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January 7, 2026.

FILE -Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., speaks at a news conference about the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act on Capitol Hill, March 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Rep. Steny Hoyer, the longest-serving House Democrat, to retire at the end of term

January 7, 2026

Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the longest-serving Democrat in Congress and once a rival to become House speaker, will announce Thursday he is set to retire at the end of his term. That’s according to a person familiar with the plans and granted anonymity to discuss them. Hoyer served for years in party leadership and steered Democrats through some of their most significant legislative victories. He is set to deliver a House floor speech about his decision in the morning. “Tune in,” he said in a social media post. At 86, Hoyer is the latest in a generation of senior-most leaders stepping aside, making way for a newer era of lawmakers eager to take on governing ahead of the midterm elections.

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Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey drives to the basket against Baylor during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Ames native Tamin Lipsey a big part of first 15-0 start for No. 3 Iowa State

January 7, 2026

Iowa State senior point guard Tamin Lipsey grew up near campus in Ames and says he’s been a Cyclone his entire life. Now he’s part of something the program had never done before. Third-ranked Iowa State is 15-0 for the first time following a 70-60 victory at Baylor. Lipsey scored 24 points, overcoming some early foul trouble that kept him on the bench for nearly eight minutes in the first half. Joshua Jefferson had 19 points and 17 rebounds for the Cyclones. Their 15-0 start and 15-game winning streak are both school records, surpassing a 14-0 start by the 2013-14 team.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) is held back by an official during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chiefs aware of domestic violence allegations that appear to be directed toward Rashee Rice

January 7, 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs have acknowledged domestic violence allegations that appear to be directed toward wide receiver Rashee Rice. A former girlfriend posted photos on social media that appeared to show signs of physical abuse. She did not name Rice but mentioned the father of her children, and she has two children with him. The Chiefs say they are in communication with the NFL and have no further comment. No police reports are available in Overland Park, Kansas, where the abuse allegedly occurred. Rice missed the first six games this season due to an NFL suspension related to a previous incident.

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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) scores against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Johnson and Wembanyama fuel Spurs to win over Lakers 107-91, despite Doncic’s 38 points

January 7, 2026

Keldon Johnson had 27 points, Victor Wembanyama added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs overcame 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists from Luka Doncic to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 107-91 on Wednesday night. San Antonio captured the battle for second place in the Western Conference despite shooting 4 for 24 on 3-pointers. LeBron James did not play. Jake LaRavia, with 16, and Jaxson Hayes, with 10, were the only other Lakers to score in double figures against the Spurs.

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FILE - Airboats carry members of a task force that brings together federal, state, tribal and local agencies working to restore and protect the Florida Everglades, on a field visit to the Miccosukee Indian Reservation ahead of a task force meeting hosted by the Miccosukee Tribe, April 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

House considers overriding Trump vetoes as Republicans weigh crossing president

January 7, 2026

Republicans are considering whether to deliver a rare rebuke of President Donald Trump. The House will vote Thursday on overriding the vetoes of two low-profile bills that were considered noncontroversial when they passed Congress. One bill is designed to help local communities finance the construction of a water pipeline in Colorado. The other would designate a site in Everglades National Park as a part of the Miccosukee Indian Reservation. Trump’s vetoes had the effect of punishing backers who had opposed the president’s positions on other issues. Congress can override the vetoes with support from two-thirds of the members of the House and the Senate.

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FILE - Nikita Casap appears at his arraignment May 7, 2025 in Waukesha County Circuit Court in Waukesha, Wis. (Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool, File)

Wisconsin man accused of killing parents to fund Trump assassination plot set to enter plea deal

January 7, 2026

A Wisconsin man accused of killing his parents and stealing their money to fund his plan to assassinate President Donald Trump is set to enter a plea deal. Eighteen-year-old Nikita Casap was due to appear in Waukesha County Circuit Court on Thursday morning. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of homicide, two counts of hiding a corpse and theft. Prosecutors allege he killed his mother and his stepfather in February 2025 and lived with the decomposing bodies for weeks before fleeing with $14,000 in cash, passports and the family dog. He was eventually arrested in Kansas. Prosecutors say Casap wanted to spur governmental collapse by killing Trump and possibly Vice President JD Vance.

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FILE - Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro watches warm ups before an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Josh Shapiro to run for 2nd term as Pennsylvania governor, trailed by talk of a 2028 White House bid

January 7, 2026

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will run for a second term in the pivotal battleground state after a first term that put him on the Democratic Party’s radar as a potential presidential contender in 2028. His campaign says Shapiro will formally announce his reelection bid Thursday at events in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Shapiro hasn’t disclosed any future plans and insists he’s focused on Pennsylvania issues. But his reelection effort will be watched as another test of whether he’s White House material. Shapiro has enjoyed robust public approval ratings and carries a reputation as a disciplined messenger and powerhouse fundraiser. For 2026, Pennsylvania’s Republican Party endorsed Stacy Garrity, the twice-elected state treasurer, to challenge Shapiro.

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FILE - Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan criminal court during his retrial, June 11, 2025, in New York. (Angela Weiss/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Harvey Weinstein says jurors were bullied into convicting him. A judge is set to rule

January 7, 2026

Harvey Weinstein is returning to a New York court. A judge is due to rule Thursday on the former movie mogul’s bid to get his latest sex crime conviction thrown out. Weinstein’s lawyers argue that the judge mishandled anger and apprehensions that flared among jurors during deliberations last spring. Prosecutors contend that the judge addressed the matter appropriately and that the criminal sex act conviction should stand. At the same trial last year, Weinstein was acquitted of another criminal sex act charge, and the jury didn’t decide on a rape charge. He denies all the charges.

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Gerald Leong)

Gilgeous-Alexander scores 46 points as Thunder halt rare skid with OT win over Jazz

January 7, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 46 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 129-125 in overtime Wednesday night to snap a two-game losing skid. Gilgeous-Alexander calmly made a shot from near the free-throw line at the regulation buzzer to force overtime, then scored nine points in the extra period. The reigning MVP increased his streak of games with at least 20 points to 109, the second-longest run in NBA history. Chet Holmgren had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Jalen Williams scored 17 points and Ajay Mitchell added 16 for defending champion Oklahoma City. Lauri Markkanen had 29 points and 13 rebounds for Utah. Keyonte George added 25 points and 11 assists.

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People gather for a vigil after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a motorist earlier in the day, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

What to know about the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis

January 7, 2026

Federal officials and local leaders have clashed over their differing characterizations of a fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. President Donald Trump’s administration described the killing of 37-year-old mother Renee Nicole Macklin Good as an act of self-defense. Minneapolis officials dispute that narrative. The woman was shot in her car in front of a family member in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis. The ICE officer has not been publicly identified. Hundreds of people descended on the scene to protest the shooting.

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UConn head coach Dan Hurley, right, talks with guard Silas Demary Jr., left, as Demary comes back to the bench in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Marquette, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

No. 4 UConn rallies past Providence late for 103-98 victory in overtime

January 7, 2026

Braylon Mullins scored eight of his career-high 24 points in overtime and fourth-ranked UConn rallied past Providence 103-98 for its 11th consecutive victory. Silas Demary Jr. had 23 points, 15 assists and five steals for the Huskies, who trailed by 11 with under three minutes remaining in regulation. But they went on a 9-0 run and then tied it at 89 on a putback by Tarris Reed Jr. with 13 seconds left. Alex Karaban also scored 23 for UConn, which shot 18 of 32 from 3-point range. Reed had 20 points and eight rebounds. Ryan Mela led the Friars with 19 points off the bench.

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A Peri device is seen on display during the CES tech show Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Dose of uncertainty: Experts wary of AI health gadgets at CES

January 7, 2026

Gadgets promoting a wide array of health benefits are on display at the annual CES trade show in Las Vegas. Artificial intelligence is the latest trend in health care technology, and companies showed off AI products designed to improve health, track hormones and increase accessibility to medical information. But health and tech experts warn about gadgets’ effectiveness and urge consumers to know where their data is going. Emerging technology comes at a time when the federal government is removing barriers for generative AI’s use. This week the Food and Drug Administration announced it is easing regulations on low-risk general wellness products.

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) gestures after scoring a 3-point basket against the LA Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Towns bounces back with strong game as the Knicks beat the Clippers 123-111 to snap a 4-game skid

January 7, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points, 11 rebounds and a season-high seven assists, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and the New York Knicks snapped their four-game losing streak with a 123-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Towns bounced back from a miserable game Monday in Detroit, when he had just six points and six turnovers in the Knicks’ 121-90 loss that gave them their longest losing streak of the season. OG Anunoby added 20 points and Deuce McBride had 16 for the Knicks. Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points for the Clippers, who lost for just the second time in nine games.

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Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr reacts to a play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Steve Kerr’s mom not happy with him for outburst leading to ejection

January 7, 2026

Steve Kerr upset his mother. Ann Kerr was mortified by the behavior of her 60-year-old son, for the first time in quite a while. She didn’t approve of Kerr’s ejection in the fourth quarter of a one-point loss to the Clippers on Monday night, when the Warriors coach was held back from the officials by Gary Payton II, Gui Santos and assistant Terry Stotts. Kerr received back-to-back technical fouls and his fifth career ejection after becoming angry with official John Collins over a missed goaltending call.

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Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov compete during the pairs short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Figure skater Alisa Efimova’s Olympic dream hinges on last-minute U.S. citizenship approval

January 7, 2026

Alisa Efimova hopes to represent the United States at the Milan Cortina Olympics, but she needs to become a citizen first. She and her pairs partner, Misha Mitrofanov, delivered a stellar performance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Wednesday. Efimova is from Finland. She and Mitrofanov were married in February 2024, and she received a green card in July of that year. She is seeking a waiver of the required three-year waiting period for citizenship. The finalized U.S. squad for the Winter Games will be announced on Sunday, and Mitrofanov says they are hoping for “a last-minute miracle.”

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Clayton Tune (6) leads teammates onto the field before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

NFL playoff odds: Multiple road teams favored in unusual wild-card round

January 7, 2026

The NFL playoffs could see an unusual number of road favorites this weekend. As of Wednesday, four road teams are favored at BetMGM Sportsbook. Green Bay is a narrow favorite at Chicago, and the same is true for Buffalo at Jacksonville. That means there’s a chance those road teams won’t be favored by kickoff. The Los Angeles Rams are bigger favorites at Carolina, and Houston is favored at Pittsburgh. There were only three road favorites all of last postseason, according to Sportradar. And even in the games this weekend where the home team is favored, the lines aren’t that big.

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Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov compete during the pairs short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Efimova and Mitrofanov dazzle in short program but face citizenship hurdle for Olympics

January 7, 2026

Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov began defending their U.S. Figure Skating title with a near-perfect short program. They hope to make the American squad for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Efimova and Mitrofanov scored a season-best 75.31 points, putting them ahead of rivals Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy. But they need to do more than just qualify if they want to represent the United States in the Olympics. Efimova was born in Finland and is still waiting for U.S. citizenship. She had a green card approved in July 2024 and is seeking a waiver of the required three-year waiting period.

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After losing home in wildfire, reality TV personality Spencer Pratt says he will run for LA mayor

January 7, 2026

Spencer Pratt, a reality television personality who lost his home in the deadly Palisades wildfire last year, said Wednesday that he intends to run for mayor of Los Angeles. Pratt is a Republican who rose to reality-TV fame alongside his wife, Heidi Montag, on “The Hills.” He announced his plans at a rally critical of the government’s handling of the Jan. 7, 2025, wildfire that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Pratt sued the city over the loss of his home and has been an outspoken critic of how Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom handled the fire.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives at the U.S. Capitol Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in Washington, to brief top lawmakers after President Donald Trump directed U.S. forces to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Federal prosecutors slam Mangione lawyers’ ‘meritless’ claims about Bondi’s lobbying ties

January 7, 2026

Federal prosecutors are slamming Luigi Mangione’s lawyers for making what the government said were “meritless” and “misleading” claims about Attorney General Pam Bondi’s ties to a lobbying firm and her decision to seek the death penalty against Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutor Sean Buckley wrote in a court filing Wednesday that Mangione’s lawyers wrongly asserted last month that Bondi, a former partner at Ballard Partners, was continuing to receive income from the firm, whose clients include UnitedHealthcare’s parent company UnitedHealth Group. Buckley said Bondi does have a 401(k) account through Ballard “reflecting past, fully earned compensation,” but the firm agreed to stop making contributions when she left.

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Supporters of Colombian President Gustavo Petro attend a rally he called to protest comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

Trump invites Colombian president to White House days after threatening it with military strike

January 7, 2026

President Donald Trump has abruptly changed his tone about his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro. Trump said Wednesday that they had exchanged a friendly phone call and he had invited the leader of the South American country to the White House. Trump posted on his social media site that Petro “called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had.” Trump had said after the U.S. operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that “Colombia is very sick too” and accused Petro of ”making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”

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FILE - Banners hang outside Rice Eccles Stadium during an NCAA college football game Sept. 20, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Jeffrey D. Allred, File)

Utah Mammoth to host the 2027 NHL Winter Classic against the Colorado Avalanche

January 7, 2026

The Utah Mammoth will host the 2027 Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium against the Colorado Avalanche. It’s set to be the first outdoor game for the franchise formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes and before that the Winnipeg Jets. It’s the last in the NHL that has not yet taken part. The exact date has not yet been announced for the game at the home of the University of Utah footbal team. Owners Ryan and Ashley Smith have been praised by Commissioner Gary Bettman for just about everything they’ve done since buying the team and relocating it to Salt Lake City.

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Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is seen at the Georgia State Capitol during questioning from a Georgia State Senate panel about her prosecution of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Trump seeks $6.2 million in legal fees from Fani Willis’ office over election interference case

January 7, 2026

President Donald Trump is seeking over $6.2 million in attorney fees from the Fulton County District Attorney’s office. This stems from an election interference case against him that was dismissed. A new Georgia law allows defendants to recoup legal fees if a prosecutor is disqualified for improper conduct. The district attorney, Fani Willis, and her office were removed because of an “appearance of impropriety” involving a romantic relationship she had with a special prosecutor she hired for the case. The case was dismissed in November. The Associated Press has reached out to representatives for Willis for comment.

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Live-action ‘Tangled’ will star Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

January 7, 2026

Disney will let down Rapunzel’s lengthy hair once again. Walt Disney Pictures says its live-action adaptation of “Tangled” will star Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim in the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The 2010 animated hit followed Rapunzel, a magically long-haired princess locked away in a tower, whose carefully ordered life is upended when she teams up with Flynn Rider, a charming outlaw on the run. Disney says the new “Tangled” will be directed by Michael Gracey, best known for “The Greatest Showman,” with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. No release date has been announced.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

3 arrested in burglary of Browns QB Shedeur Sanders’ home, but 1 suspect remains at large

January 7, 2026

The Medina County Sheriff’s Office says three people have been arrested in connection with the Nov. 16 burglary at Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ home. A fourth suspect remains at large, with a warrant issued for his arrest. Sanders’ home in Granger Township was burglarized while he played in the Browns’ game against the Baltimore Ravens. Around $200,000 in property was stolen. Surveillance footage shows masked people entering and leaving the home. Sanders joined a list of NFL players whose homes have been targeted during games, including Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

House takes step toward extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, overpowering GOP leadership

January 7, 2026

The House is pushing ahead with legislation to renew subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. A bipartisan coalition in the House overpowered Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday to push forward a measure that would revive the enhanced subsidy. The tax breaks had lowered health insurance costs for roughly 22 million people, but expired last month. The tally was a key test vote before passage of the bill, which is expected Thursday. And it came about because four GOP centrist lawmakers joined with Democrats in signing a so-called discharge petition to force the vote. Members of the Senate are working on an alternative plan.

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones walks on the field before an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Jerry Jones wants to be the owner with the most Super Bowls, but the Cowboys have a long way to go

January 7, 2026

Jerry Jones’ lofty Super Bowl goal sounds like more than his Dallas Cowboys can handle. Jones wants to be the owner with the most NFL championships despite New England’s Robert Kraft having twice as many as his three. The Cowboys haven’t even sniffed an NFL championship in the past 30 of 37 years under Jones. Dallas is coming off consecutive losing seasons, and Jones is 83. Even he acknowledges he might not have many NFL drafts left. And this one will be huge to try to fix one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

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FILE - Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks at a rally kicking off his 2026 campaign for governor, Aug. 26, 2025, in Flovilla, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File)

Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns

January 7, 2026

Georgia is the latest state to consider eliminating its personal income tax, with Republican leaders in the Senate backing a proposal to phase it out by 2032. This move is part of a broader trend among Republican-led states like Iowa and Kentucky. Georgia’s plan proposes exempting the first $50,000 of income for a single person or $100,000 for a married couple in 2027. Supporters argue it will boost the economy by attracting new residents and businesses. Critics including Democrats warn it could lead to cuts in essential services like education and health care. The plan faces uncertainty, as some Georgia Republicans prefer a more gradual approach.

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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette logo is displayed on the newspaper's Pittsburgh office Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ownership announces it’s shutting down paper in May

January 7, 2026

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is shutting down in May after its owners cited financial losses. Block Communications Inc. made the announcement on Wednesday. A couple dozen union members returned to work in November after a three-year strike. More than five years ago, the newspaper declared a bargaining impasse with the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. The announcement to end operations came the same day the U.S. Supreme Court declined the PG Publishing Co. Inc.’s emergency appeal related to a National Labor Relations Board order. The Post-Gazette traces its roots back to 1786.

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FILE - Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera follows through on a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Sept. 28, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Cubs agree to acquire right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Marlins, AP source says

January 7, 2026

The Chicago Cubs have agree to acquire right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins in their first major offseason move. A person familiar with the deal confirmed the move to the AP on condition of anonymity because it hadn’t been announced. Chicago agreed to send outfielder Owen Caissie and minor leaguers Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon to Miami for Cabrera, who went 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA in a career-high 26 starts and 137 2/3 innings last year. Caissie could compete for a starting job with the Marlins after making his major league debut in August.

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Heat guarantee final $1.7M of Terry Rozier’s contract and may seek to trade him

January 7, 2026

The Miami Heat have decided not to waive Terry Rozier. Wednesday’s decision keeps Rozier, who faces federal gambling charges, on Miami’s roster for now. By not waiving him, the Heat have guaranteed the final $1.7 million of his $26.6 million salary for this season. Miami may try to trade Rozier’s contract before the NBA’s Feb. 5 deadline. However, it’s unclear if the NBA will allow the move. Rozier was arrested in October and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to illegal gambling. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said he’s willing to work with the Heat to resolve the situation.

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FILE - The symbol of the United Nations is displayed outside the Secretariat Building, Feb. 28, 2022, at United Nations Headquarters. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

US will exit dozens of international organizations as it further retreats from global cooperation

January 7, 2026

The Trump administration will withdraw from dozens of international organizations, including the U.N.’s population agency and the U.N. treaty that establishes international climate negotiations. It marks the U.S. further retreating from global cooperation. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 organizations, agencies and commissions following his instruction for his administration to review participation in and funding for all international organizations, including those affiliated with the United Nations. Most of the targets are U.N.-related agencies, commissions and advisory panels that focus on climate, labor and other issues that this administration has categorized as catering to diversity and “woke” initiatives.

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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) warms up before the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Indiana Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Ty Simpson declares for NFL draft after one season as Alabama’s starting QB

January 7, 2026

Ty Simpson has declared for the NFL draft. Simpson leaves Alabama after one season as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Simpson could be one of the top quarterbacks drafted in April. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is seen as the likely No. 1 selection. Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and completed 64.5% of his passes this season. He threw for 28 touchdowns with five interceptions, and he ran for two scores. Alabama lost to Mendoza and top-ranked Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Simpson suffered a cracked rib that knocked him out of that game.

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President Donald Trump waves as he arrives on Air Force One, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump invited to give State of the Union address on Feb. 24

January 7, 2026

Speaker Mike Johnson has invited President Donald Trump to give his first State of the Union of his second term on Feb. 24. The invitation sent Wednesday notes that the nation is marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The invitation touted the work of Trump and a Republican-led Congress in 2025 and pointed to the year ahead. The address will give Trump the chance to shape the GOP’s message to voters going into a mi-term election that will determine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress. Democrats hope this year to win one or both chambers and gain the ability to better confront Trump’s legislative agenda.

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President Donald Trump speaks to House Republican lawmakers during their annual policy retreat, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump proposes massive increase in 2027 defense spending to $1.5T, citing ‘dangerous times’

January 7, 2026

President Donald Trump is proposing setting military spending at $1.5 trillion in 2027, citing “troubled and dangerous times.” Trump called for the massive surge in spending days after he ordered a U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and spirit him out of the country to face drug trafficking charges in the United States. U.S. forces continue to mass in the Caribbean Sea. The 2026 military budget is set at $901 billion. Trump in recent days has also called for taking over the Danish territory of Greenland for national security reasons and has suggested he’s open to carrying out military operations in Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ominously warned that longtime adversary Cuba “is in trouble.”

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FILE - Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, and San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh chat before an NFL preseason football game, Aug. 7, 2014, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Jim Harbaugh predicts brother John will return to NFL coaching soon but he hopes it’s in the NFC

January 7, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh believes his brother John will soon return to coaching. John Harbaugh was fired as coach of the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons, including a Super Bowl win. The Ravens finished 8-9 this season, missing the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh expressed surprise at his brother’s dismissal, praising him as the best coach he knows. John Harbaugh’s record in Baltimore was 193-124, including the postseason. With seven NFL head coaching jobs open, Jim Harbaugh is confident his brother will find a new opportunity soon, but Jim says he hopes it’s in the NFC. The Chargers play in the AFC.

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FILE - Workers distribute food aid from the World Food Program at a refugee camp in Dolo, Somalia on July 18. 2012. (AP Photo/Jason Straziuso, file)

US suspends assistance to Somalia’s federal government, alleging it seized food aid

January 7, 2026

The State Department says it has suspended all U.S. assistance to Somalia’s federal government over allegations that Somali officials destroyed an American-funded warehouse belonging to the World Food Program and seized 76 metric tons of food aid intended for impoverished civilians. The department said Wednesday that “the Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance.” It’s not immediately clear how much assistance would be affected by the suspension because the Trump administration has slashed foreign aid expenditures and not released new country-by-country data.

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FILE - Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State, speaks during a news conference after voting on the first day of early in-person voting for the general election at Surprise City Hall, Oct. 9, 2024, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Justice Department sues Connecticut and Arizona as part of effort to get voter data from the states

January 7, 2026

Officials in Connecticut and Arizona are defending their decision to refuse a request from the U.S. Justice Department to turn over detailed voter information. The department’s Civil Rights Division announced the lawsuits Tuesday, bringing to 23 the number of states it is suing to obtain the data. It also has filed suit against the District of Columbia. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says releasing the information would violate both state and federal law. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says the state had tried to work with the DOJ to understand the basis for its request, which includes names, dates of birth, residential addresses, driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers.

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President Donald Trump speaks to House Republican lawmakers during their annual policy retreat, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump says he wants to ban large investors from buying houses. It’s part of his affordability plan

January 7, 2026

President Donald Trump says he wants to block large institutional investors from buying houses, saying that a ban would make it easier for younger families to buy their first homes. The president is under pressure to address voters’ concerns about affordability ahead of November midterm elections. The ban would tap into long-standing fears that corporate ownership of homes pushes out traditional buyers, forcing more people to rent. But the overarching challenge for the housing market has been a shortage of home construction — and prices that have climbed faster than incomes. The president said he would discuss the issue further in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in two weeks.

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FILE - People stand in Times Square in New York, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith, File)

Trump immigration policies and aging population slow US growth projection, budget office says

January 7, 2026

The U.S. population is projected to grow more slowly over the next 30 years. That’s according to a report Wednesday by the Congressional Budget Office. The projected slowing in growth is due President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies and an aging population. The country’s total population is projected to stop growing in 2056 and remain roughly the same size as in the previous year. But without immigration, the population would begin to shrink in 2030. Trump has pushed for the largest mass deportation campaign in history. Immigration has fueled U.S. population growth this decade.

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Complete list of 2026 Actors Awards nominees

January 7, 2026

The nominees for the Actors Awards have been announced, with “One Battle After Another” leading the pack. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, scored a record seven nominations on Wednesday. The ceremony, formerly known as the SAG Awards, focuses on performances in film and television. Notable TV series nominated include “The Pitt,” “The Studio,” “White Lotus” and limited series “Adolescence” and “The Beast in Me.” The awards will be presented on March 1 in Los Angeles and streamed live on Netflix. The event highlights outstanding performances across various categories in both film and television.

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The oil tanker named Xanthos Eos steam on Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Edgar Frias)A

Why the US has designs on Venezuela’s oil

January 7, 2026

Venezuela’s oil industry has been in the spotlight since President Donald Trump captured the country’s President Nicolas Maduro. The country sits on a vast supply of oil but only produces a small fraction of it because of damaged infrastructure. Trump has floated a plan for major U.S. oil companies to return and rebuild Venezuela’s beleaguered oil industry. And Trump also says Venezuela has agreed to provide 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. The moves may be part of a long-term strategy to gain a foothold in a nation with vast oil reserves.

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

White House completes plan to curb bedrock environmental law

January 7, 2026

The Trump administration has finalized a plan to roll back regulations implementing a landmark environmental law that the White House says needlessly delays federal approvals for energy and infrastructure projects. The action Wednesday by the White House Council on Environmental Quality rescinds regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act. That law requires federal agencies to consider a project’s possible environmental impacts before it is approved. The council’s leader says the directive will “restore common sense to the environmental review and permitting process.” Congress is considering legislation intended to speed up permitting reviews for new energy and infrastructure projects and limit judicial review under that law.

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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) after a rushing touchdown by running back Kaelon Black during the second half of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon turn CFP Peach Bowl semifinal into celebration of Big Ten’s supremacy

January 7, 2026

The College Football Playoff semifinal at the Peach Bowl is a celebration of the Big Ten’s strength with No. 1-seed Indiana facing No. 5-seed Oregon. The game is a rematch. Indiana won at Oregon 30-20 on October 11 to hand the Ducks their only loss. Indiana is undefeated. Each team is coming off dominant wins. Indiana overwhelmed Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl as Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes. The Ducks shut out Texas Tech 23-0 in the Orange Bowl. Brandon Finney Jr. had two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

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Federal law enforcement officers stand near a roadblock at Portland Avenue and East 32nd Street, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, after reports of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has been conducting a major crackdown. (AP Photo/Tim Sullivan)

Shooting is reported in Minneapolis, where the feds are conducting an immigration crackdown

January 7, 2026

Authorities have reported a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has been conducting a major crackdown. Live video posted online Wednesday showed a large presence of federal officers, local officers, yellow police tape and cars that had been in a crash. In the footage, bystanders can been seen and heard blowing whistles and taunting the federal agents, telling them to go home. The city of Minneapolis urged the public to avoid the scene. The Department of Homeland Security has launched an extraordinary immigration enforcement operation, with 2,000 agents and officers expected in the Minneapolis area.

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FILE - Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump officials loosen strings on federal education money for Iowa. More states could follow

January 7, 2026

The Trump administration is giving Iowa more power to decide how it spends its federal education money. Washington is signing off on a proposal that’s expected to be the first of many as conservative states apply for new spending freedom from the federal government. Iowa was the first state to apply for an exemption from certain spending rules after Education Secretary Linda McMahon invited states to request the flexibility last year. Such waivers have been offered for years but are finding new interest under President Donald Trump. Indiana and Oklahoma have made similar requests.

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FILE - Pedestrians walk past a help wanted sign posted on the door of a restaurant in San Francisco, Tuesday, April 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Job openings slide to 2nd lowest level in 5 years as hiring remains sluggish

January 7, 2026

U.S. employers posted far fewer jobs in November than the previous month, a sign that employers aren’t yet ramping up hiring even as growth has picked up. The figures provide some critical measures of the job market after last fall’s government shutdown delayed the release of data on hiring and inflation. The report suggests that the “low-hire, low-fire” job market remains in effect, with workers enjoying some job security but those out of work struggling to find jobs.

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Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser struggles with Julia Roberts and Venezuela while building monologue

January 7, 2026

Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser is struggling to figure out the right joke to make about Julia Roberts. The comedian is hosting the Globes for the second straight year on Sunday and has her monologue set for stars like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. But Glaser can’t seem to find a Roberts line that won’t anger a crowd that adores her. Glaser has been working her monologue jokes in comedy clubs in the run-up to the show to see what works. She tells The Associated Press she’s also having to consider whether to mention Venezuela during the show.

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FILE -Mao Saigo, of Japan, in yellow, jumps into the water after winning the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament April 27, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Chevon Championship moving LPGA’s first major to home of PGA Tour’s Houston Open

January 7, 2026

The LPGA’s first major of the year is on the move. The Chevron Championship will be played this year at Memorial Park in Houston. It had been played in the suburbs about 40 miles north of Houston at The Club at Carlton Woods since 2023. Memorial Park also is the host of the Houston Open on the PGA Tour. The LPGA’s first major will be held one month after the PGA Tour stop. Chevron officials says the move is to be closer to Chevron’s headquarters in Houston and it should be more accessible to fans in the Houston area.

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The Paramount Pictures water tower is seen in Los Angeles, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, with the Hollywood sign in the distance. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Warner Bros rejects takeover offer from Paramount, tells shareholders to stick with Netflix bid

January 7, 2026

Warner Bros. is again rejecting a takeover bid from Paramount and telling shareholders to stick with a rival offer from Netflix. Warner’s leadership has repeatedly rebuffed Skydance-owned Paramount’s overtures — and urged shareholders just weeks ago to support selling its streaming and studio business to Netflix for $72 billion. Paramount, meanwhile, has made efforts to sweeten its $77.9 billion hostile bid for the entire company. Warner Bros. Discovery said Wednesday that its board determined Paramount’s offer isn’t in the best interests of the company or its shareholders and doesn’t meet the criteria of being a superior proposal. It still recommends shareholders support the Netflix deal.

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FILE—David Pepper, the chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, speaks at the Hamilton County Board of Elections on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)

Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton taps former state Democratic Chair David Pepper as running mate

January 7, 2026

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton has chosen former state Democratic Chair David Pepper as her running mate. Acton confirmed her selection to The Associated Press ahead of their first public appearance together Wednesday. Pepper is a lawyer, writer and former Cincinnati City council member and Hamilton County commissioner. Acton says Pepper has a track record as a pragmatic problem-solver at the local level that will be an asset to her campaign. Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy planned a special campaign announcement in Cleveland later Wednesday. Acton and Ramaswamy are vying to succeed Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

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People walk past screens at the LG Electronics booth during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Entertainment leaders amp up discussions about AI, creators and innovative tech at CES 2026

January 7, 2026

CES 2026 is featuring extensive programming related to Hollywood, influencers and how the industry will continue to work with AI. Entertainment-related products and services are also on display at the technology showcase in Las Vegas. They include televisions with advanced features, AI-powered smart headphones and other innovations to enhance the at-home viewing experience. Artificial intelligence has long been a sticking point in Hollywood, with many reluctant to embrace the rapidly evolving technology. But speakers at CES have expressed optimism about how AI will benefit the industry.

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