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December 30, 2025.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) looks to pass the ball while being guarded by Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

LeBron James loses on his 41st birthday as Cunningham leads the Pistons past the Lakers, 128-106

December 30, 2025

LeBron James scored 17 points on his 41st birthday, but Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 11 assists while leading the Detroit Pistons to a 128-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. James hit three 3-pointers and added four assists and four rebounds in the 1,577th regular-season game of his unprecedented 23rd season, but he spent the final minutes of his birthday game sitting with his arms folded on the bench. The top scorer in league history is the 12th player to appear in an NBA game at 41 or older. Marcus Sasser scored 19 points and Isaiah Stewart had 15 for the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons.

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TCU running back Jeremy Payne, center, celebrates with teammates after he ran for a touchdown against Southern California during overtime in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Seals and Payne rally TCU past No. 16 USC for 30-27 overtime victory in Alamo Bowl

December 30, 2025

Ken Seals passed for 258 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime as TCU rallied to beat No. 16 Southern California 30-27 in the Alamo Bowl. After being sacked for a 10-yard loss on second down, Seals was facing third-and-20 from the 35 when he found running back Jeremy Payne with a short toss in the left flat. Payne caught the ball at the line of scrimmage and wriggled past four defenders, breaking multiple tackles as he bolted down the sideline into the end zone. A sixth-year senior completing his collegiate career, Seals was named Offensive MVP for leading his hometown team to victory. Payne had six catches for 50 yards and the game-ending score. He also rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

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FILE - President Donald Trump talks to the media as he walks to Marine One from the White House, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

A rough year for journalists in 2025, with a little hope for things to turn around

December 30, 2025

By most measures, 2025 was a rough year for those who care about freedom of the press. It’s likely to be the deadliest year on record for journalists and media workers across the world. The number of assaults on reporters spiked in the United States. As is by now familiar, the ranks of people working as journalists continues to thin. The president of the United States continues to berate many who ask him questions, sometimes in harshly personal terms. Outside of name-calling, the second term of President Donald Trump has seen a coordinated campaign against journalists on several different levels.

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Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Rookie VJ Edgecombe drops 3-pointer with seconds left in OT to give 76ers victory over Grizzlies

December 30, 2025

By rookie VJ Edgecombe’s calculation, he mistimed his game-winner in overtime. Edgecombe, the 6-foot-4 guard out of Baylor, connected on a 25-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds left, capping a 25-point night, and giving Philadelphia a 139-136 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft, brought the Sixers back into the game in the fourth quarter. He scored 13 points in the period, going 5 of 10 from the field, including 3 of 4 from outside the arc.

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Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Edgecombe’s 3-pointer in closing seconds gives 76ers a 139-136 overtime victory over Grizzlies

December 30, 2025

VJ Edgecombe scored 25 points, including a 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime to give the Philadelphia 76ers a 139-136 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a tight game. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 34 points each, but it was Edgecombe who carried Philadelphia through the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points in the period. Ja Morant led Memphis with 40 points, including 18 in the fourth to bring Memphis back into the game. Cedric Coward finished with 28 points and 16 rebounds. Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 15 points each, and Jackson grabbed 12 rebounds.

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President Donald Trump listens during a news conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

CIA behind strike at Venezuelan dock that Trump claims was used by drug smugglers, AP sources say

December 30, 2025

The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels. That’s according to two people familiar with details of the operation who requested anonymity to discuss the classified matter. President Donald Trump first made reference to the operation in a WABC radio interview Friday, saying the U.S. had knocked out some type of “big facility where ships come from.” On Monday, Trump added that the operation targeted a “dock area where they load the boats up with drugs.” The president declined to comment on whether the attack was conducted by the military or the CIA. The agency has also declined commenting on the matter.

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FILE - Los Angeles Angels' Anthony Rendon sprints to third during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Sept. 6, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon agrees to restructure final year of his $245 million contract

December 30, 2025

Anthony Rendon has agreed to restructure the final year of his $245 million, seven-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Angels hadn’t announced any developments with Rendon, who didn’t play last season following hip surgery. The team and Rendon have amended the deal to restructure the remaining $38 million owed in 2026, presumably spreading the money over time.

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FILE - Georgia running back Nate Frazier (3) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard, File)

No. 3 Georgia is eager to make better Sugar Bowl memories while No. 6 Ole Miss eyes payback

December 30, 2025

For the Georgia Bulldogs and coach Kirby Smart, last year’s Sugar Bowl brought waves of sadness that had more to do with life — and the loss of it — than football. Fate has the third-ranked Bulldogs back in the big Easy one year later to take on No. 6 Mississippi in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Smart says it’s hard not to think about the Bourbon Street attack that killed 14 and delayed last year’s Sugar Bowl, or his father’s death following that game. But he says his team is happy to be back. Mississippi’s only loss this season came at Georgia in October. The winner of the rematch advances to a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.

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Arkansas coach John Calipari argues a call with the official during an NCAA college basketball game against James Madison Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

NCAA tries to clarify NBA stance after Baylor’s addition of 2023 draft pick prompts criticism

December 30, 2025

The NCAA says it won’t grant eligibility to any player who had signed an NBA contract after Baylor’s midseason addition of a 2023 draft pick who had been playing professionally in Europe prompted criticism from coaches across college basketball. The Bears recently signed 7-footer James Nnaji of Nigeria. He was drafted by Detroit before a series of trades that left the 21-year-old’s draft rights with the New York Knicks. The NCAA says players also aren’t eligible if they sign two-way NBA contracts with links to G League affiliates. G League players without NBA contracts have been eligible. International players with varying backgrounds have played college basketball for years.

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An opened gate is seen at the Bourbon Street corner in New Orleans on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, the site of a Jan. 1, 2025, fatal vehicle ramming attack which led the city to bolster its safety measures in the area. (AP Photo/Jack Brook)

New Orleans is still seeking permanent security solutions a year after deadly Bourbon Street attack

December 30, 2025

Nearly a year after a New Year’s Day truck attack on Bourbon Street left 14 dead, New Orleans officials are still seeking permanent security solutions. Ahead of the anniversary of the rampage, officials are ramping up security measures. Some 350 National Guard members are arriving Tuesday. The attack happened when a man plowed a truck into revelers before police shot and killed him. The rampage revealed security vulnerabilities surrounding a famous street that is densely populated by bars and pedestrians. A police captain has urged the city to install permanent security gates to prevent future attacks.

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FILE - A certified medical assistant holds a syringe for a flu vaccine at a clinic in Seattle, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

Flu is rising rapidly, driven by a new variant. Here’s what to know

December 30, 2025

Flu is rising rapidly across the U.S., driven by a new variant of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday that after a slow start to flu season in early December, much of the country is now seeing a jump in cases. The agency estimates there have been 3,100 deaths already, including at least eight children. A new version of the harsh H3N2 flu strain is causing most of the illnesses. While the flu shot isn’t a perfect match to that variant, health experts urge vaccination as it provides at least partial protection.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Buccaneers are focused on playing the Panthers, knowing they’ll need help to win the NFC South

December 30, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed up for practice on Tuesday for the first time since losing control of their playoff hopes. After a major collapse, the Buccaneers need help to get in. First, they must beat Carolina on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak. Then, the Falcons have to lose or tie the Saints on Sunday. If that happens, the Buccaneers (7-9) would secure their fifth straight NFC South title and second with a losing record under coach Todd Bowles.

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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) answers questions during a press conference ahead of Thursday's Rose Bowl College Football Playoff against Alabama Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Role reversals: Alabama returns to the Rose Bowl as a CFP underdog to face powerhouse Indiana

December 30, 2025

Nick Saban coached his final game for Alabama just two years ago in the Rose Bowl when his Crimson Tide lost to Michigan. Alabama is returning to that storied turf this week as underdogs against unbeaten Indiana, which has become the sport’s newest powerhouse in the two years since the Saban era ended. Alabama is in the Playoff for the first time under coach Kalen DeBoer, who realizes he’ll never win over his new fan base without a strong national title run. It’s a decade too soon to know whether Curt Cignetti is building the sport’s next titan, but there’s no denying his first two seasons have been more impressive than Saban’s start at Alabama.

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FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)

Patriots star receiver Stefon Diggs faces strangulation charge, denies allegations

December 30, 2025

New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef. News of the charges emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs’ lawyer said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money. The 32-year-old NFL veteran joined New England this season after a trade from Houston. Diggs has been a standout player for the Patriots this season, helping his team clinch the AFC East title.

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FILE - Lobsters are displayed on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Oysters, crab and $400,000 worth of lobster meat stolen in New England

December 30, 2025

Forty-thousand oysters, lobster worth $400,000 and a cache of crabmeat all were stolen in separate recent incidents in New England. The first seafood heist took place Nov. 22 in Falmouth, Maine, where authorities suspect someone stole 14 cages full of oysters from an aquaculture site in Casco Bay. The other two thefts happened in Taunton, Massachusetts. First, a load of crab disappeared after leaving the Lineage Logistics warehouse on Dec. 2. Then, on Dec. 12, according to a broker, lobster meat destined for Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota was stolen by a fraudulent trucking company.

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This undated combo photo created with images released by the Iowa National Guard shows Sgts. William Nathaniel Howard, left, and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar. (Iowa National Guard via AP)

Nearly 25 Islamic State fighters killed or captured in Syria, US military says

December 30, 2025

The U.S. military says nearly 25 operatives of the Islamic State group were killed or captured in Syria this month. That followed an ambush that killed two U.S. troops and an American civilian interpreter. The U.S. military said in a statement that the new missions were carried out over the past 10 days. They followed initial strikes against IS weapons sites and infrastructure in Syria on Dec. 19. In the operations since, U.S. Central Command says the U.S. military and other forces from the region, including Syria, killed at least seven IS members, captured others and eliminated four weapons caches.

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FILE - Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrate after defeating Notre Dame during the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Jeremiah Smith opted for Ohio State, and now faces his hometown Hurricanes in CFP Cotton Bowl

December 30, 2025

Ohio State coach Ryan Day is certainly glad to have All-America receiver Jeremiah Smith on his team. The sophomore from Miami was the nation’s top recruit when he signed with the Buckeyes two years ago. Smith and Ohio State now play the Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday night. Smith acknowledges there is some emotion facing his hometown team. Smith has 156 catches, 2,401 yards, 26 touchdowns and a national title in 28 games over two seasons with Ohio State. Miami is in the CFP for the first time.

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Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) walks along he sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Cowboys waive cornerback Trevon Diggs to end tumultuous finish to his Dallas career

December 30, 2025

The Cowboys have waived cornerback Trevon Diggs. The move ends a tumultuous final season a game early in a Dallas career that never lived up to the promise of a 2021 All-Pro performance that included 11 interceptions. The move came five days before Dallas’ season finale Sunday at the New York Giants. Diggs will be a free agent after clearing waivers. Diggs missed eight games after sustaining a concussion in an accident at home. The team said Diggs’ delayed return was more about issues with the 27-year-old’s knees.

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FILE - Tatiana Schlossberg, second right, granddaughter of President J.F. Kennedy pauses for a moment of silence during a short ceremony at the JFK memorial Runnymede, England, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died at 35

December 30, 2025

Environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died. Her family disclosed her death in a statement Tuesday released by the John. F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Schlossberg was 35. The daughter of Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg, the journalist revealed she had terminal cancer in a November 2025 essay in The New Yorker. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2024 at age 34 after the birth if her second child. In the essay, “A Battle with my Blood,” Schlossberg recounted rounds of chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and clinical trials.

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura leave the United States District Court District of Maryland, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Greenbelt, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

DOJ pushed to prosecute Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after mistaken deportation, judge’s order says

December 30, 2025

A newly unsealed order in the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia reveals that high level Justice Department officials pushed for his indictment only after he was mistakenly deported and then ordered returned to the U.S. Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty to charges of human smuggling. He is seeking to have the case dismissed on the grounds that the prosecution is vindictive. The newly unsealed order sheds new light on the decision to prosecute. It reveals emails from top DOJ officials calling the criminal case a “top priority” in April. That was after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the administration to work to bring Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador.

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The Federal Reserve Chair logo appears on a podium at the Federal Reserve, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

December interest rate cut was a close call for some Fed officials, minutes show

December 30, 2025

Some Federal Reserve officials who supported cutting a key interest rate earlier this month could have instead backed keeping the rate unchanged, minutes released Tuesday show, underscoring the divisions and uncertainty permeating the central bank. At their December 9-10 meeting Fed officials agreed to cut their key interest rate by a quarter point for the third time this year, to about 3.6%, the lowest in nearly three years.  The minutes underscored the deep split on the 19-member policymaking committee over what constitutes the biggest threat to the economy: weak hiring or stubbornly-elevated inflation.

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Steelers could have T.J. Watt back for ‘AFC North championship’ showdown against Ravens

December 30, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers could have linebacker T.J. Watt back for their Week 18 showdown against Baltimore for the AFC North title. Coach Mike Tomlin says he’s optimistic Watt will return after missing three games because of lung surgery. The Steelers need to win or tie the Ravens to earn their first division crown since 2020. While Watt could return, tight end Darnell Washington is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a broken arm. The game could be the final one for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though the 42-year-old four-time MVP expects the Steelers to recover and beat the Ravens.

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Buddhist monks persist in peace walk despite injuries as thousands follow them on social media

December 30, 2025

A group of Buddhist monks is persevering in their peace walk across much of the U.S. even after two participants were injured when a truck hit their escort vehicle. The monks began their journey in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26, and have now reached Georgia. They plan to walk from Morrow to Decatur on Tuesday, marking day 66 of their trek to Washington, D.C. The group has gained a large following on social media, sharing updates and inspirational messages. The monks and their loyal dog Aloka are traveling through 10 states on their journey.

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FILE - Vehicles drive along Pennsylvania Ave. during rush hour traffic at sunrise Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Washington, with the U.S. Capitol in the background. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

IRS increases 2026 business mileage rate by 2.5 cents

December 30, 2025

The IRS announces an increase in the standard mileage rate for business use of vehicles. Starting January 1, 2026, the rate will be 72.5 cents per mile, up 2.5 cents from 2025. The rate for medical and certain moving purposes will be 20.5 cents per mile, down half a cent from 2025. This change reflects updated cost data and inflation adjustments. It applies to fully-electric, hybrid, gas, and diesel vehicles. Using the standard mileage rates is optional. People can choose to calculate the actual costs of using their vehicle instead.

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FILE - Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought speaks to reporters at the White House, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Judge blocks White House’s attempt to defund the CFPB, ensuring employees get paid

December 30, 2025

A federal judge has ruled that the White House cannot stop funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This decision comes just days before the bureau would have run out of money. Judge Amy Berman ruled that the CFPB can continue receiving funds from the Federal Reserve, despite the Fed operating at a loss. The case centers on whether Russell Vought, President Donald Trump’s budget director, can effectively shut down the agency. The National Treasury Employees Union has successfully stopped broad layoffs through court actions. The White House’s new legal argument about funding was deemed invalid by the judge.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

U.S. sanctions 10 people and firms from Iran and Venezuela over drone and missile trade

December 30, 2025

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and firms from Iran and Venezuela. These sanctions target Iran’s drone trade and ballistics program. The U.S. says the move supports United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. A Venezuelan firm accused of purchasing Iranian drones is included in Tuesday’s measures. Three Iranian men are also included for allegedly trying to procure chemicals for ballistic missiles. The U.S. says Iran’s drone and missile programs threaten the U.S. and its allies. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.

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Miami Heat center Kel'El Ware, left, defends Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hyperextended his left knee and will be evaluated in 4 weeks

December 30, 2025

Nikola Jokic is set to miss a few weeks due to a hyperextended left knee. The Denver Nuggets disclosed the injury on Tuesday. The three-time MVP will be re-evaluated in four weeks. This is a relief for the Nuggets, as the injury is not season-ending and doesn’t require surgery. Jokic got hurt during Denver’s loss in Miami on Monday. He ranks fifth in NBA scoring this season and leads in rebounds and assists. Denver, currently third in the Western Conference, faces challenges with Jokic out, especially with other key players already sidelined. Coach David Adelman emphasizes team unity during this period.

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FILE - Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the company's Connect developer conference Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Menlo Park, Calif. (AP Photo/Nic Coury, File)

Meta buys startup Manus in latest move to advance its artificial intelligence efforts

December 30, 2025

Meta is buying artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the owner of Facebook and Instagram continues a push to amp-up AI offerings across its platforms. The California tech giant declined to disclose financial details of the acquisition. But The Wall Street Journal reported that Meta closed the deal at more than $2 billion. Manus, a Singapore-based platform with some Chinese roots, launched its first “general-purpose” AI agent earlier this year. The platform offers paid subscriptions for customers to use this technology for research, coding and other tasks.

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FILE - FBI Director Kash Patel White House speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers

December 30, 2025

The surge of federal officers this week in Minnesota follows new allegations of fraud by day care centers run by Somali residents. President Donald Trump has previously linked his administration’s immigration crackdown against Minnesota’s large Somali community to a series of fraud cases involving government programs in which most of the defendants have roots in the east African country. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel both announced an increase in operations in Minnesota this week. The move comes after a right-wing influencer posted a video in which he claimed that day care centers had committed up to $100 million in fraud.

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FILE - Denny Hamlin looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

Father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin dies after house fire, mother critically injured

December 30, 2025

Officials say the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived. Gaston County officials said Monday that firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story home near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic. Officials say 75-year-old Dennis Hamlin and 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin were found outside the home suffering from catastrophic injuries. Officials say Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital and Mary Lou Hamlin was being treated at a burn center.

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FILE - Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Greg Abel poses for pictures with shareholders while touring the booths Berkshires companies set up, May 3, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Josh Funk, File)

With the legendary Warren Buffett stepping back, Berkshire Hathaway enters a new era

December 30, 2025

Greg Abel faces the challenge of taking over Berkshire Hathaway from the legendary Warren Buffett this week. Many regard Buffett as the world’s greatest investor after he grew Berkshire from a struggling New England textile mill to the massive conglomerate it is today with shares that go for more than $750,000 a pop. Investors will be watching closely to see what changes Abel might make in Berkshire’s trajectory, but don’t expect any seismic shifts. Buffett isn’t going anywhere and Abel has already been managing all of Berkshire’s noninsurance businesses since 2018. Buffett will remain chairman and plans to continue coming into the office each day to help spot new investments and offer Abel any advice he asks for.

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Nate Starkey Helps Individuals Build Lifelong Financial Habits

December 30, 2025

By: Michelle Pawelski Photos: Bailey Sadowsky In his early twenties, Nate Starkey’s life took a dramatic turn. While applying to be a medic in the military, he discovered he was color blind – a condition he had been unaware of until that moment.  “I didn’t have the money to pay for medical school, so I […]

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Nate Starkey Helps Individuals Build Lifelong Financial Habits

December 30, 2025

By: Michelle Pawelski Photos: Bailey Sadowsky In his early twenties, Nate Starkey’s life took a dramatic turn. While applying to be a medic in the military, he discovered he was color blind – a condition he had been unaware of until that moment.  “I didn’t have the money to pay for medical school, so I […]

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FILE - The Kyger Creek Power Plant, a coal-fired power plant, operates April 14, 2025, near Cheshire, Ohio. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File)

‘Trump’s EPA’ in 2025: A fossil fuel-friendly approach to deregulation

December 30, 2025

The Trump administration has reshaped the Environmental Protection Agency, reversing pollution limits and promoting fossil fuels. Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the agency has moved quickly to deregulate. He argues the EPA can protect the environment and support a stronger economy. Critics argue this approach abandons the agency’s environmental mission. Especially hard-hit are climate change programs and funding. The agency’s enforcement has relaxed, with fewer civil environmental cases filed. Experts warn these changes could have lasting impacts on the EPA’s effectiveness.

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Unleash the hounds! And terriers and lapdogs. The American Kennel Club adds 3 breeds

December 30, 2025

They’re ready to embark on 2026. Three more dog breeds joined the American Kennel Club’s roster of recognized breeds on Tuesday. One of the newcomers is the Teddy Roosevelt terrier, named for the former U.S. president. Another is the Russian tsvetnaya bolonka (zviht-NEYE’-ah boh-LON’-kah). It’s a lapdog developed in Soviet-era Russia. The third is a centuries-old French hunting hound called the basset fauve de Bretagne (bah-SAY’ fohve deh breh-TAHN’-yeh). The AKC now recognizes 205 breeds. Recognition means eligibility for many U.S. dog shows and can increase a breed’s visibility to the pet-loving public.

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FILE - The Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Institute is seen Aug. 4, 2025, in West Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Scott McFetridge, File)

AP sources: In ‘Nassar 2.0,’ Olympics watchdog failed to close abuse case against gymnastics coach

December 30, 2025

Young gymnasts were sounding warnings about a coach as far back as 2017. That’s the same year the U.S. Center for SafeSport was created in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual-abuse scandal. People familiar with the case involving Sean Gardner told The Associated Press he had agreed to a permanent ban from coaching early this year but the center never closed the deal. The people spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation by SafeSport and said Gardner’s case got tangled in office politics that included allegations of retaliation. SafeSport says putting Gardner on temporary suspension was effectively the same as a permanent ban. Gardner has pleaded not guilty to federal child pornography charges and is awaiting trial.

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FILE - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., arrives on stage at the inaugural Make America Healthy Again summit at the Waldorf Astoria, Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

In a tumultuous year, US health policy has been dramatically reshaped under RFK Jr.

December 30, 2025

President Donald Trump’s second term has brought major changes to the Department of Health and Human Services. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reshaped the department, eliminating jobs and cutting research funding. He has also promoted controversial views on vaccines, including removing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation for COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement has gained support for promoting healthy eating and exercise. However, experts warn of potential damage to scientific leadership. The overhaul comes amid broader uncertainties in the health system, including Medicaid cuts and expiring insurance subsidies.

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This 1825 etching provided by the Library of Congress shows an astronomical chart depicting Bootes the Ploughman holding a spear, a sickle, and two dogs, Asterion and Chara, on leashes, a quadrant, and the hair of Berenice forming the constellations. (Sidney Hall/Library of Congress via AP)

The year’s first meteor shower and supermoon clash in January skies

December 30, 2025

The year’s first supermoon and meteor shower will compete for dominance in January skies. The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks Friday night into Saturday morning, but fewer than 10 meteors will be visible per hour due to light from Saturday’s supermoon. To spot the Quadrantids, venture out in the early evening away from city lights and glimpse the fireballs before the moon crashes the party. Wait for your eyes to get used to the darkness, and don’t look at your phone. Saturday’s supermoon ends a four-month streak that started in October. There won’t be another until the end of 2026.

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In Memoriam

Kathleen Ann Boyer | 12/30/2025

December 30, 2025

View The Obituary For Kathleen Ann Boyer. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Kathleen Ann Boyer on this permanent online memorial presented by Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

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In Memoriam

Kathleen Ann Boyer | 12/30/2025

December 30, 2025

View The Obituary For Kathleen Ann Boyer. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Kathleen Ann Boyer on this permanent online memorial presented by Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Read More »
FILE - Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson celebrates after recovering a fumble against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)

Alabama defenders Hubbard, Lawson and Jefferson are traveling redemption road to the Rose Bowl

December 30, 2025

Alabama’s defense is filled with comeback and redemption stories. There’s safety Bray Hubbard. There’s linebacker Deontae Lawson. There’s fellow linebacker Justin Jefferson. The trio leads the way for a unit that seems determined to make amends for a disappointing season last year. They’ll no doubt be ones to watch when the 13th-ranked Crimson Tide (10-3) take on No. 1 Indiana (13-0) and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup at the Rose Bowl on Thursday.

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Michigan, Texas prepare for future in Citrus Bowl clash

December 30, 2025

The Michigan Wolverines’ present and future were in the same hotel room Sunday morning. Bringing those two together will be the big challenge in the coming months. The shadow around the program has centered on the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 for what the school said was an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The team had to push on and prepare for the Citrus Bowl matchup Wednesday against No. 14 Texas amid all the changes. No. 18 Michigan hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and introduced him Sunday. He met with his new team briefly at their Orlando hotel Saturday.

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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) walks on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

In the NBA, 2025 might go down as the year of the injured. Nikola Jokic joined that club at the end

December 30, 2025

The NBA is dealing with a wave of injuries affecting top players. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season with a torn Achilles. Boston’s Jayson Tatum might miss the season, too. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Lakers’ LeBron James, and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams have all missed significant time. Now, Denver’s Nikola Jokic is sidelined after a knee injury. Despite these setbacks, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says injury numbers are down. He emphasizes ongoing efforts to keep players healthy, though luck remains a factor. The league continues to seek solutions for these challenges.

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