Leo, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and other Christian leaders are meeting on the shores of Lake Iznik. That’s the site of the Council of Nicaea that produced a creed, or statement of faith, that is still recited by millions of Christians today.

The Latest: Pope Leo XIV calls for Christian unity at site where Nicaean Creed was established

6 hours ago

By The Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment on his first foreign trip to Turkey with a pilgrimage to Iznik, the site of the historic Council of Nicaea. He plans to pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasizing Christian unity. The council, held in A.D. 325, established the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith still recited by millions. During his trip, Leo has also called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. He met with Turkey’s President Erdogan, encouraging stability and dialogue. His visit has sparked excitement and increased interest in Iznik, known for its historical and spiritual significance.

Photos show Indonesia’s search for victims after deadly floods and landslides

23 hours ago

AP

MEDAN, Indonesia (AP) — Rescuers and residents across Indonesia’s Sumatra island are sifting through mud, debris and swollen rivers after devastating floods and landslides killed dozens of people and left dozens more missing. The images show recovery teams retrieving bodies, villagers checking the ruins of their homes, and people wading through flooded streets as monsoon rains continue to batter the…

Anti-corruption units raid home and offices of Zelenskyy’s chief of staff

3 hours ago

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Ukrainian anti-corruption units have raided the home and office of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak. This comes as an unwelcome distraction for Kyiv officials battling Russia’s invasion. Two national agencies fighting entrenched corruption in Ukraine said they searched Yermak’s office. Yermak confirmed they also searched his apartment. He stated on Telegram that investigators faced no obstacles and had full access. The raids are part of a major investigation into a $100 million energy sector corruption scandal. This scandal adds to Zelenskyy’s challenges as he seeks continued Western support.

Death toll from floods in Thailand reach 145 as receding water reveals widespread damage

4 hours ago

AP

The death toll from flooding in southern Thailand has reached at least 145, according to officials. More than 1.2 million households and 3.6 million people have been affected across 12 provinces. On Friday, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said at least 110 people were killed in Songkhla province alone. As floodwaters recede, search and rescue efforts have improved. The disaster has caused severe disruption, leaving thousands stranded and streets impassable. Videos and photos show significant damage, including overturned cars and debris piled along streets.

Dozens more bodies recovered after Hong Kong blaze, raising death toll to 128

5 hours ago

By DAVID RISING and CHAN HO-HIM - Associated Press

Hong Kong firefighters have found dozens more bodies during an intensive search of a high-rise complex after a massive fire engulfed seven of its eight buildings. The death toll has risen to at least 128 people, making it one of the city’s deadliest blazes. Crews prioritized apartments from which they received calls for assistance during the blaze. The fire started midafternoon Wednesday and took firefighters about 24 hours to control. Authorities suspect some materials on the exterior walls did not meet fire resistance standards. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Moscow for energy talks

4 hours ago

AP

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is visiting Moscow for energy talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit is a rare step from a European leader amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. Orbán is widely considered Putin’s closest partner among European Union leaders. Before departing for Moscow on Friday, Orbán said the focus of his talks with Putin would be Hungary’s continued access to Russian oil and gas. These resources have come under sanctions by the U.S. government. Hungary remains among the only EU countries to continue importing large quantities of Russian fossil fuels, opposing efforts to reduce dependency.

Here’s what to know about the federal ban threatening the market for THC-infused drinks and snacks

8 hours ago

By STEVE KARNOWSKI and GENE JOHNSON - Associated Press

THC-infused drinks and snacks have soared in popularity as alcohol sales have declined in recent years. But the bill that ended the federal government shutdown this month includes a provision to ban THC products derived from hemp. The $24 billion industry is now scrambling to save itself before the ban takes effect a year from now. A loophole in the 2018 farm bill allowed products containing THC to spread across the country. That’s been a lifeline for some breweries that have turned to canning THC-infused beverages, but it’s also prompted concern about sales of intoxicating products at gas stations an convenience stores across the country.

Trump says one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot by Afghan national has died

11 hours ago

The Associated Press,

This combo from photos provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, show National Guard members, from left, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. (U.S. Attorney’s Office via AP)WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — President Donald Trump said that one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot by an Afghan national near the…

Love matches career high with 4 TD passes, lifting Packers to 31-24 win over Lions

15 hours ago

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Jordan Love converted a pair of fourth downs with touchdown passes in the first half and finished with a career-high-matching four touchdown throws, leading the Green Bay Packers to a 31-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday. The Packers swept the season series to earn a potential tiebreaker in the NFC North. The two-time defending division champion Lions entered the game out of the playoff picture, then fell further back in the hunt with a third loss in five games.

UPS grounds fleet of planes indefinitely after deadly crash

14 hours ago

By SARAH RAZA - Associated Press

UPS Airlines has grounded its MD-11 planes indefinitely for inspections and possible repairs after a deadly crash earlier this month. An internal memo from UPS Airlines president Bill Moore on Wednesday stated that the fleet will be grounded as they work to meet Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. The process was expected to take weeks but may now take several months. An MD-11 plane crashed Nov. 4 in Louisville, Kentucky, killing 14 people. UPS intends to rely on contingency plans to deliver for customers throughout the peak season. Boeing took over as the manufacturer of MD-11s in 1997 and is working to help operators meet FAA requirements.

Telescope in Chile captures stunning new picture of a cosmic butterfly

November 27, 2025

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

A telescope in Chile has captured a stunning new picture of the Butterfly Nebula, a grand and graceful cosmic wonder. The National Science Foundation’s NoirLab released the picture Wednesday. Snapped last month by the Gemini South telescope, the aptly named Butterfly Nebula is 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away. At the heart of this bipolar nebula is a white dwarf star that cast aside its outer layers of gas long ago. The discarded gas forms the butterflylike wings billowing from the aging star. Schoolchildren in Chile chose this astronomical target to celebrate 25 years of operation by the International Gemini Observatory.

Trump criticizes the program that brought Afghan refugees to the US who fought the Taliban

17 hours ago

By JEFFREY COLLINS - Associated Press

The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington is one of about 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The program, called Operation Allies Welcome, was created in 2021. Then-President Joe Biden said the U.S. owed it to those who opposed the Taliban to provide a safe haven. Critics argued the resettlement process was poorly planned. The accused shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, worked with the CIA in Afghanistan. Resettlement groups emphasize that one individual’s actions shouldn’t reflect on all Afghan refugees.

Lake effect snow piles up in Great Lakes region, impacting Thanksgiving travel

18 hours ago

By ISABELLA VOLMERT - Associated Press

Strong lake effect snow bands are expected to dump several inches of snow across the Great Lakes region Thanksgiving Day, with the most accumulation hitting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Snowfall that began Wednesday has measured over 15 inches in Marquette, Michigan, according to the National Weather Service. One location in Wisconsin has reported 33 inches of snow thanks to the lake effect. The storm system is expected to push across the Upper Peninsula on Thanksgiving Day and taper off starting in the western counties into Friday. A different storm system this weekend is expected to be less severe and result in a few more inches of snow.

Fuzzy Zoeller, two-time major champion haunted by racist joke about Tiger Woods, dies at 74

18 hours ago

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Golf Writer

Masters and U.S. Open champion Fuzzy Zoeller has died at the age of 74. Zoeller was one of golf’s most gregarious characters and great champions. But his career was tainted by a racially insensitive joke he made about Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters. Woods was on his way to the most dominant victory in Augusta National history. Zoeller in a CNN interview jokingly said for Woods not to serve fried chicken at the Masters Club dinner. He apologized. He says he got death threats. He said years later he had come to realize that moment would never go away.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off in Manhattan

20 hours ago

The Associated Press,

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (credit: CNN) NEW YORK (AP) — The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off Thursday in New York City, with new balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man set to take to the skies and floats featuring Labubu and Lego gracing the streets. The parade started on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and will end at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store…

Putin sees US peace plan as a starting point as he warns Ukraine’s army to withdraw

21 hours ago

By KATIE MARIE DAVIES - Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged U.S. proposals to end the war in Ukraine as a starting point for talks. He insists Ukrainian forces must withdraw or face Russia’s larger army. Putin made these comments after a visit to Kyrgyzstan. He views U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan as a discussion framework, not a draft agreement. The Kremlin has been mostly silent on the peace plan. Analysts believe Putin is trying to outlast Western support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, fighting continues, with Russian attacks in Ukraine’s Sumy, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Ukraine is also dealing with a corruption scandal and financial challenges.

French president unveils new military program for volunteers aged 18 and 19

21 hours ago

AP

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new military service program for volunteers aged 18 and 19. Starting next year, they will serve for 10 months. Macron revealed the plan on Thursday at the Varces military base in the French Alps. The program aims to strengthen France’s defenses amid growing threats, particularly from Russia. Volunteers will serve within France and its overseas territories, not in foreign military operations. Conscription, which ended in 1996, is not being reinstated. France plans to increase military spending and expand its reservist numbers in response to security concerns.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off in Manhattan

22 hours ago

AP

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has kicked off in New York City. New balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man and other characters are set to take to the skies. Floats featuring Labubu and Lego and a star-studded lineup of performers will grace the streets, along with a slew of marching bands, dancers, clowns and cheerleaders. The parade began Thursday morning. It will air on NBC and be simulcast on NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

Shooting suspect worked with CIA and the US government in Afghanistan before coming to US, CIA Director Ratcliffe says

22 hours ago

The Associated Press,

Washington, D.C. Shooting Scene November 26, 2026 WASHINGTON (AP) — An Afghan national has been accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence at a time when the presence of troops in the nation’s capital and other cities around the country has become a political flashpoint. FBI…

What’s open on Thanksgiving? Not much, as many stores rest — or prepare — ahead of Black Friday

November 27, 2025

By MATT OTT - AP Business Writer

With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season, Americans will again take to the road for holiday gatherings before knocking off items on their Christmas gift lists. Most national grocery store chains are open on Thursday for last-minute needs, although many close early. Major U.S. retailers are closed on Thanksgiving Day, either giving workers the day off or preparing for Black Friday. Many will open early on the day after Thanksgiving, which is typically the biggest shopping day of the year. Black Friday has lost some of its frantic energy as customers increasingly shop for gifts online.

US-Russian crew of 3 blasts off to the International Space Station in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft

November 27, 2025

AP

A U.S.-Russian crew of three has started a mission to the International Space Station aboard a Russian spacecraft following a successful launch. A Soyuz booster rocket lifted off at 2:27 p.m. Thursday from the Russia-leased Baikonur facility in Kazakhstan. It docked at the station approximately three hours after liftoff. The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft carried NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian crewmates Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov. All three are expected to spend about eight months at the orbiting outpost. NASA says this is the first spaceflight for physicist Williams and military pilot Mikaev. This is the second flight for Kud-Sverchkov.

Sick Gilgeous-Alexander still looks like MVP as Thunder beat Timberwolves for 10th straight win

November 27, 2025

By CLIFF BRUNT - AP Sports Writer

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Despite being listed as questionable due to illness, he scored 40 points, helping the Thunder secure their 10th straight win and improve to 18-1. Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his performance, especially in the second quarter. The Thunder remain undefeated in West Group A of the NBA Cup.

Black Friday arrives with solid momentum despite tariffs and economic uncertainty

November 26, 2025

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO - AP Business Writer

Black Friday may no longer be the retail bacchanalia of years past, but the event still has enough enthusiasts to make it the biggest single shopping day in the U.S.. This year’s traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season comes as companies navigate an uncertain economic environment. Many have absorbed some of the costs from the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported goods and pulled back on hiring instead of raising prices for customers. Consumer confidence in the economy fell this month. Shoppers nonetheless have remained willing to spend, at least judging by the solid quarterly sales reports from major retailers. But many retail executives also say customers are focusing on deals and being selective.

No. 7 Michigan dominates No. 12 Gonzaga 101-61 to win Players Era Championship

November 26, 2025

By KIRK KERN - Associated Press

Yaxel Lendeborg had 20 points and 11 rebounds as No. 7 Michigan routed No. 12 Gonzaga 101-61 to win the Players Era Championship. Trey McKenney added 17 points for the undefeated Wolverines, who dominated every one of their opponents in the event. They won their three games by a combined 110 points, beating San Diego State by 40 and No. 21 Auburn by 30 before handing Mark Few his most lopsided loss in 902 games as Gonzaga’s coach. Lendeborg was selected MVP of the tournament. The 18-team field featured some of the top programs in the country, and Michigan served notice it’s a serious national title contender. Nimari Burnett had 14 points, Aday Mara scored 13 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 11 for the Wolverines.

What to know about Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Turkey and Lebanon, the first of his pontificate

November 26, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV’s first foreign trip, to Turkey and Lebanon, will be packed with opportunities to advance relations with two of the Catholic Church’s top priorities: Orthodox Christians and Muslims. It will also give history’s first American pope the spotlight to speak in broader terms about peace in the Middle East in languages much of the world can understand: He’ll speak exclusively in English while in Turkey, and a combination of English and French in Lebanon, in a departure from the Vatican’s traditional lingua franca of Italian. Here’s a look at some of the expected highlights of the Nov. 27-Dec. 2 visit to two countries that Pope Francis had intended to visit but couldn’t as his health deteriorated.

Pope Leo XIV opens first foreign trip with visit to Turkey that highlights religious, political ties

November 26, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD, SERRA YEDIKARDES and SUZAN FRASER - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV is heading to Turkey on his first foreign trip. He’s fulfilling Pope Francis’ plans to mark an important Orthodox anniversary and bring a message of peace to the region at a crucial time for efforts to end the war in Ukraine and ease Mideast tensions. Leo is arriving Thursday first in Ankara, where he has a meeting planned with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a speech to the country’s diplomatic corps. He’ll then move onto Istanbul for three days of ecumenical and interfaith meetings that will be followed by the Lebanese leg of his trip. Leo’s visit comes as Turkey has cast itself as a key intermediary in peace negotiations for the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Trump says lax migration policies are top national security threat after National Guard members shot

November 26, 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN and FARNOUSH AMIRI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says Wednesday’s attack on two National Guard members near the White House highlights the dangers of lax migration policies. He calls it the greatest national security threat. Trump says the suspect is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 after Kabul’s collapse. He criticizes former President Joe Biden’s handling of Afghan evacuees and plans to review those who entered under Biden’s administration. Trump also targets Minnesota’s Somali community, calling for the removal of those who don’t benefit the country. Supporters of Afghan evacuees fear increased scrutiny and political exploitation of the incident.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 points while ill, leads Thunder to 10th straight win

November 26, 2025

By CLIFF BRUNT - AP Sports Writer

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite being ill, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was listed as questionable but delivered a standout performance, making 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. The Thunder have now won their 10th straight game, improving to 18-1. Oklahoma City is 4-0 in West Group A and is well-positioned for the knockout round. Anthony Edwards scored 31 points for Minnesota, but the Timberwolves lost their third straight. The Thunder host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

Bangkok court issues an arrest warrant for Thai co-owner of Miss Universe pageant

November 26, 2025

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI - Associated Press

A court in Thailand has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, in connection with a fraud case. The court in Bangkok issued the warrant after she failed to appear in court on Tuesday to answer allegations that she and her company, JKN Global Group, defrauded an investor in the company’s corporate bonds. Financially troubled JKN Global began debt rehabilitation in 2024. JKN has denied rumors that Jakkaphong had liquidated the company’s assets and fled the country. It gave no immediate reaction regarding the arrest warrant. Jakkaphong’s whereabouts are unclear. She did not appear at the 74th Miss Universe competition, which was held last week in Bangkok.

Celtics end Pistons’ winning streak at a franchise record-tying 13 with 117-114 victory

November 26, 2025

By KEN POWTAK - Associated Press

Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and the Boston Celtics ended Detroit’s winning streak at a franchise record-tying 13, outlasting Cade Cunningham and the Pistons 117-114 on Wednesday night. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons squandered a chance to break the record they share with the 1989-90 and 2003-04 championship teams. They are 15-3. Brown had 33 points and 10 rebounds, and White scored 11 of his 27 points in the final 4 1/2 minutes to help the Celtics overcome Cunningham’s 42-point night. With Detroit down 3, Cunningham was fouled near mid-court just as he was about to go up for a 3-pointer. Cunningham hit the first two, but missed the third. Payton Pritchard grabbed the rebound, was fouled and hit two free throws with 2.4 seconds left.

Judges allow North Carolina to use a map drawn in bid to give Republicans another US House seat

November 26, 2025

By GARY D. ROBERTSON and JONATHAN MATTISE - Associated Press

Federal judges have allowed North Carolina to use a redrawn congressional map designed to give Republicans an additional U.S. House seat. The map targets the state’s only swing seat, held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis representing over 20 northeastern counties. A three-judge panel on Wednesday denied requests for a preliminary injunction, following a hearing in mid-November. North Carolina is among several states where President Donald Trump has pushed for mid-decade map changes ahead of the 2026 elections. Many lower courts have blocked Trump’s initiatives, only for the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court to put those rulings on hold. That includes a recent ruling in Texas.

Trump sent National Guard troops to Washington in August. Some are armed. Some have cleaned parks

November 26, 2025

By The Associated Press

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington about two blocks from the White House. Officials said Wednesday they were hospitalized in critical condition. Washington’s mayor says they were victims of a ”targeted shooting.” The troops are among more than 2,000 troops deployed to the nation’s capital as part of President Donald Trump’s crime-fighting mission that involved taking over the local police department. Some troops have been armed and provided a military presence in public spaces like federal parks, subway stations and the Amtrak train station. Others have done yard work, removed graffiti and cleaned parks.

Great Lakes region preparing for bad weather as lake-effect snowfall ingredients begin mixing

November 26, 2025

By COREY WILLIAMS - Associated Press

Cold air is sweeping across the Great Lakes region, bringing lake-effect snow from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Western New York. Snowfall started Wednesday in Houghton, Michigan, and is expected to continue through Thanksgiving. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the Keweenaw Peninsula. Forecasters say that cold air, often from Canada, blows over the Great Lakes, creating conditions for heavy snowfall. Areas like Buffalo, New York, are particularly affected, with significant snow expected. Lake-effect storms previously dumped over six feet of snow in Western New York in November 2022.

Government push to unseal court records offers clues about what could be in the Epstein files

November 26, 2025

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER - Associated Press

It’s not clear when the Justice Department will release its files on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. But a court battle over sealed documents in Maxwell’s criminal case is offering clues about what could be in those Epstein records. Government lawyers asked a judge on Wednesday to allow the release of a wide range of material from Maxwell’s case. That material is subject to secrecy orders that the Justice Department wants lifted as it works to comply with a new law mandating the public release of Epstein and Maxwell investigative files.

FACT FOCUS: It is not illegal for voters to show ID in New York and California

November 26, 2025

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

As the leadup to the 2026 midterm elections begins, social media users — among them billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who briefly served as a top advisor to President Donald Trump — have claimed that it is illegal for voters to show ID when casting a ballot in New York and California. This is false. Voters in both states need to show ID when it is necessary to complete their registration, but it is not required otherwise.

What do an axe, a bucket and a cannon have in common? Meet the rivalry trophies of college football

November 26, 2025

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writer

There’s hardly a richer or quirkier tradition in college football than rivalry trophies. They’re one of the few elements of the game remaining the same in the new era of revenue sharing as decades ago when a 10-team conference was considered full. From the small schools to the powerhouse programs, nothing captures a sports fan’s attention quite like a traveling trophy. The long-time members of the Big Ten boast the richest histories of these one-of-a-kind prizes. Paul Bunyan’s Axe is awarded annually to the Minnesota-Wisconsin winner of the most-played series in major college football history.

Two National Guard soldiers who were shot near White House are in critical condition, DC mayor and FBI director say

November 26, 2025

The Associated Press,

UPDATE: Two National Guard soldiers who were shot near White House are in critical condition, DC mayor and FBI director say. The West Virginia governor initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their condition. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack…

Gratitude and doubt: The effects of the shutdown linger as families prepare for Thanksgiving

November 26, 2025

By ADAM GELLER - AP National Writer

As Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the gratitude many feel is tempered by doubts caused by the disruptions of the recent government shutdown. Washington has reopened but insecurity lingers. In one Missouri community, a single mother is relieved by the restoration of benefits that help feed her children but feels newly vulnerable. A retired school cafeteria worker who hosts a free holiday feast in the community has upped her plans to 700 meals to account for the food insecurity. A U.S. customs worker in Florida who worked for weeks without pay is grateful for the invitation to a meal her family would otherwise be unable to afford.

Federal judge says trial for Wisconsin judge accused of helping immigrant will go on next month

November 26, 2025

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

A federal judge says the trial for a Milwaukee judge accused of illegally helping an immigrant avoid federal agents will proceed as planned despite talk of a plea deal. Federal prosecutors charged Judge Hannah Dugan with obstruction and concealment to prevent arrest in April. They say she guided an immigrant in the country illegally out of her courtroom after learning federal agents were looking for him. U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel said last week that prosecutors offered Dugan a deal but she wouldn’t take it. Her attorneys have insisted she’s innocent. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman said Dugan´s trial will begin on Dec. 11.

Trump administration says lower prices for 15 Medicare drugs will save taxpayers billions

November 26, 2025

By ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

The Trump administration says pharmaceutical companies have agreed to slash the Medicare prices for 15 prescription drugs after months of negotiations and that it’s expected to produce billions in savings for older adults. But the net prices unveiled Tuesday aren’t what Medicare recipients will pay at their pharmacy counters because those final amounts will depend on each individual’s plan and how much they spend annually on prescriptions. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touted the deals as part of efforts to address affordability concerns. The negotiation program is mandated by law and began under the Biden administration.

Pushing an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump looks to his Gaza ceasefire playbook

November 26, 2025

By LAURIE KELLMAN, SAM McNEIL and AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war mirrors his tactics in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He uses bold terms favoring one side and sets deadlines for the combatants. Details like enforcement and security are secondary. Trump had issued a 28-point plan favoring Russia, alarming Europe. On Tuesday, Trump acknowledged the plan is more of a concept. Experts say Trump’s focus is on proclaiming a ceasefire, not ensuring its sustainability. The plan asks Ukraine to cede land and limit its military. European leaders worry Trump is sidelining them, leaving them vulnerable to Russian aggression.

New prosecutor won’t pursue charges against Trump and others in Georgia election interference case

November 26, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

ATLANTA (AP) — The prosecutor who recently took over the Georgia election interference case against President Donald Trump and others said in a court filing Wednesday that he has decided not to pursue the case further. Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, took over the case last month from Fulton County District Attorney Fani…

No. 1 Ohio State and Ryan Day desperately seeking victory against 15th-ranked Michigan in The Game

November 26, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Ryan Day needs to win The Game, perhaps more than anyone on the Big House turf. Defending champion and top-ranked Ohio State would not get knocked out of the College Football Playoff if they lose a fifth straight game to rival and 15th-ranked Michigan on Saturday. But another loss would would haunt Day for at least another year. Day is 1-4 against the Wolverines and his mark in one of the greatest rivalries in sports has been a blemish on what has been a remarkable career that includes winning about 90% of games over the last seven-plus seasons.

Scientists capture the crackling sounds of what they believe is lightning on Mars

November 26, 2025

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

Scientists have detected what they believe to be lightning on Mars by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA’s Perseverance rover. A French-led team reported Wednesday that the crackling of electrical discharges was captured by a microphone on the rover. The researchers examined 28 hours of audio recordings, documenting 55 episodes of what they consider to be “mini lightning” over two Martian years. Almost all of them occurred during dust storms or dust devils. Lightning has already been confirmed at Jupiter and Saturn, and has long been suspected at Mars.

Nigerian parents say they are kept in the dark over abducted schoolchildren

November 26, 2025

By YUNUSA UMAR and OPE ADETAYO - Associated Press

Several parents of the over 300 schoolchildren seized by armed men in the latest mass abduction in Nigeria tell The Associated Press the government has told them nothing about rescue efforts. The stress has been so high that one parent has died of a heart attack, the local Catholic bishop said Wednesday. The rise in mass abductions from schools comes as the Trump administration pressures Nigeria to act against what it calls the persecution of Christians. Nigeria’s government denies that claim. Such abductions had decreased in the past two years. Nigeria’s government says it has deployed troops to search for the latest children seized.

Under glare of world’s media, Pope Leo XIV to visit Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip

November 26, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first foreign trip. His pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon would be delicate under any circumstances but is even more fraught given Mideast tensions and the media glare that will document history’s first American pope on the road. Leo is fulfilling a trip Pope Francis had planned to make. In Turkey, he’ll mark an important anniversary with the Orthodox church. In Lebanon, he’ll try to boost a long-suffering Christian community and country still demanding justice from the 2020 Beirut port blast. Leo, who spent 12 years as the global superior of his Augustinian religious order and two decades as a missionary in Peru, says he loves to travel. In recent weeks he has shown diplomatic dexterity in answering questions on the fly from reporters.

Sellers in other countries struggle to maintain US customers as holiday shopping season starts

November 26, 2025

By MAE ANDERSON - AP Business Writer

Small businesses are struggling to adapt since the U.S. ended the “de minimis” exemption on Aug. 29, which allowed imports under $800 to be tariff-free. Eliminating the exemption was meant to curb drug trafficking and stop low quality goods from flooding the U.S. market. But small businesses have been unduly affected, and they’re facing not only skyrocketing costs but confusion and complaints from customers. Sellers abroad are reporting drastic declines in U.S. sales. Some are paying the duties themselves instead of passing them to consumers, trying to focus on their domestic customers to replace U.S. ones and adjusting product lineups.

France’s top court upholds Sarkozy’s conviction for illegal campaign financing in 2012

November 26, 2025

By SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

France’s top court has upheld ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy’s conviction for illegal campaign financing of his reelection bid in 2012. Wednesday’s decision by the Court of Cassation makes definitive Sarkozy’s conviction to a year in prison half of it suspended for fraudulently overspending on the failed campaign. The sentence can be served at home monitored with an electronic bracelet or other requirements set by a judge. The decision comes just two weeks after Sarkozy’s release from prison pending an appeal in another campaign financing case.

Frustrated by missing mail, one American took the Postal Service to court

November 26, 2025

By SUSAN HAIGH - Associated Press

A Texas landlord’s case before the U.S. Supreme Court is challenging the U.S. Postal Service’s exemption from lawsuits over lost or mishandled mail. The landlord alleges her mail was deliberately withheld for two years. The Postal Service argues that allowing such lawsuits could lead to a flood of litigation. During oral arguments last month, a government lawyer warned of numerous lawsuits if the court rules in the landlord’s favor. However, the landlord’s attorney claims such cases would be rare. The Supreme Court’s decision could redefine the Postal Service’s liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act.