US & World News Archives - Page 19 of 90

Report: US envoy coached Putin aide on how Russian leader should pitch Trump on Ukraine peace plan

November 26, 2025

By The Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s chief interlocutor with the Russian government last month advised a senior aide to Vladimir Putin on how the Russian leader should go about pitching the U.S. president on a Ukraine peace plan. That’s according to a transcript of the Oct. 14 call published Tuesday by Bloomberg News. The news agency said it reviewed a recording of the call. It said Trump envoy Steve Witkoff advised Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov that Putin should call the U.S. leader to congratulate him and praise Trump for the Gaza peace deal. Trump described Witkoff’s approach as “standard” in negotiations.

Kremlin confirms US envoy’s visit as talks on ending war in Ukraine gain momentum

November 26, 2025

By ILLIA NOVIKOV and SAM MCNEIL - KYIV, Ukraine

A senior Kremlin official confirms that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow next week. Efforts to find a consensus on ending the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine are picking up speed. On Wednesday, Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, said Kremlin officials still haven’t seen a U.S. peace proposal. Representatives of the United States, Russia, and Ukraine held talks in Abu Dhabi earlier this week. Meanwhile, the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia came under a large Russian drone attack overnight, damaging more than 50 residential buildings and injuring at least 19 people.

More flag-planting celebrations could be in store for college football’s rivalry week

November 26, 2025

By MARK LONG - AP Sports Writer

Florida State could have a giant Seminoles flag on standby in the Swamp on Saturday. The Seminoles surely remember how last year’s game against Florida ended in Tallahassee: with the Gators planting their flag on the FSU logo at midfield. Payback could be on tap when the in-state rivals meet with little at stake for the second consecutive year. Defensive tackle Caleb Banks says “we can’t let nobody come in our house and do that, honestly.” Teams across the country surely feel the same after flag plantings wreaked havoc during rivalry week in 2024. Michigan and Ohio State players scuffled, and similar scenes played out in Arizona, Florida and North Carolina.

Fire rages through bamboo scaffolding at Hong Kong high-rise residential complex, killing 4

November 26, 2025

AP

A raging fire at a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong has killed four people and injured three others. The fire broke out on Wednesday in the Tai Po district. Hong Kong media reported one of the deceased was a firefighter, but this hasn’t been confirmed. The fire spread on bamboo scaffolding around the building. Firefighters used ladder trucks to battle the intense flames. The blaze was reported midafternoon and was upgraded to a No. 4 alarm fire, indicating severe intensity.

Taiwan announces special budget of $40 billion for arms purchases to bolster defense

November 26, 2025

TAIJING WU and HUIZHONG WU - Associated Press

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has announced a special $40 billion budget for arms purchases, including to build a Taiwan Dome, an air defense system with high-level detection and interception capabilities, as the U.S. pressures the island to increase its defense spending. The budget will be allocated over eight years, from 2026 to 2033, and comes after Lai already pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of the island’s GDP. Lai had previewed the announcement in an op-ed for the Washington Post on Wednesday, saying the budget would be used to purchase arms from the U.S.

FBI surge leads to charges in 2020 killing in Native American community

November 25, 2025

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN - Associated Press

Three people have been indicted in connection with a killing on the Navajo Nation that had gone unsolved for more than five years. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictments this week in the shooting death of Zachariah Shorty as the agency shared results from Operation Not Forgotten. The six-month surge involved dozens of FBI agents, analysts and others who boosted investigative resources to address violent crime across Indian Country. In all, federal officials say more than 1,120 arrests were made over the last fiscal year. For Shorty’s mom, prayers were answered. Vangie Randall-Shorty says she never gave up hope that she would see justice for her son.

DACA recipients are being arrested despite deportation protection

November 25, 2025

By VALERIE GONZALEZ - Associated Press

An organization is tracking the growing number of arrests among people with temporary deportation protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Although DACA was created to shield noncitizens who were brought into the country by their parents from deportation if they meet certain requirements, including keeping a clean record, the Trump administration has obfuscated the protections granted to these recipients. At least 20 cases have been documented, including the recent arrest of a Dallas area resident who was a vocal participant in political meetings and public demonstrations.

National Parks to raise fees for millions of international tourists to popular US parks

November 25, 2025

By HALLIE GOLDEN and MATTHEW DALY - Associated Press

The National Park Service says it is going to start charging international tourists an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular U.S. parks. They will be left out of fee-free days that will be reserved for American residents. The announcement Tuesday declaring “America-first entry fee policies” comes as national parks deal with the strain of a major staff reduction and severe budget cuts. They’re also recovering from significant lost revenue during the recent government shutdown. The change will take effect Jan. 1 and impact 11 national parks. The announcement says foreign tourists will also see their annual parks pass price jump to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to be charged $80.

College football rankings start juggling act at 6-7, while top 5 remain the same

November 25, 2025

By EDDIE PELLS - AP National Writer

A sleepy week filled with nonconference blowouts locked the College Football Playoff rankings into a virtual standstill, with Ohio State ranked first again and Oregon’s flip-flop with Ole Miss at Nos. 6 and 7 one of the few significant changes in the newest top 25. Oregon’s impressive victory over Southern California accounted for its move up one spot over Mississippi, which didn’t play last week. The other meaningful change was Miami’s move to No. 12, in a switch with Utah after the Utes gave up 472 yards rushing in a tight win over Kansas State.

China’s pressure on Japan is a familiar tactic that could last for some time

November 25, 2025

By KEN MORITSUGU and AYAKA McGILL - Associated Press

China is turning to a well-used playbook to express its displeasure with Japan over a statement by its prime minister on Taiwan. Beijing is using its economic clout to pressure Tokyo while hurling a barrage of invective at its government. A Chinese advisory against travel to Japan has led to cancellations for hotels and tea ceremony classes. The Chinese release of two Japanese movies has also been called off and other sectors such as seafood exports could be next. China has employed similar economic pressure tactics before. One estimate says the travel advisory could cost Japan $11.5 billion.

Some families are ‘adopting’ turkeys for Thanksgiving instead of eating them

November 25, 2025

By HALLIE GOLDEN and THOMAS PEIPERT - Associated Press

An increasing number of farm animal sanctuaries across the country have started promoting an alternative version of Thanksgiving. Rather than dipping turkeys into gravy, families “adopt” them, donating money to their lifelong care. In return they receive photos, certificates and sometimes one-on-one visits with the birds. At Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, a $25 donation comes with a certificate, photo and either a virtual or in-person visit. The funds help pay for extending the turkeys’ outdoor pasture area, their feed and sometimes their pricey vet bills. The sanctuary says the program is about educating the public that turkeys are more than just centerpieces.

Football coach who went missing before undefeated team’s playoff game is wanted on criminal charges

November 25, 2025

AP

Virginia State Police say a high school football coach who disappeared days ago before his undefeated team’s playoff game is being sought on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material and using a computer to solicit a minor. Police say warrants were obtained Monday for 46-year-old Travis Turner, of Appalachia, Virginia. They didn’t share details about what prompted the charges. They say the Union High School coach has been missing since Thursday, when agents headed to his home, not to arrest him but as part of an investigation, but learned he was no longer there. They say the search nearby has included drones, dogs and rescue teams.

New limits for a rent algorithm that prosecutors say let landlords drive up prices

November 25, 2025

By R.J. RICO - Associated Press

Real estate software company RealPage has agreed to stop sharing nonpublic information between landlords as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice. Federal prosecutors had accused RealPage of helping property managers illegally drive up rents across the country. The DOJ announced the settlement Monday, more than a year after federal prosecutors filed the antitrust lawsuit under President Joe Biden. Officials accused RealPage of facilitating “algorithmic coordination,” saying its popular software let landlords coordinate without ever having to gather in a “smoke-filled room.” RealPage would not have to pay any damages or admit any wrondoing. The company says it’s pleased to settle the matter.

Health care plan circulated by the White House runs into familiar GOP divisions

November 25, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

A health care proposal circulated by the White House in recent days is running into Republican divisions on the issue. It’s a familiar struggle for Republicans, who have been trying to scrap or overhaul the federal health care law for the past 15 years. The tentative proposal from President Donald Trump would extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies for two years while adjusting eligibility requirements for those who receive them. The proposal has so far been met with a stony silence on Capitol Hill. Republicans are debating among themselves whether to overhaul the health care law, tweak it or simply let the subsidies expire.

FACT FOCUS: Trump gets it wrong claiming no murders in DC for the last six months

November 25, 2025

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

In addition to pardoning two North Carolina turkeys at the annual White House ceremony, President Donald Trump discussed his crime-fighting efforts in Washington, D.C., claiming that it’s been six months since the city has seen a murder. But that’s not true. There have been 62 homicides in Washington since May 25, including one last week, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The city has seen 123 homicides so far in 2025. Since National Guard troops were deployed to Washington on Aug. 11, there have been 24.

Death of Florida teenager on Carnival cruise ship ruled a homicide

November 25, 2025

By KATE PAYNE and JEFF MARTIN - Associated Press

The death of a Florida teenager on a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month has been ruled a homicide. Anna Kepner’s cause of death was “mechanical asphyxia,” according to a copy of her death certificate obtained by ABC News. The case has drawn international attention and sparked intense speculation on social media. Mechanical asphyxia is when an object or physical force stops someone from breathing. The case remains shrouded in mystery, with authorities providing little information. Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother has been identified as a suspect, according to court filings in a separate custody dispute.

X’s new feature raises questions about the foreign origins of some popular US political accounts

November 25, 2025

By BARBARA ORTUTAY - AP Technology Writer

Over the weekend, Elon Musk’s X unveiled a feature that lets users see where an account is based. Online sleuths and experts quickly found that many popular accounts, often posting in support of the U.S. MAGA movement with thousands or hundreds of thousands of followers, are based outside the U.S. This raises concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics. Researchers at NewsGuard identified several popular accounts that appeared to be run by Americans interested in politics – but instead were based in Eastern Europe, Asia or Africa. Other users were claiming, using fabricated screenshots, that accounts were based outside the U.S. when they weren’t.

Prosecutors will retry man in death of Etan Patz, whose 1979 disappearance spotlighted missing kids

November 25, 2025

By JENNIFER PELTZ - Associated Press

A notorious 1979 missing-child case will go to trial for a third time in New York City. Manhattan prosecutors vowed in a court filing Tuesday to retry the man whose murder conviction was recently overturned in the disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz. Etan’s case fueled a national focus on child disappearances and abductions, and Etan was one of the first to appear on milk cartons. A new set of prosecutors will need to bring back witnesses and try to persuade another jury that Pedro Hernandez lured and killed the boy as he walked to his New York City school bus stop. Hernandez’s lawyers insist he is innocent.

Best Buy ups sales outlook heading into holiday shopping ramp-up

November 25, 2025

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO - AP Retail Writer

Best Buy is raising its profit and sales expectations ahead of the holiday shopping season after a strong third quarter. Comparable-store sales at the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain rose 2.7%, fueled by computing, gaming and mobile phones. It was the biggest gain in four years for the Minnesota retailer. Shares rose more than 5% in afternoon trading Tuesday. The strong quarter is an encouraging sign for Best Buy, which like almost all U.S. companies, has spent months navigating an uncertain economic environment as President Donald Trump imposes wide-ranging tariffs on imports. Electronics have been particularly hard hit.

DC Mayor Bowser announces she won’t seek fourth term, as Trump’s federal intervention continues

November 25, 2025

AP

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Tuesday that she will not be seeking re-election. Bowser has served three terms, none more tumultuous than the last year, when President Donald Trump issued an emergency order that federalized the city’s police force and sent hundreds of National Guard troops there for what the administration called a crime-fighting mission.

FBI seeks interviews with Democratic lawmakers who urged US troops to defy illegal orders

November 25, 2025

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and MIKE HOUSEHOLDER - Associated Press

Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews. It comes a day after the Pentagon announced it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson leaves hospital after treatment for neurological disorder

November 25, 2025

AP

The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s family says that the civil rights leader has been released from a hospital where he was treated for a rare neurological disorder. Yusef Jackson said Tuesday that his father was discharged from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The 84-year-old Jackson is an internationally known civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013. That diagnosis was changed last spring to progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP. While hospitalized, Jackson’s visitors included former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Yusef Jackson thanked friends and supporters who are praying for the Rev. Jackson.

Vatican answers African bishops concerned about polygamy with document praising monogamous marriage

November 25, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

The Vatican has doubled down on the value of monogamous marriage between a man and woman. It’s responding to concerns raised by African bishops about the practice of polygamy in their flocks. The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office said the Catholic Church had a well-documented position upholding the indissolubility of marriage as a lifelong union. But it said the church’s position on the unique and exclusive nature of monogamous marriage was less well known. In recent years at Vatican meetings of bishops, African bishops have regularly complained that polygamy is widely practiced in their flocks and asked the Vatican for guidance. “On Flesh: In Praise of Monogamy,” is the Vatican’s response.

Dismissal of Comey, James cases won’t be the final word. Here’s what the path ahead may look like

November 25, 2025

By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

A federal judge’s dismissal of criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney Letitia James, two political foes of President Donald Trump, won’t be the final word on the matter. The Justice Department says it plans to immediately appeal a pair of rulings that held that Lindsey Halligan was illegally appointed. It also has the ability to try to refile the cases, though whether it can successfully secure fresh indictments through a different prosecutor is unclear, as is whether any new indictments could survive the crush of legal challenges that would invariably follow.

France says ‘bon voyage’ to 2 giant pandas as they head back to China

November 25, 2025

AP

A pair of giant pandas who lived in France for 13 years are heading back to China. The pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi are both 17 and are traveling on a 12-hour flight from Paris’ Charles-de-Gaulle airport. Zoo director Rodolphe Delord said they need specialized care because of their age. Huan Huan has been diagnosed with kidney failure. The pandas are returning to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pair became famous in France after arriving in 2012. Huan Huan gave birth to three cubs including the first panda born in the country.

US retail sales rose slightly in September, adding to months of big gains

November 25, 2025

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

Sales at U.S. retailers and restaurants rose slightly in September as resilient consumers moderated their spending after splurging over the summer. Sales increased 0.2% last month from August, the Commerce Department said, in a report delayed more than a month because of the government shutdown. The retail sales figures suggest that Americans as a whole are still willing and able to boost their spending, a key driver of the economy, despite high prices for groceries, rent, and many imported goods hit by tariffs.

ByHeart baby formula from all lots may be contaminated with botulism bacteria, tests show

November 25, 2025

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

The makers of ByHeart infant formula say tests of products tied to a botulism outbreak show that all of the company’s products may have been contaminated. Laboratory tests of 36 samples of formula from three different lots showed that five samples contained the type of bacteria that can lead to the rare and potentially deadly illness. At least 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in the outbreak that began in August. In addition, health officials say other infants who consumed ByHeart formula were treated in earlier months, as far back as November 2024.

U.S. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia agrees to pay nearly $5.2M in overdue personal taxes

November 25, 2025

By JOHN RABY - Associated Press

U.S. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia has agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes. An attorney for Justice and his wife, Cathy, entered into a joint motion with the federal government in a court filing Monday, the same day that the government filed a lawsuit seeking payment for the taxes dating to 2009. A Republican, Justice was elected last November to the seat vacated by Joe Manchin. Justice is a former two-term governor who owns dozens of businesses. Forbes magazine estimated that Justice’s fortune was at $1.9 billion last decade but that his net worth has since disintegrated to “less than zero.”

Consumer confidence slides as Americans grow wary of high costs and sluggish job gains

November 25, 2025

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

U.S. consumers were much less confident in the economy in November in the aftermath of the government shutdown and amid weak hiring and stubborn inflation. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index dropped to 88.7 in November from an upwardly revised October reading of 95.5, the lowest reading since April, when President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs that caused the stock market to plunge. The figures suggest that Americans are increasingly wary of high costs and sluggish job gains, with perceptions of the labor market worsening, the survey found.

More people are addicted to marijuana, but fewer of them are seeking help, experts say

November 25, 2025

By LAURA UNGAR - AP Science Writer

Cannabis use among young adults has reached historic levels, with nearly 18 million Americans using marijuana daily in 2022. This increase coincides with more states legalizing marijuana and products becoming more potent. Despite the rise in use, seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder has become less common. Experts say this is partly due to the misconception that marijuana is safe and nonaddictive. The drug’s increased potency has been linked to various health issues, and emergency room visits for cannabis intoxication have risen. Experts emphasize the need for education on the risks and available treatment options.

Turkey pardons offer holiday ritual during precarious moment for Trump

November 25, 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump plans to pardon two turkeys and head to his Florida resort to celebrate Thanksgiving. Waddle and Gobble, the two birds that will be spared from the dinner table, enjoyed luxury hotel accommodations ahead of their White House visit. Trump is struggling to advance a plan to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, facing criticism from European allies and some Republicans. The U.S. military is also poised to target Venezuela with military strikes as part of an anti-drug operation. In Washington, Trump faces a splintering Republican coalition ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Paris prosecutor reports 4 more arrests in connection with Louvre jewel heist

November 25, 2025

AP

The Paris prosecutor is reporting four more arrests in connection with the jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in October. Two men and two women from the Paris region were taken into custody on Tuesday morning. The loot, valued at around $102 million, hasn’t been recovered. It includes a diamond-and-emerald necklace Napoleon gave to Empress Marie-Louise, jewels tied to 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and Empress Eugénie’s pearl-and-diamond tiara.

Torn roofs and smashed windows among damage to over 100 homes in a tornado near Houston

November 25, 2025

AP

A tornado has damaged over 100 homes north of Houston, tearing off roofs and moving garages off foundations. Authorities in Texas report no injuries from the storm on Monday, which uprooted trees and downed power lines. Some people hunkered down in their homes and hid in closets during the storm. Heavy fog made it difficult to assess the damage Tuesday morning, but calmer weather conditions were expected. More than 20,000 customers lost power at one point. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are expected farther south Tuesday, considered one of the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Airport chapels stay on the radar of workers and travelers even as role of faith in public shifts

November 25, 2025

By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO - Associated Press

As travel picks up for the season, flyers can find a moment of quiet and relaxation at interfaith chapels or meditation spaces in many U.S. airports. Employees at Boston’s Logan International Airport also get to practice their faith right in their sprawling workplace. Logan’s Our Lady of the Airways is widely considered the country’s first airport chapel and is still a Catholic church — not an interfaith venue. Two cousins who work for JetBlue said they come to the brick-faced modernist chapel every day to pray for a couple of minutes before their shifts.

Afghanistan says Pakistani airstrikes in east of the country have killed 10 people, mostly children

November 25, 2025

By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and MUNIR AHMED - Associated Press

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has accused Pakistan of launching overnight airstrikes in three eastern provinces, killing 10 civilians. The government’s chief spokesperson posted on X Tuesday that Pakistan “bombed” the home of a civilian in Khost province, killing nine children and a woman. He said additional strikes were carried out in the provinces of Kunar and Paktika, injuring four others. Pakistan’s military and government did not immediately comment on the allegation, which comes more than a month after cross-border clashes erupted when the Afghan government claimed Pakistani drone strikes hit Kabul.

Pistons tie their championship teams from years past with franchise-record 13th straight win

November 24, 2025

AP

The Detroit Pistons tied a team record with their 13th straight victory, beating the Indiana Pacers 122-117 on Monday night. They matched streaks set by their 1990 and 2004 championship teams, improving their record to 15-2. Just two years ago, the Pistons set an NBA record for consecutive losses in a season with 28. Cade Cunningham has led the charge. The Pistons visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night in an NBA Cup game, aiming to surpass their historic predecessors.

Pistons win 13th straight to tie franchise record, beating the Pacers 122-117

November 24, 2025

AP

Cade Cunningham had 24 points and 11 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons won their 13th straight game to tie the franchise record, holding off the Indiana Pacers 122-117 on Monday night. The Pistons matched winning streaks by their 1989-90 and 2003-04 championship teams, two seasons after losing 28 in a row to break the NBA season record and tie the overall mark. Eastern Conference-leading Detroit is 15-2. Down 18 early in the fourth quarter, the Pacers pulled as close as two points. Bennedict Mathurin missed a 3-pointer with a chance to tie it with 11 seconds left. Caris LeVert added 19 points for Detroit. Pascal Siakam had 24 points for injury-ravaged Indiana. The Pacers have lost 10 of 11 to fall to 2-15.

Russia strikes Ukraine’s capital despite US peace push

November 24, 2025

AP

Russia has launched a wave of attacks on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, striking residential buildings and energy infrastructure. Local authorities said a residential building in the eastern district of Dniprovskyi was badly damaged and at least four people were injured. Ukraine’s energy ministry said energy infrastructure had been hit but didn’t give details. The attacks Tuesday morning followed talks between U.S. and Ukraine representatives in Geneva on Sunday about a U.S.-Russia brokered peace plan.

Vikings put McCarthy in concussion protocol, after struggling QB reports postgame symptoms

November 24, 2025

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Pro Football Wirter

The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the concussion protocol, putting his availability for the upcoming game at Seattle in question. McCarthy first reported symptoms during the team’s travel home from the 23-6 loss at Green Bay, coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday. The medical staff made the decision to put him in the protocol after returning to Minnesota. O’Connell did not rule McCarthy out for Sunday but said rookie backup Max Brosmer would step in with the first-string offense in practice this week until or unless McCarthy is cleared. The Vikings are 4-7.

Michigan football’s sign-stealing fines will cost school over $30 million, athletic director says

November 24, 2025

AP

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said the NCAA penalties stemming from the football program’s sign-stealing operation will cost more than $30 million. Manuel shared the details recently in a radio interview on The Big 1050 WTKA. The NCAA announced in August a series of punishments for a sprawling scandal that has loomed over the Wolverines for two years, including during their run to the national championship in the 2023 season. The punishment was expected to be tens of millions of dollars in fines.

Lawmakers question legality of Border Patrol license plate reader program

November 24, 2025

By BYRON TAU and GARANCE BURKE - Associated Press

Democratic lawmakers are questioning the legality of a U.S. Border Patrol program that uses predictive intelligence to detain drivers for suspicious travel. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts sent a letter Monday to Border Patrol’s parent agency, calling the license plate reader program an “invasive surveillance network.” An Associated Press investigation revealed that the program monitors millions of American drivers to identify and detain people based on travel patterns. Courts have generally upheld license plate reader collection on public roads, but scholars argue it might be unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment. Other lawmakers echoed Markey’s concerns about the program’s legality.

Why top college basketball teams are flocking to the Players Era tournament

November 24, 2025

By MARK ANDERSON - AP Sports Writer

The Players Era has quickly become a top early season college basketball tournament. It offers at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the participating teams. Starting Monday, the event features a strong lineup, including No. 3 Houston and No. 7 Michigan. The women’s field includes top teams like South Carolina and UCLA. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, highlights the financial incentive as a major draw. Organizers are pleased with the tournament’s financial success and increased ticket sales. Las Vegas hosts the event, providing both competitive games and an exciting atmosphere.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case

November 24, 2025

By PHILIP MARCELO - Associated Press

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and another former NBA player. The Hall of Famer was arraigned Monday in a federal court in New York City. Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. He previously appeared before in an Oregon federal court when prosecutors announced the indictment on Oct. 23. His attorney said at the time that the five-time All Star was a “man of integrity” and denied the charges.

Melania Trump welcomes Christmas tree to the White House

November 24, 2025

AP

First lady Melania Trump has welcomed this year’s Christmas tree to the White House. On Monday, the tree arrived from Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan. It was delivered in a green horse-drawn carriage driven by three men in top hats. Melania Trump described it as a beautiful tree as she circled the carriage and posed for pictures. She shook hands with one of the drivers and a woman standing with the two Clydesdale horses.

Michigan veterinarian who refused to return ailing dog to homeless man to spend 10 days in jail

November 24, 2025

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

A Michigan veterinarian will serve 10 days in jail for refusing to return a dog to a homeless man after finding the ailing pit bull mix tied to a truck. Amanda Hergenreder’s lawyer asked for 120 hours of community service for a misdemeanor larceny conviction. But a Grand Rapids judge ordered jail time, plus $1,000 in restitution. A year ago, Hergenreder saw the dog tied to a truck. She took him home to her clinic, treated a severe infection and removed a bad tooth. The vet was charged after refusing to return the dog. Hergenreder now says she failed to see the bond between Vinnie and the owner.

AP and Trump administration argue access case before federal appeals court; no ruling yet

November 24, 2025

By DAVID BAUDER - AP Media Writer

The Associated Press and the Trump administration renewed their argument over a president’s ability to limit media access to journalists he disagrees with. They resumed a courtroom dispute with potential First Amendment implications that began last winter when the president announced that he had renamed the Gulf of Mexico. Trump restricted the AP’s access to events in smaller spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One, leading the news outlet to sue. A lower federal court ruled that President Donald Trump improperly retaliated against the outlet because it did not follow and refer to the body of water as the Gulf of America. Now it’s on appeal. No immediate ruling was issued.

Takeaways from the first G20 summit in Africa and a look ahead to the next one at Trump’s golf club

November 24, 2025

By GERALD IMRAY - Associated Press

The first Group of 20 summit in Africa broke new ground this weekend by putting the priorities of poor countries at the top of the bloc’s agenda. Host South Africa negotiated a summit declaration in Johannesburg signed by some of the world’s richest and top emerging economies that agreed to give more global attention to issues that especially affect developing nations. From Monday, the U.S. takes over the rotating presidency of the G20. And with the Trump administration boycotting South Africa’s summit and rejecting its G20 agenda, it leaves the long-term impact of the Johannesburg declaration unclear.

Pentagon says it’s investigating Sen. Mark Kelly for video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’

November 24, 2025

The Associated Press,

FILE – Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, file) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona for possible breaches of military law…

Arizona jumps to No. 2 behind Purdue in AP Top 25, Alabama into top 10; Kansas falls out of rankings

November 24, 2025

By AARON BEARD - AP Basketball Writer

Purdue remained at No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. The Boilermakers earned 46 of 61 first-place votes in Monday’s poll to remain at the top. Arizona jumped to No. 2 after another impressive win against a ranked opponent. The Wildcats won at then-No. 3 UConn. They have already beaten ranked Florida and UCLA teams. Houston was third, followed by Duke and UConn. No. 24 Vanderbilt and No. 25 Indiana were new additions to the poll. They replaced Wisconsin and Kansas.

Trump says he will visit Beijing in April and host China’s Xi for a state visit later next year

November 24, 2025

By SEUNG MIN KIM and DIDI TANG - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he will visit Beijing in April and host China’s President Xi Jinping for a state visit later next year. Trump and Xi also spoke by phone on Monday to discuss trade, Taiwan and Ukraine, according to the White House and Chinese officials. Xi told Trump in the phone call that Taiwan’s return to mainland China is “an integral part of the post-war international order,” according to China’s foreign ministry. A White House official confirmed that the call happened on Monday morning but offered no details of the call.