US & World News Archives - Page 4 of 85

Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California dies, reducing GOP’s narrow control of the House to 218-213

January 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

Doug LaMalfa WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Doug LaMalfa, a seven-term U.S. representative from California and a reliable vote on President Donald Trump’s agenda, has died, reducing the GOP’s narrow control of the House. He was 65. His death, confirmed by Majority Whip Tom Emmer and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson, trims the Republicans’ margin of control of…

Hilton, Minnesota hotel apologize for email canceling immigration agents’ rooms

January 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – In this June 28, 2019, file photo the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal is seen during a news conference in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) A Minnesota hotel that wouldn’t allow federal immigration agents to stay there this month is apologizing and saying the refusal violated its own policies. The Department of Homeland Security had accused the…

Fire safety inspections lapsed for years at Swiss bar where 40 died in New Year’s blaze

January 6, 2026

By GEIR MOULSON - Associated Press

Local authorities say fire safety inspections hadn’t been carried out since 2019 at the Swiss bar where a fire at a New Year’s party left 40 people dead and over 100 injured. Investigators have said they believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fire at Le Constellation in the resort town of Crans-Montana when they came too close to the ceiling. Authorities are looking into whether soundproofing material on the ceiling conformed with regulations. The head of the municipal government said Tuesday that periodic checks on the bar “were not carried out between 2020 and 2025.”

Trump and House Republicans are meeting to talk about their election year agenda

January 6, 2026

By SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is meeting with House Republicans to align on their policy and political agenda at the start of a critical midterm election year. GOP lawmakers are hosting a daylong policy forum Tuesday at the Kennedy Center, which was recently renamed the Trump Kennedy Center. Among the topics likely to be discussed are affordability issues and promotion of the GOP’s tax-and-border law. The meeting follows the Trump administration’s ouster of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, which has reignited debate about Trump’s powers over Congress to authorize the campaign against Venezuela. Republicans are also considering a second tax bill and addressing the possibility of a potential government shutdown.

Trump says the US ‘needs’ Greenland for Arctic security. Here’s why

January 6, 2026

By DANICA KIRKA - Associated Press

Greenland’s strategic location above the Arctic Circle makes it a focal point in global security and trade debates. The island is rich in rare earth minerals, crucial for technology, attracting U.S. interest to counter China’s market dominance. Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark, which has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in controlling the island. The U.S. operates the Pituffik Space Base there, supporting defense operations. Denmark is boosting its military presence with new naval vessels and drones. Meanwhile, China and Russia are increasing their influence in the Arctic, raising security concerns.

New report shows a 25% drop in deaths of on-duty law enforcement officers

January 6, 2026

By CLAUDIA LAUER - Associated Press

Deaths of on-duty law enforcement officers in the U.S. decreased by nearly 25% in 2025, according to an annual report. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund shared the report with The Associated Press ahead of its Tuesday release. The drop from 148 in 2024 to 111 in 2025 includes decreases in officers killed by firearms, in traffic-related incidents and in other on-duty occurrences. Officials say that while increased training, better medical resources and public awareness campaigns account for some of the decrease, others come down to luck. And a decrease in firearm fatalities does not mean fewer people shot at police officers.

Jordan Stolz focused on the Olympics at US speedskating trials. Everyone will focus on him in Milan

January 6, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

Now star speedskater Jordan Stolz can really turn all of his attention to being fully prepared to pursue four gold medals at the Milan Cortina Olympics. During the U.S. long track speedskating trials, Stolz didn’t actually need to perform well or produce good results. To earn his spots for the Feb. 6-22 Winter Games, the 21-year-old from Wisconsin simply needed to show up at the starting line for his quartet of events at the Pettit National Ice Center. He wrapped up the four-day trials Monday by winning the mass start. He also will compete in Italy in the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meters, events in which he owns two world titles apiece.

Danish prime minister says a US takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO

January 6, 2026

By ANDERS KONGSHAUG, CLAUDIA CIOBANU and STEFANIE DAZIO - Associated Press

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says an American takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance. Her comments come in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed call for the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island to come under U.S. control in the aftermath of the weekend military operation in Venezuela. The dead-of-night operation by U.S. forces in Caracas to capture leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife early Saturday left the world stunned, and heightened concerns in Denmark and Greenland, which is a semiautonomous territory of the Danish kingdom and thus part of NATO.

Trump administration’s capture of Maduro raises unease about the international legal framework

January 6, 2026

By MIKE CORDER - Associated Press

The capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces has sparked global controversy. President Trump insists the operation was legal, citing an “armed conflict” with Venezuelan drug cartels. The move aligns with Trump’s strategy to restore U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Critics including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot argue it violates international law and could lead to more military interventions. The situation has raised concerns about the erosion of global legal order and the role of powerful nations. Meanwhile, tensions with countries like Colombia and China have intensified, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape.

Sweden beats Czechia 4-2 for its 3rd world junior hockey title

January 5, 2026

AP

Casper Juustovaara and Viktor Eklund scored first-period goals and Sweden won its third world junior hockey title, beating Czechia 4-2 on Monday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the first all-European final since 2016. Sweden also won in 1981 and 2012. Czechia won its lone titles in 2000 and 2001. Sascha Boumedienne gave Sweden a 3-0 lead at 3:47 of the third. Adam Jiricek and Matej Kubiesa scored for Czechia, with Kubiesa striking with 24 seconds left. Ivar Stenberg capped the scoring with an empty-netter with eight seconds left. In the third-place game, Sam O’Reilly scored twice, Gavin McKenna and Michael Hage each had four points to help Canada beat Finland 6-3.

Bryce Underwood staying at Michigan for sophomore season under 1st-year coach Kyle Whittingham

January 5, 2026

AP

Bryce Underwood is staying at Michigan for his sophomore season to play for first-year coach Kyle Whittingham. Underwood announced his decision Monday night. As the nation’s top-rated recruit, Underwood signed with the Wolverines under former coach Sherrone Moore and became the fourth true freshman to start at quarterback for Michigan. Underwood completed 60% of his throws for 2,428 yards with nine passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions, including three in the last 18 minutes of a 41-27 loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl. He ran for 392 yards and six touchdowns, including 77 yards and a score against the Longhorns.

After Maduro capture, Trump’s tough talk evokes a return to the days of American imperialism

January 5, 2026

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump hasn’t minced words about the larger message he’s trying to send the world with the U.S. military raid to capture Nicolás Maduro. “American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again,” Trump declared shortly after the deposed Venezuelan leader and his wife were spirited away to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges. In the days since the audacious raid, the president and his team have only doubled down on this notion. It’s the kind of tough talk not heard since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when American presidents deployed the military for territorial and resource conquests.

Here’s what to know about the unprecedented changes to child vaccine recommendations

January 5, 2026

By LAURAN NEERGAARD - AP Medical Writer

U.S. health officials have made unprecedented changes to childhood vaccine recommendations, alarming pediatricians and other medical experts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that all children get vaccinated against 11 diseases, down from 18 a year ago. The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics plan to continue recommending the broader list. Insurance coverage for vaccines is expected to continue despite the changes.

Trump may have his name on the building but it’s still the Kennedy Center to Congress

January 5, 2026

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE - Associated Press

President Donald Trump may have his name on the building but it’s still the Kennedy Center to Congress. A bipartisan spending package released Monday by House Speaker Mike Johnson includes $32 million for operating expenses at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts through Sept. 30, 2027. Trump made a series of leadership changes at the center after he took office. The Republican president’s handpicked board of trustees voted in December to add his name to Kennedy’s on the exterior of the building and the website, turning it into the Trump Kennedy Center for short.

FACT FOCUS: Fabricated and misrepresented images shared widely online after US removal of Maduro

January 5, 2026

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

Misrepresented and fabricated images of deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro have spread widely on social media since his capture over the weekend. On Monday, President Donald Trump shared multiple videos he falsely claimed showed Venezuelans celebrating the operation. One video, actually from a UCLA student event, was misrepresented as a celebration in Venezuela. Another video from a protest in Caracas was also falsely labeled. Fabricated images of Maduro’s capture, credited to an Instagram user specializing in AI, have also circulated but are not authentic.

Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly after Democrats’ video urging troops to resist unlawful orders

January 5, 2026

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, BEN FINLEY, and MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he’s censuring Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over the former Navy pilot’s participation in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders. Kelly on Monday called the move “outrageous” and “un-American.” Kelly and some other lawmakers who are veterans of the armed services and intelligence community urged U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders” in November. President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition that could be punished by death. The Pentagon opened an investigation. A legal expert says going after a lawmaker will complicate an already unique case.

Michael J. Schumacher, author who chronicled lives of Allen Ginsberg and Eric Clapton, dies at 75

January 5, 2026

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

Wisconsin author Michael Schumacher, who produced an array of works ranging from biographies of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and musician Eric Clapton to accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks, has died at age 75. Schumacher’s daughter, Emily Schumacher, said her father passed away on Dec. 29. The writer spent most of his adult life in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He wrote dozens of books, including biographies of Coppola, Clapton, basketball great George Mikan and writer Allen Ginsberg. He also produced accounts of the sinking of the cargo ship Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior and a 1913 storm that claimed the lives of more than 250 sailors on the Great Lakes.

Final pilgrims cross Holy Door as Vatican claims Jubilee success with 33 million visitors

January 5, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD and TRISHA THOMAS - Associated Press

The final pilgrims of the 2025 Holy Year have passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. Monday was the last day for the public to participate in the Jubilee. The Vatican said more than 33 million people had participated in this the rarest of Jubilees: opened by one pope and closed by another. Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday will officially close out the Holy Year by shutting the basilica’s Holy Door. For the Vatican, a Holy Year is a centuries-old tradition of the faithful making pilgrimages to Rome every 25 years. For the city of Rome, it’s a chance to take advantage funding to carry out long-delayed public works projects.

It’s a good time to be Anthony Smith. Two players with that name make AP’s all-bowl team

January 5, 2026

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

This was a great bowl season for guys named Anthony Smith. East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith scored two touchdowns in the Pirates’ 23-17 Military Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. The Minnesota defensive end with the same name delivered a pair of sacks in the Golden Gophers’ 20-17 Rate Bowl overtime triumph over New Mexico. Both of those Anthony Smiths got selected to the Associated Press all-bowl team. This all-bowl team includes top performers from bowl games that weren’t part of the College Football Playoff. An all-playoff team will come out after the national championship game.

Detroit joining Michigan program that gives cash to expectant mothers for essentials

January 5, 2026

By COREY WILLIAMS - Associated Press

A Michigan program that provides cash to help expectant mothers cope with bills, expenses and the high cost of taking care of children is coming to Detroit. Mayor Mary Sheffield announced Monday that Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program is expected to open within the first 100 days of her taking office. Sheffield was elected in November and installed last week as Detroit’s first female mayor. The program gives a one-time allocation of $1,500 to expectant mothers during pregnancy. That’s followed by $500 per month during the child’s first six months after birth. Families are expected to use the money for essentials. Funding comes from various foundations and businesses. The city also will pitch in $500,000 annually over three years.

The Golden Globes are this week. Here’s what to know about the first major show of awards season

January 5, 2026

AP

The Golden Globes kick off Hollywood’s awards season on Sunday. This year’s 83rd edition of the show is hosted for the second year by comedian Nikki Glaser. It airs live at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS and streams live on Paramount+. Acting nominees include Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Emma Stone. “One Battle After Another” is the top nominee with nine and is an Oscar front-runner. “Sentimental Value,” “Sinners” and “Hamnet” are also nominated in top categories. Career achievement awards will go to Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker.

US drops the number of vaccines it recommends for every child

January 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child — leaving other immunizations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose but without clear guidance. Officials said the overhaul to the federal vaccine schedule won’t result in any families losing access or insurance coverage for vaccines, but…

Arizona holds No. 1 spot over Michigan by single point in one of the closest AP Top 25 races ever

January 5, 2026

By DAVE SKRETTA - AP Basketball Writer

Arizona holds onto the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 by a single point over Michigan. This marks one of the closest races in the poll’s 78-year history. The Wildcats received 32 first-place votes, while the Wolverines got 29. The top six teams remain unchanged, with Iowa State, UConn, Purdue, and Duke following Michigan. Nebraska is in the top 10 for the first time since 1966, riding an 18-game winning streak. The Big 12 has seven ranked teams, including four in the top 10, while the Big Ten has six in the poll and three in the top 10.

Maduro says ‘I was captured’ as he pleads not guilty on drug trafficking charges

January 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

People protest outside Manhattan Federal Court before the arraignment of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) UPDATE — Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro declared himself “innocent” and a “decent man” as he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in a U.S. courtroom on Monday. “I’m innocent. I am not guilty….

Kentucky, Vanderbilt into top 10 in women’s AP Top 25 after 4 of top 10 teams fall; UConn, Texas 1-2

January 5, 2026

By DOUG FEINBERG - AP Basketball Writer

Kentucky and Vanderbilt made significant jumps in The Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25. This follows a week where four of the top 10 teams lost, causing a shakeup in the rankings. UConn remains No. 1, followed by Texas, South Carolina, and UCLA. Oklahoma has moved up to fifth. Kentucky and Vanderbilt each rose five spots to sixth and seventh after defeating LSU. Vanderbilt’s win was its first against a top-five team in 17 years. Maryland and Michigan both dropped after losses. Only four teams remain undefeated: UConn, Texas, Vanderbilt, and Texas Tech.

Oil stocks sharply higher after US action in Venezuela

January 5, 2026

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN - AP Business Writer

Shares of major U.S. companies in the energy sector are sharply higher after President Donald Trump announced plans to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry and said American companies would revitalize it after capturing President Nicolás Maduro. While the U.S. action is unlikely to have an immediate impact on crude prices given the current glut in the market, it could upend energy markets. Venezuela’s oil industry is in disrepair after years of neglect and international sanctions. Some oil industry analysts believe that Venezuela could double or triple its current output of about 1.1 million barrels of oil a day and return the nation to historic production levels relatively quickly, others see a much longer road ahead.

US expands list of countries whose citizens must pay up to $15,000 bonds to apply for visas

January 5, 2026

By MATTHEW LEE - AP Diplomatic Writer

The Trump administration has added seven countries, including five in Africa, to the list of nations whose passport holders are required to post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for visas to enter the United States. Thirteen countries, all but two of them in Africa, are now on the list. It makes the process of obtaining a visa unaffordable for many but U.S. officials say it is an effective deterrent to prevent foreigners from overstaying their visas. The State Department last week quietly added Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan to the list. Those designations took effect on Jan. 1. It’s the latest effort by the Trump administration to tighten requirements for visa applicants.

Man who broke windows at Vance’s Ohio home is detained, the Secret Service says

January 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) A man who broke windows at Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio home and caused other property damage was detained early Monday, the U.S. Secret Service said. The man was detained shortly after midnight by Secret Service agents assigned to Vance’s home, east of downtown Cincinnati, agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. He has not…

Walz, Democrats’ 2024 VP pick, drops bid for third term as Minnesota governor; Klobuchar considers

January 5, 2026

By STEVE KARNOWSKI and BILL BARROW - Associated Press

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is ending his bid for a third term as governor amid President Donald Trump’s relentless focus on a fraud investigation into child care programs in the state. Less than four months after announcing his reelection campaign, Walz said Monday he could no longer devote the energy necessary to win another term, even as he expressed confidence he could win. A person close to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said she is considering running for governor. Around a dozen Republicans are already in the race.

This Jan. 6 plaque was made to honor law enforcement. It’s nowhere to be found at the Capitol

January 5, 2026

By LISA MASCARO - AP Congressional Correspondent

Approaching the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the official plaque honoring the police who defended democracy is nowhere to be found. It’s not on display at the Capitol, as is required by law. Its whereabouts are not publicly known, though it’s believed to be in storage. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to formally unveil the plaque. And the Trump administration’s Justice Department is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit asking that it be displayed. Instead, some 100 members of Congress, mostly Democrats, have mounted poster board-style replicas of the Jan. 6 plaque outside their office doors.

People remember victims of the Swiss New Year’s bar fire, in photos

January 5, 2026

By The Associated Press

CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss investigators say they believe sparklers on Champagne bottles ignited the fatal fire at a Swiss ski resort when they came too close to the ceiling of a bar crowded with New Year’s revelers. Dozens of people were killed and injured when a fire ripped through a busy bar at a ski resort in Switzerland…

Who Is the Best FTM Top Surgeon in the U.S.?

January 5, 2026

ACCESS Newswire

The Best FTM top surgeon in the U.S is Dr. Sajan.SEATTLE, WA / ACCESS Newswire / January 5, 2026 / In a medical landscape where gender-affirming care is both deeply personal and clinically complex, one surgeon’s name has emerged as a leading voice in female-to-male (FTM) top surgery in the United States: Dr. Javad Sajan of Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery,…

Best Tummy Tuck in Las Vegas

January 5, 2026

ACCESS Newswire

The Best Tummy Tuck in Las Vegas Is by Dr. Ahmed.LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / January 5, 2026 / Public interest in tummy tuck surgery continues to grow, yet patient understanding of the procedure has not always kept pace. Many candidates begin consultations with limited awareness of factors such as muscle separation, skin quality, and how individual anatomy…

Photos show people reacting to the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

January 5, 2026

By The Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The United States hit Venezuela with a “large-scale strike” early Saturday and said its president, Nicolás Maduro, had been captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

A Paris court finds 10 people guilty of cyberbullying France’s first lady Brigitte Macron

January 5, 2026

By SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

A Paris court has found 10 people guilty of cyberbullying France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron by spreading false online claims about her gender and sexuality, including allegations she was born a man. On Monday, the court convicted all defendants to sentences ranging from cyberbullying awareness training to eight-month suspended prison sentences. The defendants, aged 41 to 65, posted malicious comments linking Macron’s age gap with her husband to pedophilia. Brigitte Macron did not attend the trial but said she launched legal proceedings to set an example against harassment. Her daughter testified about the impact on their family.

Maduro is set to make his first appearance in a US courtroom on drug trafficking charges

January 5, 2026

By MICHAEL R. SISAK, LARRY NEUMEISTER and JOHN HANNA - Associated Press

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is set to make his first appearance in an American courtroom. Maduro and his wife are expected to appear at noon Monday before a judge in New York. He is accused of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The Trump administration used the criminal charges to justify capturing Maduro and removing him to U.S. soil. Maduro’s lawyers are expected to contest the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of state. Venezuela’s new interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has demanded that the U.S. return Maduro, who long denied any involvement in drug trafficking.

Photos from the Critics Choice Awards

January 5, 2026

AP

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Celebrities attended the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday as Hollywood gathered to honor standout achievements in film and television. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Markets react mildly to the US capture of Venezuelan leader Maduro

January 5, 2026

By ELAINE KURTENBACH - AP Business Writer

Oil prices slipped and precious metal prices jumped after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a weekend raid. U.S. futures were flat, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 surged and benchmarks in other Asian markets also advanced. Gold gained 2.4% and the price of silver soared 6%. Oil prices barely wavered, since after years of neglect and international sanctions, Venezuela’s oil industry is in disrepair. It could take years and major investments before production can increase dramatically. On Friday, U.S. stocks mostly edged higher on Wall Street in a wobbly start to the new year. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% and the Dow gained 0.7%, but the Nasdaq was roughly flat.

Laser rifle program, new shooting ranges means growth for biathlon in the US

January 5, 2026

By MARTHA BELLISLE - Associated Press

Biathlon is the most-watched winter sport in Europe, where many athletes grow up on skis and have access to biathlon ranges. That has helped European biathletes dominate international competitions, including the Olympics. The sport is less popular in the U.S. where participation has been hampered by a limited access to shooting ranges and the high cost of biathlon rifles. But that’s changing thanks to the investment into new biathlon centers and a laser rifle program that’s bringing biathlon to cross country ski centers across the country. It lets people of all ages and abilities participate in the sport. It’s hoped these efforts will foster a new generation of biathletes and level the playing field on the world stage.

Hong Kong to host 2026 INTERPOL General Assembly

January 5, 2026

Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Hong Kong is set to host the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly later this year, bringing global police chiefs from around the world to the city and highlighting Hong Kong’s strategic importance in global policing. It will be the first time for the General Assembly to be hosted in…

海關”新18條”便利深港兩地文藝交流措施首單落地前海

January 5, 2026

Media Outreach

2026年亞洲頂尖港樂首秀大灣區香港 – Media OutReach Newswire – 2026年1月5日 – 1月3日，被譽為”亞洲頂尖交響樂團”的香港管弦樂團首度亮相深圳前海濱海藝術中心，獻上2026新年音樂會，以維也納主題經典曲目為大灣區觀眾開啟新歲篇章。這場深港文化交融的視聽盛宴，緊扣前海深港合作主線、現代服務業主業、改革開放創新主責的發展定位，不僅是港樂首次將新年音樂會移師內地、首度登陸前海的標誌性演出，更成為海關總署《海關進一步支持前海深港現代服務業合作區改革開放措施》（”海關新18條”）中”便利深港兩地文藝交流”措施的首單落地實踐，是前海推動深港規則銜接、機制對接的鮮活案例，為深港文化協同發展寫下生動注腳。圖片 20260105122003 香港管弦樂團此次演出的樂器物資通關，正是海關”新18條”出臺後的首次實踐。為保障這一”首單”順利落地，深圳海關主動對接樂團通關需求，協調深圳灣海關安排提供”一對一”全流程服務，在12月31日貨車抵達口岸後快速開展驗核監管，最終實現樂器”零延時”通關，為音樂會如期上演築牢基礎。”我們全力支持深港文化交流，提供全鏈條便捷服務，有效壓縮通關時間，保障演出道具高效流轉。”深圳海關行郵監管處行李物品監管科科長陳雲輝表示，此次通關保障為後續深港文藝交流專案積累了寶貴經驗，下一步將繼續優化監管服務，為深港跨城排練、巡演保駕護航。演出現場座無虛席，來自深圳、香港及大灣區其他城市的觀眾彙聚一堂，不少家庭特意帶著孩子前來感受古典音樂的魅力。本次音樂會由匈牙利指揮家蓋爾蓋伊·馬達拉斯執棒，精心呈現哈布斯堡王朝時期經典作品。約翰·施特勞斯家族的圓舞曲、進行曲與波爾卡旋律輕快，勃拉姆斯的匈牙利舞曲熱情洋溢，李斯特的匈牙利狂想曲瑰麗激昂，兼具節日氛圍與國際水準的演出贏得全場經久不息的掌聲。值得一提的是，這套曲目剛於12月29日至30日在香港文化中心上演，短短數日便跨城登陸前海，在”新18條”政策支持與海關高效保障下，真正實現了深港文化生活”零距離、零時差”的同頻共振。香港管弦樂團此次演出既是對《前海方案》《前海規劃》的積極回應，也為前海文化產業高品質發展注入強勁動力。樂團董事局副主席譚允芝表示，作為亞洲頂尖、香港最大且歷史最悠久的樂團，今年已職業化51年。談及在大灣區首場演出落地前海，她表示：”前海人才來自全國乃至世界各地，很多人取得了很大成功。這次節目單多元化，很契合新年慶祝氛圍。以後我們還會為前海、深圳乃至大灣區的觀眾帶來更多種類的曲目。有前海政策協助，還有通關新政策的支持，以後港樂在大灣區一定會有很多新動作。”深圳濱海藝術中心總經理陳帥表示，港樂的到訪為海關”新18條”政策頒佈後，深港文化協同發展樹立了典範，也是該政策帶來實效的最鮮活實例。據悉，港樂正以此次”首單”落地為契機，積極推進大灣區常態化演出佈局。香港管弦樂團副行政總裁任小瓏表示：”這場音樂會約有20%的香港觀眾。所以不管是樂團藝術家還是觀眾，在大灣區、深圳與香港之間來回穿梭觀演，已經成為一種趨勢。因此，港樂未來更多來到前海、深圳及大灣區表演，是大勢所趨，也是大家共同的期待。” 隨著大灣區觀眾南下觀演與樂團北上巡演日漸常態化，加之”新18條”等政策與海關等部門的有力支持，前海將以”粵港澳藝文遊”為抓手，持續激發灣區演出市場活力，推動大灣區文化生活向國際水準升級，為人文灣區建設注入持久動力。 Hashtag: #前海 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Categories: US & World News

Czechia beats Canada 6-4 in world junior hockey to set up all-European final with Sweden

January 5, 2026

AP

Tomas Poletin scored on a deflection off his skate with 1:14 left and Czechia beat Canada 6-4 on Sunday night to advance to face Sweden in the first all-European world junior hockey final since 2016. Earlier, Anton Frondell scored in the eighth round of a shootout to give Sweden a 4-3 victory over Finland. The final is Monday night. In the last all-European final, Finland beat Russia 4-3 in overtime in Helsinki in 2016. Czechia and Sweden are each trying to win their third title. Czechia won in 2000 and 2001, and Sweden in 1981 and 2012. Poletin scored 1:27 after Porter Martone tied it for 20-time champion Canada. Vojtech Cihar scored twice for Czechia.

What to know about the protests now shaking Iran as tensions remain high over its nuclear program

January 5, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Protests in Iran are intensifying due to the country’s struggling economy, putting pressure on its theocracy. Tehran is still dealing with the aftermath of a 12-day war with Israel in June, which included U.S. bombings of nuclear sites. Economic pressure increased in September with the return of U.N. sanctions, causing Iran’s currency to plummet. Activists say demonstrations have spread to over 220 locations across 26 provinces, with at least 20 people killed and more than 990 arrested. The protests began with economic concerns but have grown to include anti-government sentiments. Iran’s nuclear program and tense relations with the U.S. are adding to Tehran’s challenges.

Aptiv Powers Intelligent Edge Applications From Automotive to Robotics at CES 2026

January 5, 2026

Business Wire

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan 5, 2026–Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV), a global industrial technology company, will showcase at CES 2026 how its intelligent edge solutions enable devices to sense, think, and act in real time—while continuously optimizing performance throughout their lifecycle. This approach brings advanced computing and artificial intelligence closer to where data is generated, unlocking AI-driven solutions for transportation, robotics, aerospace,…

The top photos of the day by AP’s photojournalists

January 4, 2026

By The Associated Press

From front-page news to powerful moments you may have missed, this gallery showcases today’s top photos chosen by Associated Press photo editors. Categories: US & World News

US capture of Maduro divides a changed region, thrilling Trump’s allies and threatening his foes

January 4, 2026

By ISABEL DEBRE and MEGAN JANETSKY - Associated Press

The U.S. capture and ouster of Venezuelan strongman leader Nicolás Maduro marked a stunning culmination of the Trump administration’s efforts to assert dominance in Latin America. It also exposed stark political divisions from Mexico to Argentina as Trump-friendly leaders rise across the region. Since assuming office less than a year ago, President Donald Trump has launched boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, ordered a naval blockade on Venezuelan oil exports and meddled in elections in Honduras and Argentina. His new, aggressive foreign policy has carved a region still scarred by past U.S. military interventions into allies and foes.

No. 1 Indiana starts post-Mendoza era by adding former TCU quarterback, new receiver, AP source says

January 4, 2026

By MICHAEL MAROT - AP Sports Writer

Indiana is gearing up for Friday’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Oregon, and coach Curt Cignetti is already planning ahead. On Sunday, the Hoosiers added two key players through the transfer portal. Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh are heading to Indiana. Hoover could potentially replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Marsh is expected to fill the shoes of Elijah Sarratt. Meanwhile, quarterback Brendan Sorsby announced his transfer to Texas Tech. Colorado also made significant additions, including San Jose State receiver Danny Scudero, as they bolster their lineup under coach Deion Sanders.

What life looks like a year after the deadly Los Angeles wildfires in photos

January 4, 2026

By JAE C. HONG - Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In an empty lot in Altadena, California, the ground is covered by a soft blanket of small white wildflowers. But before the blooms, there was toxic ash and melted metal, as well as the remnants of family heirlooms and a home that once stood. One year after the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles, communities are…

From Zero to Everywhere: VinFast Turned Electric Cars into Daily Life in the Philippines

January 4, 2026

Media Outreach

Once unknown, now almost unavoidable, VinFast cars, taxis, and charging stations have entered daily life across Metro Manila. Instead of waiting for change, the company built electric mobility into everyday routines.MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Just a few years ago, VinFast existed in the Philippines mainly as a name attached to announcements. It appeared…

Top photos from Week 18 of the NFL season

January 4, 2026

By The Associated Press

Photo highlights from the 18th week of the NFL season. This gallery was curated by AP photo editors. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography Categories: US & World News