US & World News Archives - Page 12 of 86

Accenture to Acquire Cabel Industry, Strengthening its Financial Services Capabilities in Italy

December 24, 2025

Business Wire

EMPOLI, Italy–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec 24, 2025–Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has entered into an agreement with the Fibonacci Group to acquire Cabel Industry, an Italian technology company that provides specialized core banking and IT managed services to mid-size financial institutions.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251222709690/en/Accenture has entered into an agreement with the Fibonacci Group to acquire Cabel Industry,…

Empowering Website Operations Across ASEAN with AI and Teamwork

December 24, 2025

Media Outreach

Japan’s MONJI+—A WebOps Enablement Platform Inspired by Voices from 77 Countries—Launches Its English EditionOSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – ALAKI Inc., celebrating its 15th anniversary, has officially launched the English edition of MONJI+, an evolution of its 2018-born feedback tool MONJI β, now reimagined as a comprehensive WebOps Enablement Platform. MONJI image Alongside its free…

Tabelog, le plus grand (*1) service de recherche et de réservation de restaurant au Japon lance une application multilingue pour les visiteurs internationaux

December 24, 2025

Business Wire

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–déc. 24, 2025–Tabelog ( https://tabelog.com/en/ ), le plus grand service japonais de recherche et de réservation de restaurants exploité par Kakaku.com, Inc., a lancé son application pour smartphone multilingue (iOS/Android) pour les voyageurs internationaux le lundi 17 novembre 2025.Ce communiqué de presse contient des éléments multimédias. Voir le communiqué complet ici : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251221598728/fr/L’application multilingue Tabelog pour les voyageurs internationaux, le…

Tabelog, la plataforma de búsqueda y reserva de restaurantes más grande de Japón (*1), lanza una app multilingüe para viajeros internacionales

December 24, 2025

Business Wire

TOKIO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–dic. 24, 2025–Tabelog ( https://tabelog.com/en/ ), la plataforma de búsqueda y reserva de restaurantes más grande de Japón, operada por Kakaku.com, Inc., lanzó el lunes 17 de noviembre de 2025 su aplicación móvil multilingüe (iOS/Android) para viajeros internacionales.Este comunicado de prensa trata sobre multimedia. Ver la noticia completa aquí: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251221685950/es/La app multilingüe de Tabelog para viajeros internacionales: la plataforma…

Cunningham, Duren and Harris lead East-best Pistons to 136-127 win over Kings

December 24, 2025

By ANTONIO RAY HARVEY - Associated Press

Cade Cunningham had 23 points and 14 assists, Jalen Duren had 23 points and 12 rebounds, and the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons beat the Sacramento Kings 136-127. Tobias Harris scored 24 points for the Pistons, who have won nine of 11. Duren’s double-double was his fourth straight and 17th of the season. Ausar Thompson had 19 points for Detroit, and Isaiah Stewart added 16 points off the bench. DeMar DeRozan scored 37 points and Russell Westbrook had 27 for the Kings, who have lost 10 of 12.

« Healing Journey Thailand » (Partir en Thaïlande pour se ressourcer) – Le TAT lance une campagne mondiale pour présenter la Thaïlande comme une destination pour le ressourcement et les expériences inoubliables.

December 23, 2025

Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAÏLANDE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 décembre 2025 – Dans le cadre de sa nouvelle campagne intitulée « Healing Journey Thailand » (Thaïlande : un voyage pour se faire du bien), l’Office national du tourisme de Thaïlande (TAT) lance le projet « Experience Thailand : Celebrity & Lifestyle Stories » (Explorer l’art de vivre thaïlandais avec les célébrités)….

Soudah Development signe un accord historique d’une valeur de 1,3 milliards de SAR avec National Grid pour alimenter le projet Soudah Peaks en électricité

December 23, 2025

Business Wire

Al Soudah, Arabie Saoudite–(BUSINESS WIRE)–déc. 24, 2025–Soudah Development, une société du Fonds d’Investissement Publique (FIP), présidée par SAR le prince héritier Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Héritier et Premier ministre de l’Arabie Saoudite, a signé un accord historique avec National Grid, filiale de la Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), principale compagnie d’électricité du Royaume d’Arabie Saoudite. L’accord, d’une…

AST SpaceMobile Announces Successful Orbital Launch of BlueBird 6, the Largest Commercial Communications Array Ever Deployed in Low Earth Orbit

December 23, 2025

Business Wire

MIDLAND, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec 24, 2025–AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced the successful orbital launch of BlueBird 6.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251222922862/en/The BlueBird 6 mission lifted off at 10:25…

Explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home kills at least 2, governor says

December 23, 2025

By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA, MARK SCOLFORO and MARC LEVY - Associated Press

Pennsylvania’s governor says an explosion at a nursing home just outside Philadelphia killed at least two people. The explosion Tuesday collapsed a part of the building and happened just as a utility crew had been on site at Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township looking for a gas leak. The extent of the casualties was unclear several hours later. Bucks County officials say a portion of the building collapsed. Fire officials said they were in “rescue mode” five hours later, with rescuers still digging by hand and using search dogs, earth-moving equipment and sonar to locate potential victims.

The top photos of the day by AP’s photojournalists

December 23, 2025

By The Associated Press

From front-page news to powerful moments you may have missed, this gallery showcases today’s top photos chosen by Associated Press photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Cholame Finance Academy Releases Its Annual Digital Intelligence Report

December 23, 2025

ACCESS Newswire

Cholame Finance Academy has released its Annual Digital Intelligence Report, with founder Rupert Ellington commenting on how the organization reviews digital structure, information flow, and system development on a yearly basis.NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 23, 2025 / Cholame Finance Academy has released its Annual Digital Intelligence Report, a publication that documents how the organization reviews…

Steven Stamkos scores in OT to give the Predators a 3-2 win over the Wild

December 23, 2025

By PATRICK DONNELLY - Associated Press

Steven Stamkos scored 53 seconds into overtime to give the Nashville Predators a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Stamkos got a step on his defender as he raced down the slot, and Erik Haula found him with a pass that Stamkos deflected past goalie Filip Gustavsson. Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and an assist, Roman Josi also scored and Juuse Saros stopped 30 shots for the Predators, who have won three in a row and four of five. Brock Faber and Joel Eriksson Ek scored for the Wild, who have lost two straight following a seven-game win streak. Gustavsson made 26 saves.

Timberwolves beat Towns for first time as Edwards scores 38 points in 115-104 win over Knicks

December 23, 2025

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writer

Anthony Edwards scored 38 points to help the Minnesota Timberwolves beat former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns for the first time and hold off the New York Knicks 115-104. Julius Randle had 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and Rudy Gobert contributed 11 points, 16 rebounds and his reliably fierce rim protection as the Wolves won their 10th game in 12 tries. Towns scored a season-high 40 points before fouling out in the final minute for the Knicks in the absence of fellow All-Star Jalen Brunson. Tyler Kolek had 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in Brunson’s place.

Porter, Rollins guide Bucks past Pacers 111-94

December 23, 2025

By MARK AMBROGI - Associated Press

Kevin Porter Jr. scored 24 points, Ryan Rollins had 23 and the Milwaukee Bucks, playing their seventh consecutive game without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo, beat the Indiana Pacers 111-94. Kyle Kuzma scored 15 and Bobby Portis had 14 points and a team-high nine rebounds as the Bucks shot 51% to snap a three-game losing streak. T.J. McConnell led the Pacers with 16 points off the bench. Pascal Siakam had 15 points and team-high nine rebounds for the Pacers. Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, is nursing a right calf strain.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has a fractured throwing hand. Max Brosmer to start vs. Lions

December 23, 2025

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Pro Football Writer

J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his throwing hand that will keep him out of Minnesota’s upcoming game against Detroit and make Max Brosmer the starting quarterback this week. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said further examination of McCarthy’s right hand revealed the small fracture. Initial X-rays at the stadium were negative for broken bones after McCarthy was injured late in the second quarter against the New York Giants and unable to properly grip the ball. Brosmer started for McCarthy on Nov. 30 at Seattle and threw four interceptions in a 26-0 loss. The Vikings host the Lions on Thursday.

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

December 23, 2025

The Associated Press,

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…

Voluminous new Epstein document release includes multiple Trump mentions, but little revelatory news

December 23, 2025

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

The U.S. Justice Department has released tens of thousands more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a tranche that included multiple mentions of President Donald Trump but added little new revelatory information to the long-anticipated public file on the disgraced late financier. The documents also contain apparent correspondence between an Epstein co-conspirator and the U.K.’s former Prince Andrew. Many of the mentions of Trump come from news clippings. There is also an email from a prosecutor pointing out flights Trump took on Epstein’s private jet. The two men were friends for years before a falling out. The Justice Department said the release contained “unfounded and false” claims made about Trump before the 2020 election.

Venus Williams weds Andrea Preti in Florida as part of a 5-day celebration of their union

December 23, 2025

AP

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti are married. The tennis great announced the union Tuesday on social media. Williams and Preti became wife and husband over the weekend in Florida as part of a five-day celebration. After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match in July, the 45-year-old Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open. Preti is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB. The seven-time Grand Slams singles champion plans to play in a 33rd straight season on the WTA Tour, starting in Auckland in January.

Christmas Day sports: Here’s a look at the premier matchups on the holiday

December 23, 2025

By DAVID BRANDT - AP Sports Writer

The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog. This year’s major events include five NBA games and three NFL games, with games spanning more than 12 hours. The NBA games include the Spurs at Thunder, Rockets at Lakers, Timberwolves at Nuggets, Cavaliers at Knicks and Mavericks at Warriors. In the NFL, it’s the Lions at Vikings, Broncos at Chiefs and Cowboys at Commanders.

US drivers are seeing lower gas prices this holiday season

December 23, 2025

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

This holiday season, many U.S. drivers are getting the gift of lower gas prices. According to data from motor club AAA, December has been the cheapest month for prices at the pump this year. The national average for unleaded gasoline has stayed below the $3 mark since Dec. 2, falling to its lowest level of about $2.85 a gallon on Monday. Relief at the pump is welcome for consumers who have been feeling higher prices in other parts of their budgets — as worries about the costs of goods ranging from groceries to holiday gifts rise amid ongoing inflation and U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign imports.

Consumer confidence slides in December to lowest level since US tariffs rolled out in April

December 23, 2025

By MATT OTT - AP Business Writer

U.S. consumers were less confident in the economy in December as Americans remain anxious about still-high prices and the impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 3.8 points to 89.1 in December from November’s upwardly revised reading of 92.9. That reading was 85.7 in April, when Trump rolled out his import taxes on U.S. trading partners. A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market remained stable at 70.7, but remains well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. It was the 11th straight month that reading has come in under 80.

US economy expands at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter

December 23, 2025

By MATT OTT - AP Business Writer

The U.S. economy economy expanded at a strong 4.3% annual rate from July through September as consumer spending, exports and government spending all grew. Tuesday’s report from the Commerce Department said U.S. gross domestic product — the economy’s total output of goods and services — up from its 3.8% growth rate in the April-June quarter. Analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet forecast growth of 3% in the period. However, inflation remains higher than the Federal Reserve would like. The Fed’s favored inflation gauge — called the personal consumption expenditures index, or PCE — climbed to a 2.8% annual pace last quarter, up from 2.1% in the second quarter.

Ukraine’s own ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is back on for a special episode with wartime heroes

December 23, 2025

By SAMYA KULLAB and VASILISA STEPANENKO - Associated Press

Ukraine’s own “Dancing with the Stars” show is back on, just for one special episode. This time, the stars are the country’s wartime heroes, underscoring the nation’s resilience in tough times. Before the war, the Ukrainian version of the international franchise was hugely popular. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — then an actor — won the dance competition in 2006, its debut year. Today, dancers in the show perform with prosthetic limbs, showcasing their strength in overcoming adversity. Like the whole country, the show has to deal with wartime challenges such as power outages or generators failing. Creative producer Volodymyr Zavadiuk says “Tantsi z zirkamy” — as the show is known in Ukrainian — is creating something special during tough times.

Parents are divided on whether their girls should return to flood-scarred Camp Mystic in Texas

December 23, 2025

By SEAN MURPHY - Associated Press

Nearly six months after a roaring flood killed 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic in central Texas, the 100-year-old camp will begin enrolling new campers in January. The decision is dividing families who’ve sent their children there. Fast-rising waters swept away two cabins next to the Guadalupe River over the July Fourth weekend. The campers who are expected to start arriving in May will bunk on higher ground. Some families say their daughters’ return to Camp Mystic will be a key step in their healing. But others who lost their daughters in the floods say the decision to reopen is insensitive.

Medicaid paid more than $207 million for dead people. A new law could help fix that

December 23, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

A new Department of Health and Human Services report reveals Medicaid programs made over $200 million in improper payments to health care providers between 2021 and 2022 for people who had already died. The inspector general report, released Tuesday, suggests that a new mandate in Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill could help reduce these kind of payments. The bill requires states to audit Medicaid beneficiary lists against the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File. Privacy laws currently restrict access to this file. The report recommends states comply with the new mandate to conduct quarterly death checks to prevent further improper payments.

A look at aging baby boomers in the United States

December 23, 2025

By MIKE SCHNEIDER - Associated Press

The oldest baby boomers are turning 80 in 2026. This generation known as a cultural and political vanguard is now contributing to America’s aging population. By the end of this decade, all baby boomers will be 65 or older. Driven by longer life spans and lower birth rates, the U.S. population will begin shrinking in five years without any immigration. During the baby boom from 1946 to 1964, about 76 million Americans were born. Now they’re the second-largest age group and the influence of these octogenarians will continue to impact America’s society and economics.

Ex-aide says Netanyahu tasked him with making a plan to evade responsibility for Oct. 7 attack

December 23, 2025

By JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press

A former close aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that immediately following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, he was ordered to figure out how the premier could evade responsibility for the security breach. It was an explosive allegation from former spokesperson Eli Feldstein, made during an extensive interview with Israel’s Kan news channel Monday night. Netanyahu has been long accused of avoiding taking the blame for the deadliest attack in Israel’s history, one that kicked off the two-year war in Gaza. But little is known about Netanyahu’s behavior in the days immediately following the attack.

Gaza’s tiny Christian community tries to capture the holiday spirit during the ceasefire

December 23, 2025

By MARIAM FAM - Associated Press

Gaza’s tiny Palestinian Christian community is trying to capture some of the Christmas spirit under a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. One 76-year-old Christian finds hope in his faith while sheltering at Gaza’s Holy Family Church compound. Attallah Tarazi says joy over Christ’s birth must surpass the bitterness of war. But for some, the toll is inescapable as grief and uncertainty dampen Christmas cheer. Community members say many Christians have fled Gaza during the war. That has raised concerns about the community’s future in the Palestinian territory.

At least 5 killed after Mexican Navy plane on medical mission crashes in Texas

December 23, 2025

By HALLIE GOLDEN and MEGAN JANETSKY - Associated Press

Officials say a small Mexican Navy plane transporting a young medical patient along with seven others has crashed near Galveston. The Monday afternoon crash killed at least five people and has set off a search in the waters off the Texas coast. Mexico’s Navy said in a statement to The Associated Press that four of the people aboard were Navy officers and four were civilians. It was not immediately clear which ones were confirmed to be killed. Two of the people aboard were members from the Michou and Mau Foundation. The nonprofit provides aid to Mexican children with suffered severe burns.

US strikes another alleged drug-smuggling boat in eastern Pacific

December 23, 2025

AP

The U.S. military says it has conducted another strike against a boat it said was smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person. In a social media post Monday night, U.S. Southern Command said, “Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” A video appears to show a number of strikes landing near and on the boat before it catches fire. Southern Command provided no evidence that the vessel was engaged in drug smuggling. At least 105 people have been killed in 29 known strikes since early September.

Powerball numbers drawn for $1.6B jackpot, but the odds still aren’t in your favor

December 22, 2025

By OLIVIA DIAZ - Associated Press/Report for America

The Powerball jackpot now stands at an estimated $1.6 billion and is one of the largest lottery prizes in U.S. history. On Monday the lottery group drew the numbers for the 5th-largest jackpot ever. The record U.S. jackpot is $2.04 billion from back in 2022. The odds of winning Monday’s jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. One math professor says those odds are equivalent to selecting one marked dollar bill from a stack 19 miles high. Players are still hoping to win big. One person says he is buying a $2 ticket to take his wife on a trip. A middle schooler says he wants an Xbox and a Lamborghini.

Colorado faces $24M federal funding cut over illegal commercial driver’s licenses

December 22, 2025

AP

The head of the U.S. Department of Transportation is calling out Colorado for its slow response to what he describes as major violations of federal commercial driver’s license regulations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened Monday to pull $24 million in federal funding for the western state if it does not revoke truck and bus licenses that were issued improperly. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said this is a case of “crossed-wires” and that the state is working quickly to revoke these licenses. The federal government has been identifying states where commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants have remained valid long after they should have. In other cases, states didn’t check the immigration status of drivers before issuing a license.

White House rebuffs Catholic bishops’ appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement

December 22, 2025

By DAVID CRARY - AP National Writer

Florida’s Catholic bishops have appealed to President Donald Trump to pause immigration enforcement during the Christmas holidays. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, along with other bishops, expressed concern about the impact on families and communities. They argue that many immigrants caught in enforcement actions are not criminals but are simply working. The White House, however, indicated in its response that it will continue its usual operations. Wenski is known for advocating humane treatment of migrants and highlights their contributions to the economy. He also participates in initiatives to support the spiritual needs of detainees in immigration centers.

Mercedes-Benz agrees to pay $149.6 million to settle multistate emissions allegations

December 22, 2025

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

Mercedes-Benz USA and parent company Daimler AG have agreed to pay $149.6 million to settle allegations the automaker secretly installed devices in hundreds of thousands of vehicles to pass emission tests. A coalition of 50 attorneys general announced the deal on Monday. According to the attorneys general, the automaker between 2008 and 2016 equipped more than 211,000 vehicles with devices that controlled emissions during tests but reduced those controls during normal operations. The devices enabled vehicles to exceed legal emission limits for nitrogen oxides, a pollutant that can cause respiratory illnesses and contributes to smog.

Steelers WR DK Metcalf suspended 2 games following altercation with fan in Detroit

December 22, 2025

By WILL GRAVES - AP Sports Writer

The NFL has suspended Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf for two games following an altercation with a fan during the team’s victory over Detroit. Metcalf will miss Sunday’s game in Cleveland and the regular-season finale against Baltimore. CBS-TV cameras captured the confrontation between Metcalf and a fan during the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 win over Detroit. The fan leaned over the railing and exchanged words with Metcalf before Metcalf ended the confrontation by swinging his right arm in the vicinity of the fan’s face. It’s unclear how much contact Metcalf’s arm made with the fan.

Judge chides Ghislaine Maxwell for mentioning victim names in papers seeking to overturn conviction

December 22, 2025

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER - Associated Press

A judge has scolded Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell for including confidential victim names in court papers seeking to set aside her 2021 sex trafficking conviction and free her from a 20-year prison sentence. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer said Monday that exhibits included with Maxwell’s habeas petition — which she filed on her own, without a lawyer — will be kept under seal and out of public view “until they have been reviewed and appropriately redacted to protect the identities of victims.” Meanwhile, the Senate’s top Democrat on Monday urged colleagues to take legal action over the Justice Department’s incremental and heavily redacted release of its files on Epstein and Maxwell.

Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi wants to keep the job beyond bowl game and ‘fix this program’

December 22, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Biff Poggi tapped on a lectern as he closed a news conference and made his case to be Michigan’s football coach beyond its bowl game. The interim coach told reporters on Monday that he wants to fix the program. Clearly, college football’s winningest program is broken. The 18th-ranked Wolverines were shaken nearly two weeks ago when Sherrone Moore was fired as coach. Michigan said Moore had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and two days later, he was charged with three crimes. Poggi is preparing the team to play No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says progress in US-led peace talks is ‘quite solid’

December 22, 2025

By SAMYA KULLAB and VASILISA STEPANENKO - Associated Press

U.S. proposals for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia meet many of Kyiv’s demands, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Monday, he said that while the drafts look solid, neither side is likely to get everything it wants. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held productive talks with Ukrainian and European representatives. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have struck deep inside Russia, targeting an oil terminal, pipeline, and military assets. These attacks aim to disrupt Russia’s war effort. Russia continues targeting Ukraine’s energy sector, trying to deprive civilians of heat and water during winter.

Federal judge to decide whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia should return to immigration custody

December 22, 2025

By GARY FIELDS and TRAVIS LOLLER - Associated Press

A federal judge must decide whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia should return to immigration custody after being free for just over a week. The judge ordered his release on Dec. 11 after finding that officials had no viable plan to deport him, and he cannot be held indefinitely. Back in 2019, an immigration judge barred his deportation to his home country of El Salvador. His mistaken deportation there in March has become a lightning rod in the immigration debate. Officials now say they will deport him to a third country. On Monday, they will try to convince the judge that he should be taken back into custody pending that eventual deportation.

Trump holds an event with Rubio and Hegseth during vacation as tensions with Venezuela mount

December 22, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI and EMMA BURROWS - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is gathering with top national security officials. Monday’s meeting comes as the U.S. Coast Guard is stepping up efforts to interdict oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea as part of an escalating pressure campaign on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and others are scheduled to join Trump, who is vacationing at his Mar-a-Lago resort, for what the White House calls a “major announcement.” A White House official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump plans to discuss a shipbuilding initiative.

Nicki Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona event

December 22, 2025

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON - Associated Press

Rapper Nicki Minaj has made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona. Speaking on stage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention, the artist praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. The rap star was interviewed by Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who has since taken over as leader of Turning Point. Kirk asked Minaj about her newly found support for Trump, whom she had condemned in the past. Minaj’s appearance Sunday at the flagship event for the powerful conservative youth organization may shore up her status as a MAGA acolyte.

Pop culture in 2025: A ring for Taylor, an ill-timed KissCam … and whatever ‘6-7’ means

December 22, 2025

By JOCELYN NOVECK - AP National Writer

In a year of pop culture moments, some things were old and some things were very new. What does the term “6-7” mean? Dictionary.com designated it the word of 2025 but even they couldn’t define it. People were talking about “KPop Demon Hunters,” and especially singing its songs. They were talking about the Coldplay KissCam, and how adorable the capybara was. But then there were two names that have dominated our pop culture for years now. Taylor Swift kept making records with her album sales, and got engaged. And Beyoncé finally won her overdue Grammy for album of the year.

Trump administration pauses 5 offshore wind projects on the East Coast

December 22, 2025

By MATTHEW DALY - Associated Press

The Trump administration is pausing leases for five large-scale offshore wind projects under construction in the East Coast due to unspecified national security risks identified by the Pentagon. The pause is effective immediately and will give the Interior Department, which oversees offshore wind, time to work with the Defense Department and other agencies to assess the possible ways to mitigate any security risks posed by the projects, the administration said.

’60 Minutes’ holds off on airing critical piece on Trump deportation policy

December 22, 2025

DAVID BAUDER

Hours before airtime on Sunday, CBS News’ “60 Minutes” held a planned story on President Donald Trump’s deportation policy at the order of the network’s new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. Weiss, the founder of the Free Press website, had sought to get Trump administration perspective included in the story. The move is sure to increase scrutiny on CBS and “60 Minutes,” which Trump sued last fall over an interview with Kamala Harris and has recently complained about stories critical of him. Weiss said in a statement that holding stories that aren’t ready, because they lack context or are missing critical voices, happen every day in newsrooms.

Addiction-stricken community struggles to keep a syringe program going after Trump’s order

December 22, 2025

By LAURA UNGAR - AP Medical Writer

Decades of research show syringe programs are extremely effective at preventing infectious disease among intravenous drug users and referring them to treatment. But a July executed order from President Donald Trump’ says federal substance abuse grants can’t pay for supplies it says “only facilitate illegal drug use,” such as cookers and tourniquets. Needles already couldn’t be purchased with federal money. In some places, the order is galvanizing support for syringe exchanges. In others, like Indiana, it’s fueling opposition that threatens their existence. But health workers in one Indiana community are doing what they can to keep their program going.

Most US adults aren’t making year-end charitable contributions, new AP-NORC poll finds

December 22, 2025

By JAMES POLLARD and LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds that most Americans aren’t making end-of-year charitable giving plans, despite the many fundraising appeals made by nonprofits that rely on donation surges in the calendar’s final month to reach next year’s budget targets. The survey found that about half of U.S. adults say they’ve already made their charitable contributions for 2025. Just 18% indicated they’ve donated and will donate again before the year is over. Only 6% reported they haven’t given yet but will do so by year-end. Everyday donors faced competing priorities this year, but weaker income gains and steep price inflation meant that lower-income households had less money to redistribute.

Bondi Beach shooting suspect conducted firearms training with his father, Australian police say

December 22, 2025

By ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

A man accused of killing 15 people at Sydney’s Bondi Beach allegedly conducted firearms training with his father. A police statement of facts was made public on Monday after Naveed Akram’s video court appearance from a Sydney hospital. Officers wounded Akram at the scene and killed his father, Sajid Akram. The police statement alleges Naveed Akram and his father threw four improvised explosive devices at a crowd during a Jewish event on Dec. 14, but they failed to explode. Police described the devices as three aluminum pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb containing an explosive, black powder and steel ball bearings. Akram has been charged with 59 offenses including 15 counts of murder.

Starlink in the crosshairs: How Russia could attack Elon Musk’s conquering of space

December 22, 2025

By JOHN LEICESTER - Associated Press

NATO-nation intelligence services believe Russia is developing a weapon to target Starlink satellites. Intelligence findings seen by The Associated Press say the weapon could release pellets to disable multiple satellites. Analysts have doubts, saying such a weapon could create chaos in space and risk other vital orbiting systems. But a Canadian space commander has told the AP that such a weapon is “not implausible.” Starlink’s services are used by Ukraine. Russia views the constellation as a threat. The intelligence findings say the destructive pellets could be small enough to evade detection. Analysts say Russia might want to have such a weapon only as a deterrent or it may be no more than a research project for now.

Trump announces he’s appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as US special envoy to Greenland

December 21, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has announced he ⁠is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the U.S. ‌special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has said the U.S. needs to take over. Trump in a social media post on Sunday announcing the appointment said, “Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security.” Trump has repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and would not rule out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island. Landry in a post on X called the appointment an honor and said it won’t be affecting his position as governor.

Goff and Campbell refuse to blame officials after Lions’ rally is negated by late flags

December 21, 2025

By BOB TRIPI - Associated Press

Jared Goff and Dan Campbell have refused to blame the officials after the Detroit Lions were penalized two times in the final 22 seconds of a 29-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers — with each flag negating a go-ahead touchdown. Campbell says the calls were “frustrating” but the Lions shouldn’t have let it come to that. Goff says officials have a hard job and he doesn’t want to make excuses. The loss eliminated the Lions from contention for the NFC North title and left their playoff hopes dangling by a thread.