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December 19, 2025.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro behind, pauses while speaking during a news conference at the Department of Justice, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Luigi Mangione‘s lawyers say Bondi’s death penalty decision was tainted by conflict of interest

December 19, 2025

Luigi Mangione’s lawyers contend that Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision to seek the death penalty against him in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tainted by her prior work as a lobbyist at a firm that represented the insurer’s parent company. His lawyers argue in a court filing that Bondi was a partner at Ballard Partners before leading the Justice Department’s charge to turn Mangione’s federal prosecution into a capital case, creating a “profound conflict of interest” that violated his due process rights. They want prosecutors barred from seeking the death penalty and some charges thrown out. Messages seeking comment were left for the Justice Department and Ballard Partners.

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Volunteers take phone calls from children asking where Santa is and when he will deliver presents to their house, during the annual NORAD Tracks Santa Operation, at the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, at Peterson Air Force Base, in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. (Thomas Paul/North American Aerospace Defense Command. via AP)

NORAD continues decades-long tradition of tracking Santa’s trip around the world

December 19, 2025

For the 70th year in a row, people of all ages will be able to get updates on Santa’s journey around the world from the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado. For the first time, those who want an update from NORAD will be also be able to place a call through the program’s website, which will make it easier for people outside North America to call one of 1,000 volunteers providing Santa updates. Last year, the NORAD Tracks Santa operation center received about 380,000 phone calls. NORAD is a joint United States and Canadian operation charged with monitoring the skies for threats since the Cold War.

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, left, works around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

Timberwolves hand the Thunder their 3rd loss, 112-107, after Edwards takes over down the stretch

December 19, 2025

Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game injury absence with 26 points and 12 rebounds, hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 35 points and seven assists for the Thunder, who have lost two of three after starting 24-1 on the heels of their NBA championship last season. Edwards has been managing soreness in his foot. He grabbed a defensive rebound to set up two free throws by Julius Randle and stole the ball from  Gilgeous-Alexander on the ensuing possession to seal the victory.

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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against Oklahoma defensive lineman Gracen Halton (56) during the first half in the first round of an NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Alabama rallies from 17-point deficit to beat Oklahoma 34-24 in College Football Playoff

December 19, 2025

Ty Simpson passed for 232 yards and two touchdowns as No. 9 seed Alabama rallied to beat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 in the College Football Playoff first round. Alabama overcame a 17-point deficit. Freshman Lotzeir Brooks scored twice, marking his first touchdowns of the season. This is Alabama’s first playoff appearance under coach Kalen DeBoer. Oklahoma’s John Mateer threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns but had a costly interception. Alabama advanced to face No. 1 seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

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Pages that show New York grand jury subpoenas being issued into the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell investigation, then pages of redactions that follow, in this document released by the U.S. Justice Department, are photographed, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Takeaways from the US Justice Department’s initial release of Epstein files, mandated by Congress

December 19, 2025

The Department of Justice has published thousands of its files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The Friday document dump was long anticipated for its potential to reveal new details about the late sex offender and his connections to powerful people. However, it was clear soon after the release that it was far from complete, angering several lawmakers and prominent Democrats. Among the new files released were various photos taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes. Many of the most discussed photos feature former Democratic President Bill Clinton, who has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and who said through a spokesperson that he had no knowledge of the financier’s crimes.

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New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates with teammates after his team's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup championship basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Knicks celebrate their NBA Cup title, even though they aren’t commemorating it with a banner

December 19, 2025

The New York Knicks celebrated their NBA Cup championship Friday night, even though they aren’t commemorating it with a banner at Madison Square Garden. As players lined the court before the playing of the national anthem ahead of their game against Philadelphia, highlights from the Knicks’ victories during their march to the championship played on the overhead scoreboard. After the final one, from their victory over San Antonio in the final on Tuesday, the public address announcer asked fans to join in congratulating the team for its achievement. Fans responded with a standing ovation.

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A brief encounter, two attacks and then a break in investigations into the Brown and MIT shootings

December 19, 2025

Investigators are still trying to figure out much of what Claudio Neves Valente was doing in New England in the weeks before they say he opened fire in a Brown University lecture hall and later killed a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. But he was spotted on surveillance footage at a Boston rental car agency as early as Nov. 17, and authorities know he repeatedly visited the Providence school’s campus in the run-up to last Saturday’s mass shooting. The Portugal native was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Thursday at a New Hampshire storage facility, capping a frantic search following the Brown attack that left two students dead and nine others wounded.

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Photos of Bill Clinton included in newly released Epstein files

December 19, 2025

Newly released files from the Justice Department investigation into Jeffrey Epstein include several photos of former President Bill Clinton. Some show him on a private plane and in a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell. Faces in the photos are redacted, and the context is unclear. White House officials have highlighted these photos on social media. Clinton spokesman Angel Ureña stated Friday the investigation is not about Clinton and emphasized that Clinton cut ties with Epstein before his crimes were known. Clinton has never been accused of misconduct by Epstein’s victims.

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Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House where the East Wing once stood, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Head of group suing over White House ballroom says she trusts Trump-picked chairman to do his job

December 19, 2025

The president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation says she trusts the Trump-appointed chairman of a federal planning commission to do his job and seriously review President Donald Trump’s proposal to build a ballroom at the White House. Carol Quillen said Friday that she takes Will Scharf “at his word.” Scharf recently said the National Capital Planning Commission will conduct a serious and deliberative review of the ballroom plans. Scharf is a top White House aide to Trump. The National Trust has sued to halt construction until several independent reviews are conducted.

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Life ring, lifeboat piece from Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck sell at auction for $150,000

December 19, 2025

A life ring and a lifeboat remnant from a famous Great Lakes shipwreck have sold at auction for $150,000. The sale came a month after the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior. There were no survivors among the 29 men back in 1975. The life ring and lifeboat piece were found on shore by Larry Orr, shortly after the ship went down. Orr says he is “dumbfounded” that the auction reached $150,000. The buyer wishes to be anonymous.

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FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto holds his trophy as teammates celebrate their win in Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

Los Angeles Dodgers to pay record $169 million luxury tax after winning 2nd straight World Series

December 19, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a record $169.4 million luxury tax after winning their second straight World Series title, raising their two-year total to $272.4 million. The New York Mets have the second-highest tax bill among the nine teams that pay at $91.6 million despite missing the 12-team playoffs, raising their tax owed to $320.3 million in the last four years under high-spending owner Steve Cohen. The Dodgers will pay tax for the fifth straight season. The Dodgers’ total broke the previous high of $103 million they had set last year.

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FILE - Tampa Bay Rays Brandon Lowe follows through on a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the third inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton, File)

Pirates acquire All-Star 2B Brandon Lowe in three-team trade involving the Rays and the Astros

December 19, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a bold move by agreeing to acquire two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from Tampa Bay. This trade, involving the Houston Astros, also brings left-hander Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum to Pittsburgh. The Pirates are sending pitcher Mike Burrows to Houston. Lowe, who hit .256 with 31 home runs for Tampa Bay, provides a much-needed boost to the Pirates’ lineup. This move signals the Pirates’ commitment to improving their offense, which has struggled in recent years.

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FILE - Mississippi Supreme Court justices, right, listen to arguments in Jackson, Miss., July 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

Judge orders special elections for Mississippi Supreme Court after Voting Rights Act violation

December 19, 2025

A judge on Friday ordered special elections for the Mississippi Supreme Court after earlier finding that the electoral map used to select justices violated the Voting Rights Act. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock, who issued the Friday ruling, concluded the map dilutes the power of Black voters. A 2022 lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union challenged the map, arguing it cut a historically Black area in half. In her August ruling, Aycock noted only four Black people have served on Mississippi’s Supreme Court. The Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth salutes during a casualty return for Iowa National Guard soldiers Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat, who were killed in Syria, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Hegseth announces effort to ‘eliminate’ Islamic State fighters in Syria after deaths of Americans

December 19, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the start of an effort to “eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites” in Syria following the deaths of three U.S. citizens. He said Friday on social media: “This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.”

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FILE - Brad Keselowski is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski breaks leg in skiing accident, expected to recover for Daytona 500

December 19, 2025

NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski has broken his leg in a skiing accident. The team announced Friday that Keselowski underwent surgery and doctors expect a quick recovery. He should be back for the season-opening Daytona 500 in February. Keselowski, who turns 42 just before the race, is entering his 17th full season at the top Cup Series level. He became co-owner of RFK Racing in 2022. The organization is reeling from Thursday’s fatal plane crash that killed longtime Roush driver Greg Biffle and six others. Keselowski won the 2012 Cup Series championship and has 36 career victories.

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FILE - This 1981 electron microscope image made available by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows hepatitis B virus particles, indicated in orange. (Dr. Erskine Palmer/CDC via AP, File)

US awards no-bid contract to Denmark scientists studying hepatitis B vaccine in African babies

December 19, 2025

The Trump administration has awarded a $1.6 million, no-bid contract a Danish university to study hepatitis B vaccinations on newborns in Africa. The unusual contract has been awarded to scientists who have been cited by anti-vaccine activists and whose work has been questioned by leading public health experts. Some experts suggested the research plan is unethical, because it will withhold vaccines that work from some newborns at high risk for infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the grant to a research team at the University of Southern Denmark. The Associated Press has learned the award did not undergo a customary ethics review.

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President Donald Trump talks to Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., second from right, while Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., far right, looks on during a bill signing ceremony with members of the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey team Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Rep. Elise Stefanik ends her campaign for New York governor and won’t seek reelection to House

December 19, 2025

Rep. Elise Stefanik says she is suspending her campaign for New York governor and will not seek reelection to Congress. In a post on X Friday, Stefanik, a Republican ally of President Donald Trump, said “it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York.” Stefanik was facing Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, in what was expected to be a bitter Republican primary in the governor’s race.

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President Donald Trump talks to Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., second from right, while Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., far right, looks on during a bill signing ceremony with members of the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey team Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Rep. Elise Stefanik says she’s suspending her campaign for New York governor, won’t seek reelection

December 19, 2025

Rep. Elise Stefanik says she is suspending her campaign for New York governor and will not seek reelection to Congress. In a post on X Friday, Stefanik, a Republican ally of President Donald Trump, said “it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York.” Stefanik was facing Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, in what was expected to be a bitter Republican primary in the governor’s race.

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FILE -Run-D.M.C.'s Jason Mizell, Jam-Master Jay, poses with teenagers gathered at New York's Madison Square Garden, Oct. 7, 1986, in New York. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett, File)

Judge nixes conviction of one of two men found guilty of killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay

December 19, 2025

A judge has voided the conviction of one of the two men found guilty of the 2002 killing of Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay. The judge ruled Friday that there wasn’t enough evidence that the man had a motive to kill the hip-hop star. Nearly two years after a jury delivered its verdict, the decision came from the same Brooklyn federal judge who presided over the trial. In Friday’s ruling, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted Karl Jordan Jr. an acquittal on the murder charges. His lawyers had argued the evidence didn’t support prosecutors’ claims that he killed the pioneering DJ as revenge for a failed drug deal.

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FILE - Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Federal judge weighs Trump’s claim he is immune from civil litigation over Capitol attack

December 19, 2025

Attorneys for President Donald Trump have urged a federal judge to rule that Trump is entitled to presidential immunity from civil claims that he instigated a mob’s attack on the U.S. Capitol to stop Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta didn’t rule from the bench Friday after hearing arguments from Trump attorneys and lawyers for Democratic members of Congress who sued the Republican president over the Jan. 6. 2021, attack. Trump’s attorneys argue that he is immune from liability because he was acting in his official capacity. Plaintiffs’ lawyers argue Trump was an office-seeker who isn’t entitled to immunity.

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A makeshift memorial is seen on the campus of Brown University, close to from the scene of the shooting, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A little-known diversity visa program is paused after the Brown University shooting

December 19, 2025

The Portuguese suspect in the Brown University and MIT shootings came to the U.S. through the diversity immigrant visa program. This program offers up to 50,000 green cards annually by lottery to people from underrepresented countries. On Thursday night, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a pause on the program, stating the alleged shooter should never have been allowed entry. Critics argue that this move is collective punishment and harms legal immigration. The Trump administration has previously restricted immigration pathways after violent incidents, citing security concerns. Experts say immigrants undergo rigorous screening before entering the U.S.

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FILE - In this June 29, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs throws to an Oakland Athletics batter during a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

Angels and Tyler Skaggs’ family discuss settlement after trial about his fatal overdose, source says

December 19, 2025

Lawyers for the Los Angeles Angels were discussing a possible settlement Friday with the family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs following a trial over whether the team was responsible for his fatal drug overdose. That’s according to a source with knowledge of the case who was not authorized to discuss deliberations publicly. Jurors began deliberating earlier this week after the two-month trial. Skaggs died after he snorted a fentanyl-laced pill provided by the team’s communications director, Eric Kay. Skaggs’ family filed the lawsuit. The team says officials would have sought help for Skaggs if it had known.

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FILE - The Supreme Court Building is seen in Washington on March 28, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Supreme Court sides with immigration judges in speech case for now, rebuffing Trump administration

December 19, 2025

The Supreme Court is siding with immigration judges and rebuffing the Trump administration for now in a case that could have wider implications for federal workers as the justices weigh expanding presidential firing power. Friday’s decision is a technical ruling in a long-running case. But the decision touches on questions raised by President Donald Trump’s high-profile firings and his push to downsize the federal workforce. The justices let stand a ruling that raised doubts about the Republican administration’s handling of federal workforce issues, though they also signaled that lower courts should move cautiously.

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Suspect in Brown University shooting and MIT professor’s killing was once a physics student

December 19, 2025

Authorities have identified Claudio Neves Valente as the suspect in a mass shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor. Neves Valente is originally from Portugal. He and MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro were in the same academic program in Portugal before Neves Valente attended Brown. On Thursday, Neves Valente was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in New Hampshire. Authorities have not provided a motive, and Neves Valente’s life remains largely a mystery. As a high school student, he competed in a national physics competition in 1994, coming in third place, according to a Portuguese physics magazine.

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FILE - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, right, listens as his wife, Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton, speaks to anti-abortion activists at a rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington on Nov. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Texas judge orders Attorney General Ken Paxton’s divorce records unsealed amid heated Senate primary

December 19, 2025

A Texas judge has signed an order to unseal documents in the divorce of Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton and his wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton. Friday’s order came after attorneys for Paxton and a coalition of media outlets said they came to an agreement for the documents to be made public. Angela Paxton filed for divorce this year citing “biblical grounds” and “recent discoveries.” She previously stood by him during an impeachment trial, which publicly exposed his extramarital affair. Ken Paxton’s 2023 impeachment trial ended in acquittal. Republicans Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt are attempting to unseat Sen. John Cornyn.

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) looks on during the second half against the New York Jets an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Trevor Lawrence finally looks like a generational quarterback and has the Jaguars surging

December 19, 2025

Trevor Lawrence finally looks like the generational quarterback the Jacksonville Jaguars have been waiting on since drafting him as the top pick in 2021. His mistakes are down, his numbers are up and he’s using his legs like never before. He is coming off the best performance of his five-year NFL career against the New York Jets. He threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran for a score. He was named AFC offensive player of the week and has a shot at the league’s conference player of the month if he continues to ascend when the surprising Jaguars play at stingy Denver on Sunday.

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FILE - A general overall interior view of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium during the first half of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

Kansas City Chiefs close to leaving Arrowhead Stadium for new home in Kansas

December 19, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs are close to moving from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new stadium in Kansas. The Legislative Coordinating Council plans to meet Monday in Topeka, Kansas, to consider funding up to 70% of the project. The Chiefs and Kansas City Royals have played in Missouri for over 50 years, but their leases expire in January 2031. Voters in Jackson County rejected a sales tax extension last year to finance renovations. Kansas offers a potential new location at The Legends, a commercial area with existing infrastructure. Missouri risks losing another team after the Rams moved to Los Angeles.

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Erika Kirk speaks during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2025, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)

Turning Point USA’s Erika Kirk backs Vice President JD Vance’s potential 2028 presidential bid

December 19, 2025

Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and current CEO of the conservative youth group, endorsed the potential presidential bid of Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 election. Erika Kirk promised to support President Donald Trump’s efforts to maintain GOP-control of Congress and vowed to “get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected” in the 2028 presidential election. The late Kirk and Vance were close friends.

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Tarps are installed in front of the sign on the Kennedy Center on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Kennedy Center starts work to add Trump’s name onto the building

December 19, 2025

The Kennedy Center is starting to add President Donald Trump’s name to the building. Several blue tarps were hung in front of the building Friday to obscure the work. A large letter D has been seen on the wall. The work follows a vote Thursday by the Washington performing arts center’s board to give a new name to an institution that was named for John F. Kennedy, a Democratic president. The board was handpicked by Trump, a Republican. The board voted to rename The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts to The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts

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FILE - Marcus Allen in action as he plays for the AZ Compass Prep against IMG Academy during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Jan. 16, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)

Miami’s Marcus Allen diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, will miss remainder of season

December 19, 2025

Miami sophomore forward Marcus Allen has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will miss the rest of the season. The school announced his diagnosis on Friday after routine medical tests. Allen, a Miami native, started his college career at Missouri before joining the Hurricanes this year. He averaged 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game this season. He has already started chemotherapy treatments. Miami coach Jai Lucas praised Allen’s toughness and selflessness, saying the team will support him. Allen was a standout high school player, leading Miami Norland High to a state championship in 2024.

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President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing regarding marijuana in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

States faces a choice on whether to embrace Trump’s tax cuts on tips, overtime and more

December 19, 2025

Lawmakers across the U.S. will be debating whether to adopt new federal tax breaks for tips, overtime and business expenses. The Trump administration is urging states to follow its lead by applying the federal tax cuts to state income taxes. But that decision varies by state. In some places, the tax breaks automatically apply unless legislatures opt out. In others, they won’t occur unless legislatures opt in. States embracing all of President Donald Trump’s tax cuts could offer significant savings to taxpayers but may also face financial strain. So far, only a few states have voted on these tax breaks, with Michigan being the first to opt in for tips and overtime.

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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)

Trump administration will appeal judge’s order reversing federal funding cuts at Harvard

December 19, 2025

The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge’s order reversing billions of dollars in funding cuts to Harvard University. The Justice Department filed a notice of appeal late on Thursday in a pair of consolidated lawsuits brought by Harvard and the American Association of University Professors. It prolongs a legal battle that has tested the government’s power to sway the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university. The Trump administration cut more than $2.6 billion from the Ivy League school over allegations that it had been slow to deal with anti-Jewish bias on campus. A judge rejected that argument and ordered the cuts reversed.

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This Dictionary.com page shows the newest word of the year "6-7" on a computer screen, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

‘6-7,’ Dubai chocolate, Labubu: You took 2025, now scat!

December 19, 2025

As 2025 wraps up, there are a few things we’d like to leave behind when the new year rolls around. Put “6-7” in that category. Associated Press Lifestyles Writer Leanne Italie says the same goes for those wacky barrel pants, Dubai chocolate and, yes, Labubu. Toxic positivity also went on the rise, with phrases like “good vibes only” dismissing genuine emotions. Let’s feel the feels in 2026. While we’re at it, can we modulate the obsession with adding protein to processed foods? C’mon 2026. We can do better.

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FILE - The White House is reflected in a puddle, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Mystery as YouTube creator’s finance livestream appears on White House website

December 19, 2025

The livestream of a YouTube content creator talking about investments has mysteriously appeared to take over a White House website, raising questions about whether the site was hacked. The livestream appeared for at least eight minutes late Thursday on whitehouse.gov/live, where the White House usually streams live video of the president speaking. It’s unclear if the website was breached or the video was linked accidentally by someone in the government. The White House hasn’t responded to a message seeking comment Friday. The YouTube content creator whose video appeared on the website says, “There’s no way this is real, right?” He says he was just trying to stream with his buddies.

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FILE - Federal law enforcement officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) conduct a traffic stop and detain people, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

4 months in, activists say Trump’s operation in DC increasingly targets immigrants

December 19, 2025

Washington, D.C., activists and local leaders say the law enforcement operation President Donald Trump launched four months ago with the goal of fighting crime has led to a crackdown on immigrants. They describe frequent and frightening arrests. A lawsuit alleges many arrests are unlawful. Witnesses report detentions by masked officers in areas with large Hispanic populations and say a climate of fear has emerged in immigrant communities. A federal judge recently blocked widespread immigration arrests without warrants. Local leaders are raising concerns but acknowledge limited power to intervene in the federal district. Trump’s Republican administration says the D.C. mission is intended to fight crime and calls it a resounding success.

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FILE - A lectern awaits the arrival of House Democrats to speak on the health care funding fight on the steps of the House at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Where Americans want the government to focus in 2026, according to a new AP-NORC poll

December 19, 2025

A new AP-NORC poll finds that Americans are more likely to prioritize health care than they were last year. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults named health care or health issues when asked to name up to five issues they want the government to work on in the coming year. The shift comes after President Donald Trump’s Republican administration reduced spending on Medicaid and decided to end coronavirus pandemic-era subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, essentially guaranteeing that millions of people will see a steep rise in costs early next year. Despite the spike in health care concerns, immigration and rising costs remain pressing issues.

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Buffalo Sabres center Ryan McLeod, left, celebrates his empty net goal with defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Sabres show signs of character, consistency new GM Kekalainen emphasized in replacing Adams

December 19, 2025

Jarmo Kekalainen emphasized character and consistency upon taking over as the Buffalo Sabres general manager after Kevyn Adams was fired this week. And the Sabres showed signs of delivering upon the message in a 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Buffalo overcame a slow start and a 2-1 deficit, while securing the win by killing off a penalty in the final two-plus minutes. This is the type of gritty effort Kekalainen sought from a team he criticized as too often being out-worked. The Sabres have won four straight, but still have much work to do to climb back into contention and avoid extending their NHL-record playoff drought to a 15th season.

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FILE - Gary Woodlands watches his tee shot on the 16th hole during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club, May 14, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Gary Woodland is playing the PNC Championship with his father. It’s a celebration for both

December 19, 2025

Gary Woodland and his father Dan are the only newcomers to the PNC Championship. It’s the tournament for major champions to play with a relative. And this is a special week in many ways for the Woodlands. About the time Gary Woodland returned to golf from brain surgery that still affects him, he learned his father had been diagnosed with cancer. Dan Woodland went through chemotherapy and was able to ring the cancer-free bell at the end of the year. Woodland had his best finish in the FedEx Cup in five years. They are among 20 teams at the PNC.

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Seattle Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert, second from left, celebrates after making a two-point conversion during overtime in an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seahawks overcome 16-point deficit to stun Rams 38-37 in OT in NFC West showdown

December 19, 2025

The Seattle Seahawks rallied to stun the Los Angeles Rams and take a one-game lead in the NFC West. Sam Darnold connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown in overtime, then hit a wide-open Eric Saubert for the winning 2-point conversion as the Seahawks beat the Rams 38-37. Seattle overcame a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit. The Seahawks went 3 for 3 on 2-point conversions. Matthew Stafford threw for 457 yards and three touchdowns for the Rams, and Puka Nacua had 225 yards receiving and two scores. The Seahawks are 12-3. They clinched a playoff spot and moved into position for the top seed in the NFC.

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