US & World News Archives - Page 3 of 85

Trump administration funding threats set child care providers and parents on edge

January 7, 2026

By MORIAH BALINGIT and CHARLOTTE KRAMON - Associated Press

The Trump administration’s crackdown on the $12 billion Child Care and Development Fund, which subsidizes care for 1.4 million children from low-income households, has rattled child care providers and families that rely on the aid money. Citing unspecified allegations of fraud, administration officials are requiring states to provide extra documentation before receiving the money. It’s unclear if or when child care providers and families will feel the pinch. Some states, like Minnesota, also invest state resources in child care programs, which could insulate families from any impacts.

NFL playoff odds: Multiple road teams favored in unusual wild-card round

January 7, 2026

By MARK ANDERSON - AP Sports Writer

The NFL playoffs could see an unusual number of road favorites this weekend. As of Wednesday, four road teams are favored at BetMGM Sportsbook. Green Bay is a narrow favorite at Chicago, and the same is true for Buffalo at Jacksonville. That means there’s a chance those road teams won’t be favored by kickoff. The Los Angeles Rams are bigger favorites at Carolina, and Houston is favored at Pittsburgh. There were only three road favorites all of last postseason, according to Sportradar. And even in the games this weekend where the home team is favored, the lines aren’t that big.

Trump proposes massive increase in 2027 defense spending to $1.5T, citing ‘dangerous times’

January 7, 2026

By AAMER MADHANI and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is proposing setting U.S. military spending at $1.5 trillion in 2027, citing “troubled and dangerous times.” Trump called for the massive surge in spending days after he ordered a U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and spirit him out of the country to face drug trafficking charges in the United States. U.S. forces continue to mass in the Caribbean Sea. The 2026 military budget is set at $901 billion. Trump in recent days has also called for taking over the Danish territory of Greenland for national security reasons and has suggested he’s open to carrying out military operations in Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ominously warned that longtime adversary Cuba “is in trouble.”

Philippines evacuates 3,000 people after activity increases at Mayon Volcano

January 7, 2026

By JIM GOMEZ - Associated Press

The Philippines has evacuated nearly 3,000 villagers from a danger zone on the foothills of the Mayon Volcano after officials raised the alert level due to recent activity. Authorities raised the 5-step alert around the volcano in the northeastern province of Albay to level 3 on Tuesday after detecting intermittent rockfalls from its peak crater in recent days, prompting the initial evacuations. Chief volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol said it is too early to tell if Mayon’s restiveness would lead to a major and violent eruption given the absence of other key indicators, like a spike in volcanic earthquakes.

US will exit dozens of international organizations as it further retreats from global cooperation

January 7, 2026

By MATTHEW LEE and FARNOUSH AMIRI - Associated Press

The Trump administration will withdraw from dozens of international organizations, including the U.N.’s population agency and the U.N. treaty that establishes international climate negotiations. It marks the U.S. further retreating from global cooperation. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 organizations, agencies and commissions following his instruction for his administration to review participation in and funding for all international organizations, including those affiliated with the United Nations. Most of the targets are U.N.-related agencies, commissions and advisory panels that focus on climate, labor and other issues that this administration has categorized as catering to diversity and “woke” initiatives.

California loses $160M for delaying revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants

January 7, 2026

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

U.S. transportation officials have announced that California will lose $160 million for delaying the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants. The state notified those drivers in the fall that they would lose their licenses after a federal audit found problems, including licenses for truckers and bus drivers that remained valid long after an immigrant’s visa expired. But then last week California said it would delay those revocations until March after immigrant groups sued the state because of concerns that some groups were being unfairly targeted. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the state was supposed to revoke those licenses by Monday.

Rescuers use drone technology to find dog that escaped along New Jersey Turnpike

January 7, 2026

BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI

A dog traveling from a South Carolina shelter to a planned new home in Maine escaped during a bathroom break along the New Jersey Turnpike. Abbie, a 9-year-old golden retriever mix, wandered for about 25 miles before her tracking tag and drone technology enabled rescuers to find her the next day. Abbie was among several dogs being transported. Volunteers eventually pinpointed her location in a wooded area using thermal imaging from a drone. Woodbridge police rescued her early Sunday. Abbie suffered a hip injury that will require surgery but was otherwise fine, and now she’s back with her foster family in South Carolina.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani defends tenant official facing backlash for ‘white supremacy’ posts

January 7, 2026

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ - Associated Press

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is supporting a new housing official amid backlash over past social media posts. Cea Weaver, a tenant activist, was appointed last week to lead the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. Her old posts, which called for the seizure of private property and linked homeownership to white supremacy, have resurfaced, drawing national attention. Mamdani on Wednesday defended Weaver’s record of advocating for tenants. Weaver expressed regret over some of her past messages, saying they are “not something I would say today.” Weaver previously led a statewide effort that secured sweeping tenant protections in 2019.

‘One Battle After Another’ dominates SAG’s Actor Awards with 7 nominations

January 7, 2026

By JAKE COYLE - AP Film Writer

“One Battle After Another” dominated nominations to the Actor Awards on Wednesday, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s ragtag revolutionary saga landing a record seven nods in the annual Screen Actors Guild honors. In the 31 years of the Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, no movie has received more nominations. Along with a nod for the guild’s top award, best ensemble, the cast of “One Battle After Another” was showered with nominations for Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro and its stunt performers. The four other nominees for best ensemble are: “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme” and “Frankenstein.”

Minneapolis mayor says ICE officer’s killing of a motorist was ‘reckless’ and wasn’t self-defense

January 7, 2026

By TIM SULLIVAN and GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO - Associated Press

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot and killed a motorist acted recklessly and rejected federal officials claims that the officer had acted in self-defense. During a Wednesday news conference hours after the ICE officer shot the woman, whose name hasn’t been released, an angry Frey blasted the federal immigration crackdown on the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He said, “They are not here to cause safety in this city. … They’re ripping families apart. They’re sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people.”

Minneapolis mayor says ICE officer’s killing of a motorist was ‘reckless’ and wasn’t self-defense

January 7, 2026

The Associated Press,

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Baker) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said Wednesday that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot and killed a motorist acted recklessly and rejected federal…

Trump threats against Greenland pose new, potentially unprecedented challenge to NATO

January 7, 2026

By LORNE COOK - Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threats against Greenland pose a new and potentially unprecedented challenge to NATO, perhaps even an existential one. The alliance is normally focused on external threats, but it could now face an armed confrontation involving its most powerful member. The White House says the administration is weighing options that could include military action to take control of the strategically located and mineral-rich island. Greenland is part of NATO ally Denmark. Trump’s designs on Greenland could put at risk the entire future of NATO, which was founded in 1949 to counter the threat to European security posed by the Soviet Union.

Trump officials loosen strings on federal education money for Iowa. More states could follow

January 7, 2026

By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

The Trump administration is giving Iowa more power to decide how it spends its federal education money. Washington is signing off on a proposal that’s expected to be the first of many as conservative states apply for new spending freedom from the federal government. Iowa was the first state to apply for an exemption from certain spending rules after Education Secretary Linda McMahon invited states to request the flexibility last year. Such waivers have been offered for years but are finding new interest under President Donald Trump. Indiana and Oklahoma have made similar requests.

US seizes 2 sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean

January 7, 2026

The Associated Press,

(@Sec_Noem/X) WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in back-to-back actions in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, officials said Wednesday. U.S. European Command announced the seizure of the merchant vessel Bella 1 for “violations of U.S. sanctions” in a social media post. The U.S. had been pursuing the tanker since last…

US military action in Venezuela is seen as both a blessing and a curse for Russia’s Putin

January 7, 2026

By The Associated Press

The U.S. military operation in Venezuela can be seen as both a benefit and a burden for Russian President Vladimir Putin. His forces botched an attempt to capture Ukraine’s capital and topple its leader at the start of Moscow’s invasion nearly four years ago. The ouster of Nicolas Maduro highlights another Kremlin failure to support allies such as Syria and Iran. With the U.S. determined to establish control over Venezuela, Russia stands to lose a strategic foothold in the Western Hemisphere, along with billions of dollars invested in its oil industry. But the events also are causing unease in Western nations and giving the Kremlin fresh talking points to defend its war in Ukraine.

Ohio governor race takes shape as Ramaswamy and Acton pick running mates

January 7, 2026

By JULIE CARR SMYTH - Associated Press

In Ohio’s governor race, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton have announced their running mates. Ramaswamy, a biotech executive, has chosen Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, a seasoned conservative lawmaker. Acton, a former state health chief, has picked David Pepper, a pragmatic former state Democratic Chair. The announcements were made on Wednesday. Current Republican Gov. Mike DeWine cannot seek reelection due to term limits. Ramaswamy praised McColley for his legislative experience. Acton highlighted Pepper’s problem-solving skills and local government experience.

The top 5 affordable cars and SUVs for 2026, according to Edmunds

January 7, 2026

By CHRISTIAN WARDLAW - Edmunds

Everyone is talking about affordability in 2026, so the experts at Edmunds have assembled a list of five cars and SUVs that rank highly in their respective vehicle classes. Whether you’re looking for a small and efficient car or a sporty and fun one, or a three-row midsize SUV that can easily serve family duty while providing a little bit of luxury, there is something affordable here for just about anyone. The selected vehicles are also reasonably fuel-efficient to help save money on gas, and nearly all boast impressive recent crash test ratings.

US Christian leaders minister to an anxious diaspora with Venezuela’s future in flux

January 7, 2026

By LUIS ANDRES HENAO and GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO - Associated Press

Faith leaders are urging prayers for peace following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. In Venezuela, Catholic and evangelical leaders are appealing for calm, while many in the diaspora welcome the change. Miami’s Catholic archbishop says there is anxiety about the future but believes the church can help the country move forward. Since 2014, about 8 million Venezuelans have fled, with many settling in South Florida. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has taken Maduro’s place, offering to collaborate with the U.S. Amid rising uncertainty, faith leaders emphasize prayer, reconciliation and hope for a peaceful transition.

Saint-Tropez bids adieu to Brigitte Bardot with a funeral and public homage

January 7, 2026

By SYLVIE CORBET and THOMAS ADAMSON - Associated Press

Brigitte Bardot’s funeral was being held with a private service and a public homage in Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera resort where she lived after retiring from movie stardom. The animal rights activist and far-right supporter died Dec. 28 at age 91 at her home in southern France. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, said she died from cancer after undergoing two operations. The service began at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church in the presence of her family and selected guests. Hundreds of residents and admirers were following the farewell on large screens set up in the small town.

Yemen’s anti-Houthi council expels separatist leader and says he faces treason charges

January 7, 2026

By AHMED AL-HAJ, FATMA KHALED AND JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

A council fighting Yemen’s Houthi rebels has expelled the leader of a separatist movement and charged him with treason. The leader reportedly declined to travel to Saudi Arabia for talks. The Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, faces new tensions with Saudi-backed forces. An STC delegation flew to Riyadh but lost contact after landing. The STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes in Yemen’s al-Dhale governorate. The Presidential Leadership Council accused the STC leader of damaging Yemen’s military and political standing. The conflict has deepened uncertainty in Yemen, already strained by over a decade of war.

Iran army chief threatens preemptive attack over ‘rhetoric’ targeting country after Trump’s comments

January 7, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran’s army chief has threatened preemptive military action over the “rhetoric” targeting the Islamic Republic. The comments Wednesday by Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami likely refer to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” America “will come to their rescue.” It also likely is an effort to show strength as protests sparked by economic woes have grown into a direct challenge to its theocracy. Iran’s government separately began Wednesday paying the equivalent of $7 a month to subsidize rising costs for dinner-table essentials like rice, meat and pastas. But already, shopkeepers warn prices for items as basic as cooking oil likely will triple.

China announces another new trade measure against Japan as tensions rise

January 7, 2026

By SIMINA MISTREANU - Associated Press

China has escalated its trade tensions with Japan by launching an investigation into imported dichlorosilane, a chemical gas used in making semiconductors. This came a day after it imposed curbs on the export of dual-use goods that could be used by Japan’s military. The Chinese Commerce Ministry says it launched the investigation after learning from the domestic industry that the price of dichlorosilane imported from Japan had decreased 31% between 2022 and 2024. Beijing has been showing mounting displeasure with Tokyo after Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi late last year suggested its military could intervene if China were to take action against Taiwan – an island democracy Beijing considers its own territory.

Entertainment leaders amp up discussions about AI, creators and innovative tech at CES 2026

January 7, 2026

By KAITLYN HUAMANI - AP Technology Writer

CES 2026 is featuring extensive programming related to Hollywood, influencers and how the industry will continue to work with AI. Entertainment-related products and services are also on display at the technology showcase in Las Vegas. They include televisions with advanced features, AI-powered smart headphones and other innovations to enhance the at-home viewing experience. Artificial intelligence has long been a sticking point in Hollywood, with many reluctant to embrace the rapidly evolving technology. But speakers at CES have expressed optimism about how AI will benefit the industry.

Denmark and Greenland seek talks with Rubio after the White House says again it wants the island

January 7, 2026

By STEFANIE DAZIO - Associated Press

Denmark and Greenland are seeking a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after the Trump administration reiterated its intention to take over Greenland. Tensions escalated after the White House said Tuesday that the “U.S. military is always an option.” European leaders rejected President Donald Trump’s calls for the U.S. to take over Greenland, citing strategic reasons. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that a U.S. takeover would threaten NATO. Leaders from several European countries reaffirmed that Greenland “belongs to its people.” Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark and part of NATO.

Gen Z revolters are angry at the government they installed after Nepal’s protests

January 7, 2026

By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA - Associated Press

Frustration and anger are brewing among young protesters in Nepal who helped topple the government. Groups of the mostly leaderless Gen Z protest groups have returned to the streets of the Himalayan nation. But a lack of clarity among the protesters has been a key hurdle. Their demands include the resignation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki for failing to meet goals and expectations. Karki was installed as Nepal’s first female prime minister during protests in September in which 76 people were killed. Karki says elections will be held in March as planned.

Behind the photo: How a woman running from US bombs in Venezuela captured the night’s fear and chaos

January 7, 2026

By JUAN PABLO ARRAEZ and MATIAS DELACROIX - Associated Press

A photo of 21-year-old Mariana Camargo dashing through the streets of eastern Caracas as explosions boomed in the background was soon on front pages of major international outlets. The photo, taken by Associated Press photographer Matías Delacroix, became one of the first images of the American military operation in Venezuela that removed President Nicolás Maduro. On Tuesday, Camargo and Delacroix returned same place the photo was taken to reflect on it. Camargo’s friends soon began seeing the photo and it became a joke and a meme in her group chat. Even though Camargo has found some laughter in the moment, she still recalls the sense of panic from that night, a feeling felt by many Venezuelans.

Trump leaves Venezuela’s opposition sidelined and Maduro’s party in power

January 6, 2026

By REGINA GARCIA CANO - Associated Press

Opposition supporters have long hoped their leaders could replace Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s president. But despite a U.S. military operation to remove and prosecute Maduro, that opposition dream remains unfulfilled. President Donald Trump has sidelined the opposition by allowing Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, to take control in the interim. Exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado has praised Trump but has not been embraced by his administration. Machado, who was banned from running for office by the Maduro administration, named Edmundo González as her proxy in Venezuela’s presidential election in 2024 and the U.S. and other nations recognized him as the winner. Nonetheless, the future of Venezuela’s democratic transition is uncertain.

New deadly clashes between Syrian forces and Kurdish fighters erupt in Aleppo

January 6, 2026

By OMAR ALBAM - Associated Press

The deadliest clashes so far have erupted between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in Aleppo. Efforts to merge the Kurdish-led and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces with the national army have shown little progress. The SDF has tens of thousands of fighters and is the main force to be absorbed into Syria’s military. Syria’s state-run news agency on Tuesday reported casualties, including a soldier and civilians, in attacks blamed on the SDF. The SDF denied involvement and accused government factions of targeting Kurdish neighborhoods. Previous rounds of fighting have ended with truce agreements, but no official truce has been announced.

Protest-hit Iran warily watches the US after its raid on Venezuela

January 6, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

As Iran is gripped by new protests, many people there are focused on the U.S. raid in Venezuela and wonder whether the same could occur in Tehran. Iranian state media and officials have condemned the seizure in Caracas of Nicolás Maduro, a longtime ally. There’s concern about the Islamic Republic’s top officials. Attendees at one high-profile event were asked to pray for the theocracy’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But an analyst warns that “Iran is a much more complex political situation.” The paranoia feeds into wider worries among Iranians after attacks last year by Israel and the U.S.

Trump administration says it’s withholding social safety net money from 5 states over fraud concerns

January 6, 2026

By GEOFF MULVIHILL, MORIAH BALINGIT and HALLIE GOLDEN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s administration is withholding funding to help needy families with children in five states governed by Democrats. Officials cited fraud concerns as a reason for the action targeting California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will require extra documentation to access the funds. Officials in the states say the administration is motivated by politics. The administration has not given details of the fraud claims. The programs are lifelines to some low-income families, helping with day care, cash assistance and job training. Gov. Kathy Hochul says New York is prepared to go to court to preserve the funding.

Alaska Airlines pilot who safely landed plane after panel blew out says Boeing unfairly blamed him

January 6, 2026

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

The Alaska Airlines pilot who was praised as a hero for safely landing a plane after a door plug panel flew off shortly after takeoff in 2004 is suing Boeing because he believes the plane maker wrongly tried to blame him and the rest of the crew in past legal filings. Captain Brandon Fisher was commended by the heads of the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing executives for helping ensure none of the 177 people aboard died. Fisher’s lawyers say Boeing’s attempts to deflect liability in lawsuits despite NTSB investigation findings led to the pilot being sued by some passengers and caused him great distress. Boeing didn’t comment on the new lawsuit.

How Delcy Rodríguez courted Donald Trump and rose to power in Venezuela

January 6, 2026

By JOSHUA GOODMAN - Associated Press

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim president, has risen to prominence through strategic moves and political savvy. In 2017, as Venezuela’s foreign minister, she directed Citgo to donate $500,000 to Donald Trump’s inauguration, aiming to attract American investment. Despite initial setbacks, Rodríguez’s efforts have made her a key figure in U.S. business and political circles. Her pragmatic leadership style has helped her amass power, including control over Venezuela’s oil economy. However, her rise leaves Venezuela’s democratic future uncertain, as elections remain unmentioned.

Ex-Michigan State star Paul Davis apologizes for verbally abusing ref and getting kicked out of seat

January 6, 2026

AP

Former Michigan State and NBA player Paul Davis apologized for verbally abusing an official at the Breslin Center and being removed from his seat during the 12th-ranked Spartans’ 80-51 victory over Southern California. Davis addressed his actions with reporters and expressed remorse on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after an official pointed him out and asked him to be escorted away from his seat near the court. Davis says he apologized to official Jeffrey Anderson during a conversation on Tuesday, adding he is sorry for being a distraction for Michigan State’s players during their strong start this season.

Gov. Tim Walz says he doesn’t know what future holds for him after abandoning reelection bid

January 6, 2026

By STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

The political fortunes of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were looking bright in the summer of 2024, when Kamala Harris chose him as her running mate. He was seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. But Walz, under fire for fraud in government programs, on Monday abandoned his quest for a third term as governor. Walz told reporters Tuesday he doesn’t know what his future holds. He said he expects to be tied up for the next year with trying to fight off the Trump administration’s targeting of Minnesota. He didn’t rule out a return to education someday, saying he was a “really good geography teacher.”

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are officially divorced after 19 years of marriage

January 6, 2026

By ANDREW DALTON and JONATHAN MATTISE - Associated Press

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are now divorced and legally single. A Nashville judge has dissolved their 19-year marriage on Tuesday. Kidman filed for divorce in September, citing “marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences.” The couple has two teenage daughters, and Kidman will be the primary residential parent. They have agreed on a roughly equal division of their joint assets, with no need for child or spousal support. Kidman and Urban, both 58, met in Los Angeles in 2005 and married in Sydney the following year. The divorce was a surprise to the public, despite some public hints of marital difficulties.

Lions fire offensive coordinator John Morton after coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties

January 6, 2026

AP

The Detroit Lions have fired offensive coordinator John Morton. The move Tuesday was expected after the Lions missed the playoffs and coach Dan Campbell took over Morton’s play-calling duties midway through the season. Campbell is now looking for his third offensive coordinator in three seasons. Former OC Ben Johnson left the Lions a little more than a year ago to lead the Chicago Bears and helped them win the NFC North. The Lions failed to make the postseason after winning that division the previous two seasons and earning top seeding in the NFC last year.

FACT FOCUS: Trump sows confusion on number of childhood vaccinations

January 6, 2026

By The Associated Press

President Donald Trump spread some confusion about childhood vaccinations in social media posts about changes to U.S. vaccine recommendations. His administration has cut the number of vaccines long routinely recommended for all children. It now recommends everyone be protected against 11 diseases, down from 18 a year ago. Trump shared a misleading graphic comparing the change to a “European country” giving 11 “injections” and wrote that the U.S. “will no longer require 72 ‘jabs.’” Unless you counted yearly flu and COVID-19 shots, the number of injections over childhood was closer to 36 and the entire list was never required.

DHS deploys 2K federal agents to Minneapolis area to carry out ‘largest immigration operation ever’

January 6, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA and MIKE BALSAMO - Associated Press

The Trump administration has launched its largest immigration enforcement operation, deploying up to 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis area. This move began over the weekend and targets alleged fraud involving Somali residents. Officials describe it as one of the largest single-city mobilizations by the Department of Homeland Security in recent years. Most personnel come from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, focusing on immigration arrests and deportations. Homeland Security Investigations agents are also involved, investigating fraud and unlawful employment practices. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was seen participating in an arrest over the weekend.

What to know about Ukraine allies’ security guarantees as the war nears 4 years

January 6, 2026

By THOMAS ADAMSON - Associated Press

Ukraine’s allies have agreed on a framework for international security guarantees designed to deter any future Russian attack, as part of efforts to end Moscow’s nearly four-year invasion. Meeting in Paris on Tuesday, leaders from Europe and Canada joined U.S. representatives and senior European Union and NATO officials to outline how Ukraine could be protected after any ceasefire, though many details remain unresolved. The talks were the largest such gathering yet and included two U.S. envoys in person, underscoring a shift from contingency planning toward outlining possible commitments.

Trump says his voters loved the Venezuela attack — here’s what they really think

January 6, 2026

By JESSE BEDAYN, MIKE CATALINI, MIKE HOUSEHOLDER, SOPHIE BATES, OBED LAMY and CALVIN WOODWARD - Associated Press

President Donald Trump promised that “America First” would stand against more foreign entanglements. Yet he’s intervened with force and without congressional approval in a new frontier, with the U.S. seizure of Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife. The raid means another reckoning for the “Make America Great Again” coalition. Already, it’s been rocked by the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and strained by rising health insurance premiums and living costs. Associated Press journalists interviewed Trump supporters around the country. Many are fully behind what Trump did in Venezuela. But some worry the U.S. will be dragged into yet another foreign morass.

Trump tells Republicans to be ‘flexible’ on abortion restrictions to get a health care deal

January 6, 2026

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

President Donald Trump wants Republicans to get a deal on health care insurance assistance by being flexible on a long-standing amendment that bars federal money from being spent on abortion services. Trump made his request during a speech to House Republicans on Tuesday in Washington. Trump says Republicans can “own health care” as an issue if they get a deal to replace expired subsidies for Affordable Care Act insurance customers. But Trump is essentially asking House Republicans to set aside decades of GOP policy insisting on the Hyde Amendment as part of any health care spending. Some Democrats want to end Hyde restrictions as part of any new agreements on health care subsidies, and anti-abortion rights advocates want Republicans to hold the line.

Trump pushes back against Democrats’ criticism of Maduro raid

January 6, 2026

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is pushing back against Democratic criticism of this weekend’s military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He noted in a Tuesday speech to a House Republican retreat that his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden had also called for the arrest of the Venezuelan leader on drug trafficking charges. Trump grumbled that Democrats were not giving him credit for a successful military operation, even though there is bipartisan agreement that Maduro was not the rightful president of Venezuela. Trump did not address mounting criticism that the Republican administration is embarking on a new era of U.S. expansionism without consultation with lawmakers or a clear vision for running the South American country.

Ukraine’s allies meet in Paris but progress is uncertain with US focus on Venezuela and Greenland

January 6, 2026

By JOHN LEICESTER and SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

Ukraine’s allies met in Paris to discuss security guarantees after any potential peace deal with Russia. But the Trump administration’s focus on Venezuela could complicate progress and Washington coveting Greenland is causing tension with Europe. France has expressed hopes for significant results. The U.S. will be represented by President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner instead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. France and the U.K. are leading efforts to strengthen post-ceasefire defenses for Ukraine, possibly with European forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says potential troop deployments still face hurdles. Moscow shows no signs of budging from its demands in its nearly 4-year-old invasion of Ukraine.

Detroit suburb agrees to a $3.25 million settlement in the case of woman found alive in a body bag

January 6, 2026

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

A Detroit suburb has agreed to a $3.25 million settlement with the family of a young woman who had been declared dead at her home but was alive when her body bag was opened at a funeral home. Southfield paramedics were accused of gross negligence in how they responded to Timesha Beauchamp after a 911 call in 2020. Beauchamp had cerebral palsy and had trouble breathing. But her eyes were open and she was gasping for air later at the funeral home. The 20-year-old died two months later. Southfield says “no resolution can undo the profound tragedy that occurred.”

Fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack brings fresh division to the Capitol

January 6, 2026

By LISA MASCARO - AP Congressional Correspondent

On the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, there’s no official event to memorialize what happened. Instead, the day displayed the divisions that still define Washington, and the country. President Donald Trump shifted blame, telling House Republicans during a morning meeting at the Kennedy Center that he only meant for his supporters to march peacefully to the Capitol that day, where Congress was certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s win. Meanwhile, Democrats were hearing from a police officer, a rioter and others during a House panel discussion in an attempt to prevent what they said was a whitewashing of history. It all carries echoes of the split screen five years ago when the Capitol descended into chaos.

Musk’s AI chatbot faces global backlash over sexualized images of women and children

January 6, 2026

By KELVIN CHAN - AP Business Writer

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is under fire for generating sexualized images of women and children without consent. On Tuesday, Britain’s technology official demanded urgent action from Musk’s platform X. A Polish lawmaker cited Grok as a reason to enact digital safety laws. The European Union, along with officials in France, India, Malaysia, and Brazil, has condemned the platform and called for investigations. Grok Imagine, launched in August, allows users to create images with text prompts, including adult content. The controversy highlights the dangers of AI-generated deepfake images. X said it takes action against illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, by removing it.

Officer did nothing until it was too late during Uvalde school shooting, prosecutor says

January 6, 2026

By VALERIE GONZALEZ and JIM VERTUNO - Associated Press

A Texas prosecutor says a school police officer made no attempts to distract or stop the gunman during the horrific school shooting in Uvalde more than three years ago. Opening statements in the officer’s trial began Tuesday. Special prosecutor Bill Turner says the former Uvalde schools officer who was among the first to respond arrived while the teenage gunman was still outside the building but did nothing until it was too late. Adrian Gonzales is one of two former law enforcement officers charged following the attack that killed 19 students and two teachers. The officer’s attorney says Gonzales did what he could when he came up to a confusing and chaotic scene that unfolded quickly.

IIHF president on Olympic arena delays: ‘We’re going to have a tournament’

January 6, 2026

AP

The head of the International Ice Hockey Federation says parts of the main rink for the Milan Cortina Olympics might not be fully finished on time. However, the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms will be ready for the men’s event on Feb. 11. He spoke Monday at the world junior championship, noting the main arena will have 11,800 seats, which is less than expected. Construction delays have raised concerns, especially with the NHL returning to the Winter Games. The NHL plans to send experts to Italy to ensure the ice is safe. The IIHF isn’t overseeing construction but remains confident about the infrastructure.

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps resigns after inflammatory texts revealed in trial

January 6, 2026

By JENNA FRYER - AP Auto Racing Writer

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps has announced his resignation after over 20 years with the organization. His departure follows a federal trial where inflammatory texts he sent during revenue-sharing negotiations were revealed. Phelps will leave at the end of the month, ahead of the season’s start. His texts, including a derogatory comment about Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress, led to backlash from supporters. Despite his contributions to NASCAR, including expanding its international presence and returning the sport during the COVID-19 shutdown, his resignation comes amid controversy. NASCAR has not announced plans to replace him immediately.

Trump’s vague claims of the US running Venezuela raise questions about planning for what comes next

January 6, 2026

By MATTHEW LEE - AP Diplomatic Writer

President Donald Trump’s has made broad but vague assertions that the United States is going to “run” Venezuela after the ouster of Nicolás Maduro but has offered almost no details about how it will do so. That has raised concerns among some lawmakers and former officials about the level of planning for the country after Maduro was gone. Seemingly contradictory statements from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have suggested at once that the U.S. now controls the levers of Venezuelan power or that the U.S. has no intention of assuming day-to-day governance and will allow Maduro’s subordinates to remain in leadership positions for now. The result has been confusion.