Lindsey Halligans indictments against James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director, and Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, were dismissed last month over Ms. Halligans appointment.

Either merger would be bad for the country.

CINCINNATISaying the mans reputation was unlikely ever to recover from the embarrassment, sources confirmed Tuesday that local accountant Josh Hunter had completely humiliated himself at his companys holiday party by telling his coworkers he appreciated them. Its normal to have a couple of drinks during the festivities, but Josh made a total ass of himself by telling everyone in the room what he really thought of their admirable work ethic and superior communication skills, said Hunters colleague Lisa Gallegos, adding that the shameful anecdotes about him insisting they were the most talented people he had ever had the opportunity to work with would be repeated behind his back for years to come. It was kind of funny at first, but things quickly spiraled out of control when he said he appreciated our moral support as he went through a difficult time earlier in the year. We had to put him in an Uber after he repeatedly made disturbing remarks about how he considered us to be some of his best friends. At press time, the companys HR department was reportedly fielding multiple complaints from employees who claimed Hunter had deliberately affirmed them as coworkers and as people.The post Man Humiliates Himself At Holiday Party By Telling Coworkers He Appreciates Them appeared first on The Onion.

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Boxes of petition signatures are stacked up to be delivered Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, to the secretary of state's office in Jefferson City, Mo., calling for a referendum election on new U.S. House districts approved by the Missouri legislature. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)2025-12-09T16:04:56Z JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Opponents of Missouris new congressional map submitted thousands of petition signatures Tuesday calling for a statewide referendum on a redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump as part of his quest to hold on to a slim Republican majority in next years elections. Organizers of the petition drive said they turned in more than 300,000 signatures to the secretary of states office well more than the roughly 110,000 needed to suspend the new U.S. House districts from taking effect until a public vote can be held next year. The signatures must still be formally verified by local election authorities and Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who has argued the referendum is unconstitutional. But if the signatures hold up, the referendum could create a significant obstacle for Republicans who hope the new districts could help them win a currently Democratic-held seat in the Kansas City area in the November election. State law automatically sets referendum votes for the November election, unless the General Assembly approves an earlier date during its regular session that begins in January. Redistricting typically happens once a decade, after each census. But the national political parties are engaged in an unusual mid-decade redistricting battle after Trump urged Republican-led states to reshape House voting districts to their advantage. The Republican president is trying to avert a historical tendency for the incumbents party to lose seats in midterm elections.Each House seat could be crucial, because Democrats need a net gain of just three seats to win control of the chamber and impede Trumps agenda. Redistricting is spreading through statesTexas was the first to respond to Trumps call by passing a new congressional map that could help Republicans win five additional seats. The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way last week for the new districts to be used in the 2026 elections. Republicans could gain one seat each under new maps passed in Missouri and North Carolina and have an improved chance at taking two additional seats under a new Ohio congressional map. In Indiana, senators are considering a proposal this week that also could help Republicans win two additional seats.Democrats scored a victory in California, where voters in November approved a new Democratic-drawn congressional map that could help the party win five additional seats. Democrats could gain a seat in Utah under new congressional districts imposed by a judge. But Republicans are challenging both states measures in court. And Utah lawmakers are meeting in a special session Tuesday to consider delaying the candidate filing deadline to allow more time for the legal challenge. Virginia Democrats have also taken a first step toward mid-decade redistricting, with additional votes expected in the new year. Missouri referendum sparks intense battleThe group sponsoring Missouris referendum campaign, People Not Politicians, has raised about $5 million, coming mostly from out-of-state organizations opposed to the new map. National Republican-aligned groups have countered with more than $2 million for a committee supporting the new map. Republicans have tried to thwart the referendum in numerous ways. Organizations supporting the Republican redistricting have attempted to pay people up to $30,000 to quit gathering petition signatures, according to a lawsuit filed by Advanced Micro Targeting Inc., a company hired by People Not Politicians. Hoskins, the secretary of state, contends he cannot legally count about 100,000 petition signatures gathered in the one-month span between legislative passage of the redistricting bill and his approval of the referendum petitions format, but can only count those gathered after that.Hoskins also wrote a ballot summary stating the new map repeals Missouris existing gerrymandered congressional plan ... and better reflects statewide voting patterns. Thats the opposite of what referendum backers contends it does, and People Not Politicians is challenging that wording in court. Meanwhile, Republican Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Hoskins and the General Assembly asserting that congressional redistricting legislation cannot be subject to a referendum. Although a federal judge dismissed that suit Monday, the judge noted that Hoskins has the power to declare the petition unconstitutional himself, which would likely trigger a new court case. Missouris restricting effort already has sparked an intense court battle. Lawsuits by opponents challenge the legality of Republican Gov. Mike Kehoes special session proclamation, assert that mid-decade redistricting isnt allowed under Missouris constitution, and claim the new districts run afoul of requirements to be compact, contiguous and equally populated. Its been more than a century since Missouri last held a referendum on a congressional redistricting plan. In 1922, the U.S. House districts approved by the Republican-led legislature were defeated by nearly 62% of the statewide vote. DAVID A. LIEB Lieb covers issues and trends in state governments across the U.S. Hes reported about government and politics for The Associated Press for 30 years. twitter mailto

Trying to decide between a couple of closely ranked players this week? Eric Karabell is here to help.

Need to make some tough roster decisions during the fantasy playoffs? These rankings are designed to help.

Bron Breakker's call out of CM Punk and Gunther's vow to make John Cena give up highlight Monday night's 'Raw.'

Slugger Kyle Schwarber, who led the NL with 56 home runs last season, and the Phillies are finalizing a five-year, $150 million contract, sources told ESPN.

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Born into an aristocratic British family, he turned his knowledge of the worlds largest land mammals to the cause of saving them from poachers.

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A World Without Exploitation projection is seen on the wall of the National Gallery of Art calling on Congress to vote yes on the Epstein Files Transparency Act in Washington, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)2025-12-09T17:46:33Z NEW YORK (AP) The clock is ticking for the U.S. government to open up its files on Jeffrey Epstein.After months of rancor and recriminations, Congress has passed and President Donald Trump has signed legislation compelling the Justice Department to give the public everything it has on Epstein and it has to be done before Christmas.On Tuesday, a federal judge said the department could release grand jury transcripts and other documents from the sex trafficking case brought against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer had previously rejected the Justice Departments unsealing requests before the transparency law was passed. In Tuesdays ruling, he cautioned that people shouldnt expect to learn much new information from the records, saying they do not reveal any heretofore unknown means or methods of Epsteins or Maxwells crimes. Last week, a different federal judge gave the department permission to release transcripts of a grand jury investigation into Epsteins abuse of underage girls in Florida. While theres sure to be never-before-seen material in the thousands of pages likely to be released in the Florida transcripts and other Epstein-related records, a lot has already been made public, including by Congress and through litigation. And dont expect a client list of famous men who cavorted with Epstein. Though such a list has long been rumored, the Justice Department said in July that it doesnt exist.Heres a look at whats expected to be made public, what isnt, and a refresher on how we got to this point: Who is Jeffrey Epstein?Epstein was a millionaire money manager known for socializing with celebrities, politicians, billionaires and the academic elite who was accused of sexually abusing underage girls.His relationships with powerful men, including Trump, former President Bill Clinton and the former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, have been the subject of endless fascination and speculation. Neither Trump nor Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing. Andrew has denied abusing anyone.Police in Palm Beach, Florida, began investigating Epstein in 2005 after he was accused of paying a 14-year-old girl for sex. The FBI then joined the investigation, but Epstein made a secret deal with the U.S. attorney in Florida to avoid federal charges, enabling him to plead guilty in 2008 to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge. He served 13 months in a jail work-release program.In 2019, during Trumps first term, Manhattan federal prosecutors revived the case and charged Epstein with sex trafficking, alleging he sexually abused dozens of girls. He killed himself in jail a month after his arrest.In 2021, a federal jury in Manhattan convicted Epsteins longtime confidante and former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell of sex trafficking for helping recruit some of his underage victims. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Whats in the Justice Departments Epstein files?Records related to the aborted Florida investigation, the Manhattan investigations, and anything else the Justice Department did to examine Epsteins dealings in the time in between.They could include notes and reports written by FBI agents; transcripts of witness interviews, photographs, videos and other evidence; Epsteins autopsy report; and some material that may already be public, such as flight logs and travel records.The law, dubbed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, mandates the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents and investigative materials, including files relating to immunity deals and internal communications about whom to charge or investigate.The transcripts that will be released after Fridays ruling by a Florida federal judge could shed more light on federal prosecutors decision not to go forward with their case from two decades ago. Its not known when the transcripts will be made public. What isnt authorized for release under the law?Anything containing a victims personally identifiable information.The law allows the Justice Department to withhold or redact records that, if made public, would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. It also bars the release of any materials depicting the sexual abuse of children, or images of death, physical abuse, or injury.That means that if videos or photos exist of Epstein or anyone else sexually abusing underage girls, they cant be made public.However, the law also makes clear that no records shall be withheld or redacted meaning certain parts are blacked out solely because their release would cause embarrassment or reputational harm to any public figure, government official or foreign dignitary.When will the files be available to the public?The legislation requires the Justice Department to make the documents public in a searchable and downloadable format within 30 days of Trump signing it into law. That means no later than Dec. 19.However, the law also allows the Justice Department to withhold files that it says could jeopardize an active federal investigation. Thats also longstanding Justice Department policy. Files can also be withheld if theyre found to be classified or if they pertain to national defense or foreign policy. While investigations into Epstein and Maxwell are long over, Attorney General Pam Bondi last week ordered a top federal prosecutor to lead an investigation into people who knew Epstein and some of Trumps political foes, including Clinton.That investigation, taken up at Trumps urging despite the Justice Department previously finding no evidence to support such a probe, could give the government grounds to temporarily withhold at least some of the material.What about the so-called client list? Epsteins so-called client list a purported collection of his famous associates has been the white whale of Epstein sleuths, skeptics and conspiracy theorists alike.Even Bondi got in on the act, telling Fox News in February that the client list was sitting on my desk right now to review.The only problem: the Justice Department concluded it doesnt exist, issuing a letter in July saying that its review of Epstein-related records had revealed no incriminating client list. Nor was there credible evidence that Epstein had blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions, the unsigned memo said.Why are these records being released now?Congress is forcing the government to act after Trump reneged on a campaign promise last year to throw open the files. The Justice Department did release some records earlier this year almost all of them already public but suddenly hit the brakes in July after promising a truckload more.That prompted a small, bipartisan group of House lawmakers to launch what was initially seen as a longshot effort to compel their release through legislation. In the meantime, lawmakers started disclosing documents theyd received from Epsteins estate, culminating in a 23,000-page release last week.As public and political pressure mounted, including from some Trump allies, Congress swiftly passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act on Nov. 18 and Trump signed it into law the following day.Havent some Epstein files already been made public?Yes. Before Congress got involved, tens of thousands of pages of records were released over the years through civil lawsuits, Epstein and Maxwells public criminal case dockets, public disclosures and Freedom of Information Act requests.Many documents including police reports written in Florida, state grand jury records, depositions of Epsteins employees, his flight records, his address book are available already. In July, the Justice Department released surveillance video from the jail on the night Epstein died.Even the FBI has previously released some Epstein-related files, posting more than 1,400 pages to its website, though much of the material was redacted and some hidden because it was under seal. MICHAEL R. SISAK Sisak is an Associated Press reporter covering law enforcement, courts and prisons. He is based in New York. twitter mailto

New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts at the end of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)2025-12-09T17:28:05Z ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Closer Edwin Daz has agreed to a $69 million, three-year contract with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical. Dazs agreement includes deferred payments by the Dodgers, who already owed $1.051 billion in deferred pay to eight players from 2028-46.A three-time All-Star who turns 32 on March 22, Daz joins a Dodgers bullpen that struggled last season, causing the team to shift rookie starter Roki Sasaki to closer in the postseason. Los Angeles relievers had a 4.27 ERA, 21st among the 30 teams, Relying on a 97-98 mph fastball and slider, Daz became a fan favorite at Citi Field, where horns blared and fans danced when he entered games to Narco by Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet. New York prepared for his possible departure by agreeing to a $51 million, three-year contract with Devin Williams, who left the crosstown Yankees after one season.Daz joins a Dodgers bullpen that includes left-hander Tanner Scott, who was bothered by elbow inflammation in his first season after signing a $72 million, four-year contract. Jack Dreyer, Anthony Banda and Alex Vesia also are in the bullpen. Daz had 28 saves in 31 chances last season with a 6-3 record and 1.63 ERA for a disappointing Mets team that failed to reach the playoffs despite spending the second-most behind the Dodgers. He struck out 98 in 66 1/3 innings. He has 253 saves in 294 chances over nine seasons with the Seattle (2016-18) and the Mets, who acquired him along with second baseman Robinson Can for five players that included Jarred Kelenic and Anthony Swarzak. Daz missed the 2023 season after tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee during a postgame celebration with Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic. Daz agreed to a $102 million, five-year contract with the Mets after the 2022 season, a deal that included deferred money payable through 2042. He had the right to opt out after three years and $64 million to become a free agent again. Of that $64 million, $15.5 million is deferred and payable through July 1, 2039.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Police have arrested a 20-year-old male suspect in the shooting of New York Jets player Kris Boyd, law enforcement agencies said Tuesday.

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been voted the 2025 MLS MVP, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in two consecutive seasons.

Philip Rivers, who has not played in the NFL since 2020, is signing to the Colts' practice squad, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

The former Seminoles quarterback was excited about the Florida State's women's soccer team's fifth title ... and less than impressed by his old squad.

What Happened: A congressional investigation out today has found that, contrary to the Trump administrations claims, immigration agents have frequently detained and mistreated U.S. citizens.The report by Senate Democrats, which was prompted by ProPublicas reporting, included interviews with nearly two dozen Americans.Citizens told congressional investigators that immigration officers had dragged them from cars, detained them for days, fabricated claims of assault, routinely used excessive force and denied medical care.The investigation also found that agents treated children with reckless disregard for their safety and wellbeing.One citizen recalled that federal agents pointed guns at her youngest children, ages 6 and 8, and dragged her 14-year-old daughter out of a pickup and zip-tied her.The citizen, Anabel Romero, told investigators that an agent threatened to fucking blow your head off during the chaotic raid at a rural Idaho racetrack. Romero also said agents wouldnt let people get diapers or food for their kids.Romero and her children were born in Idaho.Five other citizens are giving their accounts publicly Tuesday on Capitol Hill.What They Said: The citizens accounts paint a dire picture, the senator behind the report told ProPublica in an interview.What most struck me is the brutality and physical violence involved in every story, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. This is stuff that should be unrecognizable as America. It should make everyday Americans outraged that their fellow citizens could be treated this way.Background: ProPublica reported in October that agents have detained more than 170 Americans this year. More than 20 citizens said they were held for at least a day without being able to contact a lawyer or their loved ones. We also found that nearly 20 American children were detained. Four were held for weeks with their undocumented mother and without access to a lawyer.Why it Matters: The government does not track the number of Americans wrongly detained by immigration agents. The Trump administration in turn has denied that it happens. No American citizens have been arrested or detained, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said last month.The citizens firsthand accounts in the congressional report show that is not true.The issue is all the more critical since the Supreme Court issued a temporary order this fall allowing immigration agents in the Los Angeles area to stop civilians without clear cause.Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued that citizens had no reason to worry. If the officers learn that the individual they stopped is a U.S. citizen, Kavanaugh wrote, they promptly let the individual go.The congressional investigation found that one citizen was actually held for four days.Response: In response to ProPublicas request for comment about the report, DHS again denied targeting Americans. We dont arrest US citizens for immigration enforcement, wrote an agency spokesperson.Read the InvestigationWe Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. Theyve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.The post Immigration Agents Have Often Grabbed and Mistreated Citizens, Congressional Investigators Find appeared first on ProPublica.

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This photo provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation shows debris on Interstate 90 from a rainstorm Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Washington State Department of Transportation via AP)2025-12-09T14:47:08Z The first of a series of powerful storms hit the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday, dumping heavy rain, swelling rivers and prompting high water rescues, authorities said.The National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center forecast several days of heavy rainfall in western Washington and northwestern Oregon with the trans-Pacific jet stream bringing heavy rain along the coast and more than a foot of new snow in the northern Rockies in northwestern Wyoming. Flood watches are in effect with scattered flash flooding possible along the coast and into the Cascades through midweek.Fire crews rescued two people who were trapped by floodwaters at a campsite in the Gold Bar area of Snohomish County north of Seattle on Monday night, KOMO-TV reported. Crews used drones and water rescue crafts to reach them and get them to safety, officials said. The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management warned Tuesday morning that rivers in the county remained under flood warning with the Skykomish River hitting major flood status at Gold Bar overnight. Gold Bar police said in a social media post Monday evening that deputies were going door-to-door in the Moonlight Drive neighborhood to warn residents of imminent flooding. The Washington State Department of Transportation closed eastbound Interstate 90 at North Bend, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Seattle, due to debris covering the road after heavy rain and wind, Summer Derrey, an assistant communications manager, said Tuesday. The roadway reopened Tuesday morning. Stay up to date with the news and the best of AP by following our WhatsApp channel. Follow on The weather services Seattle office said in a social media post on Tuesday morning that the atmospheric river an unusually strong storm system has shifted southward, but precipitation was expected to shift back toward the north later in the day, bringing another round of heavy rainfall and causing significant river flooding. Portland transportation officials warned residents that the heaviest rain was expected to hit during the Tuesday morning commute, with an increased risk of car crashes due to hydroplaning or driving through flooded roads. Meanwhile, a fast-moving storm moving eastward across the Upper Midwest on Tuesday was forecast to bring a range of wintry weather, including freezing rain, high winds and heavy snow.This is definitely one of those messy winter weather events that were going to be having come through, depending on where you are in the northern plains here, said Ryan Dunleavy, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.North Dakota was experiencing rain and freezing rain, said Connor Smith, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Bismarck. Much of the state was under a no-travel advisory due to freezing rain and slippery roads. Some schools closed or moved to virtual lessons due to the weather conditions.Most of Montana and the Dakotas were under a high wind warning. Winds could blow up to 65 mph (105 kph) Tuesday afternoon, Smith said. High winds could make travel difficult and blow around unsecured objects, Christmas decorations and already fallen snow, he said. Wintry weather is expected to impact the evening commute in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, starting Tuesday afternoon and lasting into the night, Dunleavy said. Parts of central and northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin have potential for heavy snow, with a wintry mix forecast across the Twin Cities metro and southwest Minnesota, with potentially strong winds to follow, Dunleavy said.Commuters should allow for extra time traveling, he said. The storm is expected to head into the Great Lakes region by Wednesday.

Instagram is generating headlines for users Instagram posts without their knowledge, seemingly in an attempt to get those posts to rank higher in Google Search results.I first noticed Instagram-generated headlines thanks to a Bluesky post from the author Jeff VanderMeer. Last week, VanderMeer posted a video to Instagram of a bunny eating a banana. VanderMeer didnt include a caption or comment with the post, but noticed that it appeared in Google Search results with the following headline: Meet the Bunny Who Loves Eating Bananas, A Nutritious Snack For Your Pet.Jeff VanderMeer (@jeffvandermeer.bsky.social)This post requires authentication to view.Bluesky SocialAnother Instagram post from the Groton Public Library in Massachusettsan image of VanderMeers Annihilation book cover promoting a group readingalso didnt include a caption or comment, but appears on Google Search results with the following headline Join Jeff VanderMeer on a Thrilling Beachside Adventure with Mesta Jeff VanderMeer (@jeffvandermeer.bsky.social)This post requires authentication to view.Bluesky SocialIve confirmed that Instagram is generating headlines in a similar style for other users without their knowledge. One cosplayer who wished to remain anonymous posted a video of herself showing off costumes in various locations. The same post appeared on Google with a headline about discovering real-life locations to do cosplaying in Seattle. This Instagram mentioned the city in a hashtag but did not write anything resembling that headline.Google told me that it is not generating the headlines, and that its pulling the text directly from Instagram. Meta acknowledged my request for comment but did not respond in time for publication. Ill update this story if I hear back.I hate it, VanderMeer told me in an email. If I post content, I want to be the one contextualizing it, not some third party. It's especially bad because they're using the most click-bait style of headline generation, which is antithetical to how I try to be on socialwhich is absolutely NOT calculated, but organic, humorous, and sincere. Then you add in that this is likely an automated AI process, which means unintentionally contributing to theft and a junk industry, and that the headlines are often inaccurate and the summary descriptions below the headline even worse... basically, your post through search results becomes shitty spam.I would not write mediocre text like that and it sounds as if it was auto-generated at-scale with an LLM. This becomes problematic when the headline or description advertises someone in a way that is not how they would personally describe themselves, Brian Dang, another cosplayer who goes by @mrdangphotos and noticed Instagram generated headlines for his posts, told me. We dont know how exactly Instagram is generating these headlines.By using Google's Rich Result Test tool, which shows what Google sees for any site, I saw that these headlines appeared under the <title></title> tags for those posts Instagram pages.It appears that Instagram is only serving that title to Google (and perhaps other search bots), Jon Henshaw, a search engine optimization (SEO) expert and editor of Coywolf, told me in an email. I couldn't find any reference to it in the pre-rendered or rendered HTML in Chrome Dev Tools as a regular visitor on my home network. It does appear like Instagram is generating titles and doing it explicitly for search engines.When I looked at the code for these pages, I saw that Instagram was also generating long descriptions for posts without the users knowledge, like: Seattles cosplay photography is a treasure trove of inspiration for fans of the genre. Check out these real-life cosplay locations and photos taken by @mrdangphotos. From costumes to locations, get the scoop on how to recreate these looks and capture your own cosplay moments in Seattle.Neither the generated headlines or the descriptions are the alternative text (alt text) that Instagram automatically generates for accessibility reasons. To create alt text, Instagram uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to automatically create a description of the image that people who are blind or have low-vision can access with a screen reader. Sometimes the alt text Instagram generates appears under the headline in Google Search results. At other times, generated description copy that is not the alt text appears in the same place. We dont know how exactly Instagram is creating these headlines, but it could use similar technology.The larger implications are terriblesearch results could show inaccurate results that are reputationally damaging or promulgating a falsehood that actively harms someone who doesn't drill down, VanderMeer said. And we all know we live in a world where often people are just reading the headline and first couple of paragraphs of an article, so it's possible something could go viral based on a factual misunderstanding.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he doesn't anticipate wide receiver DK Metcalf's availability for Monday's game against the Miami Dolphins (6-7) to be "jeopardized" by his hospital visit and overnight stay in Baltimore after Sunday's win.

Weeks after the shooting, Frederick Green, 20, was taken into custody near Buffalo and brought back to Manhattan, the police said.

Israels top court gave the government further reprieve on a long-stalled petition seeking free access to Gaza. Critics say barring journalists denies the world a full picture of conditions there.

Brigitte Macron used a slur to criticize protesters who had interrupted a show by a French comedian accused of rape in 2021, in a case that was dismissed.

The classic show arrived on HBO Max with an embarrassing remastering error. But the shows creative mastery remains undeniable.

After deadly cross-border military clashes, the Pakistani and Afghan governments have locked their populations in a trade war threatening the livelihoods of millions.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens during news conference with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)2025-12-09T19:31:56Z WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. Navy admiral who is retiring early from command of the campaign to destroy vessels allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuela spoke to key lawmakers Tuesday as Congress seeks more answers on President Donald Trumps mission, which, in one instance, killed two survivors clinging to the wreckage of an initial strike.The classified video call between Adm. Alvin Holsey, who will be retiring from U.S. South Command in the coming days, and the GOP chairs and ranking Democrats of the Senate Armed Services Committee represented another determined step by lawmakers to demand an accounting from the Department of Defense on the threats against Venezuela and the strikes, especially after a report that two survivors were killed during one operation in September.Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, declined to discuss the specifics of the call, but described Holsey as a great public servant. Congress is also demanding that the Pentagon turn over unedited video of the strikes, as well as the orders authorizing the attacks, as part of its annual defense authorization bill. Wicker said that the Pentagon is weighing whether the video had classified sections. The demands were evidence of the intense scrutiny being placed on the Sept. 2 strike, which legal experts say may have violated the laws governing how the U.S. military uses deadly force. Congressional leaders will also receive a wider foreign policy and national security briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday afternoon.They are using expensive, exquisite American military capabilities to kill people who are the equivalent of corner dealers and not making progress interdicting the trafficking by the cartels, said Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat. Congress presses for more informationWhat lawmakers learn from Holsey could shed new light on the purpose and parameters of Trumps campaign, which has struck 22 boats and killed at least 87 people since it started in September. Trump has also been making threats against Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro, sending a fleet of warships near the South American country, including the largest U.S. aircraft carrier.Holsey became the leader of U.S. Southern Command just over one year ago, but in October, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Holsey would be retiring early from his post. As commander of U.S. forces in the region, Holsey oversaw a command structure that has in recent years been mostly focused on building stability and cooperation across much of the region.Trumps drug boat campaign, however, has added a new, deadly dynamic to its mission. Rather than trying to interdict drug-carrying vessels, as forces like the U.S. Coast Guard have traditionally done, the Trump administration asserts that the drugs and drug-smugglers are posing a direct threat to American lives. Officials say they are applying the same rules as the global war on terror to kill drug smugglers.Lawmakers are also questioning what intelligence the military is using to determine whether the boats cargo is headed for the U.S. As they have looked closer at the Sept. 2 strike, lawmakers learned that the destroyed boat was heading south at the time of the attack and that military intelligence showed it was headed toward another vessel that was bound for Suriname. Still, it remains to be seen whether the Republican-controlled Congress will push back on the Trump administrations campaign.I want a full set of data to draw my conclusions from, said Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who had previously demanded accountability after it was revealed that two survivors had been killed.Trump this week justified the strike by claiming that the two suspected drug smugglers were trying to right the part of the boat after it had capsized in the initial attack. However, Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley, the special operations commander who ordered the second strike, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing last week that he ordered the second strike to ensure that the cocaine in the boat could not be picked up later by cartel members. STEPHEN GROVES Groves covers Congress for The Associated Press. twitter mailto

Former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers watches warmups before an NFL football game between the Chargers and the Denver Broncos, Dec. 10, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)2025-12-09T18:19:28Z INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indianapolis Colts bolstered their injury-depleted quarterback corps Tuesday by bringing 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement and signing him to the practice squad, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet made an official announcement.The move comes less than 24 hours after Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Indys starter, Daniel Jones, would miss the rest of this season after tearing his right Achilles tendon and backup Riley Leonard injured his right knee during Sundays loss at Jacksonville.Rivers hasnt taken a snap since finishing his career with a playoff loss following the Colts 2020 season. That was the last time Indy (8-5) made the postseason. The eight-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement in January 2021 and has been coaching St. Michael High School in Fairhope, Alabama, ever since. But its not clear how long it will take Rivers to learn Indys playbook or work his way into game shape as the reeling Colts try to snap a three-game losing streak next weekend at Seattle (10-3). Things happen, wacky stuff has happened in this league, your depth gets tested, your resolve gets tested as you get thrown into some adversity as a unit, as a coaching staff, as a position group, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said, declining to take specific questions about Rivers. Weve been through some fire out there, but our coaching staffs excited to draw a plan up and teach it. Neither Steichen nor players were made available because the Colts typically take Tuesday off.Rivers rejoins a team desperately trying to rebound from its worst stretch of the season, four losses in five games. The result: Indy has fallen out of the race for the AFCs top seed and is tied for second in the AFC South with Houston (8-5), one game behind division leader Jacksonville (9-4). Rivers ranked among the NFLs career leaders in yards passing with 63,440, 421 touchdown passes and 12 4,000-yard seasons when he retired and was a semifinalist in his first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame last month.So the question is how much does Rivers have left in the tank?In his first and only season with Indy, it appeared his arm strength already was diminished though he masterfully navigated the Colts through a season unlike any other playing in front of empty or sparsely-populated stadiums because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Also unclear is whether the Colts will need him this weekend.Jones was having a career year and had entered the midseason MVP discussion but had struggled over the last five games. He also played through a lower left leg injury that impeded his mobility during each of Indys last three losses.Then Sunday, he crumpled to the ground and grabbed toward his lower right leg on a play he did not take a hit. He slammed his helmet into the ground before limping off the field. Jones later returned to the rainy sideline in a protective walking boot. Hell have surgery within the week, Steichen said Monday. Obviously, just really feel for him, just an unfortunate situation. The work he puts in, the grind, a team captain for us. One of the toughest guys Ive ever been around. Just praying for a speedy recovery for him.Leonard did a solid job in relief of Jones, going 18 of 29 for 145 yards and one interception in his most extensive action since Notre Dame lost last years national championship game. When he reported to the team headquarters Monday, they found out Leonard also had been hurt during the game.The orbital bone injury to Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 draft pick in 2023, only compounded the problem. He still has not been activated from injured reserve to practice and Steichen said Monday he did not expect Richardsons status to change this week either.That left the Colts with only one other option veteran Brett Rypien, who has not been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster since he was signed in mid-October if Leonard cant play this weekend. So they added Rivers, who was with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers when Steichen was serving as the teams quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator. Oddly, Leonard played prep ball at a different high school in Fairhope.And now all three will be working together to try and help Indy turn things around as they enter a brutal final four-game stretch to salvage their playoff hopes.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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