US & World News Archives - Page 14 of 86

Visiting the Trevi Fountain now will cost more than just a coin toss with a 2-euro tourist fee

December 19, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder. The city of Rome is imposing a 2-euro or $2.35 fee starting on Feb. 1 for tourists to get close to the fountain made famous by Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita.” The view for those admiring the late Baroque masterpiece from the piazza above remains free. The tourist fee announced Friday is part of the Eternal City’s efforts to manage tourist flows in a particularly congested part of town, improve the experience and offset the maintenance costs of preserving all of Rome’s cultural heritage. Officials estimate it could net the city 6.5 million euros or $7.6 million extra a year.

Suspect in Brown University shooting and MIT professor’s killing was once a physics student

December 19, 2025

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH - Associated Press

Authorities have identified Claudio Neves Valente as the suspect in a mass shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor. Neves Valente is originally from Portugal. He and MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro were in the same academic program in Portugal before Neves Valente attended Brown. On Thursday, Neves Valente was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in New Hampshire. Authorities have not provided a motive, and Neves Valente’s life remains largely a mystery. As a high school student, he competed in a national physics competition in 1994, coming in third place, according to a Portuguese physics magazine.

Pope names new archbishop of Westminster as part of generational shift in English-speaking hierarchy

December 19, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV has made another high-profile appointment that signals a generational shift in the English-speaking Catholic hierarchy. Leo on Friday tapped Bishop Richard Moth to replace the retiring Cardinal Vincent Nichols as archbishop of Westminster in London. On Thursday, Leo had named 58-year-old Bishop Ronald Hicks to succeed the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan as archbishop of New York, one of the biggest and most important archdioceses in the U.S. Also, Leo on Friday accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerald Barbarito of Palm Beach, Florida, and named as his replacement the Rev. Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, currently pastor of the Our Lady of Sorrows church in the Queens borough of New York City.

Military lawyer swiftly fired from immigration bench after defying Trump deportation push

December 19, 2025

By JOSHUA GOODMAN - Associated Press

A U.S. Army Reserve lawyer detailed as a federal immigration judge has been fired barely a month into the job after granting asylum at a high rate out of step with the Trump administration’s mass deportation goals. Christopher Day began hearing cases in late October as a temporary judge at the immigration court in Annandale, Virginia. He was fired around Dec. 2, according to the National Association of Immigration Judges. It wasn’t made public why Day was fired. But federal data from November shows he ruled on asylum cases in ways at odds with the Trump administration’s stated goals.

Head of workplace rights agency urges white men to report discrimination

December 19, 2025

By CLAIRE SAVAGE - Associated Press

The head of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has urged white men to report workplace discrimination based on race or sex. Andrea Lucas, a critic of DEI initiatives, posted on social media Wednesday, encouraging affected individuals to contact the agency. Her post followed Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of DEI. Critics argue Lucas misunderstands DEI, which aims to create fairness for all, including white men. Former EEOC Chair Jenny Yang calls Lucas’ focus on white men “problematic.” Lucas has prioritized addressing DEI-related discrimination since becoming acting chair in January.

Young conservative women find a home in Turning Point with Charlie Kirk’s widow at the helm

December 19, 2025

By SEJAL GOVINDARAO - Associated Press

Young women who have grown emboldened in their conservative beliefs are attending the annual conference held by Turning Point USA. The organization was founded by Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September. The women don’t want to apologize for their traditional views on faith, marriage and family, and they draw inspiration from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who now leads the political juggernaut that helped return President Donald Trump to the White House. Turning Point’s efforts to appeal to young women are intended to bridge a gender divide that has challenged the Republican Party, which has been more popular with men.

States faces a choice on whether to embrace Trump’s tax cuts on tips, overtime and more

December 19, 2025

By DAVID A. LIEB - Associated Press

Lawmakers across the U.S. will be debating whether to adopt new federal tax breaks for tips, overtime and business expenses. The Trump administration is urging states to follow its lead by applying the federal tax cuts to state income taxes. But that decision varies by state. In some places, the tax breaks automatically apply unless legislatures opt out. In others, they won’t occur unless legislatures opt in. States embracing all of President Donald Trump’s tax cuts could offer significant savings to taxpayers but may also face financial strain. So far, only a few states have voted on these tax breaks, with Michigan being the first to opt in for tips and overtime.

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcome their ‘perfect angel girl’

December 19, 2025

By The Associated Press

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have announced the birth of their baby, a girl. Their newborn is named Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson. They shared the news Thursday on Instagram. The baby is the first for both and was born Dec. 12. Model Hewitt called Scottie her “best work yet.” Davidson added: “wu tang forever.” The baby’s name appears to honor Davidson’s late father. The New York City firefighter died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Hewitt confirmed the pregnancy in July on Instagram. The couple went public with their relationship in March. They shared several photos of their newborn but covered her face with a white heart emoji.

Trump administration will appeal judge’s order reversing federal funding cuts at Harvard

December 19, 2025

By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge’s order reversing billions of dollars in funding cuts to Harvard University. The Justice Department filed a notice of appeal late on Thursday in a pair of consolidated lawsuits brought by Harvard and the American Association of University Professors. It prolongs a legal battle that has tested the government’s power to sway the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university. The Trump administration cut more than $2.6 billion from the Ivy League school over allegations that it had been slow to deal with anti-Jewish bias on campus. A judge rejected that argument and ordered the cuts reversed.

Sony buys a majority stake in the ‘Peanuts’ comic for $457 million from Canada’s WildBrain

December 19, 2025

AP

Sony is taking control of the beloved comic strip Peanuts. The company is buying a 41% stake from Canadian owner WildBrain for $457 million. This deal, announced Friday, increases Sony’s shareholding to 80%. The Schulz family will continue to own the remaining 20%. Sony Music Entertainment’s President says they are excited to elevate the Peanuts brand using Sony’s global network. Peanuts debuted in 1950 and has become a global phenomenon. Sony acquired its first stake in Peanuts Holdings in 2018. WildBrain also owns other kids’ entertainment franchises like Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies.

Nodding off is dangerous. Some animals have evolved extreme ways to sleep in precarious environments

December 19, 2025

By CHRISTINA LARSON - AP Science Writer

Animals that navigate extreme conditions and environments have evolved to sleep in extreme ways. For a long time, scientists could only make educated guesses about when wild animals were sleeping. But in recent years, tiny trackers and helmets that measure brain waves have allowed researchers to glimpse for the first time the varied and sometimes spectacular ways that wild animals snooze. Scientists have observed that chinstrap penguins in Antarctica sleep for seconds at a time to guard newborns. Frigatebirds that soar for weeks at a time get their winks on the wing. Elephant seals spend time sleeping while diving.

Spread of Gaza famine has been averted yet strip still faces starvation, experts say

December 19, 2025

By SAM MEDNICK - Associated Press

The world’s leading authority on food crises says the spread of famine’s been averted in Gaza yet the situation remains critical with the entire strip facing starvation. The new report was issued Friday by The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. The report comes months after the IPC said famine was occurring in Gaza City and was likely to spread across the territory. The report says there were notable improvements in food security and nutrition following an October ceasefire and no famine has been detected. The report warns the situation remains fragile. The IPC says all of Gaza will be classified an emergency with nearly 2,000 people facing catastrophic levels of hunger through April.

Putin tells his annual news conference that the Kremlin’s military goals will be achieved in Ukraine

December 19, 2025

By HARRIET MORRIS - Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized that Moscow’s troops are advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine and has voiced confidence that the Kremlin will achieve its goals militarily if Kyiv fails to agree to Russia’s conditions in peace talks. Speaking at his tightly orchestrated annual news conference Friday, Putin declared that Russian forces have “fully seized strategic initiative” and would make more gains by the year’s end. In the early days of the conflict in 2022, Ukraine’s forces managed to thwart an attempt by Russia’s larger, better-equipped army, to capture the capital of Kyiv. But the fighting soon settled into grinding battles, and Moscow’s troops have made slow but steady progress over the years.

A sunrise crowd gathers at Bondi Beach in solace and defiance after a massacre

December 19, 2025

By KEIRAN SMITH, CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY and STEVE MARKHAM - Associated Press

Thousands of people have returned to Australia’s Bondi Beach in the first full day of opening since a mass shooting killed 15 people. People gathered Friday on the sand and in the water to commemorate those killed five days earlier. Two shooters attacked a Hanukkah celebration at a nearby park Sunday in an attack believed to have been motivated by antisemitism. Authorities reopened parts of the famed beach Thursday, leading to the commemoration Friday morning. Armed police officers are standing guard Friday outside synagogues and mosques in Sydney. The country is dealing with questions about whether Australian Jews were sufficiently protected and fears of a backlash against Muslims.

Photos show a world aglow with holiday lights

December 19, 2025

By The Associated Press

As 2025 winds down, holiday lights are illuminating communities around the world, transforming familiar landmarks into scenes of shared wonder. From glowing waterfronts to streets and public spaces bathed in festive color, places shimmer with light and a shared sense of joy. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

PHOTO ESSAY: The Palestinian families trying to rebuild their lives in the ruins of Gaza

December 19, 2025

By JEHAD ALSHRAFI - Associated Press

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Halawa family’s building still rises two stories above the rubble in Gaza City, a small miracle after two years of Israeli airstrikes wrought heavy damage on homes across the Palestinian territory. One section of the building has collapsed, and bent metal rods jut out from where a roof once stood. A narrow set…

How 1 anonymous tipster cracked the Brown University shooting case

December 19, 2025

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI - Associated Press

Law enforcement officials say an anonymous tipster known only as “John” helped crack the case of two Brown University students’ deaths and the wounding of nine others. The tipster’s information led police to identify Claudio Neves Valente as the suspect. Anxiety and frustration had plagued the Providence community until police announced late Thursday that they found the suspected gunman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. John recognized Valente from police images and suggested looking into a grey Nissan. John provided additional critical details to investigators, helping solve the case.

British baker’s criticism of Mexican ‘ugly’ bread triggers social media outrage

December 18, 2025

By FERNANDA PESCE - Associated Press

A British baker’s critique of Mexican bread has sparked outrage on social media, leading to a public apology. Richard Hart, co-founder of Green Rhino bakery in Mexico City, said Mexicans lack a bread culture, calling their rolls “ugly” and “cheap.” His comments ignited a debate over food identity and foreign influence in Mexico. Social media users defended Mexican bread, highlighting staples like bolillos and conchas. Hart later apologized, acknowledging he underestimated the cultural importance of bread in Mexico. The incident has fueled discussions about cultural authority and the role of foreigners in critiquing Mexican traditions.

Bucks’ Antetokounmpo says his focus is on his health rather than rumors about his future

December 18, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s more focused on getting healthy and helping the Milwaukee Bucks turn their season around than dealing with rumors about his future plans. Antetokounmpo spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time since a Dec. 3 ESPN report indicated that he and his agent were talking with Bucks officials about whether he’s best suited to stay in Milwaukee or get traded. Antetokounmpo strained his right calf in a victory over the Detroit Pistons that night and hasn’t played since.

Jury finds a Wisconsin judge guilty of obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal agents

December 18, 2025

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

A jury has found a Wisconsin judge guilty of obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant dodge federal authorities. Jurors handed down the verdict against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on Thursday after deliberating for six hours. She faces up to five years in prison when sentenced. According to court filings, Dugan led Eduardo Flores-Ruiz out of her courtroom through a private back door on April 18 after learning agents were in the courthouse looking to arrest him for being in the country illegally. Federal prosecutors charged her days later with a felony count of obstruction and a misdemeanor count of concealing an individual to prevent arrest.

US Justice Department sues 3 states, District of Columbia for voter data

December 18, 2025

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

The U.S. Justice Department has sued three states and the District of Columbia for not turning over requested voter information to the Trump administration. The Justice Department has now filed 22 lawsuits seeking voter information as part of its effort to collect detailed voting data and other election information across the country. The latest lawsuits were filed against Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia and the District of Columbia. The move comes one week after the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission voted against the Justice Department’s request for the data. The Trump administration has characterized the lawsuits as part of an effort to ensure the security of elections.

Trump’s blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil raises new questions about legality

December 18, 2025

By BEN FINLEY, ERIC TUCKER, KEVIN FREKING and JOSHUA GOODMAN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast is raising new concerns about the legality of his military campaign in Latin America. It’s also fueling fears that the U.S. could be edging closer to war. Experts and some of Trump’s critics agree the president is not imposing a true blockade, which would be illegal outside of warfare. But they say seizing sanctioned oil tied to authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro could provoke a military response from Venezuela. Trump says the South American country is using oil to fund drug trafficking and other crimes. Venezuela says the move would violate international law.

FACT FOCUS: Trump’s glowing account of progress is at odds with his government’s own stats

December 18, 2025

By CALVIN WOODWARD - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has offered a glowing account of progress under his watch in a speech from the White House. But some of his claims Wednesday night were out of tune with the experience of price-squeezed Americans and the story told by some of his government’s own statistics. For one, he claimed consumer prices are falling rapidly. Yet the inflation numbers are about where they were when he took office. Inflation had been falling during the first few months of Trump’s presidency, but it picked back up after the president announced his tariffs in April.

Hurricane-force wind downs power lines, fans wildfires in Colorado with more on way

December 18, 2025

By MEAD GRUVER - Associated Press

Work crews are mopping up but bracing for more after hurricane-force wind downed power lines and fanned wildfires along the Colorado Front Range and onto the Great Plains. Wind that in places topped 100 mph arrived late Wednesday after Xcel Energy protectively cut off power through much of its eastern Colorado service areas. The goal was to prevent downed lines from starting fires. By Thursday afternoon, power was 60% restored but more strong wind and power outages are expected Friday. Wind-driven wildfires burned some 14,000 acres in eastern Colorado late Wednesday. Strong wind meanwhile closed a section of I-70 in western Kansas on Thursday.

What to know about Trump’s order seeking to relax federal drug policies for marijuana

December 18, 2025

By DAVID A. LIEB - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has directed his administration to pursue reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The change could reduce taxes for the marijuana industry and facilitate more research on medicinal uses. Trump’s executive order on Thursday does not legalize marijuana under federal law and still requires federal regulatory approval. Marijuana is currently a Schedule I drug, but Trump proposes reclassifying it as a Schedule III substance. The change could save marijuana businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes. Support for marijuana legalization has grown, but some opponents worry about increased commercialization and usage.

Tarik Skubal joins Paul Skenes on US World Baseball Classic pitching staff

December 18, 2025

AP

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has agreed to pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. He joins a pitching staff that includes reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The U.S. roster for this tournament, set from March 5-17, also includes All-Star relievers Mason Miller and David Bednar. Japan won the 2023 championship game 3-2. U.S. position players include catchers Cal Raleigh and Will Smith, infielders Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., and outfielders Corbin Carroll and Aaron Judge. Staff depth is crucial due to pitcher restrictions.

Trump Media to merge with nuclear fusion company that wants to power AI

December 18, 2025

By MATT O'BRIEN and JENNIFER MCDERMOTT - Associated Press

The parent company of President Donald Trump’s Truth Social media platform announced Thursday it is merging with a fusion power company, an unusual pairing of the Trump name with a futuristic clean energy venture that aims to power the next wave of artificial intelligence. Trump Media & Technology will combine with TAE Technologies in an all-stock deal that the companies said is valued at more than $6 billion. Trump Media & Technology is the parent company of President Donald Trump’s Truth Social media platform. Its shares have tumbled 70% this year but jumped 20% before the opening bell. Fusion technology has been seen as a long way off but tech companies view it as a promising way of powering their energy-hungry AI data centers.

Trump signs executive order that could reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug

December 18, 2025

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and BILL BARROW - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that could reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This move could ease regulations and expand medical research by shifting marijuana from a Schedule I drug, like heroin, to a Schedule III substance, similar to ketamine. This change won’t legalize recreational use nationwide but may alter regulation and taxation. Former President Joe Biden’s Justice Department had also proposed reclassifying marijuana, but Trump’s order on Thursday could speed up the process,. Some Republicans oppose the change, arguing marijuana remains dangerous. Trump has focused on combating other drugs, like fentanyl, during his second term.

Timberwolves formalize a reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a plan to finally retire his No. 21 jersey

December 18, 2025

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writer

Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by his original team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves announced Thursday they’ve hired Garnett as a team ambassador with a plan to honor him in a jersey-raising ceremony on a future date. The fifth pick in the 1995 draft played the first 12 of his 21 NBA seasons for Minnesota before returning in 2015 for a farewell year. He has essentially been estranged from the organization because of a rift with former owner Glen Taylor. Taylor’s sale of the Timberwolves to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez closed earlier this year.

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

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

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

In recorded message, Rob Reiner urges resiliency for Holocaust survivors at Hanukkah event

December 18, 2025

By MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

Hollywood icon Rob Reiner urged Holocaust survivors to show resilience in a video message recorded weeks before he was killed. Reiner’s message was delivered to a Hanukkah ceremony honoring Holocaust survivors. He noted his wife’s family was killed at Auschwitz, giving the event special meaning. The video was part of a virtual candle lighting by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. As part of the event, around 100 Holocaust survivors gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Thursday to light the fifth candle of Hanukkah. Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death Sunday at their Los Angeles home. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past

December 18, 2025

By JONATHAN MATTISE - Associated Press

Tennessee’s governor has pardoned country music star Jelly Roll, a Nashville native who for years has spoken about his criminal record and his path to finding redemption. Republican Gov. Bill Lee issued the pardon Thursday for the 41-year-old musician, whose legal name is Jason Deford. The state parole board made a nonbinding recommendation for the pardon in April. The rapper-turned-country singer has said it would make it easier for him to travel internationally to perform and share his message, after spending time behind bars when he was younger. Now, he often visits jails and rehabilitation centers before performing concerts.

Hubble Space Telescope spies dusty debris from two cosmic collisions

December 18, 2025

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has gotten a rare peek at the aftermath of two cosmic collisions — and helped scientists solve a decades-old mystery. Many years ago, scientists saw a dense, bright spot near a young star and thought it could be a planet. After finding a second one, they realized it was actually the dusty debris from two cosmic crashes. Massive space rocks had slammed together to create clouds of dust that were thick enough to masquerade as planets. The new study was published Thursday in the journal Science.

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

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

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

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

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

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

Romanian court sentences US rapper Wiz Khalifa to 9 months for drug possession

December 18, 2025

AP

A court in Romania has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months in jail on drug possession charges. The ruling on Thursday came more than a year after he took part in a music festival in the Eastern European country. Khalifa was stopped by Romanian police in July 2024 after allegedly smoking cannabis on stage at the festival in Costinesti. Prosecutors said the rapper was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis and that he consumed some on stage. The Constanta Court of Appeal handed down the sentence. The decision is final. It isn’t clear whether Romanian authorities will seek to file an extradition request since Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and doesn’t reside in Romania.

President Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz

Trump administration moves to cut off transgender care for children

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

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

Democrats keep 2024 election review under wraps, saying a public rehash won’t help them win in 2026

December 18, 2025

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

Democrats won’t issue a postelection report on their 2024 shellacking after all. The Democratic National Committee head has decided not to publish a formal assessment of the party’s defeat that returned Donald Trump to power and gave Republicans complete control in Washington. Ken Martin had ordered a thorough review of what went wrong and what could be done differently. Martin now says there’s no value in a public release of findings that he believes could lead to continued infighting and recriminations before the 2026 midterms when control of Congress will be at stake.

Trump administration moves to cut off transgender care for children

December 18, 2025

By ALI SWENSON, MATTHEW PERRONE and DEVI SHASTRI - Associated Press

U.S. officials are proposing new restrictions that would effective ban gender-affirming care for minors. The announcement from Department of Health and Human Services is the latest step by the Trump administration cracking down on transgender Americans. The sweeping proposals include cutting off federal Medicaid and Medicare funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to children. The HHS Office of Civil Rights will also propose a rule excluding gender dysphoria from the definition of a disability. The proposals are not final or legally binding. They must go through a lengthy rulemaking process and are likely to face legal challenges. They also contradict the recommendations of major medical groups including the American Medical Association.

Kremlin envoy set to visit Miami for talks on US peace plan for Ukraine

December 18, 2025

By MATTHEW LEE and ILLIA NOVIKOV

A U.S. official says a Kremlin envoy will travel to Florida to discuss a U.S.-proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine. The American official said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s adviser Kirill Dmitriev is to meet with President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in Miami on Saturday. The official said that Witkoff and Kushner will sit down with Dmitriev after meetings with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin earlier this week in which they discussed U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv, territorial concessions and other aspects of the U.S. plan to end the war.

Business jet crashes at an airport in North Carolina

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

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

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

Brian Walshe sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife nearly 3 years ago

December 18, 2025

By MICHAEL CASEY and PATRICK WHITTLE - Associated Press

A Boston-area man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife, whose body has never been found after she disappeared nearly three years ago. Brian Walshe was sentenced Thursday in the killing of Ana Walshe. He was convicted Monday of first-degree murder. He pleaded guilty separately to misleading police and illegally disposing of a body. Investigators relied on Walshe’s online searches about dismemberment and disposing of a body to secure the murder conviction. Surveillance video shows a man resembling Walshe throwing heavy trash bags into a dumpster. Many items were recovered from the dumpster bearing their DNA and including Ana Walshe’s vaccination card.

Turning Point youth conference begins in Phoenix without founder Charlie Kirk

December 18, 2025

By JONATHAN J. COOPER - Associated Press

Turning Point is beginning its annual Christian youth conference, the first event since the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk. The four-day meeting in Phoenix kicking off Thursday gathers thousands of young supporters of the MAGA movement, which faces internal debates over its future. A year ago, the conference celebrated President Donald Trump’s victory. Now the movement faces challenges, including debates over antisemitism. Turning Point is being led by Kirk’s widow and is confronting its own future. The event features MAGA influencers like Donald Trump Jr. and Tucker Carlson. Erika Kirk has stepped into the spotlight, addressing conspiracy theories surrounding her husband’s death.

US consumer prices decelerated unexpectedly in November, rising 2.7% from a year earlier

December 18, 2025

By PAUL WISEMAN - AP Economics Writer

U.S. inflation decelerated unexpectedly last month according to new data that had been delayed by the government shutdown. The Labor Department reported Thursday that its consumer price index was up 2.7% in November from a year earlier. The report was delayed eight days by the federal government’s 43-day shutdown, which also prevented the Labor Department from compiling overall numbers for consumer prices and core inflation in October. Thursday’s report gave investors, businesses and policymakers their first look at CPI since the September numbers were released on Oct. 24. Consumers prices had risen 3% in September from a year earlier, and forecasters had expected the November CPI to match that year-over-year increase.

PHOTO ESSAY: Grassroots groups tackle social isolation

December 18, 2025

By The Associated Press

Josh Pyles grew up on the farm where he now lives in Port Royal, Kentucky. His wife, Ashley Pyles, had never farmed before. But both are fully committed at their Blue Meadow Beef farm, where they and their three children raise beef cattle for local consumers. “At the end of the day, we want it to be reasonable and affordable…

Efforts to reconnect Americans face challenges in a lonely time

December 18, 2025

By PETER SMITH - Associated Press

It’s been called an “epidemic” of loneliness and isolation. The “bowling alone” phenomenon. By any name, it refers to Americans’ growing social disconnection. Americans are less likely to join civic groups, unions and churches than in recent generations. They have fewer friends, are less trusting of each other and less likely to hang out in a local bar or coffee shop. For all that, it’s not surprising that many feel lonely or isolated much of the time. Such trends form the backdrop to The Associated Press’s report on small groups working to restore community connections.

Russia is trying to overwhelm Europe with its sabotage campaign, Western officials say

December 18, 2025

By EMMA BURROWS - AP European Security Correspondent

The Associated Press has documented 145 incidents in what Western officials say is a campaign of disruption across Europe masterminded by Russia since President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Officials say the campaign aims to deprive Ukraine of support, create divisions among Europeans and identify the continent’s security weak spots. Officials say each act sucks up valuable security resources. While the campaign places a heavy burden on European security services, officials say it costs Russia next to nothing. That’s because Moscow is carrying out cross-border operations that require European countries to cooperate extensively — while often using foreigners with criminal backgrounds as cheap proxies for Russian intelligence operatives.

Pope names fellow Chicagoan, Bishop Ronald Hicks, as new archbishop of New York

December 18, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV has made a significant U.S. appointment by naming Bishop Ronald Hicks as the next archbishop of New York. Hicks, currently the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, replaces the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Dolan, a prominent conservative figure, recently finalized a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had sued the archdiocese. Hicks will lead one of the largest U.S. archdioceses as it navigates relations with the Trump administration and its immigration policies. This appointment marks an important step for the church in addressing these challenges.

US announces massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion

December 18, 2025

By MATTHEW LEE and SIMINA MISTREANU - Associated Press

The Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion, including medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones. The statement drew an angry response from China. The State Department announced the sales late Wednesday during a nationally televised address by President Donald Trump, who made scant mention of foreign policy issues and did not speak to trade or other issues with China. The eight arms sales agreements cover 82 high-mobility artillery rocket systems and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, similar to what the U.S. had been providing Ukraine during the Biden administration to defend itself from Russia. Those systems are worth more than $4 billion.

Mourners grieve 10-year-old slain in Bondi mass shooting as Australia’s leader pledges new hate laws

December 18, 2025

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY, KRISTEN GELINEAU and TRISTAN LAVALETTE - Associated Press

Hundreds of mourners have gathered in Sydney for the funeral of a 10-year-old girl killed in an antisemitic massacre during a Hanukkah celebration. The attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday left 15 people dead. Authorities say the suspects, a father and son, were inspired by the Islamic State group. The tragedy has sparked a national conversation about antisemitism in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced reforms to curb radicalization and hate, including tougher hate speech laws and stricter gun controls. Meanwhile, investigations into the suspects’ backgrounds continue, as the Jewish community mourns the victims.