US & World News Archives - Page 16 of 86

Britain’s BBC is both beloved and maligned. Now it faces a $10 billion Trump lawsuit

December 16, 2025

By JILL LAWLESS and DANICA KIRKA - Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump is suing the BBC for $10 billion over a documentary he claims was defamatory. The BBC has apologized for editing a speech in the program but insists there’s no basis for the lawsuit. The documentary, aired before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, allegedly portrayed Trump as inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump’s lawyers argue it damaged his brand and interfered with the election. Legal experts say Trump faces challenges proving his case. The BBC’s decision to fight or settle is complicated by its public funding and potential costs to British taxpayers.

The US gained 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October; unemployment rate at 4.6%

December 16, 2025

By PAUL WISEMAN - AP Economics Writer

The United States gained a decent 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October as federal workers departed after cutbacks by the Trump administration, the government said in delayed reports. The unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, highest since 2021. Both the October and November job creation numbers, released Tuesday by the Labor Department, came in late because of the 43-day federal government shutdown.

How a Trump Media deal with a crypto firm exposes potential conflicts of interest

December 16, 2025

By BRIAN SLODYSKO - Associated Press

Crypto.com was under siege — investigated by President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration and told enforcement action was likely. Then Donald Trump won the 2024 election, and the company’s legal peril dissipated. Crypto.com tapped a lobbyist close to Trump and donated $11 million to political committees tied to the Republican president. The investigation was dropped. Then the company announced it would invest roughly $1 billion into a venture with Trump’s social media company. Legal and ethics experts say the arrangement offers a case study of the conflicts of interest that have arisen in Trump’s second presidency. The White House says neither the president nor his family has ever engaged in conflicts of interest.

Hegseth and Rubio are expected back on Capitol Hill as questions mount over boat strikes

December 16, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES, LISA MASCARO and BEN FINLEY - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s top Cabinet officials overseeing national security are headed back to Capitol Hill. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others are set to talk to lawmakers Tuesday. The officials will brief members of the House and the Senate amid congressional investigations into a military strike in September that killed two survivors of an initial attack on a boat allegedly carrying cocaine in the Caribbean. Lawmakers have been examining the attack as they question the purpose of the U.S. military buildup in the region. The U.S. has flown fighter jets near Venezuelan airspace and seized an oil tanker as part of its campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Zelenskyy says peace proposals to end the war in Ukraine could be presented to Russia within days

December 16, 2025

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says peace proposals for U.S. officials to present to Russia could be finalized within days. He said late Monday a draft peace plan discussed in Berlin with American and European officials is “very workable.” But issues like the status of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia remain unresolved. U.S.-led peace efforts are gaining momentum. But Russian President Vladimir Putin may resist some proposals including security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy reiterated that Kyiv won’t recognize Moscow’s control over any part of the Donbas. Ukraine expects increased Western pressure on Moscow including tougher sanctions and military support if diplomacy fails. Zelenskky is visiting the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Australian police say Bondi Beach mass shooting was inspired by Islamic State group

December 16, 2025

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY and ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

Australia’s federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett says a mass shooting in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was “a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.” The suspects were a father and son, aged 50 and 24, authorities have said. The older man, whom state officials named as Sajid Akram, was shot dead, while his son was being treated at a hospital on Tuesday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a news conference Tuesday that they were making their first comments about the suspects’ ideologies because of evidence they had obtained, including “the presence of Islamic State flags in the vehicle that has been seized.” 25 people are still being treated in hospitals after Sunday’s massacre, 10 of them in critical condition.

Holocaust survivor and 10-year-old with gentle soul among those killed in Bondi Beach shooting

December 16, 2025

By KRISTEN GELINEAU - Associated Press

The victims of a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach range from a 10-year-old girl with a gentle soul to an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. They are among the 15 people who were killed Sunday by two armed gunmen during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. Australia’s federal police commissioner says the shooting was a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State group. Family and friends say the other victims included two respected rabbis, an 82-year-old grandmother, a 78-year-old grandfather, a 27-year-old French national, a retired police officer and a bystander who tried to stop the violence.

US Jewish groups urge heightened security at public events after Hanukkah attack in Australia

December 16, 2025

By DAVID CRARY - AP National Writer

Leading Jewish groups in the United States are urging all Jewish organizations to ratchet up security at public events following the weekend’s mass shooting attack on a Hanukkah celebration on a beach in Australia. The groups say Jewish public events in coming days should be open only to people who had been screened after they have preregistered. In a counterpoint to calls for heightened security, including restrictions on access, some rabbis said their synagogues would proceed with large-scale celebrations. Australian authorities said a father and son are suspected in the attack that killed 15 people. The father was killed at the scene and the son was left in a coma.

Brown University shooting leaves students, community frustrated with official response

December 15, 2025

By HELEN WIEFFERING, BYRON TAU, JENNIFER McDERMOTT and BRIAN SLODYSKO - Associated Press

The effort to find a man who walked onto Brown University’s campus and shot nearly a dozen students in a crowded lecture hall has raised serious questions about the school’s security systems and the urgency of the investigation itself. On Sunday, officials released a person of interest without charges, leaving investigators scrambling for new leads. The shooting killed two students and injured nine others. The FBI and Providence police have released footage but have not identified the suspect. Students and community members are frustrated by security gaps. The lack of campus footage has led police to seek public tips, and the investigation continues.

US Army names 2 Iowa National Guard members killed in attack in Syria

December 15, 2025

By BEN FINLEY and HANNAH FINGERHUT - Associated Press

The two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack that the U.S. military blamed on the Islamic State group in Syria have been identified. The U.S. Army named them Monday as 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and 29-year-old Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff in their honor. A civilian working as a U.S. interpreter also was killed in the attack Saturday, and three other Iowa National Guard were wounded. A Syrian official says the assailant had joined Syria’s internal security forces as a base security guard two months ago and recently was reassigned amid suspicions that he might be affiliated with IS. The gunman was killed.

Vanderbilt’s Langston Patterson among 5 seeking injunction to play 2026 season

December 15, 2025

By TERESA M. WALKER - AP Sports Writer

Five college football players at power-conference schools asked a federal judge on Monday for a preliminary injunction to play a fifth year next season. All five have competed four seasons in four years without taking a redshirt: Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson; kicker Nathanial Vakos, tight end Lance Mason and long snapper Nick Levy of Wisconsin; and Nebraska long snapper Kevin Gallic. U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell granted an injunction nearly a year ago that allowed Diego Pavia to play this season. Pavia finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up leading Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record.

Abrego Garcia is still hoping to find justice after his wrongful deportation, his lawyer says

December 15, 2025

By REBECCA SANTANA and TRAVIS LOLLER - Associated Press

Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s mistaken deportation to El Salvador has become a significant issue in the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Despite having no criminal record, he was held in a brutal prison there. His lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, says Abrego Garcia is still fighting for justice. Last week, a federal judge in Maryland ordered his release and temporarily barred the government from detaining him again. Abrego Garcia has options like applying for asylum or a green card, but challenges loom with those options. His priority is avoiding a return to the El Salvador prison where he says he was was tortured.

‘General Hospital’ star Anthony Geary of Luke and Laura fame dies at 78

December 15, 2025

By The Associated Press

Anthony Geary, who played Luke Spencer on the longrunning soap opera “General Hospital,” has died. He was 78. The show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, expressed heartbreak over Geary’s passing. Geary died from complications following a recent surgery. He joined the soap in 1978 and won eight Daytime Emmy awards. His character’s wedding to Laura, played by Genie Francis, became a cultural phenomenon in 1981. Geary played Luke on and off until 2015 and returned for a cameo in 2017. He lived a quiet life in Amsterdam with his husband, Claudio Gama.

Biff Poggi tells signees and parents Michigan hopes to hire a coach by end of month, AP source says

December 15, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Michigan interim football coach Biff Poggi had a Zoom call with the program’s signees and their parents just hours after Sherrone Moore was fired last week. That’s according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because they were not authorized to share details from the call. The person said Poggi told the players and their parents that athletic director Warde Manuel hoped to have a new coach hired by the end of the month. Moore’s firing has left the Wolverines scrambling to retain recruits and to give current players reasons to stay out of the transfer portal.

Big retailers didn’t pull ByHeart baby formula fast enough after botulism recall, FDA says

December 15, 2025

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to four top retail stores for failing to promptly pull contaminated infant formula tied to a dangerous outbreak from their shelves. The FDA sent letters posted Monday to leaders at Walmart, Target, Kroger and Albertsons, saying the companies continued to sell ByHeart infant formula for days or weeks, despite a Nov. 11 recall of all products. The formula is linked to an outbreak of infant botulism that has sickened more than 50 babies in 19 states. All of the babies have been hospitalized and treated for the illness.

Photos of a tragedy in Hollywood, as filmmaker Rob Reiner and wife are found dead and son arrested

December 15, 2025

By DAMIAN DOVARGANES and CAROLINE BREHMAN and ETHAN SWOPE - Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles home before authorities arrested the Reiners’ son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Big Ten puts 10 on AP All-America first team, led by 4 from Ohio State and Hoosier star Mendoza

December 15, 2025

By ERIC OLSON - AP College Football Writer

The Associated Press has released its All-America team, featuring four Ohio State players among 10 first-team picks from the Big Ten. Caleb Downs of Ohio State and Fernando Mendoza of Indiana headline the list. Downs, a repeat selection, is the Big Ten defensive player of the year. Mendoza, the AP Player of the Year, led Indiana to a 13-0 record and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. The team includes players from 18 schools, with seven from the College Football Playoff. Western Kentucky, Navy, and Hawaii each have first-team selections for the first time in decades.

MRI confirms Packers’ Micah Parsons tore his ACL, AP source says

December 15, 2025

By ROB MAADDI and STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writers

An MRI has confirmed Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons tore his left anterior cruciate ligament. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the test results who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the team hasn’t announced the injury. It will knock Parsons out for the remainder of the season. He suffered the non-contact injury Sunday during the third quarter of Green Bay’s 34-26 loss at Denver. Parsons had gotten past right tackle Mike McGlinchey and was chasing Broncos quarterback Bo Nix when he pulled up and fell to the ground.

Hallmark holiday movie fans are flocking to Connecticut’s quaint filming locations

December 15, 2025

By SUSAN HAIGH - Associated Press

Connecticut is working to become a destination for holiday movie fans, promoting its charming towns featured in films by Hallmark and Lifetime. The state has launched the nation’s first Christmas Movie Trail, a self-guided tour of locations where 22 films were made. It has sparked online buzz and boosted business for some attractions. Fans are visiting places like Wethersfield, where parts of “Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane” were shot. The holiday movie industry is booming, with 100 new films released annually. Connecticut’s marketing officer says the trail is also part of a rebranding effort to promote the state as a great place to live and work.

Arizona, Michigan stay 1-2 in AP Top 25 men’s poll; No. 15 Nebraska hits highest mark since 1991

December 15, 2025

By AARON BEARD - AP Basketball Writer

No. 1 Arizona and No. 2 Michigan remain atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for a second straight week. Monday’s new poll also saw Nebraska jump eight spots to No. 15. That is the program’s highest ranking since sitting at No. 11 in the final poll of the 1990-91 season. The top 10 was unchanged from last week other than No. 7 Gonzaga and No. 8 Houston swapping spots. Georgia was the lone new addition to the poll at No. 25. The Bulldogs replaced UCLA.

US tariffs are having an uneven effect on holiday prices and purchases

December 15, 2025

By MAE ANDERSON - AP Business Writer

Many U.S. consumers say they’ve noticed higher than usual prices for holiday gifts in recent months, according to a a December poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. A contributing factor is the unusually high import taxes the Trump administration put on foreign goods. While the worst-case consumer impact that many economists foresaw from the administration’s trade policies hasn’t materialized, some popular gift items have been affected more than others. Most toys and electronics sold in the U.S. come from China. So do most holiday decorations. Jewelry prices have risen due to the cost of gold.

Trump administration says it needs to fight SNAP fraud, but the extent of the problem is unclear

December 15, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

Accusations of widespread fraud are at the heart of the Trump administration’s policies on SNAP. Officials looking at the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from a law enforcement view see it as a huge problem, costing taxpayers billions a year taken by both organized crime and people who receive benefits. Other government data does not show such a deep problem and some researchers see fraud as troublesome but not something that happens on a massive scale. Some advocates warn that measures intended to thwart fraud could also make it harder for qualified people to access benefits.

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

December 15, 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) — Police renewed their search Monday for the gunman who killed two Brown University students and wounded nine others, a day after they released a person of…

Russia indicates it’s open to Ukraine joining EU as part of peace deal to end war, US officials say

December 15, 2025

By STEFANIE DAZIO and AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

U.S. officials say Russia has indicated it’s open to Ukraine joining the European Union as part of a potential peace deal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and there’s now consensus on about 90% of the U.S.-authored peace plan. The officials who briefed reporters after U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as British, French and German officials in Berlin over the last two days said Monday such an offer would be a major concession by Moscow. But Russia has previously said it does not object to Ukraine joining the EU. The latest round of talks between Zelenskyy and U.S. envoys ended Monday.

Son Nick arrested after Rob Reiner and his wife found dead in Los Angeles home, AP source says

December 15, 2025

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER and MIKE BALSAMO - Associated Press

A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that a son of Rob Reiner, Nick Reiner, was taken into custody Monday after the deaths of the director-actor and his wife Michele at their home in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid request Sunday afternoon and discovered a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman deceased inside. Detectives are investigating it as an apparent homicide. Reiner, known for directing films like “This is Spinal Tap” and “A Few Good Men,” was 78. He was married to Michele since 1989. They had three children together.

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

December 15, 2025

The Associated Press,

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

35 countries will compete in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after 5 countries announce boycott

December 15, 2025

By JAMEY KEATEN - Associated Press

Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have announced a final list of 35 countries that will take part in the glitzy pop-music gala next year. It comes after Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain this month says they will sit it out due to discord over Israel’s participation. The 2026 finale is set to be held in Vienna next May. Thirty-seven countries took part this year, when Austria’s JJ won. Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania will return after skipping the event for artistic or financial reasons in recent years.

Rob Reiner’s life in photos

December 15, 2025

By The Associated Press

Rob Reiner, one of the preeminent filmmakers of his generation who directed movies such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally …” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” died Sunday at 78. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles and police are investigating. This is a photo gallery…

Court battle begins over California’s new congressional map designed to favor Democrats

December 15, 2025

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD and TRÂN NGUYỄN - Associated Press

The Justice Department and California are going to court over the state’s new congressional map that favor Democrats. The court battle begins Monday. A three-judge panel will consider whether to allow the state to the new boundaries for elections. California voters decisively approved the map last month. The Justice Department has accused California of racial gerrymandering by favoring Hispanic voters. Democrats said they’re confident the lawsuit will fail. The legal fight could help determine which party wins control of the U.S. House in 2026. California’s map is a direct counter to a similar Republican-led effort in Texas backed by President Donald Trump.

Older adults may struggle to learn a new language but classes are a worthwhile exercise

December 15, 2025

By STEPHEN WADE - Associated Press

It’s well established that children have an easier time learning second languages. In recent years, scientists have studied whether being bilingual may help ward off the memory lapses and reduced mental sharpness that come with an aging brain. Most research on the potential benefit involved people who spoke two or more languages for most of their lives. The good news is that neuroscientists say that attempting to acquire a new language still is worthwhile for older adults. One of the scientists who pioneered research on the advantages of bilingualism compared studying a new language to doing brain-training games that are promoted to slow the onset of dementia. Language classes also have social benefits.

How an AM radio station in California weathered the Trump administration’s assault on media

December 15, 2025

By BYRON TAU - Associated Press

Six days into President Donald Trump’s new administration, the San Francisco Bay-area radio station KCBS-AM and other outlets reported on local immigration raids. The brief story quickly drew the ire of conservative influencers who attacked KCBS’ report as endangering agents’ lives. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr accused KCBS of failing to operate in the public interest and said he was opening an investigation. Current and former staffers say KCBS began taking steps to mitigate the risk of drawing further attention from Carr. The staffers say reporters were dissuaded from pursuing political topics. KCBS says there’s been no change in policy or editorial direction.

Family member questioned after Rob Reiner and his wife found dead in Los Angeles, AP source says

December 15, 2025

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER and MIKE BALSAMO - Associated Press

A law enforcement official says investigators have been questioning a family member of director-actor Rob Reiner Rob Reiner and his wife Michele after they were found dead at their home in Los Angeles. Speaking anonymously to The Associated Press because they could not publicly discuss details of the investigation, the official also said investigators believe Reiners suffered stab wounds. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, the chief of detectives, says police had not identified a suspect. He says they’ll try to speak to every family member they can to determine the facts. Reiner starred in “All in the Family” and directed hits including “When Harry Met Sally.” He and Michelle Reiner had three children together.

Injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons ruin NFL’s Week 15

December 15, 2025

By ROB MAADDI - AP Pro Football Writer

First, Patrick Mahomes went down. Then, it was Micah Parsons. The NFL lost two of its all-time greatest players to serious knee injuries in a span of a few hours on Sunday, ruining a day filled with exciting comebacks and fascinating stories. Forty-four-year-old Philip Rivers played his first game in 1,800 days and nearly led the 14-point underdog Indianapolis Colts to a stunning upset against Seattle before Jason Myers kicked a 56-yard field goal with 29 seconds left to lift the Seahawks to an 18-16 victory. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills from a 21-0 deficit to a 35-31 victory at New England.

What to know about the attack on the Jewish festival in Australia that killed 15 people

December 15, 2025

AP

Officials suspect a father and son of killing 15 people on a popular Australian beach, shocking a country where gun violence is rare. The government on Monday proposed tougher gun laws amid criticism that officials didn’t take seriously enough a string of antisemitic attacks. The suspects attacked a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah. The dead included a 10-year-old. Police found suspicious items, including explosive devices. Antisemitic incidents have surged in Australia, with attacks on synagogues and Jewish communities. This is the deadliest shooting in Australia in three decades, prompting calls for stricter gun control.

Former Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai convicted in landmark national security trial

December 15, 2025

By KANIS LEUNG - Associated Press

Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, has been convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court. Three government-vetted judges on Monday found Lai, 78, guilty of conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law, Lai could face up to life imprisonment. A mitigation hearing was set for January.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese proposes tougher national gun laws after mass shooting in Sydney

December 15, 2025

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY, ROD MCGUIRK and KRISTEN GELINEAU - Associated Press

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed tougher national gun laws after a mass shooting in Sydney. He said Monday he would propose new restrictions including limiting the number of guns a licensed owner can obtain. “The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” Albanese told reporters. “People’s circumstances can change. People can be radicalized over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity,” he added.

Dak Prescott and Cowboys watch playoff hopes all but vanish in 34-26 loss to Vikings

December 14, 2025

By SCHUYLER DIXON - AP Pro Football Writer

J.J. McCarthy threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score, C.J. Ham had the go-ahead TD on his first carry of the season and the Minnesota Vikings severely damaged Dallas’ playoff hopes with a 34-26 victory over the Cowboys. The Vikings won a second consecutive game after they were eliminated from the postseason race before the kickoff. The Cowboys have to win their three remaining games and hope defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia goes 0-3 in order for Dallas to overtake the Eagles in the NFC East. Both of McCarthy’s TD tosses were to Jalen Nailor.

Paul Wiggin, College Football Hall of Famer and former coach, dies at 91

December 14, 2025

AP

Paul Wiggin, the former Stanford and Cleveland Browns star who was on the losing end of “The Play” coaching star quarterback John Elway and the Cardinal, died Friday. He was 91. Wiggin’s death was announced by the Browns, the Minnesota Vikings and the National Football Foundation. He was the fourth-oldest living NFF Hall of Famer. Wiggin was on the Stanford sideline in 1982 for “The Play” when California scored the winning touchdown in a 25-20 victory in the “Big Game” after Stanford’s band prematurely took the field. Wiggin played for Stanford from 1954-56. He was a two-time All-America selection as a defensive tackle and was selected the school’s Defensive Player of the Century. He spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Browns,

Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons feared to have torn ACL, AP source says

December 14, 2025

By ROB MAADDI and PAT GRAHAM - AP Sports Writers

Micah Parsons is believed to have suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the All-Pro pass rusher’s injury who spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the severity of the injury hasn’t been confirmed by test. Parsons tells the AP in a text that he’s “sickened.” Parsons’ injury is a devastating blow to the Green Bay Packers, who lost 34-26 to Denver on Sunday. The Packers fell to second place behind the Chicago Bears in the NFC North.

Matthew Stafford rallies Rams to 41-34 victory over Lions, clinching another playoff berth

December 14, 2025

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Matthew Stafford passed for 368 yards and hit Colby Parkinson for two touchdowns, and the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams clinched a playoff berth with a furious second-half rally for a 41-34 victory over the Detroit Lions. Kyren Williams rushed for two scores and Blake Corum added another TD for the Rams, who came back from a double-digit deficit shortly before halftime with 20 consecutive points before securing their eighth victory in nine games. Amon-Ra St. Brown scorched his hometown team for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions for the Lions. Detroit has alternated wins and losses since Week 5.

Mahomes tears ACL as Chargers eliminate Chiefs from playoff contention with 16-13 victory

December 14, 2025

By DAVE SKRETTA - AP Sports Writer

The Los Angeles Chargers eliminate the Kansas City Chiefs from playoff contention with a 16-13 victory on Sunday, with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tearing the ACL in his left knee. Derwin James intercepts Gardner Minshew’s pass in the closing seconds to secure the 16-13 win. Justin Herbert, playing with a broken hand, throws for 210 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers complete a regular-season sweep of Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes was injured after being tackled by Da’Shawn Hand. Minshew steps in but throws a crucial interception in the fourth quarter. The Chargers, now 10-4, edge closer to a playoff berth, while the Chiefs’ playoff hopes ended with the loss.

‘Zootopia 2’ reclaims No. 1 spot at box office, grosses $1B worldwide

December 14, 2025

By JAKE COYLE - AP Film Writer

“Zootopia 2” has regained the No. 1 spot at the box office with $26.3 million in its third weekend of release. According to studio estimates Sunday, The Walt Disney Co. animated sequel became the year’s second film to gross $1 billion worldwide. With “Avatar: Fire and Ash” arriving Friday, it was a relatively quiet weekend in theaters. There were no major new releases, leaving holdovers “Zootopia 2” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” to duke it out for the top spot. The edge went to “Zootopia 2,” which has quickly amassed $1.14 billion in ticket sales thanks to its enormous success in China. “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” collected $15.4 million, a drop of 70% from its above-expectations debut.

Hassett says Federal Reserve can reject Trump’s views if he is chair

December 14, 2025

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

A leading candidate to be President Donald Trump’s choice for Federal Reserve chair says he would present the president’s views to Fed officials for their consideration but they could reject them if they chose when making decisions on interest rates. Hassett’s comments Sunday come as Trump is reportedly in final interviews with potential replacements for the Fed’s current chair, Jerome Powell. Trump’s outspokenness about interest rates has raised concerns about the Fed’s independence from day-to-day politics under any chair he appoints.

JetBlue flight near Venezuela avoids ‘midair collision’ with US Air Force tanker

December 14, 2025

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

A JetBlue flight from the small Caribbean nation of Curaçao halted its ascent to avoid colliding with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker, and the pilot blamed the military plane for crossing his path. The incident Friday involved JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao, which is just off the coast of Venezuela, en route to New York City’s JFK airport. It comes as the U.S. military has stepped up its drug interdiction activities in the Caribbean and is also seeking to increase pressure on Venezuela’s government.

Attacker who killed US troops in Syria was a recent recruit to security forces, official says

December 14, 2025

By ABBY SEWELL - Associated Press

A Syrian security guard who attacked and killed three U.S. citizens in Syria had joined the internal security forces two months earlier. A Syrian official told The Associated Press on Sunday that the attacker was suspected of having ties to the Islamic State group. The attack occurred Saturday near Palmyra, killing two U.S. service members and one civilian. Three others were wounded. The gunman was killed at the scene. The incident highlights concerns about infiltration within Syrian security forces. U.S. officials have vowed retaliation against IS for the attack. The U.S. military has been expanding cooperation with Syrian forces.

Mass shooting at Jewish event on Bondi Beach follows rising antisemitism in Australia

December 14, 2025

By MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called an attack on a Hanukkah celebration at a Sydney beach that killed at least 11 people an act of antisemitism and terrorism. Antisemitism has been rising in Australia. According to a report from Tel Aviv University, Australia and Italy saw the highest increase in antisemitic attacks in 2024. Australia recorded 1,713 incidents, up from 1,200 in 2023. Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a key organizer of the event, was among the dead. The attack occurred during a ceremony marking the first night of Hanukkah.

Israel’s Netanyahu lashes out while world shows shock and sympathy over Australia shooting

December 14, 2025

The Associated Press

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized Australia’s leader, linking calls for a Palestinian state to rising antisemitism. On Sunday, Netanyahu said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s support for a Palestinian state fuels antisemitism. He was reacting to a mass shooting at a Jewish event in Sydney that killed at least 11 people. Australia recognized a Palestinian state in September during the United Nations gathering. Netanyahu’s government argues that international support for a Palestinian state rewards Hamas. Global leaders, including those from Iran, the United States, Britain, Germany, the United Nations and India have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.

Egypt reveals restored colossal statues of pharaoh in Luxor

December 14, 2025

BY SAMY MAGDY AND AHMED HATEM - Associated Press

Egypt has unveiled two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Luxor. The alabaster statues, known as the Colossi of Memnon, were reassembled after a two-decade renovation project. Amenhotep III ruled ancient Egypt about 3,400 years ago. The statues, which were toppled by an earthquake in 1200 BC, have been restored to revive the appearance of his funerary temple. The unveiling comes six weeks after the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, part of efforts to boost tourism. Egypt hopes to attract 18 million tourists this year, with a goal of 30 million annually by 2032.

Michigan search includes Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, AP source says

December 14, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

The firm hired by Michigan to search for a football coach to replace Sherrone Moore has contacted representatives for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz. That’s according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because they were not authorized to share details of the search. Moore was fired on Wednesday, when the school said an investigation uncovered his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Two days later, Moore was charged with three crimes.

Hamas confirms the death of a top commander in Gaza after Israeli strike

December 14, 2025

AP

Hamas has confirmed the death of a top commander in Gaza, a day after Israel said it had killed Raed Saad in a strike outside Gaza City. The Hamas statement on Sunday described Saad as the commander of its military manufacturing unit. Israel had described him as an architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war in Gaza. Israel asserted that he had been “engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization” in a violation of the ceasefire that took effect two months ago. Israel said it killed Saad after an explosive device detonated and wounded two soldiers in southern Gaza.