US & World News Archives - Page 5 of 90

Michigan expands investigation after firing Sherrone Moore, AP source says

December 13, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

The law firm hired by the University of Michigan to investigate former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with a staffer will continue its probe of the program and is prepared to expand its inquiry throughout the athletic department. That’s according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details. Michigan fired Moore on Wednesday, when the school said an investigation uncovered his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He is married with three daughters.

Guerin alters Wild’s recipe for success by trading for former Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes

December 13, 2025

By PATRICK DONNELLY - Associated Press

Bill Guerin was wrist deep in a bowl of meatballs when he completed one of the biggest trades in Minnesota Wild history. The Wild general manager found out Friday night that Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford had agreed to trade former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota for three young players and a future first-round draft pick. Guerin told reporters Saturday that he was making meatballs for Christmas Eve dinner when Rutherford called. The move is the clearest indication that Guerin and Wild are going all in this season as they seek their first Stanley Cup in the team’s 25-year history.

Oscar Cluff scores 22, Braden Smith reaches new milestone as No. 6 Purdue beats Marquette 79-59

December 13, 2025

By MICHAEL MAROT - AP Sports Writer

Oscar Cluff made all nine of his shots and finished with a season-high 22 points, and Braden Smith achieved yet another milestone with 10 more assists to lead No. 6 Purdue past Marquette 79-59. It took Smith only 12 seconds to find Fletcher Loyer for a 3-pointer, making him the second Division I men’s basketball player with 1,500 points, 850 assists and 550 rebounds. The other is D.J. Cooper. The Boilermakers have won two straight since last weekend’s embarrassing 23-point home loss to then-No. 10 Iowa State. Royce Parham finished with 19 points to lead Marquette, which has lost by 20 points each of the last two Saturdays.

Packers running back Emanuel Wilson joins Josh Jacobs on injured report

December 13, 2025

AP

The Green Bay Packers are unsure about the availability of either of their top two running backs for Sunday’s game at Denver. Green Bay added Emanuel Wilson to its injury report Saturday because of an illness and labeled him questionable. Josh Jacobs already had been listed as questionable Friday with a knee issue. Jacobs didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday. He did practice on a limited basis Friday. The NFC North-leading Packers will be seeking their fifth straight victory Sunday when they visit the AFC West-leading Broncos. Denver has won 10 straight games.

Ugochukwu scores career-high 23, leads No. 9 Michigan State over Penn State 76-72

December 13, 2025

By TRAVIS JOHNSON - Associated Press

Divine Ugochukwu scored a career-high 23 points and No. 9 Michigan State overcame a sloppy performance to beat Penn State 76-72 on Saturday. Jaxon Kohler posted his fifth double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds while Carson Cooper added 10 points for the Spartans (9-1, 2-0 Big Ten), who committed a season-high 17 turnovers and trailed for long stretches in both halves. They were able to bear down, however, and avoid a second-straight loss after falling to No. 4 Duke on Monday.

Amy Schumer says she and her husband have decided to end their marriage

December 13, 2025

AP

Comedian Amy Schumer says she and her husband, chef Chris Fischer, have decided to end their marriage. The 44-year-old actress made the announcement on social media on Friday. Schumer and Fischer were married in February 2018 in Malibu, California. Their son was born in May 2019. The two starred together in the Food Network show “Amy Schumer Learns to Cook” and the HBO mini-series “Expecting Amy” that documents her difficult pregnancy. In her social media post, Schumer says the two love each other very much and will continue to focus on raising their son.

Arctic air plunges south as residents of the Pacific Northwest remain on guard after severe flooding

December 13, 2025

AP

An arctic air blast is plunging south from Canada, spreading into the northern United States. Meanwhile, residents of the Pacific Northwest are bracing for possible mudslides and levee failures as floodwaters slowly recede. Thousands of people have been evacuated. In the nation’s heartland, big cities like Chicago and Minneapolis are preparing for dangerous wind chills. On Saturday, Grand Forks, North Dakota, it felt like minus 36 degrees. The cold air mass is pushing south and east, with winter advisories as far as Alabama and Georgia.

Israel says it has killed a top Hamas commander in Gaza

December 13, 2025

AP

Israel says it killed a top Hamas commander in Gaza after an explosive device detonated and wounded two soldiers in the territory’s south. Hamas in a statement Saturday did not confirm the death of Raed Saad. It said a civilian vehicle had been struck outside Gaza City and asserted it was a violation of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10. Saad served as the Hamas official in charge of manufacturing and previously led the militant group’s operations division. The Israeli statement said he had been “engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization” in a violation of the ceasefire.

Several wounded after shots fired at Syrian and US forces in Palmyra

December 13, 2025

By SAMAR KASSABALI and BASSEM MROUE - Associated Press

Shots were fired at Syrian and U.S. forces in central Syria during a visit by American troops to a historic town. The attack happened near Palmyra on Saturday, according to Syria’s state media. Two members of Syria’s security force and several U.S. service members were wounded and taken by helicopter to the Tanf garrison. The attacker was killed. A U.S. defense official said they are aware of the reports but did not provide further information. The U.S. has hundreds of troops in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

Affable comedy acting legend Dick Van Dyke turns 100 years old

December 13, 2025

AP

Comedy icon Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 100th birthday. Van Dyke hit the century mark on Saturday, some six decades after he sang and danced with Julie Andrews in “Mary Poppins” and starred in his self-titled sitcom. Van Dyke won a Tony Award for “Bye Bye Birdie” to go with a Grammy and four Primetime Emmys. Just last year, he became the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy, for a guest role on the soap “Days of Our Lives.” He also recently released a book about how to live to 100 years old. He told ABC News that 100 years is not enough, and he plans to live more.

Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard

December 13, 2025

By ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

Americans are feeling the strain already with less than three weeks to go until the expiration of COVID-era tax credits that have helped many people pay for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. For one Wisconsin couple, the loss of government-sponsored health subsidies in 2026 means choosing a lower-quality insurance plan with a higher deductible. For a Michigan family, it means going without insurance altogether. For a single mom in Nevada, the spiking costs will mean fewer Christmas gifts this year. She’s stretching her budget while waiting to see if Congress will act. But a legislative fix seems increasingly unlikely.

Heisman Trophy finalists include 3 quarterbacks and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love

December 13, 2025

By EVERETT MERRILL - Associated Press

Four standout college football players are in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love are the finalists. Mendoza has led Indiana to a top ranking and a playoff spot. Pavia has set records at Vanderbilt, and Sayin has kept Ohio State at the top. Love, a running back, has had an impressive season for Notre Dame.

Grassley built a reputation for government oversight. Has he abandoned it under Trump?

December 13, 2025

By JOSHUA GOODMAN, JIM MUSTIAN AND ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

Chuck Grassley has made a name for himself in Washington with his longtime support for whistleblowers. But the veteran Republican senator from Iowa is now coming under criticism from Democrats and good government advocates. They say Grassley has been conspicuously silent as the Trump administration has investigated the president’s perceived enemies, fired agents who worked on politically sensitive cases and upended the Justice Department’s longstanding post-Watergate independence. Grassley insists he’s not abandoned his oversight role. He says his investigations of issues from earlier administrations are meant to avoid a repeat of what he describes as politically motivated prosecutions carried out against Trump and his allies.

Expert tips to ease financial pressure and avoid holiday overspending

December 13, 2025

By ADRIANA MORGA - Associated Press

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to spend money on gifts, parties, and travel this holiday season, you’re not alone. The time of year marketed as the most wonderful can quickly become stressful. That’s especially true now. The job market is tough, student loan and credit card debt are rising, and prices for many items remain high due to inflation. To avoid putting additional pressure on your finances, experts say the holidays are a good time to be extra-mindful of how you spend. It’s also important to remember that spending money isn’t the only way to show love to friends and family.

Curry scores 39 in return but Timberwolves top Warriors 127-120 without Edwards

December 13, 2025

By MICHAEL WAGAMAN - Associated Press

Rudy Gobert had 24 points and 14 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo made a clutch 3-pointer with 28 seconds remaining and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors 127-120. Stephen Curry scored 39 for the Warriors after missing the previous five games with a bruised left quadriceps, but Minnesota held on even without injured star Anthony Edwards, who sat out with a sore right foot. DiVincenzo finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists in the first meeting between the teams since the Timberwolves eliminated the Warriors in the second round of the playoffs last season. Julius Randle had 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Minnesota. Naz Reid added 18 points and seven assists off the bench.

Gaza amputees struggle to rebuild lives as the enclave faces shortages of prosthetic limbs

December 12, 2025

By ABDEL KAREEM HANA and FATMA KHALED - Associated Press

The World Health Organization says Israel’s bombardment in Gaza for the past two years has left tens of thousands of Palestinians with life-changing injuries, including at least 6,000 people with amputations. Those who lost their limbs are struggling to adapt and have put their future on hold as they face a shortage of prosthetics and long delays in medical evacuations. The 2-month-old ceasefire has been slow to bring any help for them. The WHO says a shipment of essential prosthetic supplies recently made it into Gaza, apparently the first significant shipment for the past two years.

What to know about Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release from immigration custody

December 12, 2025

AP

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation helped galvanize opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, has been released from immigration detention, and a judge has temporarily blocked any further efforts to detain him. A big reason for that is because it appears no immigration judge has ever issued a removal order for him. That might have been an oversight, but without the order he can’t be deported. That’s according to the Maryland judge hearing the case. In order to get a removal order, the government will need to reopen Abrego Garcia’s closed immigration case, experts say. That comes with risks for both sides.

Wild acquire star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Canucks in a blockbuster NHL trade

December 12, 2025

By STEPHEN WHYNO and DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writers

The Minnesota Wild have acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in the biggest blockbuster trade of the NHL season. Minnesota sent center Marco Rossi, winger Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium and a 2026 first-round draft pick to suddenly rebuilding Vancouver. Hughes was the 2024 Norris Trophy winner as the league’s top defenseman. Hughes has one season left on his contract after the current one before he can become an unrestricted free agent. Hughes had been the most-discussed trade candidate in recent weeks amid speculation he wants to play with his brothers in New Jersey.

Speaker Johnson unveils health care plan as divided Republicans scramble for alternative

December 12, 2025

By KEVIN FREKING and LISA MASCARO - Associated Press

The Senate failed to get anywhere on health care this week. Now it’s the House’s turn. Speaker Mike Johnson late Friday released a package of proposal to address growing health care costs. The House legislation does not include an extension of enhanced tax credits that make health insurance more affordable in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Those tax breaks are expiring at the end of this year. Johnson said Republicans’ goal is to reduce premiums for all Americans, not just those enrolled in Obamacare plans. But going Johnson’s route has left vulnerable House Republicans representing key battleground districts in a tough spot.

Iran arrests Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, supporters say

December 12, 2025

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran has arrested Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, according to her supporters. A foundation in her name said she was detained at a memorial for a human rights lawyer recently found dead under unclear circumstances. Her supporters on Friday described her as having been “violently detained earlier today by security and police forces.” They said other activists had been arrested as well at a ceremony honoring Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate. Mohammadi had been serving 13 years and nine months on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda against Iran’s government.

Problems with commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants found in 8 states so far

December 12, 2025

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

The federal government’s crackdown on commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants has now found problems in eight states in the wake of several deadly crashes. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to withhold millions in federal money from California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and now New York after investigations found problems such as licenses that remained valid after an immigrant’s legal status expired. The Transportation Department also quietly sent letters to Texas, South Dakota, Colorado and Washington after briefly mentioning those states in a September release. Concerns about immigrant truck drivers gained attention after a driver who wasn’t authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused an August crash in Florida that killed three people.

Trump sued by preservationists seeking reviews and congressional approval for ballroom project

December 12, 2025

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has been sued by preservationists seeking an architecture review and congressional approval over his White House ballroom project. The National Trust for Historic Preservation wants a federal court to stop the ballroom project until it goes through design reviews and public comments and wins approval from Congress. The White House says Trump has full legal authority over the building. The National Trust argues Trump, by fast-tracking the project, has violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, while exceeding his constitutional authority by not seeking congressional approval. The lawsuit says no president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without review.

Canadian concerns growing over whether women’s hockey team can defend Olympic title vs. US

December 12, 2025

By JOHN WAWROW - AP Hockey Writer

Canada’s women’s hockey team faces concerns over complacency and competitiveness ahead of the upcoming tournament in Milan. Coach Troy Ryan raised these issues before their Rivalry Series against the U.S. last month. Despite having a veteran roster, Canada has struggled, losing three games to the U.S. by a combined score of 20-6. Ryan emphasizes the need for better competition and structure. The Canadians have historically excelled in Olympic play, but recent performances suggest they need a reset to maintain their edge.

Rare fresco of Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’ uncovered in Turkish town visited by the pope

December 12, 2025

By MEHMET GUZEL and ANDREW WILKS - Associated Press

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a significant fresco of Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” from Anatolia’s early Christian era. The painting was found in August in an underground tomb near Iznik, a town known for the Nicene Creed’s adoption in A.D. 325. The fresco shows a youthful, Roman-looking Jesus carrying a goat. Researchers say it’s a rare depiction of Jesus with Roman attributes. The Good Shepherd motif symbolized protection and salvation before the cross became Christianity’s universal symbol. The Associated Press was the first international media organization granted access to the tomb.

King Charles III says his cancer treatment is being reduced as he promotes benefits of screening

December 12, 2025

By DANICA KIRKA - Associated Press

King Charles III says that early diagnosis and treatment will allow doctors to reduce his cancer treatment in the new year. He’s encouraging others to take advantage of screening programs that can detect the disease early when it is easiest to treat. The 77-year-old king revealed the positive outlook Friday in a recorded message broadcast on British television as part of a campaign to promote such screening, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Charles’ decision to disclose his diagnosis was a departure for Britain’s royals, who have traditionally considered their health to be a personal matter and shared few details with the public.

2 Wisconsin congressional redistricting lawsuits may not resolve by 2026 midterm election

December 12, 2025

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

A pair of lawsuits seeking to redraw congressional boundary lines that currently favor Republicans in Wisconsin are on track to be resolved after the 2026 midterms. However, an attorney for Democratic voters argued Friday in court that there’s still time to enact new maps for the November election. Court hearings in both cases came the day after Indiana Republicans soundly rejected President Donald Trump’s demand that they redraw congressional lines in that deep red state. The attorney for Republican congressmen argued it would be unfair to resolve the case in time for the November election.

Sen. Ron Johnson asks DOJ to investigate Wisconsin judge in former Trump attorney’s case

December 12, 2025

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate allegations made by a former attorney for President Donald Trump in Wisconsin that a judge overseeing his felony case is guilty of misconduct and must step aside. The judge on Tuesday refused to step aside in the case of Trump’s former campaign attorney and two others who face felony forgery charges related to the 2020 election in the battleground state. Jim Troupis alleged that the Wisconsin judge overseeing his felony case had not written the August order refusing to dismiss the charges. Johnson sent his request to DOJ on Thursday.

Trump administration says sign language services ‘intrude’ on Trump’s ability to control his image

December 12, 2025

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

The Trump administration argues that providing real-time American Sign Language interpretation for events like White House press briefings would intrude on the president’s control over his public image. This stance is part of a lawsuit filed by the National Association for the Deaf, which claims the lack of ASL interpretation denies deaf Americans access to important communications. The Justice Department suggests alternatives like online transcripts and closed captioning provide what’s needed. A federal judge recently ordered the White House to provide the interpreting, but the administration has appealed.

Justice Department asks appeals court to block judge’s contempt inquiry in mass deportation case

December 12, 2025

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN - Associated Press

The Justice Department has asked an appeals court to block a contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to turn around planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador in March. In a court filing Friday, the department also sought Chief Judge James Boasberg’s removal from the case. The department asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to rule on its requests before Monday, when Boasberg is scheduled hear testimony from a former government attorney who filed a whistleblower complaint. The judge is trying to determine if Trump administration officials should be prosecuted for willfully defying his March 15 order blocking the Venezuelan migrants’ deportations to El Salvador.

Trump administration delays decision on federal protections for monarch butterflies

December 12, 2025

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

The Trump administration has delayed a decision on whether to extend federal protections to monarch butterflies indefinitely. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service announced in December 2024 that it planned to add the beloved pollinator to the threatened species list by the end of 2025. But the Trump administration quietly listed the effort as a “long-term action” in a report on the status of federal regulatory efforts in September. It’s unclear why. The Center for Biological Diversity has been leading the push to list the monarch. The center’s endangered species co-director, Tierra Curry, says the delay wasn’t unexpected since it can take a decade or more to add a species to the list.

Humanoid robots take center stage at Silicon Valley summit, but skepticism remains

December 12, 2025

By MATT O'BRIEN - AP Technology Writer

The commercial boom in artificial intelligence has sparked interest in humanoid robots. Venture capitalist Modar Alaoui, founder of the Humanoids Summit, gathered over 2,000 people, including top engineers from Disney and Google, to showcase technology and discuss the future of humanoids. Disney’s Olaf robot will roam Disneyland parks next year. Despite the excitement, skepticism remains about the timeline for general-purpose robots. Researchers at McKinsey & Company note around 50 companies worldwide are investing heavily in humanoid development.

Fired Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is charged with three crimes

December 12, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Fired Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been charged with three crimes, including home invasion and stalking. Moore has spent two nights in jail following his firing and subsequent arrest Wednesday. Moore, who had led the Wolverines for two seasons, was dismissed for having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the university said. Police arrested Moore after he was accused of assault in Pittsfield Township, a community near Ann Arbor. Defense attorney Joe Simon had no comment before Moore’s initial appearance in court.

Treasury rachets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud

December 12, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

The Treasury Department is targeting businesses used to send money abroad as President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up investigations into fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Friday that money wire services sending funds to Somalia will need to submit additional verification. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the IRS will assist. This follows an unsubstantiated report from a conservative magazine that said money stolen from government programs flowed to a militant group in Somalia. Trump has recently ratcheted up his attacks on the Somali community, targeting it with immigration enforcement actions.

Admiral hands over leadership of command overseeing the Trump administration’s boat strikes

December 12, 2025

By JOSHUA GOODMAN - Associated Press

A U.S. Navy admiral who oversees military operations in Latin America has handed off command responsibilities as scrutiny increases over the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the region. Adm. Alvin Holsey is retiring one year into a posting that typically lasts three to four years. During a ceremony at U.S. Southern Command headquarters near Miami, Holsey didn’t mention the reasons for his early retirement or the ongoing military operations. But Holsey urged his successor to uphold longstanding partnerships in the region by standing firmly behind the shared values of democracy and support for the rule of law. Holsey’s shock retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October, over a month into the strikes.

What we learned in the first two episodes of Taylor Swift’s Disney+ Eras Tour docuseries

December 12, 2025

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

The first two episodes of Taylor Swift’s six-episode docuseries “The End of an Era” will premiere on Disney+ Friday. Swift appeared at an exclusive screening of the episodes in New York on Tuesday. Swift touches on the failed terror plot that resulted in the cancellation of her Vienna shows. She discusses the attacker in England who killed three girls and wounded 10 people at a Swift-themed dance and yoga class. But the series is not all doom and gloom. It also celebrates Swift’s crew, dancers, choreographers and band members. There are a few special guests as well, like Ed Sheeran and Florence Welch.

New York may lose $73M in federal highway funds over flawed immigrant commercial driver’s licenses

December 12, 2025

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says New York routinely issues licenses to immigrants that may be valid long after they’re legally authorized to be in the country and he threatened to withhold $73 million in highway funds unless the system is fixed. New York is the latest Democratic state Duffy has targeted in his effort to make sure truck and bus drivers are qualified to get licenses that he launched after a truck driver who wasn’t authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people. Duffy says investigators found that more than half of the 200 licenses they reviewed in New York were issued improperly.

House Democrats release photos of Trump, Clinton and Andrew from Epstein’s estate

December 12, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

House Democrats have released several photos from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, including some of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and the former Prince Andrew. The 19 photos released by Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee on Friday are a small part of more than 95,000 they received from the estate of Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges. The photos were released without captions or context and include a black-and-white image of Trump alongside six women whose faces are blacked out. The Democrats also released a photo of Clinton posing alongside Epstein and his longtime girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

Skydiver dangles at 15,000 feet after parachute catches on plane’s tail in Australia

December 12, 2025

By ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

Australian accident investigators have released dramatic images showing a skydiver’s parachute entangled on an airplane’s tail, leaving him dangling at 15,000 feet. The incident happened in September near Tully Airport in Queensland. The skydiver used a hook knife to cut himself free, sustaining minor leg injuries. The pilot and 16 other parachutists on board the Cessna Caravan were unharmed. The skydiver’s reserve chute ripcord snagged on a wing flap, causing the mishap. Most skydivers had jumped, and the pilot managed to land safely. The bureau’s chief commissioner highlighted the lifesaving potential of carrying a hook knife.

Kremlin official says Russian police and National Guard to stay in Ukraine’s Donbas even after peace

December 12, 2025

By DASHA LITVINOVA and ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

A senior Kremlin official says Russian police and the National Guard will remain in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas even if a peace settlement ends the war. This stance is likely to be rejected by Kyiv. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said in comments published in a Russian business daily on Friday that Moscow will agree to a ceasefire only after Ukrainian forces withdraw. Ukrainian forces say meanwhile that they have recaptured several settlements near Kupiansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Russian officials haven’t commented on the claims which couldn’t be independently verified.

Conservationists connect with chimps in a Ugandan rainforest as they seek a sense of communion

December 12, 2025

By RODNEY MUHUMUZA - Associated Press

Onesmas Ainebyona tracks chimpanzees in a Ugandan rainforest. He has built trust with a chimp leader named Jean. It took Ainebyona four years to connect with Jean. The chimp now feels comfortable around humans. Wildlife authorities call this process “habituation” which helps chimps like Jean live longer. Ainebyona and others follow chimps daily even in rain to ensure their safety. Kibale National Park is known for its high concentration of apes. The park attracts tourists who can see habituated chimps. This conservation effort not only protects chimps but also boosts tourism revenue that supports the park’s thriving ecosystem.

Converts are finding Eastern Orthodoxy online. The church wants to help them commune face-to-face

December 12, 2025

By KRYSTA FAURIA - Associated Press

Eastern Orthodoxy in the U.S. is experiencing a surge in converts, partly due to online content. The Very Rev. Andreas Blom encourages new members to engage in-person once they join Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs. Some Orthodox content creators, like Jonathan Pageau, emphasize the importance of in-person community even as they take advantage of digital tools. There has been a focus on recent male converts who find Orthodoxy through content online about masculinity. While the internet has expanded Orthodoxy’s reach, church leaders are addressing challenges like extremism and the need for experienced spiritual guidance.

Shoppers say ’tis the season for inflation, an AP-NORC poll finds

December 12, 2025

By JOSH BOAK and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds this holiday season isn’t quite so merry for American shoppers as large shares of them are dipping into savings, scouring for bargains and feeling like the overall economy is stuck in a rut under President Donald Trump. The vast majority of U.S. adults say they’ve noticed higher than usual prices for groceries, electricity and holiday gifts. Roughly half of Americans say it’s harder than usual to afford the things they want to give as holiday gifts. It’s a sobering assessment for the Republican president, who returned to the White House in large part by promising to lower prices.

Photos show Ennio Morricone’s opera ‘Partenope’ as it premieres in Naples

December 12, 2025

By Salvatore Laporta

NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Composer Ennio Morricone earned an Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2007, but his only opera gathered dust for decades. On Friday night, Naples’ Teatro San Carlo will stage “Partenope,” inspired by the mythical siren who drowned herself after failing to enchant Ulysses, three decades after its composition. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo…

Ford turns to stepped-up tech and cooperation with police to thwart F-150 pickup thieves

December 12, 2025

By COREY WILLIAMS - Associated Press

Ford Motor Co. has stepped up technology in its popular F-150 pickup to combat ever-evolving techniques car thieves have at their disposal. It is the latest cat-and-mouse move that the automaker hopes will help customers avoid the costly and frustrating process that occurs when vehicles are swiped. It includes a feature that won’t allow the pickups to start even if key fobs are present. Owners can use Ford’s “Start Inhibit” to disable their F-150’s engine from a smartphone. The pickup was in the top 10 of most stolen models over the first half of 2025. Ford Secure General Manager Christian Moran says there are a lot of F-150s on the road, and thieves like pickups.

Thailand’s Parliament is dissolved for new elections early next year

December 12, 2025

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI and GRANT PECK - Associated Press

Thailand is preparing for new elections early next year after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives. Anutin’s move received endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Thursday, and the dissolution became effective with its publication on Friday in the Royal Gazette. Elections must be held within 45 to 60 days. Anutin will now lead a caretaker government with limited powers. His decision comes amid political tension and ongoing armed conflict with Cambodia over border disputes. Anutin’s move follows a promise to dissolve Parliament by January and organize a referendum on drafting a new constitution in an unusual deal that had the opposition People’s Party back his September bid to become prime minister.

Study finds humans were making fire 400,000 years ago, far earlier than once thought

December 11, 2025

By MUSTAKIM HASNATH - Associated Press

Archaeologists in Britain say they have found the earliest known evidence of deliberate fire-making, dating to around 400,000 years ago. The findings published in the journal Nature predate previous evidence by about 350,000 years. The team identified heated sediments, fire-shattered flint tools and rare fragments of iron pyrite brought to the site to strike sparks. Researchers say the discovery sheds new light on early Neanderthal behavior and suggests fire making played a major role in human evolution, from diet and survival to social life and cognitive development.

Immigration crackdown leaves teens to care for siblings after parents get detained

December 11, 2025

By JACK BROOK and SARA CLINE - Associated Press/Report for America

An immigration crackdown in Louisiana has forced some teenagers to grow up fast after their parents were arrested by federal agents. The effort unfolded in a Hispanic enclave outside New Orleans and took away family caretakers and breadwinners, leaving children to care for their siblings. Jonathan Escalante is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen whose mother was detained. He’s now looking after his 9-year-old sister, who has a physical disability. Escalante is trying to access his mother’s bank account, locate his sister’s medical records and doctors, and figure out how to pay bills in his mother’s name.

PHOTO ESSAY: In Texas, a former Chinese official targeted by Beijing’s surveillance finds refuge

December 11, 2025

By REBECCA BLACKWELL and DAKE KANG - Associated Press

MIDLAND, Texas (AP) — The Chinese government is using an increasingly powerful tool to control and monitor its own officials: Surveillance technology, much of it originating in the United States, an Associated Press investigation has found. Among its targets is Li Chuanliang, a Chinese former vice mayor hunted by Beijing with the help of surveillance technology. Li’s communications were monitored,…

A Chinese whistleblower now living in the US is being hunted by Beijing with help from US tech

December 11, 2025

By DAKE KANG - Associated Press

Retired Chinese official Li Chuanliang fled to the U.S. seeking asylum, fearing persecution from the Chinese government. He was warned not to return to China after being accused of corruption. Li claims he is targeted for criticizing the government. The Associated Press reports that China uses surveillance technology to track and intimidate officials and dissidents abroad. This technology, often originating from U.S. companies, has been used to monitor Li and his family. Beijing’s operations, known as “Fox Hunt” and “Sky Net,” aim to bring back fugitives.

Gas explosion in San Francisco Bay Area damages homes, 6 taken to hospitals

December 11, 2025

By JANIE HAR - Associated Press

Fire officials say six people have been taken to hospitals after a gas explosion started a major fire in a San Francisco Bay Area suburb. The explosion in the Hayward area obliterated at least one home and sent heavy smoke into the air. Video shows a home sitting under a blue sky before it suddenly exploded, sending wood and debris skyward. A spokesperson for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said construction workers damaged an underground gas line around 7:35 a.m. Thursday. The utility stopped the gas flow at 9:25 a.m. The explosion occurred shortly afterward.

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