US & World News Archives - Page 6 of 90

Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations

December 11, 2025

By JONATHAN J. COOPER - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to block states from regulating artificial intelligence. He argues that heavy regulations could stifle the industry, especially given competition from China. Trump says the U.S. needs a unified approach to AI regulation to avoid complications from state-by-state rules. The order directs the administration to draw up a list of problematic regulations for the Attorney General to challenge. States with laws could lose access to broadband funding, according to the text of the order. Some states have already passed AI laws focusing on transparency and limiting data collection.

A winter storm chills Gaza and floods tent camps, exposing aid failures

December 11, 2025

By WAFAA SHURAFA, BASSEM MROUE, and JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press

Storm Byron has hit Gaza and worsened the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. Heavy rains have flooded tent camps and have left Palestinians in dire conditions on Thursday. Aid groups say Israel hasn’t met its ceasefire agreement to allow 600 trucks of aid into Gaza daily. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees warns that cold, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions increase illness risks. The Palestinian Civil Defense has reported more than 2,500 distress calls because of storm damage. Senior Hamas official Khaled Mashaal has urged for more aid and infrastructure rehabilitation. The ceasefire agreement remains at a critical point with both sides facing obstacles.

Sherrone Moore was a once-promising coach until a sudden and stunning fall from grace at Michigan

December 11, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Sherrone Moore was once a promising young leader. He was a rare Black head coach at the top of the sport — a rugged lineman at Oklahoma who climbed the ranks to Michigan, the winningest program in college football. His downfall has been even more stunning. The 39-year-old Moore was fired and arrested hours apart on Wednesday, and remained jailed with an arraignment expected Friday as police investigate an alleged assault. His firing was related to what the school called an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore has been through a lot in his career, but scandal abounds.

Sherrone Moore’s firing leaves Michigan and its troubled football program scrambling to find a coach

December 11, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Michigan has quite a mess on its hands. Sherrone Moore spent the night in jail awaiting arraignment while college football’s winningest school suddenly started searching for a new coach to lead the Wolverines. The NCAA put the program on probation less than four months ago, stemming from a sign-stealing scandal. And now, the Wolverines are scrambling to find a new leader for their shaken football team. Athletic director Warde Manuel informed the team of his decision to fire Moore on Wednesday for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

After Airbus issue, DOT says airlines don’t have to cover passenger expenses amid aircraft recalls

December 11, 2025

By RIO YAMAT - AP Airlines and Travel Writer

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued new guidance stating airlines don’t have to cover passenger expenses like meals or lodging when a flight is canceled or significantly delayed by an aircraft recall. The guidance released on Wednesday follows disruptions last month due to inspections and software updates on Airbus A320 aircraft to fix a glitch that the manufacturer said could affect flight controls. In the U.S., airlines must refund canceled flights but aren’t required to cover lodging or meals. Instead, airlines offer voluntary compensation for some expenses if a disruption is caused by something within their control, such as crew delays. The new DOT guidance clarifies that disruptions from aircraft recalls aren’t considered within an airline’s control.

Justice Department again fails to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, AP source says

December 11, 2025

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN - Associated Press

A grand jury has declined for a second time to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, refusing to resurrect a mortgage fraud prosecution encouraged by President Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the matter. It’s a another major blow to the Justice Department after the dismissal of earlier charges against James and another longtime Trump foe, former FBI Director James Comey, in a stunning rebuke of the Trump administration’s efforts to prosecute the president’s political opponents. James says the case is politically motivated and has denied any wrongdoing. The person who confirmed the failure to secure an indictment was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Farmers will get more money from Trump. They still have more problems

December 11, 2025

By JOSH FUNK and MARK VANCLEAVE - Associated Press

American farmers are feeling the strain from trade disputes under President Donald Trump, particularly with China. Trump has announced $12 billion in aid for U.S. farmers, but many farmers say that’s not enough. South Dakota farmer Gene Stehly believes the aid is insufficient to cover losses from low commodity prices and declining sales. Farmers such as Charlie Radman in Minnesota and Bryant Kagay in Missouri say they need more certainty and new markets, not just temporary payments. The aid is seen as a stopgap. Many farmers want solutions to rising costs and market access beyond China.

Noem links the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela to US antidrug efforts

December 11, 2025

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has linked the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela to the Trump administration’s counterdrug efforts. During testimony Thursday to the House Homeland Security Committee, Noem lauded the U.S. forces’ unusual move to take control of a merchant ship. Noem describes it as a successful move that’s part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. The Republican president told reporters Wednesday the tanker was seized “for a very good reason.” Venezuela’s government has called the seizure an act of international piracy.

Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of Americans

December 11, 2025

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year. Senators rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts — an unceremonious end to a monthslong…

Fernando Mendoza is AP player of the year after leading Indiana to 13-0 record and top seed in CFP

December 11, 2025

By ERIC OLSON - AP College Football Writer

Fernando Mendoza was named Associated Press player of the year after leading unbeaten and top-ranked Indiana to its first Big Ten championship since 1967 and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The redshirt junior quarterback was the overwhelming choice over fellow Heisman Trophy finalists Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt, Jeremiah Love of Notre Dame and Julian Sayin of Ohio State. Mendoza received 32 of 51 first-place votes from a nationwide panel of media members who cover college football. The Hoosiers’ first-year starter transferred from California after last season and is the triggerman for Indiana’s record-setting offense.

NASCAR settles federal antitrust case, gives all its teams the permanent charters they wanted

December 11, 2025

By JENNA FRYER - AP Auto Racing Writer

NASCAR has settled an antitrust lawsuit with two race teams, including one co-owned by Michael Jordan. The settlement was announced Thursday after a delay on the ninth day of the trial. The lawsuit was filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports last year after they refused to sign new charter agreements presented by NASCAR. The teams raced uncharted for most of 2025. The case highlighted family ties in motorsports, with emotional testimonies from figures like Denny Hamlin and Jordan. NASCAR’s chairman, Jim France, defended the temporary nature of charters, citing core principles from his family.

Disney invests $1B in OpenAI in deal to bring characters like Mickey Mouse to Sora AI video tool

December 11, 2025

By KELVIN CHAN - AP Business Writer

Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI to bring characters like Mickey Mouse and Luke Skywalker to the AI company’s Sora video tool. Announced on Thursday, this three-year licensing deal makes Disney the first major content partner for Sora. Fans can generate and share videos featuring over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. Disney and OpenAI emphasize responsible AI use to protect creators’ rights. Some user-generated videos will be available on Disney+. Disney also sent Google a cease and desist letter for using Disney content without permission to train its AI models.

Italian cooking and its rituals get UN designation as world heritage

December 11, 2025

By PAOLO SANTALUCIA, SILVIA STELLACCI and NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Italian food is known and loved around the world for its fresh ingredients and palate-pleasing tastes, but the U.N.’s cultural agency is giving foodies another reason to celebrate their pizza, pasta and tiramisu by listing Italian cooking as part of the world’s “intangible” cultural heritage. UNESCO added the rituals surrounding Italian food preparation and consumption to its list of the world’s traditional practices and expressions on Wednesday. It’s a designation celebrated alongside the more well-known UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. The citation didn’t mention specific dishes, recipes or regional specialties, but highlighted the cultural importance Italians place on the rituals of cooking and eating.

High-stakes Indiana redistricting vote tests Republican resistance to Trump’s demands

December 11, 2025

By ISABELLA VOLMERT - Associated Press

Indiana state Senators are expected to take a final and deciding vote on redistricting Thursday, and the outcome is still uncertain. Even in the face of pressure from the White House and about a dozen threats made against Indiana lawmakers, many state senators in the Republican supermajority are outright opposed to the legislation or hesitant to take a stance. Going into the vote Thursday, it is unknown if the legislation has the support needed to pass. The proposed congressional map is designed to deliver all nine of Indiana’s congressional districts to the GOP. Republicans currently hold seven of those seats.

MyPillow founder and Trump supporter Mike Lindell says he’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026

December 11, 2025

The Associated Press,

Mike Lindell SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) — Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump known to TV viewers as the “MyPillow Guy,” officially entered the race for Minnesota governor Thursday in hopes of winning the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. “I’ll leave no town unturned in Minnesota,” Lindell told The Associated Press in an interview ahead…

‘MyPillow Guy’ and Trump supporter Mike Lindell says he’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026

December 11, 2025

By STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump known to TV viewers as the “MyPillow Guy,” says he’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026. Lindell became close to Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. He went on to become a leading amplifier of Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. That led to a string of legal and financial setbacks for Lindell and his MyPillow company, which he founded in Minnesota. But he says he’s overcome them and is eager to take on Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be immediately released from immigration detention

December 11, 2025

The Associated Press,

FILE – Kilmar Abrego Garcia joins supporters in a protest rally outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Baltimore, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File) GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A federal judge in Maryland ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia freed from immigration detention on Thursday while his legal challenge against his deportation moves forward. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled…

Venezuelan Nobel laureate credits Trump for pressuring Maduro with ‘decisive’ actions

December 11, 2025

By REGINA GARCIA CANO - Associated Press

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says “decisive” actions by the United States, including the seizure of an oil tanker, have left the repressive government of President Nicolás Maduro at its weakest point. She vowed Thursday to return to the country to keep fighting for democracy. Machado spoke after her first public appearance in 11 months in Oslo, where her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. She sidestepped questions about U.S. military intervention, and said she’ll return to Venezuela when security conditions are right. Machado has been in hiding since January after a brief detention in Caracas. She won an opposition primary but was barred from running in last year’s presidential election.

‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ rarities are in Lawrence Kasdan’s university archive

December 11, 2025

By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER - Associated Press

Documents that detail Lawrence Kasdan’s career have been donated to the University of Michigan, the writer and director’s alma mater. Archivists are about a quarter of the way through cataloging the 150-plus boxes of material. Included are scripts, photographs, audio recordings, call sheets, props and more. One rarity is pictures of Kevin Costner on the set of the 1983 film “The Big Chill,” before his scene was famously cut. Kasdan also wrote “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and a number of “Star Wars” films. Kasdan directed “Wyatt Earp” and “Body Heat.” The 76-year-old’s papers join those of fellow filmmakers Orson Welles, Robert Altman and Jonathan Demme at the Ann Arbor school.

‘They said they’d shoot us’: Nigerian child recalls how he was taken in mass school abduction

December 11, 2025

By OPE ADETAYO and AFOLABI SOTUNDE - Associated Press

When gunmen stormed St. Mary Catholic School in Nigeria’s Papiri community, the children tried to escape but were told they would be shot if they ran away. Gunmen abducted 303 students and 12 teachers on November 21, marking one of the country’s largest school kidnappings. Fifty students escaped soon after, and 100 more, including Onyeka Chieme, were freed on Sunday. However, 153 students and the teachers remain captive. The Nigerian government has not disclosed how the students were released or if any arrests were made. Families are increasingly worried about their children’s safety, as school abductions have become a significant security crisis in Nigeria.

Photos of families who set off on migration journeys and found themselves torn apart

December 11, 2025

By REBECCA BLACKWELL - Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) — During the first Trump administration, families were forcibly separated at the border. Now parents inside the United States are being arrested by immigration authorities and separated from their families during prolonged detention inside the country. Three recent migrants told The Associated Press that their journeys were sources of deep pain and uncertainty because they marked the possible…

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Chase Sui Wonders’ Harvard astrophysics detour led her to Hollywood

December 11, 2025

By GARY GERARD HAMILTON - Associated Press

Chase Sui Wonders always thought she was “kind of funny,” but it was officially confirmed after booking “The Studio” after just one audition. It’s been an eventful year for the AP Breakthrough Entertainer who plays the hyper ambitious, cutthroat assistant-turned-creative executive Quinn Hackett on the Emmy-winning comedy. But a Hollywood career nearly didn’t happen for the magna cum laude graduate who switched her major at Harvard from astrophysics to film studies after being “humbled” by quickly falling behind. The 29-year old has several projects in the works including “I Want Your Sex” starring Olivia Wilde and A24’s horror thriller “October.”

Time magazine names ‘Architects of AI’ as its person of the year for 2025

December 11, 2025

AP

The “Architects of AI” were named Time magazine’s person of the year for 2025. The magazine on Thursday cited 2025 as the year when the potential of artificial intelligence “roared into view” with no turning back. AI was a leading contender for the top slot, according to prediction markets, along with tech CEOs Jensen Huang of Nvidia and Sam Altman of OpenAI. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope whose election this year followed the death of Pope Francis, was also considered a contender, with President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani topping lists as well.

In photos, the details that illuminated the 2025 Marrakech International Film Festival

December 11, 2025

By MOSA'AB ELSHAMY - Associated Press

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — The carpet outside the 2025 edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival was unfurled in its usual red, but the stars who walked across it shimmered in every color. Actors and filmmakers drifted down its length in embroidered velvet robes and delicately cut black lace dresses, amid the sounds of camera shutters and microphones humming. Some…

Trump’s handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling

December 11, 2025

By LINLEY SANDERS and WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds President Donald Trump’s approval on the economy has fallen substantially since he reentered the White House. It’s a warning about how Americans are evaluating the Republican president’s performance as the year draws to a close. The survey finds only 31% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy. That’s down from 40% in March and marks the lowest economic approval he’s registered in his first or second term. Trump’s approval also has slipped on other issues that were strengths for him at the beginning of this term, including immigration and crime. Trump’s overall job approval hasn’t fallen as steeply.

Tariffs have cost U.S. households $1,200 each since Trump returned to the White House, Democrats say

December 11, 2025

By PAUL WISEMAN - AP Economics Writer

Sweeping taxes on imports have cost the average American household nearly $1,200 since Donald Trump returned to the White House this year, according to calculations by Democrats on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee. Using Treasury Department numbers on revenue from tariffs and Goldman Sachs estimates of who ends up paying for them, the Democrats’ report Thursday found that American consumers’ share of the bill came to nearly $159 billion — or $1,198 per household — from February through November.

Joel Brennan, former top Evers aide, joins crowded 2026 Wisconsin governor race

December 11, 2025

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

A former top official in Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ administration is running to succeed the two-term Democrat. Joel Brennan launched his campaign Thursday, joining a crowded primary field for the 2026 election. Brennan told The Associated Press that he would be a governor who both fights President Donald Trump’s “chaos and dysfunction” and works across the aisle with Republicans in the state. He said he wants to build relationships with both Democrats and Republicans to “roll up our sleeves and work together.” Wisconsin is a politically divided state that went for Trump in 2016 and 2024 and President Joe Biden in 2020.

Zelenskyy will hold urgent talks with 30 countries as Trump pushes for swift peace deal with Russia

December 11, 2025

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to hold urgent talks with leaders from about 30 countries. The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, aims to support Kyiv’s efforts to secure fair terms in a peace agreement ending the war with Russia. Leaders from Germany, Britain, and France are expected to participate via video link. Zelenskyy indicated the talks were hastily arranged amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a swift settlement. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a significant drone attack overnight, affecting flights in Moscow and other Russian cities. Peace talks are at a critical moment, according to European leaders.

Following Australia’s lead, Denmark plans to ban social media for children younger than 15

December 11, 2025

By JAMES BROOKS - Associated Press

Denmark is planning to follow Australia in introducing stricter restrictions for younger teens to access social media. The Danish government announced last month that it had secured an agreement by three governing coalition and two opposition parties in parliament to ban access to social media for anyone younger than 15. The proposed law could take effect by mid-2026. It’s not yet clear how the restrictions would be enforced. Many social media platforms already ban children younger than 13 from signing up, but officials say these restrictions don’t always work. Danish authorities report 98% of children younger than 13 have profiles on at least one platform.

Photos of moments of joy brought to life by AP photojournalists in 2025

December 11, 2025

By The Associated Press

The joy of being there, of prayer and play, a dance in a bomb shelter, a kiss in a flood and a hug in the mud, kids rolling tires and scooting among the ruins of Gaza are among the defining images of 2025 as people found happiness despite adversity and enjoyed the simple things of life. Images of joy, of…

Senate to question military leaders on Trump’s National Guard deployments

December 10, 2025

By DAVID KLEPPER, BEN FINLEY and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

The Senate is set to question military leaders over President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to American cities. The Senate Armed Services Committee is holding a hearing Thursday on Trump’s extraordinary move, which in some places was done over the opposition of governors and mayors. The deployments have prompted legal challenges as well as questions about states’ rights and the use of the military on U.S. soil. The hearing will bring the highest level of scrutiny to Trump’s use of the National Guard outside of a courtroom since the deployments began and comes a day after the president faced another legal setback.

Senate poised to reject extension of health care subsidies as costs rise for many

December 10, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

The Senate is poised to reject legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits for millions of Americans. Thursday’s planned vote is a potentially unceremonious end to a monthslong Democratic effort to prevent the COVID-era subsidies from expiring on Jan. 1. Despite a bipartisan desire to continue the credits, Republicans and Democrats have never engaged in meaningful or high-level negotiations on a solution. Instead, the Senate is expected to vote on two partisan bills and defeat them both — essentially guaranteeing that many who buy their health insurance on the ACA marketplaces could see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year.

What to know as trial nears for the Wisconsin judge accused of helping an immigrant dodge agents

December 10, 2025

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

Defense attorneys and prosecutors are set to choose the jurors who will decide whether a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a Mexican immigrant dodge federal officers broke the law. Federal prosecutors charged Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan in April with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. She could face up to six years in prison if convicted on both counts. Jury selection for her trial is set to begin Thursday. Opening statements are set for Monday. Dugan has maintained she was acting within her authority when she led the man out of her courtroom through a private doorway when she learned agents were in the courthouse looking to arrest him.

Trump administration separates thousands of migrant families in the US

December 10, 2025

By GISELA SALOMON - Associated Press

A new wave of immigration enforcement is dividing families inside the U.S. Federal officials and their local law enforcement partners are detaining tens of thousands of asylum-seekers and migrants. And Trump’s top border team plans to keep ‘full speed ahead.’ Detainees are repeatedly moved, then deported. Or they are held in poor conditions for weeks or months before asking to go home. The federal government was holding an average of more than 66,000 people during the first half of November, the highest on record. Three families separated by migration enforcement in recent months told The Associated Press that their existence is anguished without knowing if they will see their loved ones again.

Sophie Kinsella, author of the millions-selling ‘Shopaholic’ novels, dies at 55

December 10, 2025

By JILL LAWLESS and ALICIA RANCILIO - Associated Press

Writer Sophie Kinsella, known for her rom-com “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” has died at 55. She had brain cancer and her family announced her death Wednesday. Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, revealed her diagnosis in 2024. She published 10 “Shopaholic” novels starting in 2000, selling over 45 million copies. Her work was often labeled “chick lit,” a term she embraced. Kinsella’s books were adapted into films and translated into multiple languages. Her family described her final days as filled with love, music, and joy.

FACT FOCUS: Trump blames Biden for the agricultural trade deficit. It’s not that simple

December 10, 2025

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

As President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion farm aid package this week to help U.S. farmers hurt by tariffs, he placed responsibility for the U.S. agricultural trade deficit on former President Joe Biden. It is true that there was an agricultural trade surplus when Trump entered the White House in 2017 that has since become a significant deficit. However, according to experts, it is a massive oversimplification to blame any one administration or policy.

Rockies select right-hander RJ Petit from Tigers in Rule 5 draft at winter meetings

December 10, 2025

AP

Colorado selected right-hander RJ Petit from Detroit with the first of 13 picks in the Rule 5 draft of unprotected players left off 40-man major league rosters. Now 26, Petit was taken by the Tigers in the 14th round of the 2021 amateur draft and was 10-2 with a 2.44 ERA in two starts and 45 relief appearances this year for Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. He struck out 79 and walked 22 in 66 1/3 innings. Petit is 21-15 with a 3.40 ERA and 14 saves in five starts and 182 relief appearances over five minor league seasons.

House passes defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

December 10, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES and BEN FINLEY - Associated Press

The House votes to pass a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs. The bill includes a pay raise for troops and an overhaul of how the Department of Defense buys weapons. It comes at a time of increasing friction between the Republican-controlled Congress and how President Donald Trump’s administration has handled the military. The White House has signaled “strong support” for the must-pass legislation and says it is in line with Trump’s national security agenda. Yet tucked into the over-3,000-page bill are several measures that push back on the Department of Defense.

Michigan fires Sherrone Moore with cause, cites ‘inappropriate relationship’ with staff member

December 10, 2025

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Michigan has fired football coach Sherrone Moore. The university announced on Wednesday that an investigation found evidence of an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” Officials stated that Moore’s alleged conduct was a “clear violation of university policy.”

Trump says the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela

December 10, 2025

By AAMER MADHANI and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as tensions mount with the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Using U.S. forces to seize an oil tanker is incredibly unusual and marks the Trump administration’s latest push to increase pressure on Maduro. Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that “other things are happening,” but he didn’t offer additional details. The seizure was led by the U.S. Coast Guard and supported by the Navy. That’s according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Botulism outbreak sickens more than 50 babies and expands to all ByHeart products

December 10, 2025

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

Federal health officials have expanded an outbreak of infant botulism tied to ByHeart baby formula to include any illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that at least 51 babies in 19 states have been sickened since 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said new cases include any infants with botulism who consumed ByHeart formula since the product’s release. The outbreak was announced on Nov. 8. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold in the U.S. and around the world on Nov. 11.

Trump says the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela

December 10, 2025

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela amid mounting tensions with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. It’s the Trump administration’s latest push to increase pressure on Maduro, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States. The U.S. has conducted a series of deadly military…

San Francisco woman gives birth in a Waymo self-driving taxi

December 10, 2025

By JANIE HAR - Associated Press

Waymo’s self-driving taxis have been in the spotlight for both negative and positive reasons. This week, the automated ride-hailing taxis went viral after a San Francisco woman gave birth inside a Waymo taxi while on her way to the hospital. A Waymo spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed the unusual delivery. It said the company’s rider support team detected unusual activity inside the vehicle and alerted 911. The taxi arrived safely at the hospital before emergency services. Waymo’s popularity is growing despite heightened scrutiny following an illegal U-turn and the death of a San Francisco cat. The company, owned by Alphabet, says it is proud to serve riders of all ages.

Riveting images of faith and spirituality: 30 of AP’s best religion photos of 2025

December 10, 2025

By DAVID CRARY - AP National Writer

From a bird’s-eye view high above St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, a stunning photograph shows the estimated 250,000 mourners who gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis. Another photo, taken at sunset from a beach in Uruguay, shows a solitary woman wading knee-deep into the ocean to pay homage to the African sea goddess Yemanja. The contrasting images —…

Foreigners allowed to travel to the US without a visa could soon face new social media screening

December 10, 2025

By REBECCA SANTANA - Associated Press

Travelers who are now able to come to the United States without a visa might soon need to provide social media, email, and family history details to the Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration has increased monitoring of international travelers. And now, Customs and Border Protection is proposing collecting five years of social media data from travelers from about roughly 40 mostly European and Asian countries who can now come to the U.S. for tourism or business for three months without visas. The public has 60 days to comment on these proposed changes.

What a Democrat’s victory in the Miami mayoral election may mean for Trump

December 10, 2025

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON - Associated Press

Democrat Eileen Higgins’ victory in the Miami mayoral race marks a setback for Republican President Donald Trump. The president endorsed Higgins’ rival and has touted his 2024 win in the area as evidence of his appeal in Florida and particularly among Hispanic voters. Higgins, who will be the city’s first female mayor, secured a decisive win over Trump’s pick, Emilio Gonzalez on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Higgins said she will explore legal ways to unwind an agreement that empowers police officers to conduct immigration enforcement. She emphasized affordability issues, contrasting Trump’s dismissive stance on inflation. Higgins also expressed concerns over a proposed Trump presidential library in Miami, calling it a “land giveaway.”

CBS appoints Tony Dokoupil as anchor of its flagship ‘CBS Evening News’ broadcast

December 10, 2025

By DAVID BAUDER - AP Media Writer

CBS says Tony Dokoupil will take over at the beginning of next year as anchor of its flagship “CBS Evening News” broadcast. He moves from the mornings, where he has been part of the anchor team for “CBS Mornings” since 2019. He represents the first major hire for Bari Weiss, the Free Press editor installed this fall as CBS News editor-in-chief following the network’s corporate takeover by Paramount. Dokoupil faces a major challenge competing against the dominant David Muir of ABC’s “World News Tonight,” which has nearly double the CBS audience. Dokoupil replaces the pairing of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, who both left the network recently.

Iceland becomes 5th country to boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation

December 10, 2025

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

Iceland’s national broadcaster has announced it will boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest due to discord over Israel’s participation. This decision announced Wednesday follows similar moves by Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia. These countries have withdrawn after organizers refused to expel Israel over its actions in Gaza. Iceland’s RÚV stated that neither joy nor peace will prevail with their participation. The walkouts have raised concerns about the future of the contest, which has been affected by the conflict in Gaza for two years. The European Broadcasting Union recently met to discuss Israel’s participation but took no action to exclude any broadcaster.

Elon Musk says DOGE was only ‘somewhat successful’ and he wouldn’t do it again

December 10, 2025

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

Mega billionaire Elon Musk said his efforts leading the Department of Government Efficiency were only “somewhat successful” and he would not do it over again. Musk made his remarks in a friendly interview with his aide and conservative influencer Katie Miller, who is married to White House adviser Stephen Miller. Musk still broadly defended President Donald Trump’s controversial pop-up agency that Musk left in the spring before it shuttered officially last month. But Musk acknowledged how difficult it is to remake the federal government quickly and how much his businesses suffered because of his DOGE work and its lack of popularity. Musk is the Tesla and SpaceX CEO and also owns the social media platform X.

WTF? Embracing profanity is one thing both political parties seem to agree on

December 10, 2025

By STEVEN SLOAN - Associated Press

The language of politicians has become more vulgar in recent years. Leaders in both parties are openly using vulgarities. President Trump recently referred to alleged drug smugglers with an expletive during a Cabinet meeting. Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris have also used to coarse language in public. Experts say this shift reflects changes in political discourse, increased media coverage, and social media’s influence. On social media or other digital platforms, posts or video clips that evoke the strongest emotions are often rewarded with the most engagement.

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