US & World News Archives - Page 13 of 87

A $400,000 payout after Maduro’s capture is putting prediction markets in the spotlight

January 11, 2026

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

Prediction markets let people wager on anything from a basketball game to the outcome of a presidential election — and recently, the downfall of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Last week, an anonymous trader on Polymarket pocketed more than $400,000 after betting that Maduro would soon be out of office. The commercial use of prediction markets has skyrocketed in recent years, opening the door for people to wage their money on the likelihood of a growing list of future events. But in terms of government oversight in the U.S., the trades are categorized differently than traditional forms of gambling, raising questions about transparency and risk.

Buddhist monks and their dog captivate Americans while walking for peace

January 11, 2026

By DEEPA BHARATH - Associated Press

A group of Buddhist monks is getting viral attention with their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. The monks say their aim is to promote mindfulness and healing and finding inner peace. Their journey has already attracted large crowds across five southern states. Accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka, they have faced challenges, including a road accident that injured two of the monks. When they reach the nation’s capital, they plan to request official recognition of Vesak as a federal U.S. holiday. Vesak is the day which marks the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha.

Husband charged in double homicide after having affair with au pair is going on trial in Virginia

January 11, 2026

By OLIVIA DIAZ - Associated Press/Report for America

A Virginia man who had a relationship with a Brazilian au pair is going on trial in the killings of his wife and another man. Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at a home in northern Virginia. Prosecutors argue the killings stem from a catfishing scheme in which Banfield lured Ryan to the house and staged it to look like he and the family’s au pair shot a predator in defense. Not all officials investigating the case believe Banfield catfished Ryan. Banfield’s attorney says that officials are searching for evidence to fit their theory of the elaborate scheme.

Retouched images of Netanyahu’s wife, distributed by the state, ignite a fiery ethics debate

January 11, 2026

By JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press

Israel’s official state photos from last year portend to show history in the making. They include images of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trips to the U.N. and world leaders convening to advance a tenuous Gaza peace plan. But when examined closely, the pictures are not accurate depictions of reality. Experts say they have been altered to make Sara Netanyahu look younger. That discovery has ignited a firestorm in Israel. Journalists, lawyers and members of the political opposition say the edited photos violate ethical codes and risk denigrating the state’s archives.

Lawsuits by Trump allies could shape how the 2030 census is done and who will be counted

January 11, 2026

By MIKE SCHNEIDER - Associated Press

The next U.S. census is four years away, but two lawsuits playing out this year could affect how the head count will be done and who’ll be counted. Allies of President Donald Trump are behind the lawsuits challenging various aspects of the once-a-decade count by the U.S. Census Bureau that’s used to determine congressional representation and federal aid to states. The lawsuits align with parts of Trump’s agenda, even as his administration must defend the Census Bureau and its methods in court. Democratic-aligned groups are trying to intervene because of concerns over whether the Justice Department will defend the bureau vigorously.

Transgender teen athlete in a Supreme Court fight knows the upcoming sports season could be her last

January 11, 2026

By MARK SHERMAN - Associated Press

Becky Pepper-Jackson is a 15-year-old in West Virginia who knows the upcoming sports season could be her last. West Virginia has banned transgender girls like the discus-throwing sophomore from competing in girls and women’s sports. The state is among more than two dozen with similar laws. Lower courts have blocked the West Virginia law, but the outcome could be different at the conservative-dominated Supreme Court. The justices have allowed multiple restrictions on transgender people to be enforced in the past year. The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration has targeted transgender Americans.

Ukrainian drone attack in Russia kills 1 following Moscow’s intense bombardment

January 11, 2026

By The Associated Press

A Ukrainian drone strike has killed one person and wounded three others in the Russian city of Voronezh. Russian officials said Saturday’s attack damaged more than 10 apartment buildings, private houses and a high school. Regional Governor Alexander Gusev said air defenses shot down 17 drones over the city. Voronezh is about 155 miles from the Ukrainian border. The strike follows Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukraine with drones and missiles that killed at least four people in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks with the U.S. are ongoing about defending Ukraine from further aggression.

Greenland’s harsh environment and lack of infrastructure have prevented rare earth mining

January 11, 2026

By JOSH FUNK and SUMAN NAISHADHAM - Associated Press

Greenland’s harsh environment, lack of key infrastructure and difficult geology have prevented anyone from building a mine to extract the sought-after rare earth elements that many high-tech products require. Those challenges won’t go away even if President Donald Trump takes control of the Arctic island. Trump has made it a priority to break China’s stranglehold on the global supply of rare earths and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to do that. Now the president is again pitching that taking over Greenland could solve the problem. But Greenland may not ever produce many rare earths because of the inherent challenges.

Iran warns it will target US troops and Israel if America strikes over protests

January 11, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Protests challenging Iran’s theocracy have reached the two-week mark, with demonstrators flooding the streets in Tehran and Mashhad. Activists say at least 116 people have died, and 2,600 have been detained. The internet blackout makes it hard to gauge the situation. Iran’s parliament speaker warned the U.S. and Israel could be targets if the U.S. strikes Iran. President Trump has expressed support for the protesters, hinting at possible military action. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has signaled a crackdown, with protesters facing severe penalties. The unrest began over economic issues but has grown into a broader challenge to the government.

Myanmar holds second round of voting in first general election since military takeover

January 11, 2026

AP

Myanmar has opened a second round of voting in the country’s first general election since a takeover that installed a military government five years ago. The voting Sunday expanded to additional townships including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents. Polling stations opened in 100 townships. Many of the areas have seen clashes in recent months or remain under heightened security. The election is being held in three phases due to the civil war. The first round took place Dec. 28. Critics say the polls organized by the military government are neither free nor fair.

Matt LaFleur and the Packers face uncertain future after blowing big lead in wild-card loss

January 11, 2026

By JAY COHEN - AP Sports Writer

At the end of his seventh season as Green Bay’s coach, Matt LaFleur saw a team that lacked composure at big moments in a playoff game. Green Bay blew a 21-6 lead in the fourth quarter of a wild 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday night. The collapse included two big misses for Brandon McManus on an extra point and a 44-yard field goal, to go along with a delay-of-game penalty coming out of a timeout and a fumbled snap on the final play of the game. LaFleur says he felt his team “got a little bit disheveled in the second half.”

Caleb Williams rallies Bears from 18 points down for 31-27 playoff win over rival Packers

January 11, 2026

By ANDREW SELIGMAN - AP Sports Writer

Caleb Williams came through in his playoff debut, throwing a go-ahead, 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 remaining, and the Chicago Bears rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat the rival Green Bay Packers 31-27 in a wild-card playoff game. The NFC North champion Bears extended their resurgent first season under coach Ben Johnson with their seventh fourth-quarter comeback victory. Chicago trailed 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 through three quarters, only to outscore Green Bay 25-6 in the fourth on the way to its first playoff win in 15 years.

Millions of Venezuelans scattered across Latin America cautiously watch what comes next

January 10, 2026

By FRANKLIN BRICEÑO, MARÍA VERZA and NAYARA BATSCHKE - Associated Press

Many of the 8 million Venezuelans scattered across the Americas received the news of their president’s capture with caution. After fleeing political and economic crises over the past decade many say they do not foresee a quick return to their homeland. But some politicians in the countries where they are now living are already talking like it is time for Venezuelans to go home. Experts say it is unlikely there will be sufficient improvement in Venezuela to tempt many to return in the near future. But pressure on Venezuelan migrants to move again could put at risk an already vulnerable population.

The Golden Globes are tonight. Here’s what to look for and how to watch and stream the show

January 10, 2026

By JAKE COYLE - AP Film Writer

The Golden Globes bill themselves as Hollywood’s booziest bash. Whose ready to party? Political tension and industrywide uncertainty are the prevailing moods heading into Sunday’s 83rd Golden Globes. Hollywood is coming off a disappointing box-office year and now anxiously awaits the fate of Warner Bros. But through their ups and downs, the Globes have always tried to put pomp over politics. The Golden Globes kick off at 8 p.m. on CBS while streaming live for Paramount+ premium subscribers. The favorite going in is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another.” The leading TV nominee is “The White Lotus.” Timothée Chalamet could win his first Globe. And podcasters will get an award for the first time.

Kenyan women lost their husbands and then their land. But some are fighting back

January 10, 2026

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI - Associated Press

Thousands of widows in western Kenya face losing their land after their husbands die. In certain ethnic groups, widows are pressured to marry their late husband’s brother or have sex with another man to “cleanse” them of the stigma of widowhood. Women who refuse can be disinherited. Kenya’s constitution guarantees all citizens the right to own land. But often women are unaware. Women’s advocates say the lack of legal assistance is a key challenge. But the local assembly in one Kenyan county has unanimously passed a Widows Protection Bill that would criminalize the forced disinheritance.

Stafford’s late TD pass to Parkinson lifts the Rams past the Panthers 34-31 in the wild-card round

January 10, 2026

By STEVE REED - AP Sports Writer

Matthew Stafford threw a 19-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds to lift the Los Angeles Rams to a dramatic 34-31 wild-card round win over the Carolina Panthers in the opening game of the NFL playoffs. Stafford finished 24 of 42 for 304 yards with three touchdown passes, while Puka Nacua had 10 receptions for 111 yards and two total touchdowns as the Rams, who were 10 1/2-point favorites, advanced to the divisional playoffs. Bryce Young threw for 264 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score for Carolina, which finished the season losing four of its final five games.

Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir dies at 78

January 10, 2026

By ANDREW DALTON - AP Entertainment Writer

Bob Weir, guitarist, singer and founding member of the Grateful Dead, has died at age 78. Weir’s death was announced Saturday in a statement on his Instagram page. The statement says said Weir had beaten cancer but succumbed to underlying lung issues. Weir joined the Grateful Dead in 1965 at just 17 years old. He’d spend the next 30 years playing on endless tours alongside fellow singer and guitarist Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995. Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Dead classics including “Sugar Magnolia” and “Mexicali Blues.” In the decades since he kept playing with other projects including Dead and Company.

Slow-moving prisoner releases in Venezuela enter 3rd day after government announces goodwill effort

January 10, 2026

By REGINA GARCIA CANO - Associated Press

Venezuelan detainee Diógenes Angulo has been released from prison after a year and five months. He was detained for posting a video of an opposition demonstration. As he left the prison, he learned that former President Nicolás Maduro had been captured by U.S. forces on January 3rd. Venezuela’s government pledged to release a significant number of prisoners, but only 11 have been freed so far. Meanwhile, Venezuelans aligned with the government have been marching, demanding Maduro’s return. The U.S. and Venezuela are evaluating the restoration of diplomatic relations, broken since 2019.

Veteran actor T.K. Carter, known for ‘The Thing’ and ‘Punky Brewster,’ dies at 69

January 10, 2026

AP

Veteran actor T.K. Carter, known for his roles in “The Thing” and “Punky Brewster,” has died at 69. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive male in Duarte, California, on Friday evening. Police have not disclosed a cause of death but said no foul play is suspected. Carter gained fame as Nauls the cook in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic, “The Thing.” He also appeared in the 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” and films like “Runaway Train,” “Ski Patrol,” and “Space Jam.”

US launches new retaliatory strikes against ISIS in Syria after deadly ambush

January 10, 2026

AP

The U.S. has launched another round of strikes against the Islamic State in Syria. This follows last month’s ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. The strikes, conducted with partner forces, targeted multiple Islamic State locations across Syria. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes occurred around 12:30 p.m. ET. Saturday’s action is part of a broader operation in response to the deadly ISIS attack in Palmyra. The operation, called Operation Hawkeye Strike, began on Dec. 19 with a large-scale strike hitting 70 targets in central Syria.

Virginia man pleads not guilty to charges in DC pipe bomb case

January 10, 2026

AP

A Virginia man has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of planting two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national parties on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Brian J. Cole Jr. entered the plea at a brief hearing on Friday. He is facing two counts of transporting and attempting to use explosives. Justice Department prosecutors have said that Cole confessed to placing pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee headquarters only hours before a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol.

Man convicted for carrying Pelosi’s podium during US Capitol riot seeks Florida county office

January 10, 2026

AP

A man who is known for grabbing Nancy Pelosi’s podium during the U.S. Capitol riot is running for a county office in Florida. Adam Johnson filed to run as a Republican for the Manatee County Commission on the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot. Johnson says the timing was intentional to generate buzz. He pleaded guilty to entering a restricted building during the riot and served 75 days in prison. Johnson says he regrets the action only because of the sentence. He says he’s running because of high property taxes and overdevelopment, claiming current county administrators are wasteful.

Wisconsin beats No. 2 Michigan 91-88 to give Wolverines their 1st loss of the season

January 10, 2026

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

John Blackwell had 26 points, Nick Boyd scored 22 and Aleksas Bieliauskas set a career high with 17 points to lead Wisconsin to a 91-88 win over previously unbeaten, second-ranked Michigan on Saturday. The Badgers beat their highest-ranked regular-season opponent since a win over No. 2 Michigan in 2019. They beat the AP poll’s No. 2 team on the opponent’s court for the second time since winning at Maryland on Feb. 13, 2016. The Wolverines led by as much as 14 in the first half and lost because they gave up 54 points in the second half.

The aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in photos

January 10, 2026

By The Associated Press

Protesters continued to confront federal officers in Minneapolis, days after 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Demonstrations also broke out in other cities across the country, from Los Angeles to Washington to Kansas City, Missouri. The shooting has intensified tensions amid the Trump administration’s deployment of thousands of officers to Minnesota for…

A week in photos from Venezuela after U.S. strike removed its president

January 10, 2026

By ARIANA CUBILLOS, MATIAS DELACROIX and CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ - The Associated Press

Venezuelans navigated a tense week after U.S. forces captured former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The Trump administration said it intends to oversee Venezuela’s oil exports and steer its global sales, a step it says will help stabilize the country and push a political transition. The upheaval spilled into daily life as pro-government armed civilians emerged, families waited outside…

Trump pushes a 1-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates and banks balk

January 10, 2026

By KEN SWEET and SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he wants a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates. It’s an idea that revives a campaign pledge and could save Americans tens of billions of dollars. But it’s drawing immediate opposition from an industry that’s been in his corner. Trump wasn’t clear in a social media post Friday night whether a cap might take effect through executive action or legislation. One Republican senator said he had spoken with the president and would work on a bill with Trump’s “full support.” Trump said he hoped it would be in place Jan. 20, one year after he took office. Average interest rates now range from 19.65% to 21.5%.

Congress is debating the possible consequences for ICE and even Noem after Renee Good’s killing

January 10, 2026

By MATT BROWN and LISA MASCARO - Associated Press

Members of Congress are considering the possible consequences for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and even Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after an ICE officer shot Renee Good to death in Minnesota. Her killing is reverberating across Capitol Hill, where Democrats and some Republicans are vowing an assertive response as President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation operations. Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions. That includes a full investigation of the shooting death and policy changes over law enforcement raids. Some lawmakers want funding cuts to ICE operations and even Noem’s impeachment, though that’s unlikely to happen.

Stafford gets first nod for AP All-Pro. Garrett, Nacua and Smith-Njigba are unanimous choices

January 10, 2026

By ROB MAADDI - AP Pro Football Writer

Matthew Stafford beat out Drake Maye while Myles Garrett, Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were unanimous choices for the 2025 Associated Press NFL All-Pro Team. Bijan Robinson is the first-team running back while Christian McCaffrey earned the All-Purpose spot. Ja’Marr Chase is the third wide receiver and tight end. Trey McBride got 49 of 50 first-place votes. Will Anderson Jr. and Micah Parsons joined Garrett at edge rusher. Jeffery Simmons and Zach Allen were selected as interior defensive linemen.

Doctors say changes to US vaccine recommendations are confusing parents and could harm kids

January 10, 2026

By LAURA UNGAR - AP Medical Writer

Doctors fear this week’s unprecedented changes to federal vaccine recommendations will stoke vaccine hesitancy even more, pose challenges for pediatricians and parents and ultimately lead to more illness and death among children. The Trump administration cut the number of routine childhood vaccines, recommending that all kids be immunized against 11 diseases. Vaccines against seven other illnesses are now recommended only for at-risk children or through “shared decision-making” with a health care provider. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the changes strengthen transparency and informed consent. But doctors say the new recommendations are sowing confusion, especially around the notion of shared clinical decision-making.

Supporters press for a DC memorial to Thomas Paine, whose writings helped fuel the Revolutionary War

January 10, 2026

By HILLEL ITALIE - AP National Writer

British-born Thomas Paine helped inspire the 13 English colonies to declare independence and form the United States of America. Yet there’s no formal tribute to the author of “Common Sense” from his adopted country. A Washington memorial to Paine was authorized by a 2022 law, and today it awaits approval from the Department of Interior. If approved, the memorial would have a 2030 deadline for completion. Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the publication of “Common Sense.” It’s one of the milestones of a yearlong commemoration of America’s founding and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Ukrainian drones set fire to Russian oil depot after Moscow launches new hypersonic missile

January 10, 2026

AP

A Ukrainian drone strike has sparked a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s Volgograd region, according to regional authorities. There were no immediate reports of casualties on Saturday. The attack is part of Ukraine’s strategy to target Russian energy sites and deprive Moscow of oil revenue. Russia aims to cripple Ukraine’s power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to essential services. The strike followed a massive Russian bombardment of Ukraine on Friday, including the use of a powerful hypersonic missile. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities and fuel depots.

Photos show snow and ice hitting parts of Europe

January 10, 2026

By The Associated Press

As winter storms slam certain parts of the U.K. and France, other parts of Europe have experienced heavy snow and icy conditions. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Hollywood couple Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors gain Guinean citizenship

January 10, 2026

By BOUBACAR DIALLO - Associated Press

Hollywood couple Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have received Guinean citizenship after tracing their ancestry to the West African country. They were awarded citizenship in a private ceremony in Conakry on Friday. The couple plans to tour the country’s tourist sites on Sunday. Djiba Diakité, head of the president’s cabinet, praised them as worthy representatives of Guinea. Majors, once on track for Hollywood stardom, faced setbacks after a 2023 arrest and subsequent conviction. Good, who began dating Majors in 2023, supported him during his trial. They married last year. Guinea’s citizenship offer follows similar initiatives by other African countries.

Greenland’s party leaders firmly reject Trump’s push for US control of the island

January 10, 2026

AP

Greenland’s party leaders have rejected President Donald Trump’s calls for the U.S. to take control of the island. They insist that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people. Trump said on Friday he wants to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous region of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from taking it. He mentioned doing it “the easy way” or “the hard way” without explaining further. The White House is considering options, including military force. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that an American takeover could end NATO. Officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. met Thursday to discuss the issue.

VR headsets are ‘hope machines’ inside California prisons, offering escape and practical experience

January 10, 2026

By HAVEN DALEY and CHRISTOPHER WEBER - Associated Press

Prisoners are now taking regular trips to far-flung, exotic locales such as Thailand. No passport required, just a virtual reality headset. A Los Angeles-based nonprofit is bringing the technology to California lockups with the goal of providing inmates a brief escape and, more importantly, exposure to real world scenarios that will prepare them to reenter society. During a weeklong program last month, incarcerated men at Valley State Prison near Fresno strapped on VR goggles. Some saw the sights on the other side of the globe, including Bangkok, while others experienced more practical scenes, such as job interviews.

Iran’s exiled crown prince rises as a figure in protests, decades after leaving his homeland

January 10, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Nearly 50 years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution overthrew his father, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has spurred demonstrators onto the streets in a massive escalation of the protests sweeping Iran. But Pahlavi’s call, rebroadcast by Farsi-language satellite news channels and websites abroad, raises questions about both his influence and the ultimate aim of the demonstrators in the streets. Iranian state media has for years mocked the 65-year-old Pahlavi, who lives in exile in the United States, as being out of touch and corrupt. President Donald Trump and other world leaders have been hesitant to embrace him.

Filipino rescuers detect ‘signs of life’ in garbage avalanche that killed 4 and left dozens missing

January 10, 2026

By JIM GOMEZ - Associated Press

A Philippine official says rescuers have detected signs of life in an avalanche of garbage that killed at least four workers and left more than 30 others missing. The official says the search will be intensified at the landfill in the central Philippines. Twelve workers have been retrieved alive from the huge mound of garbage that collapsed Thursday afternoon. The collapse happened among low-slung buildings of a waste management facility in Binaliw village in Cebu City. Mayor Nestor Archival says authorities confirmed the presence of signs of life in specific areas that require careful excavation and a more advanced crane

Giannis stops LeBron twice in the final minute as the Bucks rally to beat the Lakers 105-101

January 10, 2026

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked a shot by LeBron James and stole the ball from him on consecutive possessions in the final minute, and the Milwaukee Bucks blew a fourth-quarter lead before rallying for a 105-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 22 points, and he hit two free throws to break a tie after Antetokounmpo blocked a driving layup attempt by James with 39 seconds left. Antetokounmpo then knocked the ball out of James’ hands from behind with 2 seconds left, and Porter hit two more free throws to seal Milwaukee’s fifth win in seven games. Luka Doncic had 24 points for the Lakers.

National championship game will be a homecoming for Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

January 9, 2026

By MAURA CAREY - AP Sports Writer

Indiana is headed to its first national championship game after beating Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been a key player in a historic season for Indiana. The team is set to face Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. The game will be a homecoming for Mendoza, who grew up in Miami and attended high school 30 minutes south of the stadium.

How the US could take over Greenland and the potential challenges

January 9, 2026

By EMMA BURROWS and BEN FINLEY - Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Greenland and says Washington must take control of the strategically located island. The White House says military options are being considered. But Denmark’s prime minister warns that would spell the end of NATO. Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S. The United States already has a military base there under a 1951 defense agreement. Trump says control is needed for security against Russian and Chinese threats. But Greenlanders say they want independence and not U.S. annexation.

Actor Timothy Busfield accused of child sex abuse in New Mexico

January 9, 2026

By AUDREY McAVOY - Associated Press

Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for director and Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield to face a child sex abuse charge. An investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department said in a criminal complaint Friday that the child reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately. The acts allegedly occurred on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a TV series Busfield directed and acted in. The complaint says the child’s mother told Child Protective Services the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024. Busfield’s attorney and agent did not immediately respond to email messages seeking comment late Friday.

Washington National Opera bows out of Kennedy Center

January 9, 2026

By LOU KESTEN and JONATHAN J. COOPER - Associated Press

The Washington National Opera is moving performances away from the Kennedy Center. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s takeover of the venue and its rebranding as the Trump-Kennedy Center. A statement from the opera says it can’t function under financial constraints imposed by the Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center. The opera will reduce its spring season and move performances to other venues. Francesca Zambello, the opera’s artistic director, vows to continue offering a variety of shows.

What to know as Trump targets child care and social service funding to 5 states led by Democrats

January 9, 2026

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

The Trump administration has tried to freeze funds for programs including child care subsidies and cash assistance and job training for poor families with children. The administration says it’s rooting out fraud, but some state leaders say the motivation is political, with five Democratic-led states a special focus of attention. Money had been on hold for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York. Those states sued to challenge the demands and a federal judge on Friday halted it for at least two weeks while arguments are presented in court. The administration asked the state to produce personal data on program recipients.

Judge blocks Trump’s elections order in lawsuit by vote-by-mail states Oregon and Washington

January 9, 2026

By GENE JOHNSON - Associated Press

A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against the vote-by-mail states Washington and Oregon, in the latest blow to Trump’s efforts to require documentary proof of citizenship to vote and to require that all ballots be received by Election Day. U.S. District Judge John H. Chun found that those requirements exceeded the president’s authority, following similar rulings in a Massachusetts case brought by 19 states and in a Washington, D.C., case by Democratic and civil rights groups.

Former Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan agrees to become Miami Dolphins GM

January 9, 2026

By ALANIS THAMES - AP Sports Writer

Jon-Eric Sullivan has agreed join the Miami Dolphins as their general manager. The former Green Bay Packers executive is the first key piece in Miami’s organizational reboot. Sullivan was previously the Packers’ vice president of player personnel. He completed an in-person interview this week with the Dolphins. Miami was expected to move swiftly in hiring a new general manager after parting ways with longtime GM Chris Grier during the season. Sullivan’s first major task will be hiring a head coach after Mike McDaniel was fired Thursday. ESPN first reported the deal.

Rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman sells for $15 million

January 9, 2026

By BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI - Associated Press

A rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman and also was once stolen from the home of actor Nicolas Cage has been sold for a record $15 million. The private deal for “Action Comics No. 1” was announced Friday. It eclipses the previous record set last November when a copy of “Superman No. 1″ was sold at auction for $9.12 million. The Action Comics sale was negotiated by Manhattan-based Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, which said the comic book’s owner and the buyer wished to remain anonymous. The comic sold for 10 cents when it came out in 1938 and marks the beginning of the superhero genre.

Minneapolis schools offer remote learning as tensions rise over federal immigration enforcement

January 9, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA, STEVE KARNOWSKI and BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS - Associated Press

The Minneapolis school system will offer families the option of remote learning for a month. Officials made the announcement Friday in response to concerns that children might feel unsafe venturing out in the city. Tensions are high in Minneapolis over federal immigration enforcement. Parents and educators say such enforcement in cities around the U.S. has led to dips in attendance. Under the temporary plan, teachers will simultaneously deliver lessons from their classrooms to students in the classroom and at home. It’s similar to the way many did during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district says the virtual option will be available until Feb. 12.

The NCAA has denied Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility waiver. Rebels plan to appeal

January 9, 2026

By The Associated Press

The NCAA has denied Mississippi’s request to extend the eligibility of Trinidad Chambliss. The Rebels star quarterback finished his fifth year of college football in a 31-27 loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Thursday night. He had planned to return to Ole Miss for one more year. Ole Miss will appeal the decision. Chambliss took a redshirt his first season at Ferris State in 2021-22 and was held out his second season for medical reasons. He played two more seasons at the Division II school, and then transferred to Ole Miss. The Rebels filed the waiver request with the NCAA in November.

Free agent outfielder Max Kepler suspended 80 games by MLB following positive drug test

January 9, 2026

By RONALD BLUM - AP Baseball Writer

Free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s drug program. Kepler tested positive for Epitrenbolone, a substance that led to a suspension in 2018 for boxer Manuel Charr. An 11-year major league veteran, Kepler spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played his first 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins. Kepler accepted the suspension without contesting the discipline in a grievance, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press.

Judge to temporarily block effort to end protections for relatives of citizens, green card holders

January 9, 2026

By MICHAEL CASEY - Associated Press

A federal judge is expected to temporarily block efforts by the Trump administration to end a program that offered legal protections for more than 10,000 relatives of citizens and green card holders. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said Friday during a court hearing that she plans to issue a temporary restraining order but did not say when it would be issued. Plaintiffs want it issued by Jan. 14. That’s when protections end for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras who are part of the Family Reunification Parole program. Plaintiffs argue that many of these people have waited years for green cards, with some just weeks away from getting them.