US & World News Archives - Page 8 of 86

A look at Tiger Woods’ life as he turns 50, in photos

December 29, 2025

By The Associated Press

Tiger Woods turned 50 on Tuesday, Dec. 30, a milestone for the golf great who has left a trail of brilliance on the course and struggles off the course. He’s the only player to hold all four majors at the same time and he’s tied for the most PGA Tour wins at 82. He also has endured multiple surgeries on…

Australian police find no evidence of ‘broader terrorist cell’ in Bondi Beach antisemitic shooting

December 29, 2025

By ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

Police say an investigation that extended to the Philippines of two men accused of killing 15 people at a Sydney Jewish festival has found no evidence they were part of a “broader terrorist cell.” Police alleged on Tuesday that Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram acted alone in their attack at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14 . They spent most of November in the Philippines but rarely left their hotel. Police allege they were inspired by the Islamic State group. Naveed Akram has yet to enter pleas to dozens of charges. Police shot him in the abdomen and killed his father during a gunfight at Bondi.

Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen over shipment of weapons for separatists that arrived from UAE

December 29, 2025

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Saudi Arabia says it bombed the port city of Mukalla in Yemen over a shipment of weapons for a separatist force there that arrived from the United Arab Emirates. The attack signals a new escalation in tensions between the kingdom and the Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the Emirates. It also further strains ties between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which had been backing competing sides in Yemen’s decadelong war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. A military statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency announced the strikes, which it said came after ships arrived there from Fujairah, a port city on the UAE’s eastern coast.

Khaleda Zia, former Bangladeshi prime minister and archrival of Hasina, dies at 80

December 29, 2025

By JULHAS ALAM - Associated Press

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has died at 80, her political party has announced Tuesday. Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladeshi politics for a generation. In January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted Zia in her last corruption case, which she claimed was politically motivated. This would have allowed her to run in February’s election. She returned to Bangladesh in May after medical treatment in the U.K. Zia was the first woman elected prime minister of Bangladesh.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is ‘stable’ after 2 die in car accident in Nigeria

December 29, 2025

By OPE ADETAYO - Associated Press

Anthony Joshua, the two-time former world heavyweight champion from Britain, is in a stable condition in the hospital after being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two people who were close friends and team members. Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing said on X that Joshua “sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment” and he will “remain there for observation.” It named Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele as the two passengers who had died. The crash occurred Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at about 11 a.m. local time. Nigeria is the homeland of Joshua’s parents. Joshua recently beat YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami. Paul says he’s “praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted” by the accident.

Trump says the US ‘hit’ a facility along shore where he says alleged drug boats ‘load up’

December 29, 2025

By MICHELLE L. PRICE and WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. has “hit” a dock facility along a shore as he wages a pressure campaign on Venezuela. But the U.S. offered few details. Trump initially seemed to confirm a strike in what appeared to be an impromptu radio interview Friday. When questioned Monday by reporters about “an explosion in Venezuela,” the president said the U.S. struck a facility where boats accused of carrying drugs “load up.” Trump declined to say if the military or CIA was involved or where it occurred. He didn’t confirm it happened in Venezuela. The White House and Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for more details or comment.

Photos show Myanmar holding its first election since the military seized power

December 29, 2025

AP

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) — Voters in Myanmar cast ballots in the first phase of the country’s general election Sunday. The polls are being held under military rule during a civil war. Critics argue the election is a facade to legitimize military control under the pretense of civilian rule. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US…

Judge orders release of transcript of closed hearing for man accused of killing Charlie Kirk

December 29, 2025

By MATTHEW BROWN - Associated Press

A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings. State District Judge Tony Graf said Monday the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day. Graf had earlier rejected a request by the defense that Robinson not be shackled. Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of the conservative activist on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. They plan to seek the death penalty.

FACT FOCUS: Trump says he’s ended eight wars. His numbers are off

December 29, 2025

Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump continues to claim he has ended eight wars this year, but that is exaggerated. His meeting this week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlights that far more work remains before any declaration of an end to the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, fresh fighting has broken out in recent weeks between Thailand and Cambodia, and between Congolese forces and Rwanda-backed rebels. And one conflict that Trump has claimed to end has never been a war at all.

How bomb cyclones form and create dangerous conditions

December 29, 2025

By ISABELLA O'MALLEY - Associated Press

Meteorologists sometimes warn of a winter storm that could “bomb out” or become a bomb cyclone. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this happens when a storm’s central pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. The lower the pressure, the stronger the storm. These rapidly strengthening storms can produce heavy rain and intense winds, creating dangerous conditions. Bomb cyclones mainly occur in fall and winter when Arctic air clashes with warmer air masses. Regions prone to these storms include Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the Great Lakes.

A look at how Trump-era work requirements could impact people who receive public benefits

December 29, 2025

By SALLY HO and CHARLOTTE KRAMON - Associated Press

The Trump administration made work requirements for low-income people receiving government assistance a priority in 2025. The departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development have worked to usher in stricter employment conditions to receive health care, food aid and rental assistance benefits funded by the federal government. The idea is that public assistance discourages optimal participation in the labor market and that imposing work requirements not only leads to self-sufficiency, but also benefits the broader economy. Yet many economists say there is no clear evidence such mandates have that effect.

Tracking the retirement announcements of members of Congress

December 29, 2025

By MEG KINNARD and MAYA SWEEDLER - Associated Press

More House seats are opening up as more members announce their upcoming departures. Republican Harriet Hageman says she’s running for Senate, winning President Donald Trump’s endorsement swiftly after making her intentions public. Republican Elise Stefanik had already said she was running for governor of New York, but now she’s ended that bid — and also says she won’t return to the House. Midterm elections are historically tough on the party of the sitting president. And Republicans only have a razor-thin margin in the House.

Iran Central Bank governor resigns as protests erupt over currency drop

December 29, 2025

AP

Iran’s Central Bank head has resigned as protests erupted in Tehran and other cities after the currency hit a record low against the U.S. dollar. State TV reported Mohammad Reza Farzin’s resignation as hundreds rallied in Tehran’s Saadi Street and the Shush neighborhood. The official IRNA news agency confirmed gatherings. Similar rallies were reported in Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad. Witnesses said police used tear gas in Tehran. Traders closed shops, urging others to join. Iran’s rial fell to 1.38 million to the dollar Monday, worsening inflation and straining budgets. Reports of Farzin’s possible resignation circulated last week.

Find inspiration for achieving your financial resolutions and money goals in 2026

December 29, 2025

By ADRIANA MORGA - Associated Press

The start of a new year usually brings new motivation to achieve goals. Sometimes it involves eating healthier or finally cleaning your basement. But, for many, it can also include goals to pay off credit card debt, save for a new house, or simply get more educated about money. As many start writing their New Year’s resolutions, financial goals are also making the list. When building your goals for 2026, experts recommend focusing less on the past and more on an optimistic yet realistic vision for the future.

Top diplomats of China, Cambodia and Thailand meet as Beijing seeks a stronger role in dispute

December 29, 2025

By KANIS LEUNG - Associated Press

Foreign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand have convened with their Chinese counterpart to discuss the border dispute between the two Southeast Asian countries. The trilateral meeting Monday was held in a southwestern Chinese province north of the region where the dispute is still simmering. The meeting came two days after Thailand and Cambodia signed a fresh ceasefire agreement. It ended weeks of fighting that killed more than 100 people and forced hundreds of thousands of people to be evacuated on both sides of the border. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for joint efforts to promote regional peace, stability and development.

Tiger Woods turns 50. It’s the one time golf’s greats can relate to him

December 29, 2025

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Golf Writer

Tiger Woods played a game with which hardly anyone could relate. And now he approaches a milestone that makes him like everyone else. Woods turns 50 on Tuesday. This celebration is more about appreciating the past than wondering about the future. Woods has had more surgeries than the 15 majors he won. He is eligible for the 50-and-older PGA Tour Champions without any indication he will play. Woods has played only 11 times since he was badly injured in 2021 car crash in Los Angeles. And this is the first year he didn’t play at all. His impact on the game remains huge.

AP Exclusive: China threatens detention in Xinjiang over banned Uyghur songs

December 29, 2025

By SIMINA MISTREANU - Associated Press

Authorities in China’s Xinjiang region are threatening to detain residents over downloading, listening to and sharing Uyghur-language songs they consider sensitive. That’s according to a recording of a public meeting obtained by The Associated Press. The tunes, ranging from traditional folk ballads to rap songs, are being targeted for allegedly threatening social stability, damaging the Chinese Communist Party’s reputation and bringing down the public’s morale, among other reasons. The renewed crackdown on cultural expression in Xinjiang suggests a continuation of the repressive policies over the past decade that have culminated in the extrajudicial detention, between 2017 and 2019, of at least 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Huis.

Kawhi Leonard scores career-best 55 points, ties Clippers’ franchise record

December 29, 2025

By DOUG PADILLA - Associated Press

With a franchise scoring record there for the taking, Kawhi Leonard elected to take a pass in order to be fresh for another day. Team-oriented to the core, Leonard scored a career-high 55 points to push the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. The Clippers are now on a season-best four-game winning streak and a recent scoring burst from Leonard is the primary reason. Leonard was closing in on the franchise record but decided to keep his fourth-quarter floor time to six minutes and departed with just under a minute remaining. He now shares the team mark for points in a game with teammate James Harden.

Out with the old: With 2026 nigh, here’s some wide-ranging intel on managing transitions

December 28, 2025

By DEEPTI HAJELA - Associated Press

It’s that time again when we turn the calendar page on one year and meet another. For many Americans, these last weeks of December are a time to take stock, to look at goals accomplished and those still unmet, to think about hopes and plans for the next year. Experts in different fields who deal with transitions and change have some advice – Plan what you can, but accept that some things will be unknown and unexpected. What works for someone else may not be the best way for you. Set goals that you can achieve, and then build on them.

US pledges $2B for UN humanitarian aid as Trump slashes funding and warns agencies to ‘adapt or die’

December 28, 2025

By JAMEY KEATEN and MATTHEW LEE - Associated Press

The United States has announced a $2 billion pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid as President Donald Trump continues to slash U.S. foreign assistance funding. The money is a tiny fraction of what the U.S. has contributed in the past but reflects what the administration believes is a generous amount that will maintain the United States’ status as the world’s largest humanitarian donor. The pledge creates an umbrella fund from which money will be doled out to individual agencies and priorities. The announcement caps a crisis year for many U.N. organizations as the U.S. and other Western donors have cut billions in funding, prompting massive cuts in spending and jobs.

What music and television to stream: A New Year’s Eve tradition

December 28, 2025

By The Associated Press

The end of the year brings fewer new streaming options, but it’s a great time to catch up on 2025’s best movies, TV, music, and games. The Associated Press offers comprehensive guides on its Year in Review page. One standout this week is a music and television option perfect for New Year’s Eve. On Dec. 31, you can enjoy all-star performances. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” is available to stream on ABC.com. Performers include Chappell Roan, 50 Cent, Diana Ross, Chance the Rapper, and many more.

Trump and Netanyahu are to meet in Florida at a crucial moment for the US-backed Gaza ceasefire

December 28, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT, SAM MEDNICK and SAMY MAGDY - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. They aim to boost a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, which faces challenges as it looks to move into a more complicated second phase. Trump hopes to leverage his relationship with Netanyahu to speed up the peace process. The ceasefire began in October and has mostly held, but progress has slowed lately. The second phase involves rebuilding Gaza under international supervision, creating an international security force and normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world.

Zohran Mamdani has bold promises. Can he make them come true as New York City mayor?

December 28, 2025

By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE - Associated Press

Zohran Mamdani has promised to transform New York City government when he becomes mayor. Can he do it? Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, already faces intense scrutiny, even before taking office in one of the country’s most scrutinized political jobs. Republicans have cast him as a liberal boogeyman. Some of his fellow Democrats have deemed him too far left. Progressives are closely watching for any signs of him shifting toward the center. On Jan. 1, he will assume control of America’s biggest city under that harsh spotlight, with the country watching to see if he can pull off the big promises that vaulted him to office and handle the everyday duties of the job.

Leonard scores a career-best 55 points to lead the Clippers past the East-leading Pistons 112-99

December 28, 2025

By DOUG PADILLA - Associated Press

Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 55 points, James Harden added 28 and the Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to a season-high four games with a 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Leonard went 17 of 26 from the floor, including 5 for 10 from 3-point range, and made 16 of 17 free throws. Nicolas Batum scored 12 points, while Leonard added 11 rebounds and five steals for Los Angeles, which lost 10 of 11 games before its four-game run. Cade Cunningham finished with 27 points for the Pistons after being held scoreless in the first half while in foul trouble. Jalen Duren had 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey added 11 points for Detroit, which lost back-to-back games for just the second time.

4 dead, dozens injured in Syria during clashes between Alawites and counterdemonstrators

December 28, 2025

By OMAR ALBAM - Associated Press

At least four people have been killed and dozens wounded in clashes on Syria’s coast. Health officials said that the violence erupted Sunday between Alawite protesters and counterdemonstrators. This follows a bombing at an Alawite mosque in Homs on Friday that killed eight and wounded 18. Thousands protested in Latakia and Tartous. A group called Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the mosque attack. Security forces tried to break up the clashes by firing into the air. Syria’s state-run television reported injuries to security forces and damage to property. The country has faced sectarian clashes since the fall of former President Bashar Assad.

The moon and sun figure big in the new year’s lineup of cosmic wonders

December 28, 2025

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

The moon and sun share top billing in 2026. Kicking off the year’s cosmic wonders is the moon, drawing the first astronauts to visit in more than 50 years. A caravan of robotic lunar landers also will be launched, including Jeff Bezos’ new supersized Blue Moon. The sun will generate buzz, too, with a ring-of-fire eclipse at the bottom of the world in February and a total solar eclipse at the top of the world in August. Each of those will be followed closely by lunar eclipses. The stargazing fun begins with a supermoon on Jan. 3.

Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted US political parties because they were ‘in charge,’ memo says

December 28, 2025

By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol told investigators after his arrest that he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen. He also said he wanted to target the country’s political parties because they were “in charge.” That’s according to a memo filed by the Justice Department on Sunday that argues that Brian J. Cole Jr. should remain jailed as the case moves forward. Cole was arrested earlier this month on charges of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national committees.

Kyle Whittingham confident his style will be a familiar fit as Michigan’s football coach

December 28, 2025

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Sports Writer

Kyle Whittingham was barely two weeks into retirement after 21 years at Utah when he found an offer he couldn’t turn down. Whittingham is the new head coach at Michigan. It’s a proud program in disarray after the firing of Sherrone Moore for an extramarital relationship with a staffer. Michigan also was punished for a sign-stealing scandal. Whittingham says that didn’t deter him from what he calls one of the best jobs in the country. He says the players are solid and the issues will work themselves out. Whittingham says he brings a style of play familiar to Michigan.

Photos show Venezuelans celebrating Holy Innocents’ Day

December 28, 2025

By MATIAS DELACROIX - Associated Press

CAUCAGUA, Venezuela (AP) — Hundreds of people in northern Venezuela took to the streets for the annual Bandos and Parrandas of the Holy Innocents of Caucagua, a celebration rooted in Afro-descendant cacao-growing communities. Marked on Dec. 28 alongside the Catholic Feast of the Holy Innocents, the festivity dates back more than 200 years, when enslaved people were given the day…

One person is dead and another is injured in midair helicopter crash in New Jersey, officials say

December 28, 2025

AP

One person was killed and another was left critically injured after two helicopters crashed in southern New Jersey on Sunday, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration described the crash as a midair collision. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said rescuers responded to a report of an aviation crash at about 11:25 a.m. on Sunday, and police and fire crews subsequently extinguished flames that engulfed one of the helicopters. One person was killed and another was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. Video from the scene showed a helicopter spinning rapidly to the ground. Friel said the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will be investigating the crash.

New York subway ends its MetroCard era and switches fully to tap-and-go fares

December 28, 2025

By PHILIP MARCELO - Associated Press

The New York City transit system is retiring the MetroCard after more than 30 years. The gold-and-blue swipeable card was introduced in 1994 to replace the subway token, which had been used for half a century. The last sales and refills on MetroCards will be Dec. 31, though existing cards will still work for some time into 2026. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is fully transitioning to OMNY, a contactless payment system rolled out in 2019. The system allows riders to tap their credit card, phone or other smart device to pay their fare, much in the same way they do for other purchases.

Photos show flour, eggs and firecrackers flying at Spain’s Els Enfarinats festival

December 28, 2025

By ALBERTO SAIZ - Associated Press

IBI, Spain (AP) — Revelers take part in the Els Enfarinats festival, a battle using flour, eggs and firecrackers in the Spanish town of Ibi. This is a photo gallery curated by Associated Press photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Derrick Henry’s virtuoso performance helps Ravens stay alive with 41-24 win over Packers

December 28, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Derrick Henry rushed for a season-high 216 yards and matched a career high with four touchdown runs as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday night. Henry had three touchdown runs in the first half and then scored again on a 25-yard run with 1:56 left in the game. His seventh career 200-yard rushing performance moved him ahead of Adrian Peterson and O.J. Simpson for the most in NFL history. His 36 carries represented a career high.

Photos remembering Brigitte Bardot, iconic French actor and activist

December 28, 2025

By The Associated Press

Brigitte Bardot, the French 1960s sex symbol who became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist, has died. She was 91. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Winter rain floods Gaza camps as Netanyahu heads for US meeting

December 28, 2025

By WAFAA SHURAFA and SALLY ABOU ALJOUD - Associated Press

Winter rain has lashed the Gaza Strip, flooding camps with ankle-deep puddles as Palestinians displaced by war try to stay dry in fraying tents. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is traveling for an expected meeting on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump about the second phase of the ceasefire. The first phase that took effect on Oct. 10 was meant to bring a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza, including shelter. Though the ceasefire agreement has mostly held, its progress has slowed. Its second phase is expected to be even more challenging, with issues including Gaza’s security and governance.

A winter storm threatens to bring blizzards and ice to parts of the U.S., hampering holiday travel

December 28, 2025

By LEAH WILLINGHAM - Associated Press

A powerful winter storm driven by a rapidly intensifying cyclone was sweeping east from the Plains on Sunday, bringing heavy snow, ice, rain and severe weather expected to affect much of the country. Forecasters warned of possible blizzard conditions and whiteouts in parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, where snowfall could exceed a foot and reach 2 feet near Lake Superior. The system is expected to deliver freezing rain in New England, thunderstorms across the South and East, and widespread strong winds. The storm follows some flight disruptions during the busy holiday travel period.

Guinea votes in first election since 2021 coup with junta leader expected to win

December 28, 2025

AP

Guineans are voting to elect a new president in the country’s first election since a 2021 coup. The election on Sunday features a weakened opposition with a total of nine candidates. Analysts have predicted a likely win for junta leader Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya. The election in Guinea is the latest such vote among African countries that have seen a surge in coups in recent years. Doumbouya’s closest challenger is the little-known Yero Baldé of the Democratic Front of Guinea party, who was education minister under ousted President Alpha Condé. More than half of Guinea’s 15 million people are experiencing record levels of poverty and food insecurity despite its rich mineral resources — including as the world’s biggest exporter of bauxite, used to make aluminum.

Hounded by photographers for years, Bardot identified with the animals she later set out to save

December 28, 2025

By ANGELA CHARLTON and ELAINE GANLEY. - Associated Press

Brigitte Bardot, who has died at 91, often said that the hounding she received from the world’s press in her years as a sex symbol of the 1960s made her identify with hunted and abused animals. So it was that the sultry star of “And God Created Woman” and many other films reinvented herself as a militant animal rights activist, devoting herself to protecting animals across the globe. But while she was initially lauded and honored for her work, she was later repeatedly convicted of inciting racial hatred and several towns removed statues of Marianne — the bare-breasted symbol of the French republic — that were modeled on Bardot.

Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91

December 28, 2025

By THOMAS ADAMSON and ELAINE GANLEY - Associated Press

Brigitte Bardot, the French 1960s sex symbol who became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist, has died. She was 91. Bardot rocketed to international stardom in the 1956 movie “And God Created Woman.” Directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim, it triggered a scandal with scenes of the long-legged beauty dancing on tables naked. As an animal rights activist, she earned her compatriots’ respect and was awarded the nation’s highest honor. Later, however, she fell from public grace as her animal protection diatribes took on a decidedly extremist tone and her far-right political views sounded racist.

Polls open for Myanmar’s first election since military seized power

December 27, 2025

By TIAN MACLEOD JI and GRANT PECK - Associated Press

Voters in Myanmar are participating in the first phase of the country’s general election, held under military rule amid a civil war. Final results will not be known until after two more rounds of voting are completed in January. It is widely expected that Min Aung Hlaing, the general who led the ouster of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, will then assume the presidency. Critics argue the election is a facade to legitimize military control under the pretense of civilian rule. Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party was dissolved after refusing to register under new military rules. Other major parties are also not contesting the polls, making the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party the heavy favorite to take power.

Foods with healthy-sounding buzzwords could be hiding added sugar in plain sight

December 27, 2025

By ALBERT STUMM - Associated Press

People probably don’t know how much sugar they’re eating. Up to 57 pounds per year, according to the American Heart Association. And the culprit isn’t just glazed pastries and soda. Many products marketed as healthy can have a tablespoon of added sugars per serving. Nicole Avena, a neuroscience and psychiatry professor at Mount Sinai Medical School, says to be wary of marketing terms that aren’t regulated, like “organic,” “made with real fruit,” “all natural” and “superfood.” Healthy grocery buzzwords like those often cover up an unhealthy amount of sugar. Along with saturated fat and salt, eating excess sugar is linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other health risks.

Zelenskyy to meet with Trump as efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war remain elusive

December 27, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT, SEUNG MIN KIM and ELISE MORTON - Associated press

President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to try to close out a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia that would end nearly four years of war. The two men will meet Sunday in Florida, where the U.S. president is spending the holidays. In announcing the meeting, Zelenskyy said he will raise “territorial issues” as Moscow and Kyiv remain fiercely at odds over the fate of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Trump has been working to end the war for much of his first year back in office, showing irritation with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Antetokounmpo scores 29 for Bucks against Bulls after missing 8 games with calf strain

December 27, 2025

AP

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned Saturday night from the right calf strain that has kept the two-time MVP from playing in the Milwaukee Bucks’ previous eight games. Antetokounmpo was in the starting lineup for the Bucks’ game against the Chicago Bulls, after the team originally listing him as questionable on the injury report. The two-time MVP scored a game-high 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 112-103 victory over Chicago. Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since injuring his calf on Dec. 3.

Antetokounmpo scores 29 points in his return as Bucks snap Bulls’ 5-game winning streak

December 27, 2025

AP

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points in his return from an eight-game absence, and the Milwaukee Bucks snapped the Chicago Bulls’ five-game winning streak with a 112-103 victory on Saturday night. The two-time MVP, who had been sidelined by a right calf strain, added eight rebounds in his first game since Dec. 3. He played 25 minutes, which coach Doc Rivers saying before the game that the forward would have his minutes restricted. Ryan Rollins scored 20 points and Bobby Portis added 17 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee, which had dropped six of eight.

Thailand and Cambodia sign a new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting

December 27, 2025

By WASAMON AUDJARINT and SOPHENG CHEANG - Associated Press

Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement to end weeks of fighting over border disputes. The agreement, effective Saturday at noon, halts military movements and airspace violations. Thailand had conducted airstrikes in Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning. The deal includes the repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand after 72 hours of ceasefire. Both countries have suffered civilian and military casualties. The ceasefire aims to allow displaced civilians to return home. The agreement also addresses land mine concerns and calls for joint demining operations. Malaysia’s Prime Minister praised the agreement, emphasizing restraint for civilian safety.

Gostisbehere, Svechnikov post 3-point games as Hurricanes beat Red Wings 5-2, end 3-game skid

December 27, 2025

By BOB SUTTON - Associated Press

Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and two assists and the Carolina Hurricanes snapped a season-worst three-game skid with a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night in a matchup of divisional leaders. Jackson Blake and Eric Robinson scored during the Hurricanes’ three-goal second period. Jordan Martinook, who missed the three previous games with an injury, scored his 100th career goal with an empty-netter with 1:21 to play. Brandon Bussi made 18 saves and boosted his record to 12-1-1. Michael Rasmussen and Andrew Copp scored for the Atlantic Division-leading Red Wings. John Gibson stopped 33 shots and lost for the first time in nine December outings.

Texans clinch third consecutive playoff berth with 20-16 win over Chargers

December 27, 2025

By BETH HARRIS - AP Sports Writer

C.J. Stroud threw two long touchdowns on Houston’s first two drives, leading the Texans to a 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. This win clinched a third consecutive playoff berth for the Texans for the first time in franchise history. The Texans improved to 11-5 and have won eight in a row. It’s their longest winning streak since 2018. The Chargers fell to 11-5 and had their four-game winning streak snapped. The loss handed the AFC West title to first-place Denver. The Chargers have the best kicker in the NFL, but Cameron Dicker missed a 32-yard field goal and a point after attempt.

Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85

December 27, 2025

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM - Associated Press

Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died at 85. The church announced his death on Saturday from complications from kidney disease. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church’s president. Henry B. Eyring is now next in line. Holland had been dealing with health issues and was hospitalized during the Christmas holiday. He previously served as president of Brigham Young University and was known for his work in education and interfaith relations.

Winter storm snarls holiday travel across US Northeast, Great Lakes

December 27, 2025

By LEAH WILLINGHAM and JULIE WALKER - Associated Press

More than a thousand flights have been canceled or delayed across the Northeast and Great Lakes as a winter storm disrupted one of the busiest travel weekends of the year between Christmas and New Year’s. As of Saturday morning, New York City had received around 4 inches of snow. That was less than what some forecasts predicted. But at least 1,500 flights were canceled from according to flight-tracking service FlightAware. Major New York-area airports warned of disruptions. And the National Weather Service cautioned about hazardous travel conditions, possible power outages and tree damage. States of emergency were declared for New Jersey and parts of New York.

Ravens rule Lamar Jackson out for Saturday night’s must-win game at Green Bay

December 27, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson won’t play Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers due to the back injury that knocked him out of a loss to the New England Patriots last weekend. The Ravens listed Jackson among their inactive players for Saturday’s must-win game. The two-time MVP hadn’t practiced all week and was listed as doubtful on the Ravens’ Thursday injury report. This means neither team will have its starting quarterback available. The Packers announced Friday that Jordan Love wouldn’t be available. Love has been in concussion protocol since absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit in a loss at Chicago last weekend