US & World News Archives - Page 6 of 86

FBI says it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group

January 2, 2026

The Associated Press,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The FBI said Friday it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plot targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old man who authorities say pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group. Christian Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after investigators say he shared…

Country singer Zach Bryan has married Samantha Leonard

January 2, 2026

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

Here’s to a lifetime of pink skies. The irreverent country singer Zach Bryan is married. Bryan confirms the news in an Instagram post shared Thursday. Beneath a photo of him holding his bride, Samantha Leonard, he wrote the caption, “tougher than the rest.” It is a reference to the Bruce Springsteen song of the same name. It is unclear when the couple started dating or got engaged. Rumors of their relationship hit social media in August, when Leonard posted a picture of the pair embracing on a boat on her official Instagram account. Bryan is scheduled to release a new album, “With Heaven On Top,” next Friday.

Troy Aikman to advise Miami Dolphins in search for new GM

January 2, 2026

By ALANIS THAMES - AP Sports Writer

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman will be advising the Miami Dolphins in their search for a new general manager. Aikman, who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl wins and is now an ESPN analyst, isn’t expected to remain with the organization beyond their GM search, ESPN reported. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel welcomed the outside help. The Dolphins fired longtime general manager Chris Grier on Oct. 31 after a 2-7 start to the season. Dolphins senior personnel executive Champ Kelly has been Miami’s interim general manager.

Investigation continues into the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Switzerland

January 2, 2026

The Associated Press,

People mourn behind flowers near the sealed off Le Constellation bar, where a devastating fire left dead and injured during the New Year’s celebrations in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner) CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss investigators believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles started a fire in a bar at an Alpine ski resort that…

Hilary Knight set to make 5th Olympics appearance as US women’s hockey unveils 23-player roster

January 2, 2026

By JOHN WAWROW - AP Hockey Writer

Hilary Knight is set to make her fifth Olympic appearance, and this time lead a younger, faster U.S. women’s national team favored to win gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Games next month. The 36-year-old Knight headlines the list as USA Hockey released its 23-player Olympic women’s roster. It’s a group that returns just 11 members from the team that won the silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Games, and features several newcomers, highlighted by defender Laila Edwards. From Cleveland, the 21-year-old Wisconsin senior is set to become the first Black female hockey player to compete for the U.S. at the Olympics.

The top photos of the week by AP photojournalists

January 2, 2026

By The Associated Press

Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 This photo gallery, curated by photo editor Leslie Mazoch, highlights some of the most compelling images worldwide published by The Associated Press in the past week. See last week’s top photos of the week Follow AP visual journalism: AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews Categories: US & World News

Tesla loses crown as world’s bestselling electric vehicle maker to Chinese rival as sales fall for second year in a row

January 2, 2026

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — Tesla lost its crown as the world’s bestselling electric vehicle maker on Friday as a customer revolt over Elon Musk’s right-wing politics and stiff overseas competition pushed sales down for a second year in a row. Tesla said that it delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, down 9% from a year earlier. Chinese rival BYD, which sold 2.26…

Tesla loses title as world’s biggest electric vehicle maker as sales fall for second year in a row

January 2, 2026

AP

Tesla lost its crown as the world’s bestselling electric vehicle maker on Friday as a customer revolt over Elon Musk’s right-wing politics and stiff overseas competition pushed sales down for a second year in a row. Tesla said that it delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, down 9% from a year ago. Chinese rival BYD, which sold 2.26 vehicles last year, is now the biggest EV maker. For the fourth quarter, sales totaled 418,227, falling short of the 440,000 that analysts polled by FactSet expected. The sales total may likely have been impacted by the expiration of a $7,500 tax credit that was phased out by the Trump administration at the end of September.

Fireworks dazzled Rio’s sky, and more top photos this week in Latin America and the Caribbean

January 2, 2026

By The Associated Press

Dec. 26 – Jan. 2, 2025 People across Latin America rang in the new year, during a week when Guatemalan migrants were deported back home and scientists in Mexico studied the Popocatepetl volcano. This gallery was curated by photo editor Jon Orbach, based in Mexico City. AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews Categories: US & World News

Director of Swiss hospital describes the rush to treat the injured from Alpine resort bar fire

January 2, 2026

By JOHN LEICESTER - Associated Press

The hospital that initially took in the majority of injured victims from a fire at a Swiss bar is no stranger to emergencies: In the heart of the Alps, it is used to treating winter sports enthusiasts who have accidents on the slopes. But the flood of young and severely burned survivors from the blaze that tore through Le Constellation in Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve revelry was something else. The general director of the regional hospital in Sion that took in several dozen injured people said those with severe burns face months of treatment but expressed hope that their youth will speed their recovery. He told The Associated Press that the injured were teenagers and young adults.

Trump wants to overhaul the ‘president’s golf course.’ He hasn’t played there yet

January 2, 2026

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

Presidents often find solace in golfing, and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland is a favorite spot because it’s close to the White House and has built-in security. Known as “the president’s course,” Andrews has hosted presidents dating back to Gerald Ford. Barack Obama played it more than 100 times. Then there’s Donald Trump. He’s an avid golfer but doesn’t play Andrews, preferring courses his family owns. Now, he’s planning a major renovation project for the golf courses at Andrews with legendary champion Jack Nicklaus serving as architect. The White House says the project’s cost, and when work will start, hasn’t been determined — nor has who will pay for it.

Kim’s daughter visits family mausoleum, promoting her potential status as heir in North Korea

January 2, 2026

By HYUNG-JIN KIM - Associated Press

The teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made her first known visit to a sacred family mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of her late grandfather and great-grandfather are on display. The visit, which occurred on New Year’s Day on Thursday, adds credence to rampant outside belief that she’s being groomed as her father’s successor. An analyst speculates that she will likely be named a high-level official at the upcoming ruling Workers’ Party congress. Images carried by state media on Friday showed the girl standing in the front row with her parents and deeply bowing at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang.

Israeli hostage released from 2 years of captivity in Gaza struggles to rebuild his life

January 1, 2026

By MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

Israeli Segev Kalfon spent two years in captivity in a Hamas tunnel in Gaza after being taken hostage at a music festival on Oct. 7, 2023. During his time in captivity, he endured severe hunger and physical torture. Kalfon was released in a ceasefire deal on Oct. 13 this year. Now the 27-year-old is trying to piece together a post-captivity life. He spends much of his time juggling appointments with an array of doctors and psychologists. Kalfon wants to share his story to counter rising antisemitism and ensure people know the reality of his ordeal.

Top-seeded Indiana routs Alabama 38-3 for its first Rose Bowl victory, roaring into CFP semifinals

January 1, 2026

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes, Indiana’s defense thoroughly throttled Alabama, and the top-seeded Hoosiers roared into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 38-3 victory in the 112th Rose Bowl. Mendoza passed for 192 yards in his first game since winning his school’s first Heisman Trophy, but the hard-nosed Hoosiers won the Rose Bowl for the first time in school history by dominating the Crimson Tide at the line of scrimmage. Indiana scored the game’s first 24 points before pouring it on with fourth-quarter rushing TDs from Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby, wrapping up a jubilant win in the 112th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All.

Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

January 1, 2026

By REGINA GARCIA CANO - Associated Press

Venezuela is open to reaching an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking, according to President Nicolás Maduro. In a pretaped interview aired Thursday, Maduro expressed readiness to discuss serious agreements with the U.S. He also mentioned that Venezuela is open to U.S. investment in its oil industry. The interview was recorded on New Year’s Eve, the same day the U.S. military announced strikes against several alleged drug-smuggling boats. The CIA was reportedly behind a recent drone strike at a Venezuelan docking area. Maduro declined to comment on that operation, stating he could discuss it later.

Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and be sidelined for four to six months

January 1, 2026

AP

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and is expected to be sidelined four to six months, including the upcoming Unrivaled season. The 3-on-3 women’s basketball league made the announcement Thursday. Collier had been rehabbing ankle injuries suffered during the WNBA season. She said last month she was working back to full strength so she could be available for Unrivaled’s second season, which begins Monday. She suffered a sprained right ankle during an August game and missed several weeks. She then hurt her left ankle in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals.

Zohran Mamdani begins his term as NYC mayor with an historic swearing in

January 1, 2026

The Associated Press,

New York Attorney General Letitia James, left, administers the oath of office to mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, center, as his wife Rama Duwaji looks on, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics as one of the country’s…

Outdoor hockey. In Miami. It’s finally going to happen on Friday, when Panthers play Rangers

January 1, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Sports Writer

The NHL is hosting its first outdoor game in Florida on Friday. The Florida Panthers will face the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. The retractable roof will be opened just before the game. This marks a significant event for the Sunshine State, which has seen its teams reach the Stanley Cup Final multiple times in recent years. The NHL has worked hard to create suitable ice conditions, using custom refrigeration units and a thicker ice sheet. Panthers players and fans are excited for this unique experience, highlighting hockey’s growth in Florida.

Bad Bunny’s ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ could make Grammy history

January 1, 2026

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

The Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has redefined what it means to be a global giant. And he may once again make history at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio is up for six awards. He is also the first Spanish-language artist to be nominated for album, song and record of the year simultaneously. Win or lose, experts say Bad Bunny’s Grammy nominations mark a symbolic moment for Latinos. That is because his critically acclaimed 2025 album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” took local, traditional Puerto Rican sounds and made them global smash hits. It’s also because his success arrives in a particularly tense political moment.

Zohran Mamdani begins his term as NYC mayor with an historic swearing in

January 1, 2026

By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE - Associated Press

Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City. He was sworn in around midnight Thursday. He is the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first of South Asian descent and the first to be born in Africa. At 34, Mamdani is also the city’s youngest mayor since the late 19th century. The private swearing in at a decommissioned subway station was followed by a public inaugural ceremony at City Hall that began around 1 p.m. The democratic socialist takes office after an historic campaign made “affordability” a national buzzword across the political spectrum.

Fire at Swiss Alpine resort bar during New Year's celebration leaves dozens feared dead, 100 injured

About 40 people dead and 115 injured in fire at Swiss Alpine bar during New Year’s celebration

January 1, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) UPDATE — About 40 people were killed and another 115 injured, most of them seriously, during a New Year’s celebration in a Swiss Alpine bar, police said Thursday. Authorities did not immediately have an exact count of the deceased. CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — A fire ripped through a bar’s New Year celebration in a Swiss Alpine resort less than…

Trump, in interview, defends his energy and health, offers new details on screening he underwent

January 1, 2026

By MICHELLE L. PRICE - Associated Press

President Donald Trump defended his energy and health in an interview with The Wall Street Journal and disclosed that he had a CT scan, not an MRI scan, during an October examination about which he and the White House delayed offering details. Trump, in the interview, said he regretted undergoing the advanced imaging on his heart and abdomen during an October visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center because it raised public questions about his health. His physician said in a memo the White House released in December that he had “advanced imaging” as a preventative screening for men his age.

Trump delays increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year

January 1, 2026

The Associated Press

President Donald Trump signed a New Year’s Eve proclamation delaying increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year, citing ongoing trade talks. Trump’s order signed Wednesday keeps in place a 25% tariff he imposed in September on those goods, but delays for another year a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture and 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities. The increases, which were set to take effect Jan. 1, come as the Republican president instituted a broad swath of taxes on imported goods to address trade imbalances and other issues.

Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Ukraine as tensions grow amid peace talks

January 1, 2026

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Russian officials say that a Ukrainian attack killed 24 people in a Russian-occupied village in Ukraine’s Kherson region, as tensions between the two nations continue to spike despite diplomats hailing productive peace talks. Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the strike, which could not be independently verified by The Associated Press. The statement follows claims from Moscow that Ukraine launched a long-range drone attack against one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official residences in northwestern Russia on Tuesday. Kyiv has denounced the claims as a “lie.”

Volunteer in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly killed during widening protests

January 1, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Authorities in Iran say a volunteer member of the Revolutionary Guard has been killed during protests over the country’s struggling economy. The death marks the first fatality among security forces. Demonstrations have slowed in Tehran but spread to other provinces. Authorities say the Guard member was killed Wednesday night by protesters in Kuhdasht, southwest of Tehran. They say 13 other Basij members and police officers were injured. The protests are driven by economic pressures, inflation and currency fluctuations. Iran’s government has expressed a willingness to negotiate but economic challenges persist. The protests are the largest since 2022 when Mahsa Amini’s death sparked nationwide unrest.

Miami beats defending national champ Ohio State 24-14 in the CFP quarterfinal at Cotton Bowl

January 1, 2026

By STEPHEN HAWKINS - AP Sports Writer

Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown and No. 10 Miami shocked defending champion Ohio State 24-14 in the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. The 12-2 Hurricanes never trailed after going into Wednesday night as 9 1/2-point underdogs. They have won two playoff games to get into football’s final four after needing an at-large berth to make the 12-team field. One more win and they will get to play for a national championship in their home stadium. Next up is a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8. Third-ranked Ohio State finished 12-2, with losses in the Big Ten title game and the Cotton Bowl after an undefeated regular season.

Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes

January 1, 2026

By ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight. The arrival of the New Year’s Day deadline with no fix from Congress cemented higher health costs for millions of Americans, including many self-employed workers, small business owners, farmers and ranchers. The change represents a failure by lawmakers to address an affordability issue that many Americans have raised as a top concern ahead of the 2026 midterms. On average, the more than 20 million subsidized enrollees in the Affordable Care Act program are seeing their premium costs rise by 114% in 2026, according to an analysis by the health care research nonprofit KFF.

Sweden beats US 6-3 in world junior hockey group finale. Canada tops Finland 7-4

December 31, 2025

AP

Lucas Pettersson and Eddie Genborg each scored twice and Sweden beat the United States 6-3 on Wednesday night in the world junior hockey championship to complete group play unbeaten. Casper Juustovaara opened the scoring in the first period on a deflection, and the Swedes led 5-1 in the second period in the Group A finale. Ivar Stenberg scored in the third, and Love Harenstam made 28 saves. In the quarterfinals Friday, Sweden will face Latvia, and the second-place Americans will play Finland, a 7-4 loser to Canada later Wednesday night in the Group B finale in Minneapolis. Canada will play Slovakia, and Czechia will meet Switzerland. Chase Reid, Will Zellers and Teddy Stiga scored for the United States.

PHOTO COLLECTION: A look at AP’s top photos in December

December 31, 2025

AP

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Viral ‘6-7’ tops 2025 list of overused words and phrases

December 31, 2025

By COREY WILLIAMS - Associated Press

Respondents to an annual Michigan college survey of overused and misused words and phrases say “6-7” is “cooked” and should come to a “massive” and “full stop” heading into the new year. Those are among the top 10 words on the 50th annual “Banished Words list,” released Thursday by Lake Superior State University. The tongue-in-cheek roundup of overused slang started in 1976 as a New Year’s Eve party idea. There were around 1,400 submissions this year from all 50 states and a number of countries outside the U.S., including Uzbekistan, Brazil and Japan.

Black Book Recaps 2025 Research Announcements and Client‑Rated Honors; Reaffirms Vendor‑Agnostic, Independently Validated Intelligence and 2026 Commitments

December 31, 2025

ACCESS Newswire

In 2025, Black Book expanded global healthcare IT research coverage; issued 32 complimentary, vendor-neutral benchmarking reports; advanced a 36‑KPI qualitative performance framework supported by Google Looker analytics and Qualtrics engagement; and compiled 311,732 verified end-user survey and satisfaction poll responses worldwide. This 2025 intake builds on a longitudinal repository now approaching four million verified end‑user reviews captured over the past…

McCollum’s jumper in final seconds leads Wizards to a 114-113 win over the Bucks

December 31, 2025

By ANDREW WAGNER - Associated Press

C.J. McCollum made a go-ahead, pull-up jumper with a second remaining to give the Washington Wizards a 114-113 victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. McCollum’s winner capped an 18-point performance. Alex Starr and Bub Carrington each scored 20 points. Antetokunmpo scored 33 points to lead the Bucks (14-20), who shot 41.1% from the floor and made 16 of 39 from 3-point distance. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 19 points and Ryan Rollins finished with 16 for Milwaukee, which had won two in a row and was looking for its first three-game win streak of the season.

John Gibson makes 24 saves as surging Red Wings beat slumping Jets, 2-1

December 31, 2025

By DAVE HOGG - Associated Press

John Gibson kept up his hot December with 24 saves, Dylan Larkin and Mason Appleton scored goals, and the Detroit Red Wings beat the slumping Winnipeg Jets 2-1. Gibson won for the ninth time in 10 starts as the Red Wings improved to 11-3-1 in December. The Jets lost their seventh straight game (0-4-3) on a night where Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves. Logan Stanley scored Winnipeg’s goal. The Red Wings took a 1-0 lead at 8:22 of the first period when Larkin ripped a shot over Hellebuyck’s glove while on the power play. Appleton put the Red Wings ahead 2-0 with 5:12 left in the first.

Photos show the ancient art of Peking opera works hard to keep flourishing in the digital age

December 31, 2025

By MAHESH KUMAR A. - Associated Press

In a breakneck digital era, the ancient art of Peking opera works hard to keep flourishing. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Manning uses arm and legs to lead No. 14 Texas to a 41-27 Citrus Bowl win over No. 18 Michigan

December 31, 2025

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Sports Writer

Arch Manning was just as potent with his legs as with his arms. That combination carried 14th-ranked Texas to a 41-27 victory over No. 18 Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. The game was tight until Manning broke it open with a 60-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. He finished with 221 yards passing and two scores, and 155 yards rushing and two TDs on the ground. Michigan capped off a month the Wolverines would rather forget. Coach Sherrone Moore was fired for an extramarital affair with a staffer. New coach Kyle Whittingham watched from a coaching box.

Pope asks that Rome welcome foreigners as he closes out 2025

December 31, 2025

AP

Pope Leo XIV has closed out 2025 with a prayer that the city of Rome might be a welcoming place for foreigners and fragile people young and old. Leo presided over a New Year’s Eve vespers service in St. Peter’s Basilica. He gave thanks for the 2025 Holy Year that brought millions of pilgrims to Rome in the once-every-quarter-century celebration of Christianity. Leo will officially close out the Jubilee on Jan. 6. In his homily, he thanked the city of Rome and the volunteers who helped keep crowds moving as they visited St. Peter’s and passed through its Holy Door.

Visit Malaysia 2026 Countdown Festival: A New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31, 2025

Media Outreach

Prime Minister celebrated the New Year together with Malaysians and officially kicked off Visit Malaysia 2026 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, amid captivating pyromusical fireworks, drone formations, laser shows, and stunning 3D anamorphic projections, alongside a star-studded lineup of top artistesKUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 January 2026 – Malaysia ushered in the New Year on a high…

Celebrini celebrates Team Canada selection by leading Sharks past Wild 4-3 in shootout

December 31, 2025

By HADDY BARGHOUTI - Associated Press

Macklin Celebrini had a goal and an assist hours after being selected to play for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and the San Jose Sharks beat the Minnesota Wild 4–3 in a shootout. Celebrini and William Eklund scored for the Sharks in the tiebreaker, while Minnesota failed to convert on either of its two attempts. San Jose has won three straight following a three-game slide. Igor Chernyshov had a goal and two assists, and Jeff Skinner also scored for the Sharks. The 19-year-old Celebrini got his 40th assist of the season, passing Mikko Rantanen for second-most in the NHL. Yaroslav Askarov finished with 20 saves. Vladimir Tarasenko, Marcus Foligno and Mats Zuccarello scored for the Wild, who are 2-0-1 on their seven-game trip.

‘Ant-Man’ Edwards leaves bench late in loss for 2nd early exit from a Timberwolves game in 1 week

December 31, 2025

By CHARLES ODUM - AP Sports Writer

For the second time in one week, Anthony Edwards didn’t stick around for the end of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ game. This time, the exit was his decision. Edwards left the Minnesota bench and the court during a timeout late in the Timberwolves’ 126-102 loss at the Atlanta Hawks. Edwards apparently disagreed with coach Chris Finch pulling his starters with the Hawks leading 109-80. Edwards tossed his towel and left the bench. Edwards did not speak with reporters after the game. Finch says “Ant-Man” should have remained on the bench to support his teammates.

Gospel singer Richard Smallwood dies at 77, leaving a legacy that inspired many in music

December 31, 2025

By JEFF MARTIN - Associated Press

Eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer Richard Smallwood has died at 77. His representative announced that Smallwood passed away Tuesday due to complications from kidney failure in Maryland. Smallwood had faced health challenges for years, but his dedication to music kept him going. His songs were recorded by artists such as Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child. Smallwood’s music inspired many, including Chaka Khan, who praised his brilliance and spirit. He began playing piano at age 5 and formed his first gospel group by 11. One of his biggest hits was the song “Total Praise.”

Chief Justice says Constitution remains ‘firm and unshaken’ with major Supreme Court rulings ahead

December 31, 2025

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST - Associated Press

Chief Justice John Roberts says that the Constitution remains a sturdy pillar for the country, a message that comes after a tumultuous year in the nation’s judicial system with pivotal Supreme Court decisions on the horizon. Roberts released his annual letter to the judiciary on Wednesday and said the nation’s founding documents remain firm and unshaken, a reference to a century-old quote from President Calvin Coolidge. It comes after a year in which some raised fears of a possible constitutional crisis amid legal pushback to President Donald Trump’s agenda. The Republican administration has scored wins at the Supreme Court, though major rulings on birthright citizenship and tariffs are yet to come.

Capitol riot ‘does not happen’ without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress

December 31, 2025

By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

Former special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers that the Jan. 6. riot at the U.S. Capitol “does not happen” without President Donald Trump. That’s according to a transcript released Wednesday of Smith’s closed-door interview with the House Judiciary Committee. Smith also described the Republican president as the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The Dec. 17 deposition was held privately despite Smith’s request to testify publicly. The release of the transcript and video of the interview adds to the public understanding of the decision-making behind two of the most consequential Justice Department investigations in recent history.

Trump administration orders a Colorado coal-fired power generator to stay open

December 31, 2025

By MEAD GRUVER - Associated Press

The Trump administration has ordered another coal-fired power facility to remain open. This time it’s telling the owners of the Craig Station in northwestern Colorado to keep running an electricity-generating unit that was slated for retirement Wednesday. The plant’s owners will need to fix a broken valve to keep the unit working. The 45-year-old generator is one of three at Craig Station. The Trump administration also has ordered coal-fired power plants in Indiana, Michigan and Washington state to remain operational against their owners’ wishes. It’s part of President Donald Trump’s push to revive the U.S. coal industry when many utilities are shifting to cheaper, less-polluting energy sources.

Farmers can now learn how much aid they will get from the Trump administration

December 31, 2025

By JOSH FUNK and DIDI TANG - Associated Press

Farmers are now learning how much aid they can expect to receive from a $12 billion package that President Donald Trump announced earlier this month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the figures Wednesday for how much aid per acre farmers can plan on for each row crop. The details arrived after most farmers have already met with their bankers to arrange financing for next year’s crops and placed orders for the seed and fertilizer they will need. But officials have promised that the payments should arrive by the end of February. Farmers say the aid won’t solve all their problems as they continue to deal with soaring costs.

Lions-Vikings Christmas game on Netflix sets NFL streaming record, averaging 27.5M viewers

December 31, 2025

AP

Two of the NFL’s three Christmas Day games set viewership records. The Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings game on Netflix became the most-streamed NFL game in U.S. history. The Denver Broncos-Kansas City Chiefs game set a record for Amazon Prime Video. Nielsen reports the Vikings’ 23-10 victory over the Lions averaged 27.5 million U.S. viewers. The Broncos’ 20-13 win over the Chiefs had a 21.06 million average on Prime Video. The Cowboys-Commanders game averaged 19.9 million. Netflix’s “NFL Christmas Gameday” drew over 632 million social impressions globally, with Snoop Dogg’s halftime show being a major highlight.

What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds

December 31, 2025

The Associated Press,

The Trump administration has said it is freezing child care funds to all states until they provide more verification and administrative data about the programs in a move fueled by a series of alleged fraud schemes at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents. All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republican administration is focusing most of its ire…

English actors Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton welcome their second child

December 31, 2025

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Entertainment Writer

English actors Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton have welcomed their second child. Hiddleston confirmed the news to GQ in a feature published Monday. He described birth as the “most beautiful, profound, earth-shattering, life-altering” experience. A birth date was not revealed. Hiddleston and Ashton first met while starring in the 2019 revival of the Broadway play, “Betrayal.” They confirmed their engagement in 2022 and welcomed their first child later that year. Both Hiddleston and Ashton were born in London. Hiddleston is best known for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ashton is also a member of the MCU, having portrayed Dar-Benn in the 2023 film “The Marvels.”

Trump made lots of tariff threats in 2025. Here are some that never materialized

December 31, 2025

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

President Donald Trump made a lot of tariff threats and trade promises this year. And while many led to a barrage of new import taxes that overturned decades of economic policy and plunged the U.S. into trade wars abroad, others never materialized — or have yet to as 2025 comes to a close. Some of Trump’s unrealized threats reflect a broader approach from the president — who has track record of suggesting sky-high levies to pressure other countries into new trade deals, one-up retaliatory measures or even punish political critics. At the same time, other unfulfilled promises underline continued uncertainty for consumers and businesses alike.

These are the best plug-in hybrids for under $55,000

December 31, 2025

By DAN FRIO - Edmunds

Plug-in hybrids can serve as a bridge to electric vehicles, offering 30–50 miles of electric-only range before a gas engine takes over. Plug-in hybrids recharge from wall outlets or public chargers, making them ideal for short commutes while retaining gas-engine versatility for longer trips. Unlike a full EV, you won’t experience range anxiety or need to plan charging stops unless you want to. Plug-ins come with compromises though, including higher prices, increased weight, and occasionally less cargo space. Plug-in hybrids also tend to be less fuel-efficient than regular, lighter hybrids once the battery runs out.

China announces it ‘successfully completed’ Taiwan military maneuvers

December 31, 2025

By TED ANTHONY - AP National Writer

China’s People’s Liberation Army says it has “successfully completed” two days of military exercises in the waters off Taiwan. That concludes a set of high-powered maneuvers aimed at asserting its sovereignty over the island. The actions ratcheted up tension in East Asia in 2025’s waning days. In a New Year’s Eve announcement, the PLA said that the operation it called “Justice Mission 2025” had “fully tested the integrated joint operations capabilities of its troops.” The brief announcement offered no details about what constituted success, nor did it specify when the exercises concluded.

US & World News

Severe Weather