Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in as mayor as NYC rings in the New Year
Read full article: Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in as mayor as NYC rings in the New YearZohran Mamdani will become mayor of New York City as the clock ticks over into 2026 — but the celebrations are set to last through New Year’s Day.
CIA behind strike at Venezuelan dock that Trump claims was used by drug smugglers, AP sources say
Read full article: CIA behind strike at Venezuelan dock that Trump claims was used by drug smugglers, AP sources sayThe CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels.
Trump administration says it's freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemes
Read full article: Trump administration says it's freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemesThe Trump administration has announced that it is freezing child care funds to Minnesota after a series of fraud schemes in recent years.
Judge temporarily halts Trump’s move to end protected status for South Sudanese immigrants
Read full article: Judge temporarily halts Trump’s move to end protected status for South Sudanese immigrantsA federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of South Sudanese immigrants in the U.S. The decision Tuesday comes as the Massachusetts court reviews whether President Trump's attempt to end their temporary protected status was illegal.
National Guard arrives in New Orleans for 1st New Year's since Bourbon Street attack
Read full article: National Guard arrives in New Orleans for 1st New Year's since Bourbon Street attackNearly a year after a New Year's Day truck attack on Bourbon Street left 14 dead, New Orleans officials are still seeking permanent security solutions.
US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign 'America First' health deals
Read full article: US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign 'America First' health dealsThe United States and Ivory Coast have signed a health deal that would require the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector.
ICE doesn't plan to detain Abrego Garcia again as long as judge's order banning it stands
Read full article: ICE doesn't plan to detain Abrego Garcia again as long as judge's order banning it standsImmigration officials do not plan to detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia again as long as a judge’s order banning it stands That's according to a Tuesday court filing from the U.S. government.
Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers
Read full article: Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centersThe surge of federal officers this week in Minnesota follows new allegations of fraud by day care centers run by Somali residents.
Kennedy Center renaming prompts a new round of cancellations
Read full article: Kennedy Center renaming prompts a new round of cancellationsThe Kennedy Center is ending the year with a new round of artists saying they are canceling scheduled performances after President Donald Trump’s name was added to the facility.
After quiet off-year elections, Democrats renew worries about Trump interfering in the midterms
Read full article: After quiet off-year elections, Democrats renew worries about Trump interfering in the midtermsThe big story of the upcoming midterm elections will be the fight over which party will control the U.S. House of Representatives during the last half of President Donald Trump's second term in office.
European and Canadian leaders discuss US-led peace efforts in Russia-Ukraine war
Read full article: European and Canadian leaders discuss US-led peace efforts in Russia-Ukraine warLeaders from Europe and Canada have held talks on U.S.-led peace efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles have entered active service, Moscow says
Read full article: Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles have entered active service, Moscow saysRussia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has entered active service, Russia’s Ministry of Defense says, as negotiators continue to search for a breakthrough in peace talks to end Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
China flexes blockade capabilities near Taiwan on second day of military drills
Read full article: China flexes blockade capabilities near Taiwan on second day of military drillsChina's People's Liberation Army is conducting large-scale military drills around Taiwan as part of "Justice Mission 2025."
Democrat Renee Hardman wins Iowa state Senate seat, blocking GOP from reclaiming a supermajority
Read full article: Democrat Renee Hardman wins Iowa state Senate seat, blocking GOP from reclaiming a supermajorityDemocrat Renee Hardman has been elected to the Iowa state Senate in a holiday-week special election, denying Republicans’ bid to reclaim two-thirds control of the chamber.
National Guard to patrol New Orleans for New Year's a year after deadly attack
Read full article: National Guard to patrol New Orleans for New Year's a year after deadly attackA National Guard deployment in New Orleans authorized by President Donald Trump will begin Tuesday as part of a heavy security presence for New Year’s celebrations.
Peruvian shamans predict Maduro's fall, continued global conflicts in 2026
Read full article: Peruvian shamans predict Maduro's fall, continued global conflicts in 2026A group of Peruvian shamans gathered in front of the sea in the Miraflores district of Peru’s capital city to carry out an annual ritual in which they make predictions for the upcoming year.
In escalating tensions with Venezuela, Trump says the US 'hit' a coastal drug loading facility
Read full article: In escalating tensions with Venezuela, Trump says the US 'hit' a coastal drug loading facilityPresident Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. has “hit” a dock facility along a shore as he wages a pressure campaign on Venezuela.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Iowa’s state Senate special election
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Iowa’s state Senate special electionVoters in a Democratic-leaning West Des Moines-area district will pick a new state senator Tuesday in a special election that could allow Iowa Republicans to regain a supermajority in the chamber.
US offers Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee as part of peace plan, Zelenskyy says
Read full article: US offers Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee as part of peace plan, Zelenskyy saysThe United States is offering Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years as part of a proposed peace plan.
Top diplomats of China, Cambodia and Thailand meet as Beijing seeks a stronger role in dispute
Read full article: Top diplomats of China, Cambodia and Thailand meet as Beijing seeks a stronger role in disputeForeign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand have convened with their Chinese counterpart to discuss the border dispute between the two Southeast Asian countries.
US pledges $2 billion for UN humanitarian aid as Trump warns agencies must 'adapt or die'
Read full article: US pledges $2 billion for UN humanitarian aid as Trump warns agencies must 'adapt or die'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.
South Korea’s climate pledge to cut coal, lower emissions clash with US push for LNG purchases
Read full article: South Korea’s climate pledge to cut coal, lower emissions clash with US push for LNG purchasesSouth Korea is chasing a coal-free future in efforts to slash carbon emissions, an ambitious goal for the fossil fuel-dependent country.
During Netanyahu visit, Trump warns Iran of further US strikes if it reconstitutes nuclear program
Read full article: During Netanyahu visit, Trump warns Iran of further US strikes if it reconstitutes nuclear programPresident Donald Trump is warning Iran against reconstituting its nuclear program.
Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted US political parties because they were 'in charge,' memo says
Read full article: Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted US political parties because they were 'in charge,' memo saysThe 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.
Winter rain floods Gaza camps as Netanyahu heads for US meeting
Read full article: Winter rain floods Gaza camps as Netanyahu heads for US meetingWinter rain has lashed the Gaza Strip and flooded camps with ankle-deep puddles as Palestinians displaced by war try to stay dry in fraying tents.
Preliminary results show Prime Minister Kurti's party won Kosovo snap vote convincingly
Read full article: Preliminary results show Prime Minister Kurti's party won Kosovo snap vote convincinglyPreliminary results of a snap parliamentary election in Kosovo shows that the party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti has won by a clear margin.
Trump says Ukraine and Russia are 'closer than ever' to peace after talks with Zelenskyy
Read full article: Trump says Ukraine and Russia are 'closer than ever' to peace after talks with ZelenskyyPresident Donald Trump says Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal, but he acknowledges that negotiations could still break down and leave the war dragging on for years.
Brazilian judge puts coup plot convicts under house arrest after former police commander flees
Read full article: Brazilian judge puts coup plot convicts under house arrest after former police commander fleesA Brazilian judge has issued house arrest orders for 10 people involved in a plot to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in power after his 2022 election loss.
Anonymous money fuels $5 million in attacks on Georgia's Lt. Gov. Burt Jones
Read full article: Anonymous money fuels $5 million in attacks on Georgia's Lt. Gov. Burt JonesA mysterious group called Georgians for Integrity has spent around $5 million on television ads, mailers and texts attacking Lt. Gov. Burt Jones since November.
Federal judge to hold hearing on whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being vindictively prosecuted
Read full article: Federal judge to hold hearing on whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being vindictively prosecutedA federal judge has canceled the trial of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported, and scheduled a hearing on whether the prosecution is being vindictive in its human smuggling case against him.
Kennedy Center criticizes musician who canceled performance after Trump name added to building
Read full article: Kennedy Center criticizes musician who canceled performance after Trump name added to buildingThe president of the Kennedy Center is criticizing musician Chuck Redd for canceling a Christmas Eve performance.
California drops lawsuit seeking to reinstate federal funding for the state's bullet train
Read full article: California drops lawsuit seeking to reinstate federal funding for the state's bullet trainCalifornia has dropped a lawsuit officials filed against the Trump administration over the federal government's withdrawing of $4 billion for the state's long-delayed high-speed rail project.
More thrifting and fewer returns _ the early trends that defined shopping this holiday
Read full article: More thrifting and fewer returns _ the early trends that defined shopping this holidayThe shopping rush leading up to Christmas is over and in its place, like every year, another has begun as millions of people hunt for post-holiday deals and get in line to return gifts that didn’t fit, or didn’t hit quite right.
Virginia offshore wind developer sues over Trump administration order halting projects
Read full article: Virginia offshore wind developer sues over Trump administration order halting projectsThe developers of a Virginia offshore wind project are asking a federal judge to block a Trump administration order that halted construction of their project, along with four others, over national security concerns.
Nigerian villagers are rattled by US airstrikes that made their homes shake and the sky glow red
Read full article: Nigerian villagers are rattled by US airstrikes that made their homes shake and the sky glow redA U.S. airstrike that targeted an alleged camp of the Islamic State group in Nigeria has caused panic in the village of Jabo, close to where the strike hit.
Times Square to feature patriotic crystal ball for New Year's Eve, kicking off US's 250th birthday
Read full article: Times Square to feature patriotic crystal ball for New Year's Eve, kicking off US's 250th birthdayAfter the crystal ball drops on New Year’s Eve in New York City, it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue.
Trump overturned decades of US trade policy in 2025. See the impact of his tariffs, in four charts
Read full article: Trump overturned decades of US trade policy in 2025. See the impact of his tariffs, in four chartsSince returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has overturned decades of U.S. trade policy — building a wall of tariffs around what used to be a wide open economy.
Zelenskyy says he will meet with President Trump in Florida on Sunday for talks on Ukraine security guarantees
Read full article: Zelenskyy says he will meet with President Trump in Florida on Sunday for talks on Ukraine security guaranteesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that he will meet on Sunday with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida.
Trump-Zelenskyy talks will address security guarantees and reconstruction, Ukraine leader says
Read full article: Trump-Zelenskyy talks will address security guarantees and reconstruction, Ukraine leader saysUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that he will meet on Sunday with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida.
What to know about the militants targeted by US airstrikes in northwest Nigeria
Read full article: What to know about the militants targeted by US airstrikes in northwest NigeriaThe United States airstrikes targeting militants affiliated with the Islamic State group in northwestern Nigeria are a major escalation of an offensive that Nigeria’s overstretched military has struggled with for years.
US launches strikes against Islamic State group in Nigeria after attacks target Christians
Read full article: US launches strikes against Islamic State group in Nigeria after attacks target ChristiansPresident Donald Trump says the U.S. launched a deadly strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Saudi Arabia urges Yemen's separatists to leave 2 governorates as the anti-rebel coalition strains
Read full article: Saudi Arabia urges Yemen's separatists to leave 2 governorates as the anti-rebel coalition strainsSaudi Arabia has called on separatists in southern Yemen to withdraw from two governorates they now hold.
Trump warns against infiltration by a 'bad Santa,' defends coal in jovial Christmas calls with kids
Read full article: Trump warns against infiltration by a 'bad Santa,' defends coal in jovial Christmas calls with kidsPresident Donald Trump marked Christmas Eve by chatting with children about their holiday wishes.
Pediatrics group sues HHS for cutting funds for children's health programs
Read full article: Pediatrics group sues HHS for cutting funds for children's health programsThe American Academy of Pediatrics sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, seeking to block nearly $12 million in cuts to the group.
DOJ says it may need a 'few more weeks' to finish release of Epstein files despite Dec. 19 deadline
Read full article: DOJ says it may need a 'few more weeks' to finish release of Epstein files despite Dec. 19 deadlineThe Justice Department said Wednesday that finishing the release of all of the Jeffrey Epstein files could take a “few more weeks,” further delaying compliance with a Dec. 19 deadline set by Congress.
Judge blocks Trump effort to strip security clearance from attorney who represented whistleblowers
Read full article: Judge blocks Trump effort to strip security clearance from attorney who represented whistleblowersA federal judge is halting the enforcement of a March presidential memorandum that revoked the security clearance of a prominent Washington attorney.
Suspect in national guard shooting faces new federal charges that allow death penalty discussions
Read full article: Suspect in national guard shooting faces new federal charges that allow death penalty discussionsA man accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House is charged in a complaint with federal firearms charges over the ambush on November 26 that fatally wounded one of the West Virginia National Guard members and seriously injured the second.
How a fast-moving $50 cash relief program buoyed needy families when SNAP payments were paused
Read full article: How a fast-moving $50 cash relief program buoyed needy families when SNAP payments were pausedGiveDirectly got $50 gift cards out to SNAP recipients during last month’s shutdown through a new approach to cash assistance.
EU warns of possible action after the US bars 5 Europeans accused of censorship
Read full article: EU warns of possible action after the US bars 5 Europeans accused of censorshipThe European Union's executive is warning of possible action against the U.S. after travel bans were imposed on five Europeans accused of pressuring American technology firms to censor viewpoints.
More than a third of states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care
Read full article: More than a third of states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming careNineteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people.
Iran and US reaffirm commitment to diplomacy at UN, but gap on a nuclear deal remains wide
Read full article: Iran and US reaffirm commitment to diplomacy at UN, but gap on a nuclear deal remains wideIran and the United States have reaffirmed their commitments to diplomacy at a contentious meeting of the U.N. Security Council.
Trump's newly appointed envoy to Greenland says US not looking to 'conquer' the Danish territory
Read full article: Trump's newly appointed envoy to Greenland says US not looking to 'conquer' the Danish territoryPresident Donald Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland says the Republican administration is looking to begin a conversation with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory about the best way forward for the strategically important island.
Trump administration moves to overhaul how H-1B visas are granted, ending lottery system
Read full article: Trump administration moves to overhaul how H-1B visas are granted, ending lottery systemThe Department of Homeland Security is replacing its lottery system for H-1B visas with a new approach prioritizing skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
US bars five Europeans it says pressured tech firms to censor American viewpoints online
Read full article: US bars five Europeans it says pressured tech firms to censor American viewpoints onlineThe State Department is barring five Europeans it accuses of leading efforts to pressure U.S. tech firms to censor or suppress American viewpoints.
Venezuela seeks to criminalize oil tanker seizures as Trump puts pressure on Maduro
Read full article: Venezuela seeks to criminalize oil tanker seizures as Trump puts pressure on MaduroVenezuela's National Assembly has approved a measure criminalizing activities that hinder navigation and commerce, like the seizure of oil tankers.
Trump order halts offshore wind projects for at least 90 days
Read full article: Trump order halts offshore wind projects for at least 90 daysA stop-work order by the Trump administration directs offshore wind developers to “suspend all ongoing activities” related to five large-scale projects under construction along the East Coast “for the next 90 days for reasons of national security.”.
Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
Read full article: Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for nowThe Supreme Court has refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown.
Voluminous new Epstein document release includes multiple Trump mentions, but little revelatory news
Read full article: Voluminous new Epstein document release includes multiple Trump mentions, but little revelatory newsThe U.S. Justice Department has released tens of thousands more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a tranche that included multiple mentions of President Donald Trump but added little new revelatory information to the long-anticipated public file on the disgraced late financier.
Former UF president & Nebraska US Sen. Ben Sasse reveals advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosis
Read full article: Former UF president & Nebraska US Sen. Ben Sasse reveals advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosisFormer Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Sasse has announced his diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer.
Trump says he's inviting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to next year's G20 summit in Miami
Read full article: Trump says he's inviting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to next year's G20 summit in MiamiPresident Donald Trump says he will be extending invitations to next year’s Group of 20 summit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Consumer confidence slumps to lowest level since the US rolled out tariffs in April
Read full article: Consumer confidence slumps to lowest level since the US rolled out tariffs in AprilU.S. consumers were less confident in the economy in December as Americans remain anxious about still-high prices and the impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
EXCERPT: In 'Storm at the Capitol,' police officers detail a brutal assault on Jan. 6, 2021
Read full article: EXCERPT: In 'Storm at the Capitol,' police officers detail a brutal assault on Jan. 6, 2021In the 4 p.m. hour on Jan. 6, 2021, at the height of the fighting that day outside the U.S. Capitol, hundreds of rioters loyal to President Donald Trump had already breached several entrances and forced lawmakers to flee both the House and Senate, stopping the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory.
A look at the experts racing to decode Trump’s tariff rules
Read full article: A look at the experts racing to decode Trump’s tariff rulesIn a breathless year of tariffs unleashed by the administration of President Donald Trump, perhaps no one has had to live the reality of every fluctuation of trade policy than customs brokers.
Medicaid paid more than $207 million for dead people. A new law could help fix that
Read full article: Medicaid paid more than $207 million for dead people. A new law could help fix thatA new Department of Health and Human Services report reveals Medicaid programs made over $200 million in improper payments to health care providers between 2021 and 2022 for people who had already died.
Major Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine kills at least 3 people and cuts power
Read full article: Major Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine kills at least 3 people and cuts powerOfficials say Russia fired more than 650 drones and three dozen missiles at Ukraine in a large-scale attack that began during the night and stretched into daylight hours Tuesday.
