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January 15, 2026.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, middle, sits near the team bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in San Francisco, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Warriors coach Steve Kerr chatted with Jonathan Kuminga about his uncertain situation

January 15, 2026

Coach Steve Kerr spoke with Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga during the morning shootaround Thursday about the player’s situation being out of the rotation for more than a month now with expectations he will be traded before the deadline next month. Kerr discounted any issues between them as being reason Kuminga has reportedly requested a trade from the team after not being used in the last 13 games since Dec. 18 and 16 of 17— though he has been listed as injured for nine games this season.

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Anam Petit, a former Justice Department employee, poses for a portrait in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Moriah Ratner)

Inside a year of firings that have shaken the Trump Justice Department: ‘A great deal of fear’

January 15, 2026

As Attorney General Pam Bondi approaches her first anniversary on the job, the firings of career attorneys have defined her turbulent tenure. The terminations and a larger voluntary exodus of lawyers have erased centuries of combined experience. They have also left the department with fewer career employees to act as a bulwark defending the rule of law when President Donald Trump is testing the limits of executive power by demanding prosecutions of his political enemies. Interviews by The Associated Press of more than a half-dozen fired employees offer a snapshot of the toll throughout the department. The Justice Department has disputed the accounts of some of those who have been fired or quit.

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FILE - A poster showing the Trump Gold Card is seen as President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Sept. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)

Trump isn’t waiting for future generations to name things after him. It’s happening now

January 15, 2026

President Donald Trump isn’t waiting for future generations to decide to name important things in his honor — he’s doing it himself. As the first year of his second term wraps up, his administration and allies have put the president’s name on the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue and a new class of battleships. It’s unprecedented for a sitting president to embrace such tributes, especially from members of his administration. And while past sitting presidents have been honored by local officials naming schools and roads after them, it’s rare for airports, government buildings or other federal assets to be named for someone still in power.

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FILE - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at the Federal Reserve, Dec. 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Criminal investigation raises key question: Whether Chair Powell leaves Fed in May

January 15, 2026

The Justice Department’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has brought heightened attention to a key drama that will play out at the central bank in the coming months: Will Powell leave the Fed when his term as chair ends, or will he take the unusual step of remaining a governor? Powell’s term as Fed chair finishes on May 15, but because of the Fed’s complex structure, he has a separate term as one of seven members of the central bank’s governing board that lasts until 2028. Many Fed-watchers believe that the criminal investigation was intended to intimidate Powell into stepping off the board after his chairmanship ends. If he stays on, he’d be the first chair to do so in nearly 50 years.

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FILE - A voter leaves Albion Town hall after casting their ballot on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, in Albion, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf, File)

Judge dismisses Trump administration lawsuit seeking detailed voter information from California

January 15, 2026

A federal judge has dismissed a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against California that sought detailed voting records and personal data on the state’s 23 million registered voters. The Trump administration’s lawsuit was filed last year. It argued that California and other states were illegally blocking the federal government’s wide-ranging effort to scrutinize detailed voter data. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter in Santa Ana said in Thursday’s decision that the administration’s attempt to centralize the personal information would have a chilling effect on voter registration and threaten “the right to vote which is the cornerstone of American democracy.”

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South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson celebrates in the closing seconds of the second half as her team beats Texas in an NCAA college basketball game in Columbia, S.C., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

No. 2 South Carolina women beat No. 4 Texas 68-65 to avenge only loss

January 15, 2026

Joyce Edwards had 14 points and eight rebounds, Tessa Johnson added 13 points and No. 2 South Carolina avenged its only loss this season by beating No. 4 Texas 68-65 for its 11th straight win. Ta’Niya Latson scored 12 points and Raven Johnson came up with some big shots down the stretch, scoring six of her 10 points in the pivotal fourth quarter for the Gamecocks. Madison Booker had 24 points and Rori Harmon added 16 to lead Texas, which finished 1 for 9 from 3-point range. Texas handed South Carolina its only loss on Nov. 27 in the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas when Harmon made a 10-foot floater with a second left.

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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama reveals a freshly shaved head as he warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in San Antonio, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Wembanyama limps off court with leg injury in opening minutes against Bucks

January 15, 2026

Victor Wembanyama limped off the court in the opening minutes of the San Antonio Spurs’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks after injuring his right leg. Wembanyama dropped to the court after appearing to make knee-to-knee contact with Milwaukee center Giannis Antetokounmpo under the Bucks basket with 9:18 remaining in the first quarter. Wembanyama rose and hobbled off unassisted in a half sprint toward the locker room. The Spurs have provided no updates on Wembanyama’s status.

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FILE - Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., flanked by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., left, and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, speaks to reporters following Senate passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued for allegedly breaking up bodyguard’s marriage

January 15, 2026

Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema allegedly had a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, leading to the breakup of his marriage. His ex-wife claims in a lawsuit that Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel despite knowing he was married. The lawsuit, filed in North Carolina, seeks at least $75,000 from Sinema. It alleges Ammel’s wife discovered messages between him and Sinema in early 2024. Sinema allegedly gave Ammel a job in her Senate office and paid for psychedelic treatment for him. Sinema and her attorney have not commented on the allegations.

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FILE - Employees sort vote-by-mail ballots from municipal elections on Election Day at the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Office, Nov. 4, 2025, in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Senators worry that US Postal Service changes could disenfranchise voters who cast ballots by mail

January 15, 2026

A group of Democratic U.S. senators is voicing concern over U.S. Postal Service processing changes and what those could mean for voting with mail ballots. Updated agency policy says the postmark date on mail might not indicate the first day the Postal Service received it, but rather the day it was handled in a regional processing center. Sixteen senators sent a letter Thursday to Postmaster General David Steiner urging him to reverse the change. They worry it could disenfranchise voters in states that use postmark dates to determine whether a mailed ballot can be counted. The Postal Service says it will respond to the senators directly.

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Nick Taylor, of Canada, reacts on the 18tyh hole during the first round of the Sony Open golf event at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Defending champion Nick Taylor tied for Sony Open lead

January 15, 2026

Defending champion Nick Taylor has a share of the early lead at the Sony Open. Taylor won last year in a playoff at Waialae. The Canadian took advantage of only breezy conditions early. And he was helped by his play on the par 3s. Roy had a fast start with seven of his birdies on the first 11 holes. Ben Griffin and Chris Gotterup were among those one shot behind. This is first event of the PGA Tour season and the latest start because The Sentry on Maui was canceled because of water issues at the Kapalua course.

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold smiles after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold injures oblique in practice but is confident he’ll play vs. 49ers

January 15, 2026

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has a left oblique injury. Darnold got hurt during Thursday’s practice and was listed as questionable for Saturday’s NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, but he said he’s confident he’ll play. Darnold said he felt something in his oblique while throwing passes to receivers with no defenders. The eighth-year quarterback said this is the first time he has dealt with an oblique issue and that he’ll be getting treatment leading up to the game. When asked about his chances of sitting out, Darnold said, “Very low percentage. Probably closer to zero.”

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FILE - President Donald Trump is presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file)

US names major sporting events other than World Cup, Olympics exempt from Trump visa ban

January 15, 2026

The Trump administration has identified a host of athletic competitions it classifies as “major sporting events” — aside from soccer’s 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games — that athletes and coaches will be allowed to travel to the U.S. to take part in despite a broad visa ban. In a cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates Wednesday, the department said athletes, coaches and support staff for the World Cup, the Olympics and events endorsed or run by collegiate and professional sporting leagues would not be subject to the full and partial travel bans that apply to 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority.

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Jason Kidd leans into youth baseball the same way the Mavs coach did with girls basketball

January 15, 2026

Jason Kidd had to choose basketball over baseball 30-plus years ago when it became clear the whiz kid of a point guard would be one of the top picks in the NBA draft. The Hall of Fame player turned coach is now in a position to indulge one of his childhood passions, and Kidd is choosing a path similar to one he took with girls youth basketball. The Dallas Mavericks has announced the launch of JK Select Baseball. It’s an ambitious vision with a long-term goal of more than 1,000 teams nationwide but a more immediate plan to build around a regional approach in the Dallas area.

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New Chicago Cubs infielder Alex Bregman, left, shakes hands with Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer at a news conference in Chicago, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Alex Bregman looking to win a World Series with the Chicago Cubs

January 15, 2026

Alex Bregman was clear and concise. His biggest priorities are his family and winning baseball games. Bregman’s family watched from the front row as he detailed his reasons for signing with the Chicago Cubs in free agency. He displayed his other priority on the back of his new pinstriped jersey. He says he decided to wear No. 3 because he wants a third championship. He won two World Series titles with the Astros early in his career. That obsession with winning — and all the ways it affects the players around him — was a major reason why the Cubs went out of their comfort zone to reel in the All-Star third baseman with a $175 million, five-year contract.

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The U.S. Capitol is seen at sunset, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Senate passes more spending bills, but Homeland Security dispute looms

January 15, 2026

Congress is halfway home in approving government funding for the current budget year that began Oct. 1 after the Senate overwhelmingly passed a three-bill package on Thursday. Now comes the hard part. Lawmakers still must negotiate a spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security amid soaring tensions on Capitol Hill after the shooting of a Minnesota woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Democrats are seeking what Rep. Rosa DeLauro called “guardrails” that would come with funding for ICE. But Republicans say any changes to the Homeland Security funding bill would need sign-on from the White House.

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FILE - San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) runs to the locker room after pregame warm-ups before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct 12, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)

49ers star Fred Warner ruled out for playoff game against Seattle, could return if team advances

January 15, 2026

San Francisco’s star linebacker Fred Warner is out for the 49ers’ playoff game against Seattle. Warner returned to practice this week after a serious ankle injury in October. Coach Kyle Shanahan initially called it a season-ending injury, but hopes Warner could return if the team advances. The 49ers are also hoping to get receiver Ricky Pearsall back this week. Pearsall practiced on a limited basis and is listed as questionable. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown is out against Seattle, while linebackers Dee Winters and Luke Gifford are questionable.

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President Donald Trump answers questions after signing a bill that returns whole milk to school cafeterias across the country, in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump’s Insurrection Act threat stands out against the law’s long history

January 15, 2026

Donald Trump would not be the first president to invoke the Insurrection Act, as he has now threatened to do as a way to send U.S. military forces to Minnesota. But he’d be the first to use the 19th century law to send troops to quell protests that started because of federal officers the president already has sent to the area — one of whom shot and killed a U.S. citizen. The law allows presidents to use the military domestically but only on rare occasions. It has been invoked on more than two dozen occasions but not much since 20th Century’s Civil Rights Movement. And some legal experts say nothing in Minneapolis justify using the act again now.

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FILE - Betsy McCaughey speaks Jan. 23, 2016, at the New Hampshire Republican Party summit in Nashua, N.H. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Former New York Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey now running for Connecticut governor

January 15, 2026

Betsy McCaughey, a conservative commentator and former New York lieutenant governor, is running for governor of Connecticut. She filed official paperwork with the state on Thursday seeking the GOP nomination. The 77-year-old Newsmax host is seeking to unseat Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, who is running for a third term. But first, she will face a Republican primary that includes former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart and state Sen. Ryan Fazio. She was lieutenant governor of New York from 1995 to 1998 under fellow Republican George Pataki. Pataki dumped her from his 1998 reelection ticket, and she launched an unsuccessful effort for the Democratic nomination for governor.

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FILE - NCAA logo displayed on the fence before an NCAA softball game between Jacksonville and FGCU, March 24, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)

A scheme to rig college basketball games has been uncovered. Here’s what we know

January 15, 2026

A federal investigation into a sprawling betting scheme to fix basketball games stretched from the Chinese Basketball Association to the NCAA and ensnared 26 people, including college basketball players. The charges, in documents unsealed Thursday in federal court in Philadelphia, include bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy. A group of fixers, including gamblers, allegedly recruited players with the promise of a big payment in exchange for purposefully underperforming during a game. Prosecutors say those fixers would then bet against the players’ teams in those games, defrauding sportsbooks and other bettors.

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FILE - Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan speaks during a news conference with Florida ICE and law enforcement officials at the South Florida U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices, Nov. 13, 2025, in Miramar, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

Top ICE official resigns to seek battleground congressional seat in Ohio

January 15, 2026

A top ICE official has resigned her job in a bid to oust the longest-serving woman in Congress this fall. In a campaign launch video Thursday, former ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan accused Democrat Marcy Kaptur of “excuses and failure” in Washington. The 28-year-old native of Curtice, Ohio, near the shores of Lake Erie, posted her resignation letter on X, expressing pride in the agency’s accomplishments. Incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur’s campaign said voters are tired of the “culture of lawlessness.” Republicans are once against targeting Ohio’s 9th Congressional District this year after Kaptur posted narrow wins the past two cycles.

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

49ers’ Brock Purdy gets another chance at Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks D that shut him down in Week 18

January 15, 2026

Two of Brock Purdy’s worst performances in an otherwise stellar career came when he matched up against a Mike Macdonald-coached defense. Now thanks to one of his more memorable moments when he led the short-handed San Francisco 49ers to a fourth-quarter comeback in a wild-card win at Philadelphia, Purdy gets another chance against Macdonald’s defense. The 49ers will take on Seattle on Saturday night in a divisional round matchup two weeks after the Seahawks clinched the division title by shutting down Purdy and the San Francisco offense in a 13-3 win.

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FILE - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building is seen, April 5, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Confusion erupts in mental health and substance abuse programs as HHS cuts, then reinstates grants

January 15, 2026

Providers, state health agencies and others are feeling whiplash and confusion after the Trump administration eliminated and then abruptly reinstated grants that support substance abuse and mental health programs nationwide. The administration first notified grant recipients that their funding was being pulled Tuesday evening. By Wednesday evening, news reports were suggesting the cuts might be reversed — but grant recipients hadn’t been notified. It wasn’t until Thursday morning that grant recipients got confirmation the grant terminations were rescinded. One provider’s CEO said the episode builds on a pattern of uncertainty that makes it difficult to make long-term plans. An HHS spokesperson didn’t answer an inquiry about the reasoning and declined to comment about the confusion.

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FILE - Atlanta Braves pitcher Pierce Johnson throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, July 6, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)

Cincinnati Reds and pitcher Pierce Johnson complete $6.5 million, 1-year contract

January 15, 2026

Right-hander Pierce Johnson and the Cincinnati Reds have completed their $6.5 million, one-year contract. A 34-year-old entering his ninth big league season, Johnson gets a $5.5 million salary this year as part of a deal that includes an $8 million mutual option for 2027 with a $1 million buyout. He can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for games pitched and $375,000 for games finished. Johnson was 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 65 games last year for Atlanta, a season that included a streak of 26 batters retired over nine games from April 19 to May 10.

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FILE - Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) clutches his left knee after being injured during thine second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: ‘I want to be ready for Week 1’ after ACL surgery

January 15, 2026

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes plans to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Mahomes had surgery in December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. He said Thursday his rehab is “hitting all the checkpoints” to get him back for summer workouts and possibly training camp. Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL on Dec. 14, ending his season. The recovery time is about nine months. Mahomes is doing most of his rehab in Kansas City with the Chiefs’ top physical therapist. He also travels to Dallas for checks with his surgeon.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Middle East allies in blitz of diplomacy urged Trump to hold off on Iran strikes, diplomat says

January 15, 2026

Several Middle Eastern allies of the United States have urged the Trump administration to hold off on strikes against Iran for the government’s deadly crackdown on protesters. That’s according to an Arab diplomat familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the sensitive conversations. The diplomat said that top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar raised concerns in the last 48 hours that a U.S. military intervention would shake the global economy and destabilize an already volatile region. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters “all options remain on the table” and said Trump continues to monitor the situation closely.

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Lonnie Ali, widow of Muhammad Ali, speaks at an unveiling of a U.S. Postal Service commemorative stamp of the boxing legend in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Dylan Lovan)

Postal Service unveils new Muhammad Ali stamp in champ’s hometown

January 15, 2026

Postal officials have unveiled a commemorative stamp of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in Louisville, Kentucky. The stamp features a 1974 Associated Press photograph of Ali in his prime as a fighter. The Postal Service has printed 22 million of these stamps, which went on sale Thursday. Bob Costas hosted the unveiling event, honoring Ali in his hometown. His widow, Lonnie Ali, spoke about the stamp’s significance. Ali, known for his brash poetry and philanthropy, died in 2016. The stamp sheet also features a photo of Ali in a pinstripe suit, recognizing his work as an activist and humanitarian.

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FILE - New York City Mayor Eric Adams talks to the press in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Oct. 4, 2023, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)

Inside the botched launch of ex-NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ new crypto token

January 15, 2026

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing questions about the launch of a new cryptocurrency token, which he claims will help support efforts to end antisemitism and anti- Americanism. On Monday, the coin launched to a nearly $600 million valuation, before plummeting by 75% after an account withdrew $2.5 million. While some of the funds were returned, crypto investors accused the former mayor of a “rug pull,” referring to a scheme where insiders hype and then dump an asset. Adams has denied wrongdoing, but declined to share details about who else was involved in the launch.

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Arizona State guard Noah Meeusen (15) drives on Arizona forward Koa Peat during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Bully ball: Top-ranked Arizona manhandling opponents during undefeated start

January 15, 2026

Arizona has become the bully on the block. A program known for its free-flowing offense and efficiency, the top-ranked Wildcats have added a dose of bulk to beat teams down during their undefeated start to the season. Arizona has heft to go with its length and has used it to shut down one opponent after another. The Wildcats have been No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for five straight weeks and are off to their best start since opening 21-0 in 2013-14. Arizona is still efficient on offense, but has become more physical on defense to remain one of three remaining undefeated teams in Division.

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Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd testifies during a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

General tapped to lead US operations in Latin America grilled over presence in region

January 15, 2026

The Marine Corps general tapped to lead U.S. military operations in Latin America says he’s ready to oversee an expanded presence but isn’t sure what the Trump administration has planned. At a confirmation hearing Thursday, Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan told lawmakers he isn’t involved in current military planning for the region but expects U.S. Southern Command’s duties will evolve because of its expanded mission. Lawmakers also questioned the nominee to lead the National Security Agency about whether the NSA would ever spy on innocent Americans. The nominee, Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, said he would follow federal laws that restrict such activities.

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FILE - This image provided by the New York State Attorney General office shows body camera footage of correction officers beating a handcuffed man, Robert Brooks, at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, N.Y., Dec. 9, 2024. (New York State Attorney General office via AP, File)

Prosecutor argues New York prison guard’s inaction contributed to inmate’s death

January 15, 2026

A prosecutor has told a jury that a prison guard should be convicted of manslaughter for failing to intervene in the brutal beating of an inmate by other guards. Former corrections officer Michael Fisher is on trial for second-degree manslaughter in the death of Robert Brooks, who was beaten by guards at Marcy Correctional Facility in December 2024. Fisher was among 10 guards indicted, with six pleading guilty to manslaughter or lesser charges. The case has led to reforms in New York’s prison system, but advocates say issues like understaffing persist.

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Striking nurses demonstrate outside Mt. Sinai Morningside Hospital, in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

NYC nurses on strike set to resume negotiations with hospitals on 4th day of walkout

January 15, 2026

New York City nurses on strike are set to resume negotiations with hospital administrators to try to bring an end to a walkout that’s in its fourth day. The two sides haven’t met since Sunday, as roughly 15,000 unionized nurses went on strike at three major hospital systems Monday. But the New York State Nurses Association says its bargaining members will meet with their counterparts at NewYork-Presbyterian on Thursday evening. They’ll meet with officials at two affected hospital systems, Mount Sinai and Montefiore, on Friday. Each medical center is negotiating with the union independently.

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Miami quarterback Carson Beck (11) holds the offensive player of the game trophy after winning the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game against Mississippi, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Carson Beck’s college career set to end when Miami faces Indiana in College Football Playoff finale

January 15, 2026

Carson Beck’s college football journey ends Monday night in the national championship game. Beck, who enrolled at Georgia at 17, has faced criticism and injury but now leads Miami against Indiana. Despite doubts, Miami has won seven straight games. Beck’s leadership shone in the CFP semifinal, leading a game-winning drive against Mississippi. Inspired by Tom Brady highlights, Beck stayed calm under pressure. His college record stands at 37-5, with impressive stats. Beck reflects on his career, grateful for the challenges and opportunities. His final college game offers a chance to end on the highest of high notes.

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FILE - James Franklin, second from right, Virginia Tech's new head football coach, holds up a No. 25 jersey with, from left, Virginia Tech Board of Visitors memver John Rocovich, Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands and Athletic Director Whit Babcock, after Franklin was introduced during an NCAA college football news conference, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons, File)

VaTech drops meeting with JMU, top nonconference foe in Franklin’s 1st season, to fit in 9 ACC games

January 15, 2026

Virginia Tech has canceled its football game against James Madison scheduled for September because of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s move from eight to nine conference games beginning in 2026. The teams had been set to play September 26 in Blacksburg. The schools say they will work to schedule a future game. James Madison, which qualified for the College Football Playoff, would have been the Hokies’ premier nonconference opponent in coach James Franklin’s first season. JMU filled its opening with a road game against San Diego State. JMU confirmed Thursday it would receive $800,000 from Virginia Tech as a cancellation penalty.

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FILE - Kaiser Permanente frontline healthcare workers picket outside the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Kaiser affiliates will pay $556M to settle a lawsuit alleging Medicare fraud

January 15, 2026

Kaiser Permanente affiliates will pay $556 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged the health care giant committed Medicare fraud and pressured doctors to list incorrect diagnoses on medical records to receive higher reimbursements. The deal announced Wednesday came more than four years after the U.S. Department of Justice filed the legal claim in San Francisco that consolidated allegations made in six whistleblower complaints. The lawsuit said Kaiser entities gamed the Medicare Advantage Plan system, also known as the Medicare Part C program. It gives beneficiaries the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans.

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Harry Styles announces first album in 4 years, ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’

January 15, 2026

Harry Styles has announced that his long-awaited, fourth studio album will arrive this spring. “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” will arrive March 6. The album is Styles’ first full-length project in four years. It follows the critically acclaimed synth pop “Harry’s House,” which earned the former One Direction star album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. A press release says “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” will contain 12 tracks and is executive produced by Kid Harpoon. The British songwriter and producer has been a close collaborator of Styles’ since the beginning of his solo career. “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” is now available for preorder.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warns of worsening auto industry under Trump’s tariff strategy

January 15, 2026

In a tale of two speeches, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has offered a rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s defense of his tariff policies, made just days before by the president in Detroit. While speaking at the Detroit Auto Show, she critiqued his strong-arm strategy with ally countries, saying it has hurt American auto manufacturing. It’s a message she’s repeated over the past year, and one she said she has delivered to Trump directly numerous times. Her remarks come two days after Trump toured the Detroit area and defended the economy of the automobile sector saying, “all U.S. automakers are doing great.”

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FILE - Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures to supporters during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro the day before his inauguration for a third term, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, file)

Trump is meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader after cozying up to Maduro’s successor

January 15, 2026

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is heading to the White House for a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump. Machado’s political party is widely considered to have won 2024 elections rejected by then-President Nicolás Maduro before the U.S. captured him in a military raid this month. Trump on Thursday will host the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Machado, and Machado will later have a meeting in the Senate. Trump has already dismissed Machado’s credibility to run Venezuela and raised doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in the country. The meeting comes as Trump and his top advisers have signaled their willingness to work with Venezuela’s acting president.

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FILE - Elon Musk listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Oval Office of the White House, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

What you need to know about Grok and the controversies surrounding it

January 15, 2026

Elon Musk’s AI assistant, Grok, is facing scrutiny from governments worldwide. First launched in 2023, Grok aims to compete with AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It’s part of Musk’s AI startup, xAI, which has merged with his social media platform, X. Grok has been controversial for echoing Musk’s views on race, gender, and politics.

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FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates the end of the top of the 12th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of baseball's World Series, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Clayton Kershaw not quite done pitching, will play for US in World Baseball Classic

January 15, 2026

Clayton Kershaw isn’t done pitching just yet. He has agreed to join the U.S. team for this year’s World Baseball Classic. Kershaw, a left-hander, announced last September that he was retiring at the end of the season. He had a stellar career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner wanted to pitch for the Americans in the 2023 tournament but was prevented because of insurance issues. The U.S., which lost the 2023 championship game to Japan, opens March 6 against Brazil at Houston.

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FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2016, file photo, the logo for Goldman Sachs appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley see double-digit profit jumps amid surging stock market

January 15, 2026

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have reported strong profits in the fourth quarter, driven by a surging stock market and increased deal making. Goldman Sachs saw a 12% rise in net earnings, reaching $4.62 billion. Morgan Stanley reported $4.4 billion in earnings, up from $3.71 billion a year earlier. Wall Street has benefited from deregulatory policies and investor interest in AI technologies. Goldman’s investment fee revenues rose 25%, while Morgan Stanley’s increased by 22%. Goldman also sold its Apple Card portfolio to JPMorgan Chase, exiting consumer banking. Other big banks like JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Citigroup also reported profit increases.

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Blades and turbine bases for offshore wind sit at a staging area at New London State Pier, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in New London, Conn. (AP Photo/Matt O'Brien)

Judge hands offshore wind industry another victory against Trump in clearing way for NY project

January 15, 2026

A federal judge has cleared the way for a New York offshore wind project to resume construction. It’s a victory for the developer who said a Trump administration order to pause it would likely kill the project in a matter of days. District Judge Carl J. Nichols is an appointee of President Donald Trump and ruled on Thursday that construction on the Empire Wind project could go forward while he considers the merits of the government’s order to suspend the project. Norwegian company Equinor owns Empire Wind. It’s the second developer to prevail in court against the administration this week. The Trump administration froze five big offshore wind projects on the East Coast days before Christmas, citing national security concerns.

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Gov. Brian Kemp speaks during the State of the State, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Brian Kemp survived Trump’s anger. Now he wants to shape Georgia’s future

January 15, 2026

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is trying to project political influence even as his term nears its end. The Republican’s final State of the State speech Thursday was most likely not a farewell. After defying President Donald Trump and thriving, Kemp is supporting candidates aligned with his small government, low-tax agenda. He’s pushing further income tax cuts and rebates in his final session, while promising bonuses to teachers and state employees. Kemp is backing Derek Dooley in a Republican U.S. Senate primary, seeking to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. Kemp’s own future remains uncertain. Democrats hope to gain ground without him at the helm.

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President Donald Trump speaks at the Detroit Economic Club, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Trump announces outlines of health care plan he wants Congress to consider

January 15, 2026

President Donald Trump has announced the outlines of a health care plan he wants Congress to take up. The planned announced by the White House on Thursday comes as Republicans are under increasing pressure to address rising health costs and a jump in insurance premiums after lawmakers let subsidies expire. The cornerstone of his plan is a proposal to send money directly to Americans for health savings accounts so they can bypass the federal government and handle insurance on their own. Democrats have rejected the idea as a paltry substitute for covering the high costs of health care.

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Mummified cheetahs found in Saudi caves shed light on lost populations

January 15, 2026

Scientists have uncovered mummified remains of cheetahs from caves in northern Saudi Arabia. The seven mummies range from 130 to over 1,800 years old. Mummification prevents decay by preserving dead bodies. Researchers aren’t sure how these new cats got mummified, but the caves’ dry conditions and stable temperature could have played a role. In a first for naturally mummified large cats, scientists also peeked at the cheetahs’ genes. That could help with future efforts to reintroduce the cats to places where they no longer live. The study was published Thursday in the journal Communications Earth and Environment.

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Wisconsin's Democratic Gov. Tony Evers discusses his call on the Republican-controlled Legislature to act on a broad array of his priorities in his final year in office on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)

Democrats hope a blue wave washes over Wisconsin and gives them total control of battleground state

January 15, 2026

Wisconsin Democrats are hoping to flip majority control of the Legislature and retain the governor’s seat this year. That would give them full control of the Statehouse for the first time in 16 years. Democrats think new district boundaries in the Senate and Assembly ordered by the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court will enhance their odds of taking the majority there. The open race for governor and a favorable midterm election cycle this year is also bolstering optimism among Democrats. Liberals also hope to pick up an open state Supreme Court seat in April. But while both Democrats and Republicans say significant Democratic wins are possible, they’re also voicing caution.

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Policemen protect the British Embassy during a protest by hardline supporters of the Iranian government, as people ride on their motorbike in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

US sanctions Iranian officials accused of repressing protests against the government

January 15, 2026

The U.S. is imposing new sanctions on Iranian officials accused of repressing protests against Iran’s theocratic government. The Treasury Department on Thursday targeted the secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security for allegedly calling for violence against protesters. The sanctions also affect 18 people and companies involved in a shadow banking network linked to Iranian financial institutions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday the U.S. supports the Iranian people’s call for freedom and justice. The sanctions block access to U.S. assets and business but are mostly symbolic as many targets lack U.S. funds. Iran’s foreign minister tells Fox News Channel “terrorist elements led from outside” Iran made the protests turn violent.

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FILE - Assistant Attorney General Maria Lazar glances at Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne as he tells the court he plans to conclude testimony by the end of the day today during a hearing on whether to block the state's collective bargaining law from taking effect Friday, April 1, 2011 in Dane County Circuit Court in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Michael P. King, Pool)

Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate raises 10 times more than conservative

January 15, 2026

The Democratic-backed candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court raised 10 times as much last year as her Republican-endorsed opponent, putting in stark relief the challenge conservatives face in winning the race in the battleground state. The reports filed this week offer the first glimpse at one key measurement of how the race to be decided on April 7 is stacking up. Liberals are optimistic they can win their fourth Supreme Court race in a row dating back to 2020 to solidify their hold on the court. Democratic-backed candidate Judge Chris Taylor faces Republican-endorsed Judge Maria Lazar.

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The new BTS album title and what to know about the K-pop band’s comeback

January 15, 2026

After a nearly four-year musical hiatus, the K-pop giants BTS are back. Well, almost. On Thursday morning, the entertainment company BigHit Music shared on social media that the septet will release a new album on March 20 titled “ARIRANG.” It is their fifth album. Fans can preorder 10 different vinyl versions and two different CD versions of the release. The news arrives two days after the septet of RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope announced a 2026-2027 world tour. It will kick off in South Korea in April and run through March 2027 with over 70 dates across Asia, North America, South America, Australia and Europe.

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FILE - Pages from the U.S. Affordable Care Act health insurance website healthcare.gov are seen on a computer screen in New York, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)

Final day to select ACA health plans arrives in most states, with no subsidy deal yet

January 15, 2026

The final day to select Affordable Care Act health insurance for the year has arrived across much of the country. The open enrollment window ends Thursday in most states for plans that start in February. About 10 states that run their own marketplaces have deadlines later this month. The window is crucial for millions of small business owners, gig workers, farmers, ranchers and others who don’t get their health insurance from a job. But this year, the expiration of certain federal subsidies made most enrollees’ monthly premium fees more expensive. A potential compromise to extend the subsidies is in the works in the Senate, but there’s no deal yet.

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U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

US seizes in Caribbean Sea another sanctioned oil tanker it says has ties to Venezuela

January 15, 2026

U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea have seized another sanctioned oil tanker the Trump administration says has ties to Venezuela. This comes as part of a broader U.S. effort to take control of the South American country’s oil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote Thursday on social media, “Motor Tanker Veronica had previously passed through Venezuelan waters, and was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.” The Veronica is the sixth tanker seized by U.S. forces as part of the effort by President Donald Trump to control the production, refining and global distribution of Venezuela’s oil products.

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Mattel and Alex Aster team up for Barbie young adult novel, ‘Barbie: Dreamscape’

January 15, 2026

Mattel Publishing is teaming up with bestselling author Alex Aster for a new Barbie young adult novel. “Barbie: Dreamscape,” set for release on July 28, takes Barbie on a journey across magical lands. This is the first novel for young adults from Mattel Publishing since its launch three years ago. The novel isn’t connected to the 2023 movie, and no screen adaptation is planned. Mattel describes it as a coming-of-age story where Barbie, declared “Fateless,” must find her destiny. Aster, known for her “Lightlark” series, says Barbie dolls were a formative part of her childhood.

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FILE - The U.S. Capitol is seen shortly after sunrise, Dec. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

10% of US House members have announced they’re not running for reelection, an AP analysis shows

January 15, 2026

Forty-seven U.S. House members have announced they’re not running for reelection, putting a record number of seats up for grabs at this point in the midterm election cycle. More than 10% of incumbents plan to leave. An Associated Press analysis of House retirements going back to 2013 shows this is the highest percentage at this point in the calendar since at least President Barack Obama’s administration. Some House members are seeking other offices, while others are retiring after decades of service. A few members are departing instead of running in unfamiliar districts after their state’s leaders redrew the boundaries during redistricting.

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FILE - Hiring sign is displayed at a grocery store in Niles, Ill., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Just 198,000 Americans filed jobless claims last week, fewer than expected as layoffs remain low

January 15, 2026

Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as U.S. layoffs remain low despite growing concern about a weakening job market. U.S. filings for jobless aid for the week ending Jan. 10 fell by 9,000 to 198,000, down from 207,000 the previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The figure was significantly less than the 215,000 that analysts polled by the data firm FactSet were expecting. Applications for unemployment benefits are viewed as a proxy for layoffs. The total number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the previous week ending Jan. 3 declined by 19,000 to 1.89 million, the government said.

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FILE - Rachel Goldberg-Polin poses for a portrait on day 98 since her son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped by Hamas, in Jerusalem, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s memoir recounts her journey after her son’s abduction by Hamas

January 15, 2026

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, known for her advocacy for hostages abducted by Hamas-led militants, has a memoir coming out this spring. Random House announced Thursday that “When We See You Again” will be published April 21. Goldberg-Polin, a Chicago-born educator living in Jerusalem, shares her journey of loss and resilience. Her son, Hersh, was taken during a music festival in southern Israel. She traveled the world calling for his release, meeting with leaders like President Joe Biden and Pope Francis. Despite the discovery of her son’s body, she continues to share her story of grief and love.

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FILE - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., leaves the Senate chamber after voting on a government funding bill at the Capitol in Washington, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Senators launch a cross-party effort to end stock trading by lawmakers

January 15, 2026

Senators from opposing parties are working together in hopes of finally banning members of Congress from trading stocks. Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Republican Sen. Ashley Moody of Florida on Thursday are introducing a bill that would bar lawmakers and their spouses from trading or owning individual stocks. The push has broad public support and has received renewed interest in the House with bipartisan bills. House GOP leadership has instead backed a bill that advanced in committee on Wednesday that would prohibit members of Congress and their spouses from buying individual stocks but would not require lawmakers to divest from stocks they already own.

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FILE - President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Lawmakers propose $2.5B agency to boost production of rare earths and other critical minerals

January 15, 2026

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed creating a new agency with $2.5 billion to boost production of rare earths and the other critical minerals. This comes as the Trump administration takes aggressive steps to reduce reliance on China, which dominates the market for these materials. The Pentagon has spent nearly $5 billion over the past year to secure supply chains. The bill introduced Thursday by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Todd Young aims to stabilize prices and encourage domestic and allied production. The U.S. is under pressure to cut its dependence on China, after a trade truce last year.

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FILE - President Donald Trump waves after arriving on Air Force One from Florida, Jan. 11, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

What Americans think about Trump’s first year back in office, according to AP-NORC polling

January 15, 2026

President Donald Trump’s second term has been eventful, but you wouldn’t know it from his approval numbers. A new AP-NORC poll finds that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance as president. That’s virtually unchanged from the Republican president’s approval ratings shortly after he took office for the second time. There has been even less variation in Americans’ views of Trump’s performance than there was during his first term, which was already remarkably steady. That multiterm stability is a testament to how difficult it is to change Americans’ minds about someone who has defined the political landscape for the past decade.

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FILE - Tupe Smith poses for a photo outside the school in Whittier, Alaska, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Alaska woman appeals voter fraud charges in case that puts spotlight on status of American Samoans

January 15, 2026

A state appeals court is being asked to dismiss felony voter misconduct charges against an Alaska resident born in American Samoa. It’s one of numerous cases that have drawn attention to the complex citizenship status of people born in the U.S. territory. Tupe Smith argues she relied on erroneous information from election officials when she identified herself as a U.S. citizen on voter registration forms. Attorneys for Smith are asking the Alaska Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court’s decision that let stand the indictment brought against her. Arguments are set for Thursday in Anchorage. The state contends Smith falsely and deliberately claimed citizenship.

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