US & World News Archives - Page 9 of 86

Photo highlights from the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in Las Vegas

November 14, 2025

By JOHN LOCHER and CHRIS PIZZELLO - Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards returned to Las Vegas for a musical spectacle that saw Bad Bunny take home the night’s top honor, album of the year. The Puerto Rican superstar was the leading nominee with 12 nominations, and he took home five trophies. Spanish singer Raphael, this year’s Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year,…

Opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue and Sackler family could end years of legal battles

November 14, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

A bankruptcy judge is hearing closing arguments from the company that makes OxyContin, members of the Sackler family who own it and many groups that sued over its role in the opioid crisis. They’re asking the judge to approve a settlement plan. Some individuals are objecting, but opposition has been mostly subdued. Members of the wealthy Sackler family will collectively pay up to $7 billion under the deal. State and local governments will receive most of it to address addiction. Victims who can prove they were prescribed the powerful painkiller will get several thousand dollars each. If the bankruptcy judge approves it, this could end years of legal battles.

With one touch, they vanish. Meet the delicate, icy wonders called frost flowers

November 14, 2025

By HALLIE GOLDEN - Associated Press

The first major blast of wintry weather in the U.S. this week brought snow, frigid temperatures and in some places something a little more magical: Frost flowers. Made of thin ribbons of ice that extend out in intricate patterns when frozen water breaks through the slits of certain types of plant stems, the icy blooms can disintegrate with a single touch and only appear for hours at a time. They are found most often in the Eastern half of the U.S., especially in the upper half of the country where hard freezes are more common. The patterns resemble clouds of cotton candy or spun glass.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker failed drug test, promoter says

November 14, 2025

AP

Queensberry Promotions says former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker failed a drug test on the day of his loss to Fabio Wardley. British fighter Wardley stopped his opponent from New Zealand in the 11th round at the O2 Arena in London on Oct. 25. It was a fight to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker became the WBO champion in 2016 when he beat Andy Ruiz Jr. on a majority decision. He then lost the title to Anthony Joshua in March 2018 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

A closer look at the unapproved peptide injections promoted by influencers and celebrities

November 14, 2025

By MATTHEW PERRONE - AP Health Writer

Unapproved peptide drugs have become a trendy new approach to building muscle, smoothing wrinkles and trying to live longer. But many of the products sold online haven’t been studied in humans and aren’t FDA approved. Behind the trend is the blockbuster popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications, which have been proven to help users rapidly lose weight. But influencers, wellness gurus and celebrities are now promoting many more obscure peptides for alternative uses. Here’s a closer look at the science, the hype and the potential risks surrounding this wellness trend.

She wanted to keep her son in his school district. It was more challenging than it seemed

November 14, 2025

By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS - AP Education Writer

When families are evicted, kids’ schooling is often disrupted. Many evicted families go from living in a school district that spends more money on students to one that spends less. For Sechita McNair, an out-of-work film industry veteran, an eviction launched her on a year-long quest to find new housing in her rapidly gentrifying Atlanta neighborhood. Her family didn’t take vacations, and her van was repossessed. But after driving extra hours for Uber and borrowing money, she managed to secure a lease in the right neighborhood so her eldest son could stay at his high school. Despite challenges, McNair is determined to provide her children with better educational opportunities and access to city resources.

China’s stranded astronauts returning from space station on spacecraft that brought new crew

November 13, 2025

By KEN MORITSUGU - Associated Press

Three astronauts who had been stranded at China’s space station are heading home on the craft that brought up their replacements. The trio had been on the station for six months and were supposed to return Nov. 5, four days after the new crew arrived. Their return was aborted because their Shenzhou-20 spacecraft had minor cracks in a window, apparently from space debris. China’s space agency said they were returning Friday on the Shenzhou-21 craft instead. The astronauts traveled to the Tiangong space station in April.

PHOTO ESSAY: One single mom’s quest to find housing after an eviction

November 13, 2025

By BRYNN ANDERSON and BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS - Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — Last year, Sechita McNair and her three kids were evicted from their apartment in a rapidly gentrifying Atlanta neighborhood. For many families, losing their home means changing schools, too. Federal law protects evicted families, letting them stay in their schools even if they move out of the residency zone. But once McNair and her sons found housing…

Epstein emails reveal enduring ties with influential figures even after his sex crime conviction

November 13, 2025

By JESSE BEDAYN - Associated Press

Emails released by the House Oversight Committee reveal how Jeffrey Epstein maintained connections with influential figures despite his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. The documents, spanning at least a decade, show Epstein’s interactions with business executives, reporters, academics, and political players. Some supported him during legal troubles, while others sought introductions or advice. The emails do not implicate his contacts in crimes but illustrate his influence. Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019 and died in jail a month later.

Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 2025 Latin Grammys, capping an electric night

November 13, 2025

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards were all about Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar won the first award of the night. He also won the night’s top honor, album of the year. He ended his speech with “Puerto Rico, I love you, thank you.” Song of the year went to Karol G for “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Alejandro Sanz took home record of the year for “¿Y Ahora Qué?” The 2025 Person of the Year Raphael warmed the crowd with an emotive medley. The three-hour ceremony was held at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. It aired live on Univision.

Russia attacks Kyiv with fires, injuries, and ongoing strikes reported

November 13, 2025

AP

Russia has launched a massive attack on Kyiv, causing fires and scattering debris across the city. Local officials report at least 11 people were injured, with five hospitalized. The attack continued Friday, prompting officials to urge residents to stay in shelters. City authorities warned of possible power and water outages.

Kai Trump shoots 13-over 83 in LPGA Tour debut, leaving her last in 108-player field

November 13, 2025

AP

Kai Trump shot a 13-over 83 on Thursday in her LPGA Tour debut in The Annika, leaving President Donald Trump’s granddaughter last in the 108-player field. In breezy afternoon conditions at Pelican Golf Club, the high school senior bogeyed the first four holes and finished the birdie-less round with nine bogeys and two double bogeys. The University of Miami recruit is playing on a sponsor exemption. Haeran Ryu led the tournament at 6-under 64, also playing in the afternoon.

Dodgers 2-way star Shohei Ohtani becomes 4-time MVP after unanimous win in National League

November 13, 2025

By DAVID BRANDT - AP Baseball Writer

Two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani was the unanimous winner of the National League Most Valuable Player award on Thursday, giving him three straight MVPs and fourth overall in a career that’s quickly reaching legendary status. He’s just the second player in MLB history to win at least four MVP awards, joining Barry Bonds, who took honors seven times. The 31-year-old Ohtani also won American League MVP with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and 2023. He signed with the crosstown Dodgers the following offseason and won NL MVP in 2024 during his first season playing in Chavez Ravine. Now he’s done it again. There’s little sign he’s slowing down.

You can end a shutdown overnight — but you can’t reopen a government that fast

November 13, 2025

By DEEPTI HAJELA - Associated Press

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history may be officially over, but getting everything back up and running won’t happen all at once. The disruption of the closure, clocking in at 43 days, ranged in the impact it had on people. Federal workers, who were immediately and directly affected, were expected to be back on the job Thursday. Flight disruptions will continue at some of the nation’s airports. Some states say recipients of food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program should receive their full monthly benefits starting Thursday or Friday, though it could take up to a week. Two of the Smithsonian’s museums were to reopen Friday, and the rest will reopen by Monday.

MLS owners vote to shift soccer season to a summer-to-spring calendar in 2027

November 13, 2025

By ANNE M. PETERSON - AP Soccer Writer

Major League Soccer’s owners have voted to shift the league’s season to a summer to spring calendar in 2027, bringing it more in line with its international counterparts. The shift aims to put MLS in a more competitive position for player transfers, while also freeing up players for national team duty during the summer, when many major international tournaments take place. The vote came at the Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. Under the new calendar, league play would kick off in mid- to late July, with the final day of the regular season in April. The playoffs would take place in May.

Blue Origin launches huge rocket carrying twin NASA spacecraft to Mars

November 13, 2025

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

Blue Origin has launched its huge New Glenn rocket with a pair of NASA spacecraft destined for Mars. Thursday’s liftoff from Florida is only the second flight of the rocket that Jeff Bezos’ company and NASA are counting on to get people and supplies to the moon. The Mars orbiters will spend a year hanging around Earth before setting off for the red planet. They’re due to arrive in 2027. The University of California, Berkeley runs the $80 million mission. The rocket’s inaugural test flight earlier this year reached orbit, but failed to land the booster on a barge in the Atlantic.

US aircraft carrier nears Venezuela in flex of American military power

November 13, 2025

By BEN FINLEY, REGINA GARCIA CANO and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

The United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier is expected to reach the waters off Venezuela in days. It’s a stark flex of American military power not seen in Latin America for generations. Some experts foresee warplanes catapulting off the USS Gerald R Ford to strike targets in Venezuela unless authoritarian President Nicholas Maduro resigns. But whatever happens, experts say the Trump administration is sending a message to the Western Hemisphere. The Ford is being deployed after the Trump administration said the U.S. is an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. Since September, the U.S. has killed 76 people in 19 strikes against alleged drug boats.

BBC apologizes to Trump over its misleading edit, but says there’s no basis for a defamation claim

November 13, 2025

By BRIAN MELLEY - Associated Press

The BBC has apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump over a misleading edit of his speech on Jan. 6, 2021 but said it strongly disagreed that there was a basis for a defamation lawsuit. The BBC said Chair Samir Shah sent a personal letter to the White House saying that he and the corporation were sorry for the edit of the speech Trump gave before some of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. It said there are no plans to rebroadcast the documentary that spliced together parts of his speech that came almost an hour apart. Trump’s lawyer sent the BBC a letter demanding an apology and threatened to file a $1 billion lawsuit.

What to know about how Florida will teach McCarthyism and the Cold War

November 13, 2025

By KATE PAYNE - Associated Press/Report for America

Students in Florida’s public schools will soon be learning an interpretation of McCarthyism and the Cold War that is steeped in rhetoric of that era. State education officials approved sweeping new social studies standards Thursday on the history of communism. The standards soften decades of reflection on work by former U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who led a political movement to root out what he saw as communism in political, civil rights and artistic communities during the early 1950s. The effort stripped employment opportunities and cultural standing from many of the people McCarthy accused. The new standards refer to the term McCarthyism “as an insult” and reference “slander against anti-communists.” The new benchmarks have alarmed some educators.

Justice Department sues to block California US House map in clash that could tip control of Congress

November 13, 2025

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL R. BLOOD - Associated Press

The Justice Department has sued to block new congressional district boundaries approved by California voters, joining a legal battle that could determine which party wins control of the U.S. House in 2026. The complaint filed in California federal court Thursday targets the new congressional map pushed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to a similar Republican-led effort in Texas backed by President Donald Trump. It sets the stage for a high-stakes clash between the Republican administration and the Democratic governor, who’s seen as a likely 2028 presidential contender. California voters last week overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to change the congressional boundaries to give Democrats a shot at gaining five seats.

NCAA puts Michigan State football on 3 years of probation for recruiting violations under Mel Tucker

November 13, 2025

AP

The NCAA put Michigan State’s football program on three years of probation and penalized the school $30,000 plus 1.5% of the team’s budget after agreeing former staff members Saeed Khalif and Brandon Jordan under coach Mel Tucker broke rules regarding recruiting inducements and benefits, communication and unofficial visit expenses. Michigan State announced Wednesday that it had reached a negotiated resolution with the NCAA. Due to the participation of three ineligible players, wins from the 2022 through 2024 seasons were vacated and restrictions have been placed on recruiting for three years. The Spartans host Penn State on Saturday.

Doritos and Cheetos dial back the bright orange in new versions without artificial ingredients

November 13, 2025

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

Doritos and Cheetos are getting a makeover. PepsiCo said on Thursday that it’s launching toned-down versions of its bright orange snacks that won’t have any artificial colors or flavors. Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD ae set to hit store shelves on Dec. 1. It’s part of a broader shift underway at PepsiCo, which announced in April that it would accelerate a planned transition to using natural colors in its foods and beverages. Dye-free doesn’t mean Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD will be colorless. Instead, they’re just a lighter color, like a tortilla chip. PepsiCo launched its Simply line in 2002, but unlike the new Doritos and Cheetos, those chips aren’t designed to taste like the originals.

A judge said Luigi Mangione could have a laptop to view evidence in jail. He still hasn’t gotten it

November 13, 2025

By MICHAEL R. SISAK - Associated Press

Months after a judge said Luigi Mangione could have a laptop in jail to review evidence, lawyers for the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson say the device has yet to be delivered. The delay, Mangione’s lawyers said in a court filing made public Thursday, is putting the 27-year-old suspect in a time crunch with little more than two weeks before an important hearing in his state murder case. Mangione, who is also facing a federal death penalty case, has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal jail in Brooklyn, since his arrest last December. He has pleaded not guilty.

Airlines are optimistic about a quick recovery ahead of Thanksgiving once FAA ends flight cuts

November 13, 2025

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

Airlines are optimistic they can resume normal operations within a few days once the government lifts its order to cut some flights at 40 busy airports, but it’s not clear how quickly that will happen even though the shutdown is over. The Federal Aviation Administration did announce Wednesday night that airlines won’t have to cut more than 6% of flights at those airports because air traffic controller staffing has improved significantly. Originally the order called for those flight cuts to increase to 8% Thursday and top out at 10% on Friday. Officials didn’t offer any updates Thursday morning about when they will decide to lift the order.

What’s next in Congress on the push to release the Epstein files

November 13, 2025

By MATT BROWN and JOEY CAPPELLETTI - Associated Press

The House is moving toward a vote on releasing files from the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Republican leaders have no choice but to allow a vote after a petition on the Epstein bill reached the needed 218 signatures. The move comes at a time when new documents have raised questions about Epstein and his associates, including a 2019 email mentioning President Donald Trump. The White House accuses Democrats of leaking emails to smear the president. The bill would force the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related files, with some redactions. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he plans to bring the measure to a vote next week.

Chicago civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalized for rare neurological disorder

November 13, 2025

By SOPHIA TAREEN - Associated Press

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is in the hospital with a rare neurological disorder. Jackson’s Chicago-based civil rights organization says the 84-year-old was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy in April and is under observation. Jackson was told he had Parkinson’s disease about a decade earlier but continued to make public appearances including at last year’s Democratic National Convention. He has been unable to walk, relying on a wheelchair. Family members say in recent months he’s been unable to speak.

States scramble to send full SNAP food benefits to millions of people after government shutdown ends

November 13, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL and DAVID A. LIEB - Associated Press

State officials are working to restore full SNAP benefits to millions of people after the long U.S. government shutdown has finally ended. Some state officials said Thursday that they are working quickly, but it still could take up to a week for some recipients to get their delayed aid. A series of court rulings and shifting policies from the Trump administration have led to inconsistent distribution of November benefits. About two-thirds of states had issued only partial or no benefits before the shutdown ended Wednesday night. The federal food program serves about 42 million people, mostly in lower-income households.

From gowns to pantsuits, Michelle Obama explains her iconic fashion picks in a new book, ‘The Look’

November 13, 2025

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE - Associated Press

Michelle Obama says that on any day during the eight years she was first lady of the United States, she could go from giving a speech to meeting with a foreign counterpart to digging in her vegetable garden with schoolchildren. She says her clothes had to be ready for the variety. But she also never wanted her clothes to be off-putting to others. The former first lady who went on to be admired for her fashion sense chronicles her style journey in her latest book, “The Look.” She spoke about it during a moderated conversation Wednesday night in Washington.

Families of two babies sickened by infantile botulism sue ByHeart over recalled formula

November 13, 2025

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

The parents of two babies who were sickened in an infantile botulism outbreak linked to recalled ByHeart infant formula are suing the company. Lawyers for Stephen and Yurany Dexter of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Michael and Hanna Everett of Richmond, Kentucky, filed lawsuits Wednesday in federal court in two states. The families allege that their 4-month-old daughters, Rose Dexter and Piper Everett, developed the rare and potentially deadly disease after drinking recalled ByHeart formula. The babies are among 15 infants in a dozen states who have contracted infantile botulism during the outbreak that began in August. New York-based ByHeart recalled all of its formula nationwide on Tuesday.

Takeaways from the newly released Epstein documents

November 13, 2025

By JESSE BEDAYN and SAFIYAH RIDDLE - Associated Press

A congressional committee has released thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including emails that reveal his connections with influential figures. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee initially released three emails mentioning President Donald Trump. Republicans then disclosed thousands more documents. Epstein is a convicted sex offender who was charged with sex trafficking underage girls before his death in 2019. The documents include emails between Epstein and powerful people, as well as unrelated materials. Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls,” but provided no context. The documents also mention former Prince Andrew and former President Bill Clinton, with Epstein denying wrongdoing by both men.

Former NFL player Antonio Brown released from Miami jail to await attempted murder trial

November 13, 2025

BY LYNNE SLADKY and FREIDA FRISARO - Associated Press

Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been released from a Miami jail a day after pleading not guilty to second-degree attempted murder. The 37-year-old Brown is accused of firing shots after a celebrity boxing match in Miami on May 16. Brown left the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with his attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, after a judge set his bail at $25,000 and ordered him to wear a GPS ankle monitor while awaiting trial. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors had argued for pretrial detention, citing his resources to flee.

The body of a coal miner has been found in a flooded West Virginia mine, the governor says

November 13, 2025

By JOHN RABY - Associated Press

Gov. Patrick Morrisey says crews have found the body of a coal miner who went missing when a mine flooded in West Virginia. Morrisey says the body was found inside the mine early Thursday in southern West Virginia. A mine crew hit a pocket of water last Saturday in Alpha Metallurgical Resources’ Rolling Thunder mine. More than a dozen other miners were accounted for after the accident was reported. Machines had pumped out water at a fast-enough rate to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in under two hours. The death is the third at an Alpha facility in West Virginia this year.

Nicolas Cage’s ‘The Carpenter’s Son’ turns an apocryphal text about Jesus’ youth into a horror film

November 13, 2025

By KRYSTA FAURIA - Associated Press

Filmmaker Lotfy Nathan has turned the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas into a supernatural thriller called “The Carpenter’s Son,” starring Nicolas Cage. The film hitting theaters Friday explores stories about Jesus’ childhood that didn’t make it into the New Testament. These tales were popular among early Christians and depict a young Jesus with supernatural powers but lacking a moral compass. Nathan was raised Coptic Orthodox and was inspired by the novelty of this untold origin story. While the film draws from the ancient text, Nathan added elements to create a compelling narrative. Cage sees the film as more of a family drama than horror.

Federal workers question whether the longest government shutdown was worth their sacrifice

November 13, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

Federal workers are expressing relief and frustration as the longest government shutdown has come to an end. Social Security claims specialist Jessica Sweet cut back on essentials and racked up credit card debt to get by. The shutdown began on Oct. 1 after Democrats rejected a funding fix, demanding health insurance subsidies. It ended when some Democratic-aligned senators agreed to a deal without the subsidies. The shutdown affected more than 1 million federal employees, with many working without pay. The deal ensures back pay and reverses dismissals. Workers say they felt like political pawns and worry this shutdown might not be the last.

Ukraine’s army chief visits besieged city as Zelenskyy confronts graft scandal

November 13, 2025

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Ukraine’s top military commander says he has visited troops holding the front line in the key eastern city of Pokrovsk, which is besieged by a bigger Russian force, to coordinate operations in person. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is grappling with the fallout from a corruption scandal that has engulfed his administration. After Zelenskyy’s justice and energy ministers quit Wednesday amid the investigation into alleged energy sector graft, the government fired the vice president of Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear power company believed by investigators to be at the center of the kickback scheme.

California revokes 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants

November 13, 2025

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

California state officials say they plan to revoke 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses given to immigrants after discovering the expiration dates went past when the drivers were legally allowed to be in the U.S. The announcement follows harsh criticism from the Trump administration about California and other states granting licenses to people in the country illegally. The issue was thrust into the public’s consciousness in August when a tractor-trailer driver not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people.

Starbucks workers kick off 65-store US strike on company’s busy Red Cup Day

November 13, 2025

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers are planning to strike at 65 U.S. stores starting Thursday. The strike was scheduled to disrupt Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, which is typically one of the company’s busiest days of the year. Starbucks gives away free, reusable cups on that day to customers who buy a holiday drink. The union working to organize Starbucks baristas says the striking workers are protesting a lack of progress in labor negotiations with the company. Starbucks Workers United says the walkout will impact stores in 45 cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Dallas. Starbucks says fewer than 4% of its U.S. stores are unionized, and most stores will be operating normally.

Photos of the first female conductor to lead a Tehran Symphony Orchestra performance

November 13, 2025

By VAHID SALEMI - Associated Press

TEHRAN (AP) — Paniz Faryousefi became the first woman to conduct a performance of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday as the musicians played at the Unity Hall in Iran’s capital. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

France honors the victims of the Paris attacks’ night of terror 10 years on

November 13, 2025

By THOMAS ADAMSON - Associated Press

Paris is marking the 10th anniversary of terrorist attacks that killed 132 people and injured hundreds. The attacks on November 13, 2015, included gunfire at cafés, explosions at a stadium, and a massacre at the Bataclan concert hall. The events reshaped France’s sense of safety, leading to both hardened security and a deeper sense of solidarity. Thursday’s commemorations include tributes led by President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo at each attack site. A new memorial garden will be unveiled. The Eiffel Tower will be lit in French colors, and a minute of silence will be observed at a soccer match.

Truck hits pedestrians in South Korea market, killing 2 people and injuring 18

November 13, 2025

AP

A truck has plowed into pedestrians at an outdoor market in South Korea, killing two people and injuring 18 others. Officials say the two people were pronounced dead at a hospital following the incident shortly before 11 a.m. in Bucheon, near the capital of Seoul. Nine people sustained serious injuries among the 18 who were hurt but it wasn’t immediately clear if the injuries were life-threatening. Police are questioning the unidentified truck driver in his 60s. An official says witnesses have told investigators the vehicle initially reversed about 28 meters before driving forward 150 meters, hitting pedestrians on the way.

Judge to hear arguments challenging appointment of prosecutor who charged James Comey, Letitia James

November 12, 2025

By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

Lawyers for two of President Donald Trump’s foes who have been charged by the Justice Department are set to ask a federal judge to dismiss the cases against them, saying the prosecutor who secured the indictments was illegally installed in the role. The challenges to Lindsey Halligan’s appointment as interim U.S. attorney are part of multi-prong efforts by former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James to get their cases dismissed before trial. At issue during Thursday’s arguments are the complex constitutional and statutory rules governing the appointment of the nation’s U.S. attorneys, who function as top federal prosecutors in Justice Department offices across the country.

50-year mortgages? NFL kickoff rules? Here’s where some of Trump’s latest jaw-dropping musings stand

November 12, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump often offers ideas that once seem outlandish, then repeating them until they gain traction and begin sounding more mainstream. Some, like imposing tariffs and pardoning Capitol rioters, have become reality. Others, like 50-year mortgages and revenue checks from tariffs, remain in limbo. Trump also has suggested bonus checks for air traffic controllers and changing NFL kickoff rules, but those suggestions may be fading away. Proposals like enforcing the death penalty in Washington, D.C., and retaking Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan appear even less likely to come to fruition. Ideas like creating a U.S. sovereign wealth fund and naming a stadium after him are still being discussed.

The timeline for SNAP benefits remains uncertain, even as the government is set to reopen

November 12, 2025

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has signed a measure to reopen the government and resume full food aid benefits that were paused at the start of November. But how fast SNAP payments reach beneficiaries could vary by state. Some experts say it could be quicker in states that have not yet loaded debit cards with any benefits than in states that have provided partial payments. Trump’s administration halted payments for the program used by 1 in 8 Americans due to the government shutdown. It has been subject to seesawing legal decisions ever since. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday to keep on hold lower court rulings that the government should immediately fully fund the program.

Ex-aide to California governor indicted for alleged theft of campaign funds from ex-health secretary

November 12, 2025

By TRÂN NGUYỄN AND JAIMIE DING - Associated Press

A former top aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been indicted on federal charges alleging her involvement in a scheme to steal campaign money from former federal Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Dana Williamson has been arrested and is scheduled to make her first court appearance Wednesday in Sacramento. It is not immediately clear if she had an attorney who could speak on her behalf. The federal indictment lists four other co-conspirators. It alleges that Williamson was part of a scheme involving Sean McCluskie, who was Becerra’s chief of staff at the time of the alleged conduct. Becerra is not implicated in the indictment.

In Japan’s Northern Alps, residents battle monkeys to protect homes and farms

November 12, 2025

By REENO HASHIMOTO and AYAKA MCGILL - Associated Press

In Japan’s Northern Alps, residents are chasing monkeys to keep them away from farms and homes. Wearing bright orange vests, they use GPS trackers and radios to herd the animals back into the mountains. While tourists love the Japanese macaques, locals find them a nuisance. The monkeys cause minor monetary damage compared to other animals, but they break into homes and ruin crops. The Monkey Chasing Squad, a group of about 50 part-time civil servants, tries to control them. Despite their efforts, calls to cull the monkeys are growing, but experts warn this could worsen the problem.

Russia makes gains in southern Ukraine as it expands front-line attacks

November 12, 2025

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

A Ukrainian commander says the Russian army has overrun three settlements in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region. The fiercest fighting continues in Pokrovsk, in the eastern Donetsk region, as Russian forces expand their efforts in Ukraine. Russia’s full-scale invasion began nearly four years ago, and it now occupies about one-fifth of its neighbor. New U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector are set to take effect on November 21. Meanwhile, Ukraine is dealing with a corruption scandal involving senior government officials. The conflict has been costly for Russia, with Ukraine launching long-range drone attacks on Russian assets.

Pirates ace Paul Skenes earns first Cy Young as Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal goes back-to-back

November 12, 2025

By WILL GRAVES - AP National Writer

Paul Skenes has won the National League Cy Young Award in a unanimous vote, becoming the first pitcher in 40 years to win Rookie of the Year one season and a Cy Young Award the next. The 23-year-old right-hander led the majors with a 1.97 ERA and struck out 216 batters for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal won his second straight American League Cy Young Award. Skubal posted a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA. Skubal is the 12th pitcher in MLB history to capture the Cy Young in back-to-back seasons.

Chinese scientist pleads guilty in US smuggling case and will be quickly deported

November 12, 2025

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

A Chinese scientist charged in Michigan with smuggling biological materials has pleaded guilty. But Yunqing Jian was given no additional time in jail beyond the five months she already spent in custody. Jian was a temporary researcher at a University of Michigan lab. She will be quickly deported. A judge calls it a “very strange” case. Jian was arrested in June and accused of conspiring with a boyfriend to study and nurse a toxic fungus at a campus lab. Jian didn’t have a permit for the material. She apologized but says her work was aimed at protecting crops, not harming anyone.

Anthropic, Microsoft announce new AI data center projects as industry’s construction push continues

November 12, 2025

By MATT O'BRIEN - AP Technology Writer

Anthropic has announced a $50 billion investment in computing infrastructure, including new data centers in Texas and New York. Microsoft also announced a new data center in Atlanta, Georgia, connected to another in Wisconsin, forming a massive supercomputer. These moves highlight the tech industry’s push to build energy-hungry AI infrastructure despite financial and environmental concerns. Anthropic is working with Fluidstack on these projects. The tech industry’s spending on AI infrastructure has raised concerns about a potential investment bubble, but Anthropic says it plans to focus on cost-effective growth.

Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown gets $25K bail and GPS monitor on Miami attempted murder charge

November 12, 2025

By CURT ANDERSON - Associated Press

A Miami judge ordered that former NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown will be released on $25,000 bail and must wear an ankle monitor. He has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree attempted murder charge in Florida. That carries a potential 15-year prison sentence and a fine up to $10,000 if he’s convicted. His lawyer said the 37-year-old Brown would return to his home Florida while the case proceeds. Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer after a celebrity boxing match on May 16 and firing two shots at a man he had gotten into a fistfight with earlier. Brown’s lawyer says it was his own gun.

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