loader-image
weather icon -4°F
Subscribe
loader-image
weather icon -4°F

December 3, 2025.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and forward Anthony Davis (3) react after a basket against the Miami Heat during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Cooper Flagg didn’t wilt without Anthony Davis and now Mavs hope they flourish together

December 3, 2025

Cooper Flagg didn’t wilt in the month the Dallas Mavericks were without injured forward Anthony Davis. Now that the rookie No. 1 overall pick is playing alongside the 10-time All-Star again, Dallas hopes they can flourish together. The Mavericks are on their first winning streak of the season. Dallas beat Miami 118-108 for a third consecutive victory. Flagg found himself in the company of LeBron James while Davis was sidelined with a calf strain. Now the Mavs hope Flagg can find life a little easier with Davis. There’s the longer-term hope of injured star guard Kyrie Irving returning.

Read More »
FILE - Admiral Frank M. Bradley testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to examine his nomination to be admiral and Commander, United States Special Operation Command, July 22, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, file)

Lawmakers to hear from Navy admiral who ordered attack that killed boat strike survivors

December 3, 2025

The Navy admiral who reportedly issued orders to fire upon survivors of an attack on an alleged drug boat is set to brief Congress. Lawmakers overseeing national security are expected to receive a classified briefing Thursday from Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley about the boat strike. It’s a potentially crucial moment in the unfolding investigation into how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth handled the military operation in international waters near Venezuela. Lawmakers are seeking a full accounting after The Washington Post reported that Bradley on Sept. 2 had ordered an attack on two survivors to comply with Hegseth’s directive to “kill everybody.”

Read More »
Opponents of mid-decade efforts to redraw congressional voting districts gather to protest in the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla., Dec. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

Florida starts redistricting talks in a growing battle for House control in 2026 elections

December 3, 2025

Florida is poised to join the wave of states debating how they might reshape congressional voting districts, as political parties grapple for an edge in next year’s midterm elections. President Donald Trump is urging states to redraw maps in the hopes of bucking the historical trends of the president’s party losing seats in midterms. His allies are wagering his adopted home state could yield three to five new Republican seats. But Florida also represents a challenge, due to the infighting between Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and state GOP leaders — and language in the state Constitution that bars redrawing maps to favor or disfavor a political party.

Read More »

North Dakota State defeats Montana 81-72

December 3, 2025

Led by Damari Wheeler-Thomas’ 23 points, the North Dakota State Bison defeated the Montana Grizzlies 81-72 in the Big Sky-Summit Challenge. The Grizzlies were led by Money Williams, who posted 21 points and five assists.

Read More »
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) drives on Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Jamal Murray delivers impressive, efficient 52-point night as Nuggets beat Pacers 135-120

December 3, 2025

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was listed as questionable just a few hours before Wednesday night’s game at Indiana. By tip-off, he left nothing to chance. Just two nights after spraining his right ankle, Murray returned to action and delivered one of the NBA’s most efficient performances all season. He made 19 of 25 shots including an incredible 10 of 11 on 3-pointers to finish with a season-high 52 points in a 135-120 victory over the defending Eastern Conference champs.

Read More »
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree after being lit during the 93rd annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a holiday icon, is illuminated in New York

December 3, 2025

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been lit up in a festive ceremony in midtown Manhattan. The towering icon of New York City’s holiday season is a 75-foot Norway spruce this year. It features more than 50,000 multicolored, energy-efficient LED lights. It is topped by a Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds. Country music star Reba McEntire was on hosting duty for NBC’s live national broadcast, and the Radio City Rockettes were among the performers. The spruce was cut down from a home about 150 miles north of Manhattan. It stays on display until mid-January.

Read More »
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after scoring his 50th point against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Jamal Murray scores season-high 52 points, Nuggets hold off Pacers 135-120

December 3, 2025

Jamal Murray scored a season-high 52 points and Nikola Jokic fell just short of another triple-double to help the Denver Nuggets hold off the short-handed Indiana Pacers 135-120 on Wednesday night. Murray was 19 of 25 from the field and even better from 3-point range, 10 of 11, despite being listed as questionable because of a sprained right ankle late in the afternoon. He fell three points short of matching his career high. Jokic had 24 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists playing in front of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. He came up two rebounds short of starting December with back-to-back triple-doubles but he still holds the league lead with 11 this season. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 23 points .

Read More »
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is sacked by Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Rams QB Matthew Stafford has already moved past the 3-turnover game that slowed his standout season

December 3, 2025

Matthew Stafford’s 192 career interceptions are the most among active quarterbacks. He has also fumbled 91 times in his 17-year NFL career. So his three crucial turnovers in the Los Angeles Rams’ 31-28 loss to Carolina aren’t going to send Stafford into a funk or a crisis of competence. Stafford knows his two interceptions and a late fumble were the biggest reasons why the Rams lost to the Panthers and fell out of the No. 1 spot in the NFC standings. There’s still nothing he’ll do much differently when he leads Los Angeles to Arizona this weekend.

Read More »

Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor

December 3, 2025

A raccoon broke into a closed Virginia liquor store and drank alcohol from the bottom shelves over the weekend. An animal control officer says the raccoon was found Saturday passed out next to the store’s toilet. The officers says the raccoon then sobered up after a few hours. Officials say they released him back into the wild. Officials say the raccoon had zero signs of injury after the break-in.

Read More »
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang listens as President Donald Trump speaks during the Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visits Republicans as debate over intensifying AI race rages

December 3, 2025

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is making the rounds in Washington. Huang met with separately President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans on Wednesday to talk about the future of artificial intelligence amid ongoing efforts by top Silicon Valley executives to secure favorable terms for their industry. Huang warns that any restrictions on AI will halt its advancement. That’s despite mounting concerns about AI’s potential pitfalls or how foreign rivals like China may use American hardware. The Trump administration in May reversed Biden-era restrictions that had prevented Nvidia and other chipmakers from exporting their chips to a wide range of countries.

Read More »
President Donald Trump's name is seen on the United State Institute of Peace building, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Matthew Lee)

Trump is fighting the Institute of Peace in court. Now, his name is on the building

December 3, 2025

The Trump administration has renamed the U.S. Institute of Peace after President Donald Trump and planted the president’s name on the organization’s headquarters despite an ongoing fight over the institute’s control. The U.S. Institute of Peace, a nonprofit think tank that focuses on peace initiatives, has been caught in a seesaw court battle since March, when the president signed off on a Department of Government Efficiency takeover. On Wednesday, the administration said it renamed it the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace and the new name could be seen on its building near the State Department. The department said in a post on X that it renamed the institute after the president Wednesday morning.

Read More »
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) watches the action while resting during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

Bucks coach Doc Rivers disputes report that Antetokounmpo is talking with team about his future

December 3, 2025

Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Wednesday there have been no talks between team officials and Giannis Antetokounmpo regarding the two-time MVP’s potential exit from Milwaukee. Rivers made the comments after ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, had started speaking with the Bucks about the superstar’s future and whether he’s best suited to stay in Milwaukee or play elsewhere. Rivers said “there’s been no conversations” in that regard. Rivers added that “Giannis has never asked to be traded – ever. I can’t make that more clear.”

Read More »

3 officers wounded and a suspect is killed in Omaha shooting

December 3, 2025

Three Omaha police officers were wounded in an exchange of gunfire with a shooting suspect who was killed. The shooting Wednesday stemmed from an earlier one at a grocery store in which police say the suspect shot a 61-year-old man. Police obtained a license plate number and followed the suspect to a gas station. The suspect entered a restroom and began firing on the officers when he exited. Two officers were hit; a third was hit by shrapnel. The suspect was killed. The officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the one hit by shrapnel was later released.

Read More »

Salesforce CEO vies to overcome investors’ AI skepticism while touting company’s quarterly numbers

December 3, 2025

After riding the artificial intelligence craze to new heights, business software maker Salesforce has been pummeled by a wave of investor skepticism that’s intensified the pressure on its persuasive CEO Marc Benioff to reverse the tide. Benioff got a chance to try to change the AI narrative late Wednesday with the release of his company’s latest quarterly results. The key numbers covering the August-October eclipsed the analyst projections that help steer the stock market, providing Benioff with some material to support his contention that Salesforce’s big bets on AI will yield a jackpot. Salesforce’s shares gained nearly 3% after the results came out, but it’s unclear if that momentum will continue Thursday.

Read More »
FILE - New York Yankees pitcher Devin Williams delivers against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning of Game 3 of baseball's American League Division Series, Oct. 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

Mets and reliever Devin Williams finalize $51 million, 3-year contract

December 3, 2025

Devin Williams and the Mets have finalized a $51 million, three-year contract that locks in a critical late-inning reliever as New York rebuilds its bullpen this offseason. The right-hander will receive $5 million per year deferred for 10 years starting in 2036, so the contract won’t be fully paid until 2045. Williams spent last season across town with the New York Yankees, going 4-6 with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 18 saves in 22 chances. He lost the closer’s job, regained it and then lost it again before finishing the year with four scoreless outings during the American League playoffs. With the Mets, the 31-year-old Williams could replace free agent closer Edwin Díaz in a revamped bullpen or complement him as a top setup man if Díaz re-signs.

Read More »
FILE - Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Sept. 20, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

A California Republican faces long odds after redistricting. Will he seek a safer seat in Texas?

December 3, 2025

In heavily Democratic California, one prominent Republican U.S. House member is considering an audacious maneuver — moving to Texas to run for Congress. Rep. Darrell Issa, a wealthy car alarm magnate, is considering the jump after Democrats essentially erased his district in a new House map adopted by voters in November. A source familiar with Issa’s thinking, who requested anonymity, says the congressman is still thinking his way through it. It’s also possible Issa remains in his newly redrawn district in California, enters to run in another district in the state or sits out the election.

Read More »
FILE - New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd takes part in an NFL football training camp, July 23, 2025, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

New York Jets’ Kris Boyd surprises teammates with return after being shot

December 3, 2025

New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd returned to the team’s facility just over two weeks after being shot in Manhattan. ESPN reports Boyd surprised his teammates Wednesday by attending a special teams meeting. Last Wednesday, Boyd posted on Instagram about “health issues” that sent him back to the hospital. He was shot on November 16 near Times Square and taken to Bellevue Hospital. Police have released images of a suspect, but no arrests have been made. Boyd hasn’t played this season due to a shoulder injury. He signed a one-year contract with the Jets in March.

Read More »
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Pentagon knew boat attack left survivors but still launched a follow-on strike, AP sources say

December 3, 2025

The Pentagon knew there were survivors after a September attack on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea and the U.S. military still carried out a follow-up strike. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss it publicly. They say the rationale for the second strike was that it was needed to sink the vessel. The Trump administration says all 11 people aboard were killed. One of the people says what remains unclear was who ordered the strikes and whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was involved.

Read More »
FILE - The Food and Drug Administration seal is seen at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

A dozen former FDA leaders lambast claims by current FDA vaccine chief

December 3, 2025

A dozen prior leaders of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a scathing denunciation of an FDA memo to staff that made sweeping claims casting doubt on vaccine safety. They said in an editorial published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine that it “will upend core policies governing vaccine development and updates.” The internal memo by vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad claimed without evidence that COVID-19 vaccines caused 10 children’s deaths and proposed changes at the agency. It comes at a time when Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking to broadly remake federal policies on vaccines.

Read More »
FILE - A doctor holds a vial of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil in Chicago on Aug. 28, 2006. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

A single shot of HPV vaccine may be enough to fight cervical cancer, study finds

December 3, 2025

A new study suggests a single HPV vaccination appears just as effective as two doses at preventing the viral infection that causes cervical cancer. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is very common and spread through sex. Most HPV infections clear up on their own. But some linger, causing cancers that appear years later, including cervical cancer in women and rarer cancers in both women and men. On Wednesday, researchers reported a U.S.-funded study in Costa Rica that found a single HPV shot provided similar protection against cervical cancer-causing infection as two doses, for at least five years.

Read More »
Foto entregada por el Registro de Delincuentes Sexuales del Estado de Nueva York, que muestra a Jeffrey Epstein, el 28 de marzo del 2017. (Registro de Delincuentes Sexuales del Estado de Nueva York via AP)

A vocal Jeffrey Epstein accuser is urging judges to unseal his court records

December 3, 2025

One of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s most vocal accusers is urging judges to grant the Justice Department’s request unseal to records from their federal sex trafficking cases, saying that “only transparency is likely to lead to justice.” Annie Farmer weighed in through her lawyer, Sigrid S. McCawley, after the judges asked for input from victims before ruling on whether the records should be made public under a new law requiring the government to open its files on the late financier and his longtime confidante. Farmer and other victims fought for the passage of the law, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Read More »

A string of awards makes it clear: ‘One Battle After Another’ is the Oscar front-runner

December 3, 2025

If there were any doubt, the first few days of Hollywood’s year-end awards has already made it abundantly clear. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is the Oscar front-runner. On Monday, “One Battle After Another” won best film at the 35th Gotham Awards. On Tuesday, it was named best film by the New York Film Critics Circle. On Wednesday, it swept the National Board of Review Awards, winning best film, best director for Anderson and acting awards for Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro and newcomer Chase Infiniti. Expect to hear this pun a lot: one award after another.

Read More »
This image released by the Mayoral Photography Office shows New York Mayor Eric Adams, second left, during his visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Nov. 18, 2025, which was attacked during the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel. (Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office via AP)

As NYC prepares for Mamdani, departing Mayor Eric Adams wanders the globe

December 3, 2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is embracing his love for travel in his final month in office. He has recently visited Albania, Israel, and Uzbekistan, sparking accusations that he was neglecting his duties. On Wednesday, he traveled to New Orleans to receive an award from the Combat Antisemitism Movement. Critics accuse him of misusing taxpayer-funded travel for personal gain. Adams has not denied considering overseas job offers, calling himself a “global leader.” His office declined to say how much it has spent on the recent flurry of travel.

Read More »
FILE - The entrance to the Wisconsin Supreme Court chambers is seen in the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Todd Richmond, File)

Wisconsin Supreme Court to decide whether local jails can hold immigrants for ICE

December 3, 2025

A divided Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to take a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of an immigrant rights group. The lawsuit argues that it is illegal for local Wisconsin jails to hold immigrant detainees at the request of federal authorities. The Wisconsin lawsuit comes as federal agents have launched high-profile immigration crackdowns in cities including Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina. The enforcement tactics have been met with protests and lawsuits. A majority of justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted Wednesday to take the ACLU case directly as an original action, rather than have it first work its way through lower courts.

Read More »
FILE - A man rides his bicycle past police station in Pont-Sonde, Haiti, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph, File)

Alleged gang leader is sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping of 17 missionaries in Haiti

December 3, 2025

A man alleged to be the founder and leader of a Haitian gang has been sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating the kidnapping of 17 people, including five children, who were on a missionary trip to the Caribbean country. Joly Germine declined to say anything before U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington, D.C., sentenced him Wednesday. Some of the kidnapping victims chose to speak in court, telling Germine that they forgive him for his role in their ordeal. The victims — 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian citizen — were kidnapped by gang members near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Oct. 16, 2021. Most of them were held at gunpoint for 62 days before they escaped.

Read More »
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws against the Green Bay Packers during the first half an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Lions and Cowboys need a win in Thursday night matchup to improve position in NFL playoff picture

December 3, 2025

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are the top two teams in the hunt for an NFC wild card and are still holding on to hopes to compete for division championships. Detroit hosts Dallas on Thursday night and the winner will improve its position in the playoff picture, while the loser may not have time to recover from the setback over the last month of the regular season. After starting 5-2, the two-time defending NFC North champions have lost three of five to fall behind division-leading Chicago and second-place Green Bay. Dallas has a winning record for the first time this year.

Read More »
People walk through a newly constructed covered walkway on the North Lawn while arriving for a White House tour, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington, as tours resume for the first time since construction of a new ballroom began at the White House. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

White House tours resume in time for Christmas, but they’re different than before

December 3, 2025

President Donald Trump’s decision to knock down the East Wing to build a big ballroom has significantly altered the visitor experience at the White House. There’s a different entrance now and fewer rooms to see, but some of those who toured the Executive Mansion on Wednesday were glad for the opportunity to see the White House decked out in its Christmas glory by first lady Melania Trump. Her butterfly decor in the Red Room was a highlight for some. Others were sad about the loss of the East Wing, which had been the traditional entrance for visitors.

Read More »
FILE - This Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, photo shows music streaming apps clockwise from top left, Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora and Google on an iPhone in New York. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

How to find Spotify Wrapped, YouTube Recap and more as 2025 comes to a close

December 3, 2025

The end of 2025 is near. And the season of unwrapping our online lives — or at least a glimpse of what they looked like over the past year — is well underway. Spotify Wrapped, YouTube Recap and Duolingo’s “Year in Review” are among the growing list of music streamers, social media sites and a host of other apps have already started delivering their annual recaps into customers’ inboxes. That gives users a peak at anything from the top songs they had on repeat and the videos they streamed the most, to online language-learning or everyday tips they turned to the internet for in 2025. Most can be found in the platform’s apps.

Read More »
FILE - The MGM National Harbor logo is seen around a roulette wheel in the casino during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

1 dead after shooting at MGM National Harbor in DC suburbs, police say

December 3, 2025

Authorities say one man is dead and another injured after a shooting at a food court at MGM National Harbor hotel and casino in the Maryland suburbs of Washington. Prince George’s County Police say officers responded to a shooting at the food court just before noon Wednesday. Police say detectives are working to determine the circumstances and identify the suspect, who fled. The shooting doesn’t appear to be random. Police say one man died at the MGM National Harbor. A second had an apparent graze wound.

Read More »
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is seen on the sideline before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels’ status for Vikings game won’t be known until Friday

December 3, 2025

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels still has not been cleared for contact and his status for Sunday’s game at the Minnesota Vikings is up in the air. Commanders coach Dan Quinn said he won’t know whether Daniels can play this week until Friday. Daniels has missed Washington’s past three games with a dislocated left elbow — and has been absent for a total of six of the club’s 12 games this season. The Commanders have lost seven games in a row, a year after going 12-5 during the regular season and making it all the way to the NFC title game, with Daniels appearing in all 20 of their games.

Read More »
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent listens as President Donald Trump talks after meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

US adds more penalties to those linked to Tren de Aragua gang

December 3, 2025

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on alleged affiliates of the Tren de Aragua gang. It also increased the reward Wednesday to as much as $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of one of the leaders of the criminal group that the Trump administration has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The gang that originated in a Venezuelan prison has been blamed by President Donald Trump for violence and the illegal drug trade in many U.S. cities. Tren de Aragua also has become a key reference point in military attacks against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Read More »
FILE - Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

House Republicans subpoena Jack Smith for closed-door interview about his prosecutions of Trump

December 3, 2025

The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith for a closed-door interview later this month even though he had earlier volunteered to appear for an open hearing about his prosecutions of President Donald Trump. The committee’s Republican chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, directed Smith in a letter dated Wednesday to appear for a private deposition on Dec. 17 as part of the panel’s investigations into the prosecutor’s work. A lawyer for Smith says the prosecutor offered nearly six weeks ago to appear before the committee in an open hearing but would nonetheless appear as scheduled for the deposition.

Read More »
Manchester City's Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Leeds United in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

The World Cup draw is usually a spectacle. This time, FIFA hopes bigger is better

December 3, 2025

A record 64 nations will be in Friday’s World Cup draw as FIFA expands the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. This means 104 games instead of 64, running from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, aims to win consecutive World Cups. Newcomers include Cape Verde and Curaçao. Ticket prices are at a record high, with concerns about affordability. Weather could impact games, with only four U.S. venues having roofs. The draw will be hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart and Danny Ramirez.

Read More »
Black Friday Shoppers queue to enter Macy's flagship store in New York on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Macy’s posts surprise profit with overhaul under new CEO resonating with shoppers

December 3, 2025

Macy’s posted a surprise third-quarter profit and its strongest comparable sales in more than three years as an extensive overhaul of the 167-year-old New York department store begins to resonate with shoppers. After posting its back-to-back quarterly jumps in comparable store sales Wednesday, Macy’s raised its financial guidance for the year. Comparable-store sales, a good barometer of a retailer’s health, have been an ominous sign at Macy’s for several years now, serving each quarter as a reminder that the storied department store chain had a long way to go. On Wednesday, however, Macy’s posted a solid 3.2% increase for the quarter.

Read More »
The 2026 Ford Mustang GT is revealed at the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Trump plans to weaken vehicle mileage rules that limit air pollution

December 3, 2025

President Donald Trump is expected to announce a proposal to weaken vehicle mileage rules for the auto industry. That would ease pressure on automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and trucks. Trump is set to announce the plan later Wednesday. The proposal would significantly reduce fuel economy requirements through the 2031 model years. Those requirements set rules on how far new vehicles need to travel on a gallon of gasoline. Word about Trump’s impending action comes from several people familiar with the White House plans. They’re not authorized to discuss the matter publicly because the proposal hasn’t been announced and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Read More »
Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin skates with the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin expected to miss rest of NHL season with torn ACL

December 3, 2025

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin is expected to miss the rest of the NHL season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Coach Glen Gulutzan says Seguin will be out several months after the 33-year-old was injured Monday night at the New York Rangers. Seguin got tangled up with Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavirkov in the first period. Seguin went down in pain, could not skate and needed help to get off the ice and down the tunnel to the locker room. Gulutzan said the team did not get positive news about Seguin’s knee after it was looked at more closely.

Read More »
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during an event on "Trump Accounts" for kids in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Bessent says White House may ‘veto’ Federal Reserve presidents

December 3, 2025

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday he would push a new requirement that the Federal Reserve’s regional bank presidents live in their districts for at least three years before taking office, a move that could give the White House more power over the independent agency. Bessent has stepped up his criticism of the Fed’s 12 regional bank presidents in recent weeks after several of them made clear in a series of speeches that they opposed cutting the Fed’s key rate at its next meeting in December.

Read More »
Karly Hartzman of the band Wednesday poses for a portrait in Greensboro, N.C. on June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

AP’s top songs of 2025: ‘Lo que le pasó a Hawaii,’ ‘Abracadabra’ and more

December 3, 2025

The Associated Press has selected the 10 best songs of the year, showcasing a diverse range of artists and genres. Bad Bunny’s “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii” stands out as a powerful anthem for Puerto Rico’s cultural autonomy. Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” marks a triumphant return to her electro-pop roots. Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” showcases her versatility with dream-pop influences. Wednesday’s “Elderberry Wine” offers a poetic take on classic country. Other notable tracks include dexter in the newsagent’s “Special,” Feeble Little Horse’s “This is Real,” and Kehlani’s heartfelt “Folded.”

Read More »
FILE - U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during the Western Governors' Association meeting Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rebecca Noble, File)

What to know about the hepatitis B shot — and why Trump officials are targeting it

December 3, 2025

A federal vaccine advisory committee this week is expected to discuss whether newborns should still get the hepatitis B vaccine — the first shot found to prevent cancer. Federal health recommendations now suggest that all babies be vaccinated against the liver infection in their first day of life, but U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s committee on Thursday is expected to change that. Changing the recommendation would contradict previous public health advice, and some medical and public health experts are alarmed. It’s not clear what the committee is considering, but the American Academy of Pediatrics will still urge a birth dose.

Read More »

AP’s top albums of 2025: Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Hayley Williams, Dijon, Addison Rae and more

December 3, 2025

The Associated Press has announced its top 10 albums of the year, showcasing a diverse range of artists. Hayley Williams shines with “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” a bold solo project. Addison Rae surprises with her inventive pop debut, “Addison.” Rosalía’s “Lux” offers an avant-garde musical journey. Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” celebrates Puerto Rican culture. Dijon captivates with the dreamy “Baby.” Wednesday’s “Bleeds” sharpens their indie rock skills. Turnstile’s “Never Enough” blends punk with new sounds. Clipse returns with “Let God Sort Em Out,” featuring Pharrell. Tyler Childers’ “Snipe Hunter” defies country norms, and Sudan Archives’ “The BPM” delivers a unique club-pop-soul experience.

Read More »
FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in action during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)

Deshaun Watson will practice with the Browns for first time in more than a year

December 3, 2025

Deshaun Watson is set to practice with the Cleveland Browns for the first time this year, starting Wednesday. This opens a 21-day window for him to return to the lineup. Coach Kevin Stefanski says Watson will begin with individual drills before possibly joining the scout team. Watson has been on the physically unable to perform list since the season began because of a ruptured Achilles tendon. He has been rehabbing and involved in team meetings. Watson is 9-10 as Cleveland’s starter and has faced criticism for his contract and performance. The Browns have reworked his contract twice for financial flexibility.

Read More »
FILE - Kendrick Lamar performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)

The PlayStation turns 30: Looking back at the console that gave us Lara Croft and ‘The Last of Us’

December 3, 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show earlier this year featured a stage design resembling a giant PlayStation controller. This nod to Sony’s console, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, highlights its cultural impact. From Hollywood films to music videos, PlayStation has transcended gaming. Sony’s strategy involved targeting teens and young adults, making gaming cool and accessible. The PlayStation 2 became the bestselling console, while the PS4 stabilized the brand after a PS3 stumble. PlayStation’s influence now extends to movies, TV shows, fashion, and even tattoos, reflecting its deep connection with fans.

Read More »

Billionaire spacewalker is back before the Senate seeking NASA’s top job

December 3, 2025

Billionaire spacewalker Jared Isaacman is back before the Senate after being yanked and then renominated by President Donald Trump for NASA’s top job. Isaacman appeared before the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Wednesday, eight months after his first nomination hearing. Isaacman told the panel that NASA needs “full-time leadership” as it prepares to send astronauts back to the moon. Isaacman was within days of being confirmed by the Senate as NASA’s 15th administrator when Trump pulled his nomination in May. The president renominated Isaacman last month. The tech entrepreneur has rocketed into orbit twice with SpaceX, buying his own flights.

Read More »
Argentina's Lionel Messi waves before a training session with the national team ahead of an international friendly soccer match against Angola in Elche, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

How does the World Cup draw work? The AP explains FIFA’s process for dividing teams into groups

December 3, 2025

The draw for the 2026 World Cup takes place Friday at the Kennedy Center. The purpose is to divide the 48-team field into 12 groups of four. Once the tournament starts, 32 teams will advance from those preliminary groups to the single-elimination knockout rounds. The 12 World Cup groups are designated Group A, Group B … and so on, down to Group L. Balls corresponding with the competing countries will be separated into four pots of 12, and each group will include one team drawn from each pot.

Read More »

Lauren Graham and Amy Sherman-Palladino to release ‘Gilmore Girls’ book in 2027

December 3, 2025

“Gilmore Girls” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and star Lauren Graham have teamed up for a new book about the beloved series. Celadon Books announced Wednesday that the book is set for release in the fall of 2027. The work promises sharp wit, personal reflections and never-before-shared stories from the dramedy set in Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Graham played single mother Lorelai Gilmore, with Alexis Bledel as her daughter Rory. Graham expressed excitement about collaborating with Sherman-Palladino. Sherman-Palladino, who returned for a 2016 revival, says she would jump at any chance to work with Graham.

Read More »
Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins, left, and 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin arrive in the Western District of North Carolina on Monday Dec 1, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer)

NASCAR executive returns to the stand in high-stakes antitrust trial

December 3, 2025

A top NASCAR executive, Scott Prime, returns to the stand Wednesday in an antitrust case accusing NASCAR of monopolistic practices. The lawsuit, filed by 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, claims NASCAR’s charter agreements are unfair. These agreements are NASCAR’s version of a franchise model. The case highlights a two-year negotiation that ended with a deal many teams found unsatisfactory. Attorney Jeffrey Kessler presented evidence of NASCAR’s attempts to prevent rival series and lock tracks into exclusivity clauses. The trial is expected to last two weeks, with key figures like Jordan and Front Row owner Bob Jenkins set to testify.

Read More »
A protestor waves a flag in a pouring rain during a demonstration against an impending Customs and Border Patrol immigration crackdown in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Federal border agents launch immigration crackdown in New Orleans

December 3, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security has launched an immigration crackdown in New Orleans, saying the operation targets violent criminals. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the operation launched Wednesday targets immigrants released after their arrests for crimes such as home invasion, armed robbery and rape. McLaughlin says sanctuary policies endanger American communities and force law enforcement to risk their lives removing criminals “that should have never been put back on the streets.”

Read More »
FILE- This March 20, 2018 file photo shows the Spotify app on an iPad in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

It’s time to unpack Spotify Wrapped. Here’s how the music streamer compiled your 2025 recap

December 3, 2025

The end of 2025 is almost upon us. And it’s time to unpack Spotify Wrapped. On Wednesday, the music streaming giant delivered its annual recap — giving its hundreds of millions of users worldwide a look at the top songs, artists, podcasts and other audio they listened to over the past year. Spotify isn’t the only platform to roll out a yearly glimpse of data collected from consumers’ online lives. But since its launch about a decade ago, Wrapped has become one of the most anticipated. And Spotify is billing the 2025 edition to be the biggest yet, with a host of new features it hopes may also address some disappointments users had last year.

Read More »
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Pete Hegseth faces deepening scrutiny from Congress over boat strikes

December 3, 2025

The scrutiny over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon has been a long time coming on Capitol Hill. Hegseth barely squeaked through his Senate confirmation process at the start of the year. And lawmakers have been uneasy about the lack of information flowing from the Pentagon to Congress. Now, lawmakers have announced an investigation into a military strike on a boat in the Caribbean that some have said raises questions of potential war crimes. Hegseth has chided those second-guessing his actions. And President Donald Trump is standing by Hegseth, whose Cabinet position is among the most important. But Democratic voices in Congress are calling for Hegseth’s resignation.

Read More »
FILE - The Olympic rings adorn the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, which will be called Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, venue for the curling discipline at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta, File)

Doping at your doorstep: The next Olympic drug crisis could be coming through the mail

December 3, 2025

A new wave of peptides, often banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, is easily available online, raising concerns about potential Olympic doping scandals. These substances, marketed for benefits like anti-aging and workout recovery, are hard to detect and can be bought on platforms like Amazon and Alibaba. With the Milan Cortina Games approaching, officials are worried about repeating past scandals involving Russia and China. The peptides, many unapproved by the FDA, are difficult to regulate. Despite efforts to remove them, listings persist.

Read More »