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December 5, 2025.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, right, reacts with Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) after winning the American Conference championship NCAA college football game against North Texas in New Orleans, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Tulane tops North Texas 34-21 in American Conference title game for a likely CFP bid

December 5, 2025

Jake Retzlaff rushed for two short touchdowns, Jamauri McClure rushed for 121 yards and a score, and Tulane defeated North Texas 34-21 in the American Conference championship game — a victory that likely secured a College Football Playoff bid. Chris Rogers returned an interception 35-yards for a touchdown for Tulane, which intercepted three passes and recovered two fumbles in a triumphant performance that is expected to delay coach Jon Sumrall’s departure for the Florida job he accepted last Sunday. Sumrall has said if Tulane qualified for the 12-team CFP, he’d see that through. Eric Morris will soon be headed to Oklahoma State after coaching the Mean Green to its first 11-win regular season and a bowl bid.

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James Madison running back Wayne Knight (3) runs the ball for a touchdown against Troy during the first half of the Sun Belt Championship NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)

No. 19 James Madison makes case for playoff with 31-14 win over Troy in Sun Belt title game

December 5, 2025

No. 19 James Madison has made its case for a College Football Playoff berth. Wayne Knight rushed for career-high 212 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown, and JMU beat Troy 31-14 in the in the Sun Belt Conference title game on Friday night. The Dukes improved to 12-1. They’ll now root for Duke to beat Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on Saturday night, a result that could make JMU one of two Group of Five schools in the 12-team playoff. On a chilly night when fans were repeatedly chided for throwing snowballs onto the field, James Madison’s defense recorded eight sacks and shut out Troy in the second half.

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Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers walks on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Iowa State hires Jimmy Rogers as coach after Matt Campbell leaves for Penn State

December 5, 2025

Iowa State has wasted no time finding a replacement for Matt Campbell, hiring Washington State’s Jimmy Rogers as its football coach on Friday night. The Cyclones moved quickly after Campbell left to take over for the fired James Franklin at Penn State. They agreed to a six-year deal with Rogers. He led Washington State to a 6-6 record in his lone season after a two-season run at South Dakota State that included an FCS championship. Rogers is 33-9 in three years as a head coach.

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, left, shoots over Utah Jazz defenders during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Knicks jump out to a 23-0 lead over the Jazz, largest in the NBA since detailed play-by-play began

December 5, 2025

The New York Knicks jumped on the Utah Jazz with a 23-0 lead Friday night, the largest game-opening run in the NBA since the league began keeping detailed play-by-play for all four quarters. The Knicks pitched a shutout for half the first quarter and led by 28 by the time it was over. Karl-Anthony Towns opened the scoring with a 3-pointer and when Jalen Brunson made one midway through the period, the Knicks had scored the first 23 points. That was the most one team had before the other scored since the NBA began keeping detailed play-by-play for the entire game in 1997. The Jazz missed their first 12 shots.

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Kentucky fans boo during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Gonzaga, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

‘No heart’: DeMarcus Cousins slams No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats after a brutal loss

December 5, 2025

The 18th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats have lost back-to-back games and three of their last five. Worse, they are struggling to shoot. Panic is bubbling up in the Bluegrass State. Fans booed the Wildcats off the court at halftime Friday night and headed to the exits before Kentucky’s miserable and ugly 94-59 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga. The Wildcats now are 5-4. Onetime Kentucky one-and-done star DeMarcus Cousins didn’t hold back on his opinion on social media saying this team has no hard and is hard to watch. Kentucky coach Mark Pope took no issue issue with Cousins’ opinion. He said the Wildcats have to dig themselves out of a bad spot.

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Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Brown scores 30 points, Celtics cruise to 126-105 win over Lakers team missing James, Doncic

December 5, 2025

Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and the Boston Celtics cruised past Los Angeles 126-105 on Friday night, with the Lakers playing without LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Derrick White had five 3-pointers and added 19 points, and Jordan Walsh finished with 17 points for the Celtics, who have won four straight and six out of seven. Boston hit a season-high 24 3-pointers and had 31 assists. The Lakers lost for just the second time in 10 games. James sat with sciatica, which kept him sidelined for the first 14 games this season, and left foot joint arthritis. Doncic was out for the second straight game for personal reasons. Austin Reaves led Los Angeles with 36 points.

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FILE - Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine watches a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets, Aug. 3, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine gets 3 months in prison for violating probation in gang case

December 5, 2025

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been sentenced to three more months in prison for violating his supervised release terms in a New York gang case. The artist, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, admitted to the violations during a hearing in Manhattan, including possessing drugs at his Miami home and punching a man who taunted him at a Florida mall. Hernandez pleaded guilty in 2018 to involvement with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods and received a lenient two-year sentence because of his cooperation with authorities in the racketeering case. He also got a 45-day sentence last year for violating supervised release conditions.

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‘Oh, my God’ — 88-year-old Michigan grocery cashier overwhelmed by sudden $1.7M gift

December 5, 2025

Ed Bambas will soon ring up his last can of corn. The 88-year-old Michigan grocery worker was handed an oversized check for $1.7 million Friday. It’s the result of a remarkable fundraising campaign by a young Australian man with an extraordinary following on social media. Sam Weidenhofer is using his powerful platforms to spread kindness — and money — on a visit to the United States. He met Bambas at a Meijer store in Brighton, Michigan, and learned that the cashier still has to work as he nears 90. Not any longer.

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FILE - A subway approaches an above ground station in the Brooklyn borough of New York with the New York City skyline in the background, June 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

High school student, 18, charged with arson in fire that burned New York City subway passenger

December 5, 2025

A New York City high school senior has been jailed on a federal arson charge days after authorities say he set a fire that severely burned a sleeping subway passenger. Hiram Carrero was not required to enter a plea Friday during his arraignment in Manhattan federal court. The fire early Monday was the latest in a string of incidents of people being lit ablaze on public transit across the country. U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni ordered the 18-year-old Carrero detained, citing the “heinousness of the crime,” after prosecutors appealed a magistrate judge’s decision to release him to home confinement under his mother’s supervision.

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Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after suffering an injury during the first half an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kylie Bridenhagen)

Bucks coach Doc Rivers says he anticipates Giannis Antetokounmpo missing about 4 weeks

December 5, 2025

Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers says he anticipates Giannis Antetokounmpo missing about a month as the two-time MVP recovers from a strained right calf. Initial reports have indicated Antetokounmpo would be out two to four weeks. Rivers suggested Friday that it would likely be on the higher end of that timeline. Rivers emphasized the importance of caution with calf issues to avoid the risk of a player getting hurt more severely. Antetokounmpo injured his calf in the opening minutes of the Bucks’ 113-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

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FILE - The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Education Department workers targeted in layoffs are returning to tackle civil rights backlog

December 5, 2025

The Trump administration is bringing back dozens of Education Department staffers who were slated to be laid off. The workers are needed to investigate a mounting backlog of complaints of possible discrimination in the nation’s schools and colleges. The staffers had been on administrative leave during lawsuits that challenged President Donald Trump’s layoffs, which were intended to start winding down the Education Department. But in a Friday letter, department officials ordered the workers back to duty starting Dec. 15 to help clear civil rights cases. A department spokesperson confirmed the move and said the agency “will utilize all employees currently being compensated by American taxpayers.”

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FILE - Rep.-elect Laura Friedman, D-Calif, talks to reporters after attending new Congress member orientation, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Notable early reaction to Netflix’s deal to acquire Warner Bros.

December 5, 2025

Netflix’s $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. studio has sparked reactions from the worlds of entertainment, politics and business. Michael O’Leary, CEO of Cinema United, warns that Netflix’s model could harm theaters and communities. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls the deal an “anti-monopoly nightmare,” fearing higher prices and fewer choices. Former WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar believes it will reduce competition. And the Producers Guild of America said Friday that a key test for Netflix to pass is whether the deal “promotes opportunities for workers and artists, empowers consumers with choices, and upholds freedom of speech.”

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FILE - Members of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines guard a federal building on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Federal judge appears skeptical of Trump’s ongoing command of California National Guard troops

December 5, 2025

A federal judge has questioned the Trump administration’s authority and need to maintain command of California National Guard troops it first deployed to Los Angeles in June following violent protests. At a hearing in San Francisco on Friday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer suggested conditions in Los Angeles had changed since the initial deployment, and he questioned whether the administration could control state Guard troops forever. California officials have asked Breyer to issue a preliminary injunction returning control of remaining California National Guard troops in Los Angeles to the state. Breyer did not immediately rule. Justice Department Attorney Eric Hamilton said the remaining troops in Los Angeles were allowing immigration agents to continue their mission.

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FILE - Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton talks on a phone as he exits court in New York, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

Former DEA agent charged with agreeing to launder millions of dollars for Mexican drug cartel

December 5, 2025

A former DEA agent and an associate have been charged with conspiring to launder millions of dollars and obtain weapons for a Mexican drug cartel. According to a federal grand jury indictment unsealed Friday in New York City, Paul Campo of Virginia and Robert Sensi of Florida face several conspiracy charges. Campo retired from the DEA in 2016 after a 25-year career. The indictment accuses the two men of making deals with a confidential law enforcement source posing as a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The group is a designated foreign terrorist organization. Lawyers for both men entered not guilty pleas in federal court in Manhattan on Friday.

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A Social Security card is shown in Tigard, Ore., Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, FIle)

The Social Security Administration plans to cut field office visits by 50%. What it means for you

December 5, 2025

The Social Security Administration plans to cut foot traffic to its field offices by 50% next year. Advocates worry this could lead to more office closures. Field offices have been crucial for in-person help with retirement and disability benefits. A November plan shared with The Associated Press outlines a target of no more than 15 million visits in 2026. A spokesperson says technology improvements mean more people manage benefits online or by phone. This year, 7,000 workers have been laid off. Some rural offices have already closed due to staffing issues. Critics argue this move limits access for those without technology.

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President Donald Trump speaks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as they leave after the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Music, comedy and a whole lot of Trump. And then finally, an actual World Cup draw

December 5, 2025

Perhaps it’s fitting that after the World Cup draw ceremony began, it took about 90 minutes for the actual drawing of teams to begin in earnest. By then, casual fans who tuned in out of curiosity had learned that FIFA doesn’t really do understatement. Not for an event like this, at least. The president of the United States danced to the Village People, Wayne Gretzky struggled to pronounce the names of underdog soccer nations from Europe and the Caribbean — and the head of FIFA declared his governing body to be humanity’s official provider of happiness. It was all quite a spectacle.

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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)

Closer or setting up Edwin Díaz? Williams ready for either role with Mets

December 5, 2025

Devin Williams could be the closer for the New York Mets next season. Or he might be a setup man for Edwin Díaz. Each possibility sounds intriguing to Williams, who finalized a $51 million, three-year contract with the Mets this week. The 31-year-old Díaz is a free agent after going 6-3 with a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves this year. The right-hander has 144 saves in six seasons with the Mets. Asked about Díaz’s possible return, Williams says “More good arms is always a good thing.” Williams says his mindset won’t be impacted by his role.

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Model Heidi Klum watches as Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni returns the World Cup trophy to the stage during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 (Mandel Ngan/Pool Photo via AP)

Everyone is in the toughest World Cup group. Just ask the coaches

December 5, 2025

If you listen to the words spoken after the World Cup draw by the various coaches who were at the Kennedy Center, it would seem impossible for any of them to win next year’s tournament. Everyone got thrown into the toughest group — or the “Group of Death,” in soccer parlance. Everyone was burdened with talented foes for their first three matches — even if a half-dozen participants are yet to be determined. And everyone needs to avoid overlooking any other team and be ready for whatever is to come during the tournament from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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FILE - A natural gas platform is shown, April 13, 2006, off the coast of Fort Morgan, Ala. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File)

Florida congressional Republicans tell Trump to keep oil drilling off state’s coasts

December 5, 2025

Florida’s Republican-dominated congressional delegation is urging the Trump administration to drop a plan that would allow new oil drilling off the state’s coast. A letter Thursday signed by Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody says the Interior Department plan would put the state’s thriving tourism industry at risk and disrupt military operations in a key training area. The letter to President Donald Trump is signed by all 30 members of Congress from Florida, including 22 Republicans and eight Democrats. The letter represents rare pushback against the Republican president by GOP lawmakers and demonstrates how important Florida’s beaches and coastal waters are to its economy.

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FILE - New York magazine's Washington correspondent Olivia Nuzzi poses for photographers as she arrives at the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, Saturday, April 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Vanity Fair parts ways with Olivia Nuzzi amid Robert F. Kennedy Jr. controversy

December 5, 2025

Vanity Fair is parting ways with West Coast editor Olivia Nuzzi amid controversy over her past coverage of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A statement Friday from Nuzzi and the magazine says they have mutually agreed to let her contract expire at the end of the year. Nuzzi had been a star reporter for New York magazine until the fall of 2024. It was revealed she had an intense personal relationship with Kennedy, now head of the department of Health and Human Resources. Nuzzi had profiled Kennedy for the magazine but didn’t disclose her relationship with him.

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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)

Redistricting forced a California GOP congressman to weigh a Texas move. He tells AP why he’s not

December 5, 2025

Rep. Darrell Issa tells the Associated Press he isn’t moving to Texas to run for Congress. He said he briefly considering it at the urging of Texas colleagues amid a redistricting scramble. Now he is urging fellow California Republicans in tough new districts to stay put. President Donald Trump sparked the nationwide redistricting battle by urging Texas Republicans to redraw lines to try to gain five seats. California Democrats responded with new maps to gain five seats for their party. Other states have since followed, but federal courts have blocked or altered some plans. Issa said that the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee has urged Republicans to stay in their seats because “ incumbency has an advantage.”

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FILE - Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, sits in his pit box during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill, File)

Another must-watch moment for Michael Jordan as NBA great testifies at NASCAR trial

December 5, 2025

Michael Jordan spent about an hour testifying against NASCAR in a federal antitrust trial Friday. The retired NBA great laid out the reasons he and others have sued the stock car series in hopes of a different business model they said would benefit teams and drivers. The appearance was highly anticipated and there were moments of humor. Jordan described himself as a fan of NASCAR since his childhood and attended races with his family across the South.

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U.S. Navy Adm. Frank M. Bradley, right, accompanied by Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left, walks to a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

What to know as lawmakers disclose vivid new details of US boat strikes

December 5, 2025

Members of Congress now know that the U.S. military fired upon two people clinging to the wreckage of a boat allegedly carrying drugs — and they want answers. But President Donald Trump’s administration is showing no signs of backing down from its deadly campaign in international waters near Venezuela. The Sept. 2 attack was the first move by U.S. military to blow up vessels allegedly carrying drugs. Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley said there was no order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to kill all survivors after initial strikes. But lawmakers are demanding more information, concerned the laws of armed conflict may have been violated.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a ceremonial sword said to have belonged to independence hero Simon Bolivar during a government-organized civic-military march in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

A timeline of the US military’s buildup near Venezuela and attacks on alleged drug boats

December 5, 2025

The Trump administration has built up a fleet of warships near Venezuela as American forces keep blowing up small boats accused of smuggling narcotics for drug cartels. The administration says the U.S. military has killed at least 87 people in 22 known strikes since early September. The expanded U.S. military presence, the largest in Latin America in decades, is fueling speculation about how the forces could be employed. President Donald Trump has said land attacks are coming soon, without offering any details on location. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. military operations is to force him from office.

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FILE - Plant Bowen, commonly known as Bowen Steam Plant, is a Coal power station, operating, Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in Euharlee, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Georgia Power says it needs a huge increase in power capacity to meet data center demand

December 5, 2025

Georgia’s largest utility wants to spend more than $15 billion to increase its electricity capacity by 50% over the next six years to serve data centers. It would be one of the biggest buildouts to meet the demand from developers of artificial intelligence. The five elected Republicans on Georgia’s Public Service Commission will vote on the request by Georgia Power on Dec. 19. The decision comes as electricity bills have emerged as a potent political issue. In Georgia, voters ousted two incumbent Republicans in favor of Democrats last month. Those Democrats won in campaigns that centered on Georgia Power bill increases, even though the company agreed to a three-year rate freeze.

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FILE - Attendees visit the Meta booth at the Game Developers Conference 2023 in San Francisco on March 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Massachusetts court hears arguments in lawsuit alleging Meta designed apps to be addictive to kids

December 5, 2025

Massachusetts’ highest court heard oral arguments Friday in the state’s lawsuit arguing that Meta designed features on Facebook and Instagram to make them addictive to young users. The lawsuit filed in 2024 by state Attorney General Andrea Campbell alleges that Meta did this to make a profit and that its actions affected hundreds of thousands of teenagers in Massachusetts who use the social media platforms. The lawsuit is among a growing number that have been filed in federal and state court against Meta, which argues it has taken a number of steps to keep children safe online.

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FILE - The gates of Harvard Yard at Harvard University, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Visiting Harvard instructor leaves US after BB-gun incident DHS labeled antisemitic

December 5, 2025

A visiting Harvard Law professor from Brazil left the United States after federal officials revoked his visa over an October BB-gun incident near a Brookline synagogue during Yom Kippur. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Carlos Portugal Gouvêa on Wednesday, and he agreed to depart voluntarily, the Department of Homeland Security said. DHS officials called the shooting antisemitic, though Temple Beth Zion said days after the incident it did not appear motivated by antisemitism, citing police statements that Gouvêa said he was shooting at rats. Most charges were dismissed; he faces six months of pre-trial probation on a BB-gun count.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, left, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. sit on the bench during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray ruled out for the rest of the season because of foot injury

December 5, 2025

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will miss the remainder of the season because of a foot injury that’s kept him out of the lineup since Week 6. Coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters the decision before Friday’s practice. It’s been a hugely disappointing season for both the Cardinals and Murray, who started the season with high expectations, but now have a 3-9 record and are eliminated from the playoff race. The Cardinals host the Rams on Sunday. Veteran Jacoby Brissett will make his eighth straight start in Murray’s place.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is seen on the sidelines before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels starting vs. Vikings after missing 3 games with dislocated elbow

December 5, 2025

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will start Sunday at Minnesota after missing three games with a dislocated left elbow. Daniels, the 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, got hurt in the final minutes of Washington’s 38-14 home loss against Seattle on Nov. 2. Though the television replay prompted fear of a long-term concern, subsequent tests revealed Daniels did not suffer any significant structural damage. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner returned to practice on a limited basis last week and practiced in full on Thursday and Friday. Coach Dan Quinn says the QB has been cleared to play.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) takes a hit from Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Lions standout safety Brian Branch tore his Achilles tendon against the Cowboys, AP source says

December 5, 2025

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch tore his left Achilles tendon against the Dallas Cowboys, according to a person familiar with the situation. Tests revealed the significant injury on Friday, the person told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the results were not announced. Branch was hurt late in Detroit’s 44-30 win over Dallas on Thursday night. The injury is a major setback for the Lions, whose secondary is very banged up. Free safety Thomas Harper had a concussion against Dallas while filling in for injured All-Pro Kerby Joseph. Cornerback Terrion Arnold went on injured reserve earlier this week.

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An FBI truck departs the street where the FBI made an arrest and are investigating a house in Woodbridge, Va., Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Virginia man charged with planting pipe bombs in DC on eve of Capitol riot appears in court

December 5, 2025

A Virginia man on Friday made his first court appearance on charges that he planted a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of a mob’s attack on U.S. Capitol. U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya ordered Brian Cole Jr. to remain in jail a day after his arrest on explosives charges. He is due back in court Dec. 15 for a detention hearing. He did not enter a plea.

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First lady Melania Trump reads "How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?" to children and their families at Children's National Hospital, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Melania Trump wishes strength and toys from Santa during visit with hospitalized children

December 5, 2025

Melania Trump has continued a decades-old first lady tradition of visiting with hospitalized children for the holidays. The first lady on Friday was escorted into the festively decorated atrium of Children’s National hospital in Washington by two patients. She sat in a large red chair in front of a tall Christmas tree and read, “How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” by Mac Barnett. Trump wished the nearly two dozen children in the audience lots of strength and toys from Santa before she left. She said President Donald Trump was sending “love and best wishes as well.”

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President Donald Trump stands during his arrival at the Kennedy Center for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump is meeting Mexican President Sheinbaum in person for the first time at World Cup draw

December 5, 2025

President Donald Trump is finally meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Their long-delayed face-to-face discussion will focus on next year’s World Cup and possibly tariffs — but not immigration. Trump has been in office more than 10 months, and meeting with Mexico’s leader is often a priority for U.S. presidents. Trump and Sheinbaum were set to meet in June, but that was canceled. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will also attend the World Cup draw in Washington. Mexico remains the United States’ largest trading partner, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is under review.

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FILE - Vehicles drive along a highway July 30, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File)

FACT FOCUS: Trump said weaker gas mileage rules will mean cheaper cars. Experts say don’t bet on it

December 5, 2025

President Donald Trump this week announced plans to weaken strict gas mileage requirements for automakers set under former President Joe Biden. The Trump administration said the previous rules were the reason new vehicles have become so expensive, and that cutting them will drive down costs and make vehicles safer. Experts say there are many reasons that the average cost of a new vehicle is rising, including American consumers’ love for big, expensive SUVs and trucks. And they say that cutting mileage standards is unlikely to lead to cheaper cars anytime soon.

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FIFA gives President Donald Trump a peace prize in a departure from its traditional focus on sport

December 5, 2025

FIFA gives its new peace prize to President Donald Trump. It’s an unusual break from tradition for the sport-focused soccer organization, whose president has become a close ally of Trump. The ceremony happened Friday during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington. It comes after Trump had openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had said he thought Trump should have won the Nobel this year for his efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.

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U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks at a news conference at Harry Reid International Airport, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)

Trump administration will expand travel ban to more than 30 countries, Noem says

December 5, 2025

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the Trump administration is expanding its travel ban to more than 30 countries. Noem hasn’t specified which countries will be added, saying President Donald Trump is evaluating them. Noem spoke with Fox News Channel on Thursday, emphasizing the need for stable governments in countries to help vet people. Homeland Security hasn’t commented on when the updates will take effect. Trump’s Republican administration previously banned travel to the U.S. from 12 countries and restricted access from seven others. It’s the latest step by the administration since a man from Afghanistan was accused of the Thanksgiving week shooting of two National Guard troops. Critics call the measures collective punishment.

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FILE - A giant ladle glows red after pouring molten iron in to a vessel inside the basic oxygen furnace as part of the processes of making steel at the U.S. Steel Granite City Works facility Thursday, June 28, 2018, in Granite City, Ill. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

US Steel to resume steel production at Illinois plant shut 3 years ago

December 5, 2025

U.S. Steel says it’ll resume making steel slabs at its Granite City Works plant in Illinois amid strengthening demand. The company made the announcement Thursday. It shut down the last blast furnace there in 2023. However, U.S. Steel says it can profitably operate the blast furnace to meet 2026 demand. The American Iron and Steel Institute reports that shipments from domestic steel mills are up this year. The move by Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel comes months after Japan-based Nippon Steel sealed a deal with President Donald Trump to buy the American steelmaker for $14.9 billion. Granite City Works makes rolls of sheet steel for the construction, container, pipe and automotive industries.

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An FBI truck departs the street where the FBI made an arrest and are investigating a house in Woodbridge, Va., Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Suspect in DC pipe bomb case said to have confessed in interviews with investigators, AP sources say

December 5, 2025

The man accused of planting a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of the U.S. Capitol attack confessed to the act in interviews with investigators. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The people said Brian Cole Jr. also indicated that he believed the election was stolen and expressed views supportive of President Donald Trump. The details add to a still-emerging portrait of the 30-year-old suspect from Woodbridge, Virginia, and it was not immediately clear what other information or perspectives he may have shared while cooperating with law enforcement following his arrest on Thursday.

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People arrive for the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

World Cup match schedule to come into focus as draw begins at Kennedy Center

December 5, 2025

The 2026 World Cup draw will begin Friday with a wintry feel as snow fell outside the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 189 days ahead of an expanded 48-nation tournament. There were long lines outside the complex even at 7 a.m. as workers and media filed through Secret Service agents securing the area, where President Donald Trump of the U.S. and Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico were expected along with Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney.

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FILE - Committee member Vicky Pebsworth, speaks during a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC, Sept. 18, 2025, in Chamblee, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

US vaccine advisers say not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth

December 5, 2025

A federal vaccine advisory committee has voted to end a longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born. For decades, the government has advised that all babies be vaccinated against the liver infection right after birth. The shots are widely considered to be a public health success for preventing thousands of illnesses. But U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s committee voted Friday to recommend the birth dose only for babies whose mothers test positive. For other babies, it will be up to the parents and their doctors to decide if a birth dose is appropriate.

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Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court for an evidence hearing, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in New York. (Curtis Means /Pool Photo via AP)

Day 4 of Luigi Mangione’s pretrial hearing is postponed because he’s sick, judge says

December 5, 2025

A pretrial hearing on Luigi Mangione’s bid to exclude evidence from his state murder case has been postponed because his lawyers and the judge say he’s sick. It is slated to resume on Monday. Mangione is seeking to exclude a gun, notebook and other items police officers say they found in his backpack when he was arrested Dec. 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in Manhattan. He and his lawyers are also trying to suppress some statements he made to police.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Another line of attack: White House sets up a hall of shame for news outlets

December 5, 2025

President Donald Trump’s White House has established a hall of shame for journalists it finds guilty of media bias as it looks for new avenues of attack against legacy news outlets. And it’s calling on “everyday Americans” to participate with their own examples of where they consider journalists to be unfair. The Republican president has been criticizing “fake news” since his first term. Some of Trump’s attacks have turned personal in the past month. Yet despite it all, the news outlet Axios pointed out this week that mainstream news sources are as dominant as ever in setting the agenda for Washington and — somewhat ironically — capturing the president’s attention.

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Deborah Scott, CEO of Georgia Stand-Up, raises her fist while standing in front of a wall honoring unsung heroes of the civil rights movement at The Movement Center, in Atlanta, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Olivia Bowdoin)

What boycotting looks like 70 years after the Montgomery Bus Boycott

December 5, 2025

The Montgomery Bus Boycott is marking its 70th anniversary. For 381 days, an estimated 40,000 Black Alabama residents stayed off city buses. They opted to walk, ride in car pools or take Black-owned cabs until a legal challenge struck down bus-segregation laws. The boycott is widely seen as the start of the modern Civil Rights Movement. It showed the power of nonviolent protest and economic pressure. The anniversary is Friday. The spirit of protest has carried across three generations as organizers kept pushing for change. Today, young people use social media and their spending power to make their voices heard.

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LSU's Mikaylah Williams (12) and Duke's Riley Nelson (4) battle for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

ACC’s shaky start to women’s basketball season continues with 13-3 loss to SEC in annual Challenge

December 5, 2025

The Atlantic Coast Conference lost its annual series with the Southeastern Conference by a 13-3 margin. That comes as the league currently has no top-10 teams in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since December 2001. The preseason league favorite Blue Devils fell to 3-6 with Thursday night’s home loss to No. 5 LSU. No. 11 North Carolina lost at No. 2 Texas as the ACC’s highest-ranked team. Duke coach Kara Lawson says there’s still enough time for her team and others in the ACC to develop into quality teams.

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FILE - Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, sits in his pit box during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill, File)

Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs’ daughter-in-law to testify in NASCAR antitrust case

December 5, 2025

Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs’ daughter-in-law are expected to testify Friday in a federal antitrust case against NASCAR. The lawsuit claims NASCAR acted monopolistically by refusing to make charters permanent. Charters guarantee spots in races and payouts, similar to franchises in other sports. Heather Gibbs, COO of Joe Gibbs Racing, wrote a letter to NASCAR’s chairman, Jim France, urging for permanent charters. The trial has revealed internal frustrations over negotiations. Teams argue the current financial model is unsustainable. NASCAR counters by highlighting its investments to grow the sport. The trial is expected to continue into next week.

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