WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Good riddance to 2021. Let 2022 bring fresh hope. That was a common sentiment as people around the world began welcoming in the new year. In many places, New Year’s Eve celebrations were muted or canceled for the second straight

Jaimi Joy/Reuters Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour during New Year's celebrations in Australia. New Year's celebrations around the world Jaimi Joy/Reuters Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour during New Year's celebrations in Australia. With the rapid

California is facing a massive surge in coronavirus cases, despite adopting strict policies like mask and vaccine mandates, as the omicron variant continues to spread. San Diego County, for example, reported the highest single-day case count in the pandemic

In the South on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, another round of severe storms, including the chance for tornadoes, will plague the region. Along with the threat for severe storms comes the chance of flash floods from heavy rainfall, the Weather Service

The campaign of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y., sent out a fundraising email after the congresswoman was seen in Miami amid the ongoing New York City COVID-19 surge. Ocasio-Cortez's campaign asked her supporters for money via an email ahead of its

Mr. Adams also pledged to study the possibility of requiring booster shots and he raised the possibility of asking state officials to require vaccinations for schoolchildren. Speaking to reporters from Brooklyn Borough Hall, where he is serving the last days

New Yorkers can expect mild weather this year for New Year’s Eve when the ball drops in Times Square, with no rain and highs in the mid-50s. But break out the umbrellas and rain gear for New Year’s Day when rain is predicted for the New York-area as temperatures

New virus infections driven by omicron soar to record high in Australia Enlarge this image toggle caption Bianca De Marchi/AP Bianca De Marchi/AP SYDNEY (AP) — New coronavirus infections soared again in Australia on Friday to a record of more than 32,000,

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was seen relaxing in Miami Beach on Thursday, the same day her home city reported a record number of COVID-19 cases. The National Review reported that photos showed Ocasio-Cortez seated outside a Miami Beach restaurant.

If you were planning to ring in 2022 with a couple dozen of your friends this New Year's Eve, many officials and health experts are warning against it. "Omicron and delta are coming to your party," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned at a press conference Monday.

Fast-moving wildfires in Colorado ― once an unusual phenomenon for this time of year ― forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate Thursday as high wind gusts threatened to spread the blaze further. At least two blazes, the Middle Fork fire and the Marshall

DENVER — Tens of thousands of Coloradans driven from their neighborhoods by wind-whipped wildfires anxiously waited to learn what was left standing of their lives Friday after the flames burned an estimated 580 homes, a hotel and a shopping center. At least

Colorado residents assess damage from wildfires Residents of Denver's suburbs who had to flee Thursday's wildfires describe the damage. National Colorado residents assess damage from wildfires Colorado residents assess damage from wildfires Listen · 4:04 4:04

What a horrible way to begin a new year. Grass set on fire by downed power lines, compliments of wind gusts that clocked 105 miles per hour. These are the root causes of a major disaster happening in the state of Colorado right now. From the AP: Tens of thousands

Video Tens of thousands of residents of two communities in Boulder County, Colo., were ordered to evacuate because of wildfires driven by strong winds. Credit Credit... Trevor Hughes/USA Today Network, via Reuters Fast-moving wildfires fanned by powerful winds

DENVER — An estimated 580 homes, a hotel and a shopping center have burned and tens of thousands of people were evacuated in wind-fueled wildfires outside Denver, officials said Thursday evening. At least one first responder and six others were injured, though

BOULDER, Colo. — A ferocious wind-driven wildfire on Thursday destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses near Denver, forcing tens of thousands to flee and blanketing the area in smoke. The high winds that fanned fires in the area continued into Thursday night

Residents of two Colorado towns were ordered to evacuate earlier Thursday due to quickly spreading wildfires amid strong winds. "Boulder County Office of Emergency Management has just announced an Evacuation Order for ALL of Superior, Colorado residents,"

Photos: Wildfires engulf 1,000 homes in suburban Denver Enlarge this image toggle caption David Zalubowski/AP David Zalubowski/AP A 6,000-acre wildfire system has burned approximately 1,000 homes in a suburban area near Denver, Colorado state officials estimate. Tens

Wildfires have torn their way through Colorado over the past 48-hours leaving tens of thousands of people homeless, countless properties destroyed and a state of emergency declared late Thursday night. AP reports at least one first responder and six others

President Biden concluded 2021 the same way he started it, lying about his record. He tweeted Wednesday, “We’re ending 2021 with what one analyst described as the strongest first-year economic track record of any president in the last 50 years.” Even Biden

The top destination for Biden during his first year in office? Pennsylvania Enlarge this image toggle caption ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images Like the many Americans who have stuck close to home

President Joe Biden's approval rating showed no sign of rising as the New Year approached. Biden had a consensus 43.3% approval rating Friday, according to FiveThirtyEight, which offers a real-time, updated tracking of the president's approval rating by analyzing

President Joe Biden has warned Russia’s Vladimir Putin that the U.S. could impose new sanctions against Russia if it takes further military action against Ukraine WILMINGTON, Del. -- President Joe Biden has warned Russia's Vladimir Putiin that the U.S. could

Why are Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden now regular phone buddies? Putin initiated their Thursday call, the latest step in his new political and military offensive designed to break the stalemate in Moscow’s almost-eight-year war against Ukraine. Moscow “annexed”

President Joe Biden plans to speak with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday to express support for Ukraine's sovereignty as Russian military forces pile up near the countries' shared border, a White House official said Friday. Biden on the call

The United States has pledged to help Ukraine bolster its border security as tensions continue to escalate with Russia and Belarus. The Ukrainian border service estimates that the project will cost around $20 million due to the purchase of video recording

Mr. Biden and Mr. Putin had radically different objectives going into the call. By massing troops on the border and then publishing two draft treaties that had echoes of Cold War-era demands, Mr. Putin created an international crisis and made plain his desire

The White House has not disclosed additional details of President Joe Biden’s coronavirus tests after he came into close contact with the virus on Air Force One. During a trip to South Carolina on December 17, Biden came into contact with a mid-level staffer

Washington (CNN) President Joe Biden will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, several days after Biden urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease an unremitting military crisis on Ukraine's border. Biden, a White House official

Betty White's passing has sent ripples through Hollywood. News broke Friday that the television icon had died at the age of 99. She was known for her decades-long career on the small screen with several notable film roles and had been a popular fan favorite

Betty White, a beloved icon and actress since the beginning of TV, has died at age 99 Hide caption Actress Betty White poses for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in 2010. White died at the age of 99. Previous Next Matt Sayles/AP Hide

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Betty White, whose saucy, up-for-anything charm made her a television mainstay for more than 60 years, whether as a man-crazy TV hostess on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or the loopy housemate on “The Golden Girls,” has died. She was 99. People

The "Golden Girls" star died less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. Betty White, the award-winning actress and comedian famed for her roles on "The Golden Girls" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," has died at age 99, according to The Associated Press. White

Betty White had a wild side. The legendary “Golden Girls” star — who died Friday at age 99 — was a pioneering animal rights activist devoted to saving endangered species and improving conditions at the Los Angeles Zoo. Betty White, who died Friday at age

(CNN) Betty White is being remembered for her light, humor, charm and friendship. Ryan Reynolds posted a loving tribute to longtime friend and "The Proposal" costar, who died Friday at the age of 99. "The world looks different now," Reynolds wrote. "She was

Unfortunately, this year is going out as it came in, with some bad news. Betty White, the trailblazing comedienne who had an unforgettable television career that included “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls” has died. Her 100th birthday would

Betty White died Friday just a few weeks short of her 100th birthday. Eric McCandless via Getty Images “Golden Girls” star Betty White, one of the most beloved actors of all time, died Friday just a few weeks short of her 100th birthday. Upon the news of her

LOS ANGELES — Betty White, whose saucy, up-for-anything charm made her a television mainstay for more than 60 years, whether as a man-crazy TV hostess on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or the loopy housemate on “The Golden Girls,” has died. She was 99. White’s

(CNN) Betty White, the self-described "lucky old broad" whose sweetly sarcastic senior citizen characters were a beloved fixture on TV shows and movies such as "The Golden Girls," "Boston Legal" and "Hot in Cleveland," died Friday, her agent and close friend

“The length of your 110-year sentence is simply not commensurate with your actions, nor with penalties handed down to others for similar crimes,” Polis wrote in a clemency letter to Aguilera-Mederos that was publicly released. “There is an urgency to remedy

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has shortened the prison sentence of a truck driver convicted in a deadly crash to 10 years, drastically reducing his original 110-year term that drew widespread outrage. The decision Thursday on Rogel Aguilera-Mederos' sentence was

A truck driver who was sentenced to 110 years in prison for a fatal accident in Colorado has been resentenced to 10 years after an outcry from family and advocates. Gov. Jared Polis announced the commutation of Rogel Aguilera-Mederos' sentence Thursday. "I

Colorado Governor Jared Polis reduced the sentence of truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos from 110 years to 10 after more than 5 million people signed a petition calling for leniency. In his commutation letter signed on Thursday, Polis said the 26-year-old

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has reduced a 110-year sentence to 10 years for a truck driver who killed four people in 2019 after he said his brakes gave out. Polis announced Rogel Aguilera-Mederos' commutation on Thursday, a week after a Colorado district attorney

DENVER — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has shortened the prison sentence of a truck driver convicted in a deadly crash to 10 years, drastically reducing his original 110-year term that drew widespread outrage. The decision Thursday on Rogel Aguilera-Mederos’ sentence

(CNN) Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is commuting the sentence of a truck driver who was sentenced to 110 years in prison for an interstate wreck that killed four people, he announced Thursday, calling the sentence "highly atypical and unjust." Rogel Aguilera-Mederos

A truck driver convicted in connection with a deadly 2019 car pileup on a Colorado freeway had his lengthy sentence significantly reduced Thursday by 100 years after Gov. Jared Polis commuted punishment in a case that has put sentencing guidelines under a microscope. Instead

The 110-year prison sentence given to the driver of a truck involved in a 2019 crash that killed four people was reduced to 10 years by the governor of Colorado on Thursday. Gov. Jared Polis called the original sentence “unjust” and “disproportionate compared

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: An emotional Oslaida Mederos, center right, speaks to members of the media during an impromptu press conference for members of the press after a rally on the west steps of the state capitol on December 22, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

With a guilty verdict in the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, here’s a look at what the once high-flying Jeffrey Epstein confidante was accused of and what’s next for her NEW YORK -- With Wednesday's guilty verdict in the sex-trafficking trial of

Ghislaine Maxwell’s family has branded her sex-trafficking conviction a “tremendous injustice” — complaining that she was unfairly portrayed as a “demon queen” and “the most hated woman in the world.” “Ghislaine has been denied justice — has been denied a

LONDON (AP) — Prince Andrew wasn’t on trial in the Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking case, but her conviction is bad news for the man who is ninth in line to the British throne. With the conclusion of the Maxwell case, attention will now turn to a U.S. civil

A civil rights attorney representing more than 50 alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein's sex-trafficking ring expressed doubt that co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell would rat for a more lenient sentence Thursday on "Tucker Carlson Tonight." Maxwell's conviction

British socialite and convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell has been offered up as a “scapegoat” for deceased millionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, her brother has claimed. Ian Maxwell, 65, the son of British media tycoon Robert Maxwell and older brother

British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is going to appeal her conviction for setting up teenage girls to have sexual encounters with financier Jeffrey Epstein, but experts said she will struggle to clear the high legal bar needed to overturn the verdict. U.S.

Ghislaine Maxwell savaged a Vanity Fair reporter nearly 20 years ago to help bury an exposé of her sex crimes — while claiming pedophile Jeffrey Epstein was generous and “very, very good” to his accusers, according to a newly released transcript of her rare

"The Five" reacted Thursday to the possibility that Ghislaine Maxwell, could choose to snitch information related to the sex trafficking ring tied to her lover Jeffrey Epstein and his associates in exchange for a lighter sentence. On Wednesday, a Manhattan

Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will hold his first 2022 rally in the swing state of Arizona. Trump said the rally, scheduled for 7 p.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 15, will be held at the Country Thunder Festival Grounds in Florence,

(CNN) Alaska GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday accepted former President Donald Trump's endorsement, which Trump had vowed to rescind if Dunleavy endorses Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. "Please tell the President thank you for the endorsement.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) accepted former President Donald Trump’s reelection endorsement, which is contingent upon him dissing current Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R). Trump extended the conditioned endorsement Tuesday, saying while he supports Dunleavy’s

Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will hold his first campaign-style rally of 2022 on Jan. 15 in Arizona, nine days after a news conference at which he is expected to relitigate the deadly riot by his supporters at the US Capitol. The

Republicans in Alaska are giving each other the cold shoulder. Gov. Mike Dunleavy of Alaska accepted former President Donald Trump's endorsement, which came with the stipulation that he does not endorse Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski. The Alaskan senator

Alaska governor Mike Dunleavy at an event in Anchorage in January 2020 (Yereth Rosen/Reuters) Alaska governor Mike Dunleavy accepted the endorsement of former president Donald Trump on Thursday, including Trump’s condition that the Republican governor cannot

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy accepted a strings-attached endorsement from Donald Trump Thursday, on the condition he did not back a fellow Republican that voted to convict the ex-president for inciting insurrection at the Capitol. Dunleavy, 60, accepted the ultimatum

Former President Donald Trump said Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy had accepted his endorsement, even with the warning not to support Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Trump on Tuesday endorsed Dunleavy, who's running for reelection, with one condition — don't back Murkowski,

Federal prosecutors have asked for the case against two prison guards who admitted to falsifying records the night Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide on their watch to be ended, saying the guards complied with the terms of their deferred prosecution agreement. A

Federal prosecutors filed a motion Thursday asking a court to drop charges against the two jail guards who were on duty the night that Jeffery Epstein killed himself inside his cell. Michael Thomas and Tova Noel, the two guards on duty the night Epstein took

It comes shortly after Epstein associate Maxwell was found guilty. Federal prosecutors in New York officially dropped charges against Tova Noel and Michael Thomas – the two correctional officers on duty when Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a federal lockup

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., told the Washington Examiner this week that it’s "pathetic" that officials won’t charge the two prison guards who admitted to falsifying records on the night that billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide in his cell. Although

(CNN) Federal prosecutors in New York have moved to dismiss charges against two Bureau of Prisons guards who admitted to falsifying records on the night Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in August 2019. The guards who were on duty at the Metropolitan Correctional

U.S. prosecutors have ceased pursuing criminal charges against the two Manhattan jail guards who were watching convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein on the night he killed himself. On the night of August 10, 2019, the billionaire Jeffrey Epstein hung himself

US prosecutors ended the criminal case against the two Manhattan prison guards tasked with guarding convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein on the night of his suicide and who admitted to falsifying records. Federal prosecutors Thursday asked a judge to dismiss

As omicron heats up in the U.S., South Africa says its wave is on the way out Coronavirus restrictions have been loosened in South Africa as case numbers wane in the country, though the government says that there is still reason for caution. "All indicators

Public health researchers in South Africa released a study on Tuesday indicating the country may have already passed the peak of its COVID-19 omicron variant surge without a jump in hospitalizations or deaths, The Hill reported. Researchers focused on the

At a market in Tsomo, South Africa, December 2, 2021 (Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters) South Africa lifted a Covid-19-related curfew on Thursday as officials believe the fourth Covid-19 wave driven by the Omicron variant has receded, a cabinet statement announced. The

South Africa officials signaled Thursday that the country had passed its Omicron peak, offering some signs of hope as the US and other countries weather their latest COVID-19 surges. The South African government announced it was lifting a midnight to 4 a.m.

South African public health officials announced Thursday that they believe the surge in Chinese coronavirus cases fueled by the omicron variant in the country is ending, leaving a record of lower hospitalizations and severe cases than previous waves. South

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is allowing the COVID-19 state of emergency that has been in place since March 2020 to expire, saying that "we all now know how to best fight and prevent serious illness from this virus." Parson, a Republican, announced on Friday

Missouri GOP Gov. Mike Parson is allowing the COVID-19 state of emergency to expire Friday despite a surge in cases and a record-high single-day tally of infections for the pandemic, reports the Missouri Independent. "Thanks to the effectiveness of the vaccine,

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Delaware’s governor announced a new emergency declaration Thursday as the state works to relieve pressure on strained hospitals amid a coronavirus surge. The new state of emergency declaration that goes into effect Monday will give

Washington state’s steady population growth is another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Census. From July 1, 2020, through July 1, 2021, the Evergreen State’s population remained essentially static, ticking

Delaware will enter a state of emergency due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as President Biden and first lady Jill Biden continue their time at home in the coastal state. Delaware Gov. John Carney released a statement Thursday that Delaware would be entering

Police Agent Ashley Ferris was hospitalized after getting shot in the abdomen. Police have identified the officer who fatally shot a suspect involved in a deadly shooting spree that occurred across the Denver area earlier this week. Lakewood Police Department

A man fatally shot one Illinois cop and critically injured another when the police officers were called to a hotel on a routine noise complaint, officials said. The gunman killed Bradley police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic, 49, and wounded Officer Tyler Bailey,

Police have arrested a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting of two Illinois police officers that left one of them dead, while a second suspect remains at large, authorities said. Darius Sullivan, 25, was taken into custody Friday morning without

A manhunt continued in Illinois late Thursday for two suspects wanted in connection with a Wednesday shooting in Kankakee County, south of Chicago, that left one police officer dead and another hospitalized in critical condition. The slain officer was identified

Police have made an arrest in Wednesday’s shooting death of an Illinois police sergeant and wounding of a second cop. Two people were taken into custody Friday morning in Indiana in the ambush attack on Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and her partner,

Two gunmen fired more than 65 rounds on a Philadelphia street, sending nighttime pedestrians on a busy block teeming with markets and restaurants scrambling for cover and injuring six people, at least one of them critically, police said Friday. Police responded

Philadelphia police say six people were shot as two gunmen fired dozens of shots on a street full of businesses late Thursday PHILADELPHIA -- Two gunmen fired more than 65 rounds on a Philadelphia street, sending nighttime pedestrians on a busy block teeming

PHILADELPHIA — Two gunmen fired more than 65 rounds on a Philadelphia street, sending nighttime pedestrians on a busy block teeming with markets and restaurants scrambling for cover and injuring six people, at least one of them critically, police said Friday. Police

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Six gunmen fired more than 65 rounds on a Philadelphia street, sending nighttime pedestrians on a busy block teeming with markets and restaurants scrambling for cover and injuring six people, at least one of them critically, police said

The Los Angeles Police Department reportedly is searching Friday for a group of suspects accused of beating up a man outside of a home in Studio City before entering the property and zip-tying him and three others. The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Thursday

The Los Angeles Police Department identified William Jones as the officer who opened fire in a Burlington store last week, killing an assault suspect and a 14-year-old girl. Jones grew up in Kentucky, graduated from the University of Louisville and moved to

The LAPD officer who fatally shot a 14-year-old by accident in a tragic mistake on Dec. 26 feels "shattered" after the incident, according to a local report. William Jones, an officer who created a nonprofit in 2020 to strengthen relationships between police

LOS ANGELES — When he first moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, William Dorsey Jones Jr. was like many others before him, hoping to find a career in the entertainment industry. He went so far as to start his own company, Entourage Entertainment Group. But when

Guest host Sean Duffy recounted the crime, gaffes and waste of departing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration in Thursday's opening monologue of "Tucker Carlson Tonight." DE BLASIO WON'T SAY WHEN HE'LL REPAY TAXPAYERS $320K HE SPENT ON SECURITY

As New York City’s 109th mayor, Bill de Blasio will be remembered for many things: creating universal prekindergarten, eating pizza with a fork, setting a record for tallest mayor at almost 6-foot-6 and accidentally killing a groundhog. But one central element

In his novel “Anna Karenina,” Tolstoy writes that “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Something similar can be said about New York City mayors: Successful ones share policies and leadership traits, while the failed

“One of the bright spots, along every step of the way, is everywhere I go in New York, people treat me like an adopted son,” Dante said. “I think the most significant part of the experience was seeing firsthand how much good you can do from government ... I

Former Education Secretary Dr. Bill Bennett said parents should seek other means of schooling before they “surrender” their children to those demanding a return to remote learning. “Children come first, not last,” Bennett said Thursday on “Fox News Primetime.”

After 2021 was marked by American parents who fought against overbearing school board officials, New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz told "America's Newsroom" on Friday that parents must continue to fight against remote learning because "science is on their

Former Education Secretary Dr. Bill Bennett said parents should seek other means of schooling before they "surrender" their children to those demanding a return to remote learning. "Children come first, not last," Bennett said Thursday on "Fox News Primetime."

Chicago Teachers Union members may strike if their demands for negative coronavirus tests for all students to return to class after winter break — or a two-week return to remote learning — are not met. More than 90% of CTU members voted in favor of participating

LAFAYETTE, La. — A Louisiana judge has submitted her resignation to the Louisiana Supreme Court after she was heard using racial slurs on a video, her attorney confirmed. In her letter to the Louisiana Supreme Court, which was provided by her attorney, Lafayette

A Louisiana judge who was allegedly caught on video dropping the N-word and calling a black burglar a “roach” resigned Friday, according to a report. Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet apologized and stepped down for using the “hurtful words” in footage

Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet resigned Friday, weeks after a video surfaced that depicted her using racist remarks as she and her family watched security footage of an attempted burglary at their home. “I take full responsibility for the hurtful

(CNN) A Lafayette, Louisiana, city court judge resigned Friday after a video surfaced earlier this month showing people using racist language at her home. Michelle Odinet took a leave of absence after a video surfaced showing surveillance footage of an outdoor

In a year-end report, Chief Justice John Roberts emphasizes judicial ethics Enlarge this image toggle caption Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images U.S. courts need to do more to ensure compliance with ethics rules — including rules

Chief Justice John Roberts asserted the independence of the federal courts from what he called "inappropriate political influence," in a year-end report released Friday that comes amid widespread political criticism of the Supreme Court, and calls to dramatically

Federal courts need to do much better at enforcing conflict-of-interest laws that are supposed to prevent judges from deciding cases in which they hold stock, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said in his year-end report on the judiciary. He was responding

(CNN) Chief Justice John Roberts stressed the importance of the judiciary's institutional independence Friday in an annual report that comes as the Supreme Court is considering some of the most important issues of the day, and critics are seeking to dilute

In a sprawling settlement of mud brick huts in western Afghanistan housing people displaced by drought and war, a woman is fighting to save her daughter. Aziz Gul’s husband sold their 10-year-old into marriage without telling his wife, taking a down-payment

A woman displaced by war and drought in Afghanistan is fighting to save her daughter SHEDAI CAMP, Afghanistan -- In a sprawling settlement of mud brick huts in western Afghanistan housing people displaced by drought and war, a woman is fighting to save her

SHEDAI CAMP, Afghanistan — In a sprawling settlement of mud brick huts in western Afghanistan housing people displaced by drought and war, a woman is fighting to save her daughter. Aziz Gul’s husband sold their 10-year-old into marriage without telling his

Parents selling children shows desperation in Afghanistan Enlarge this image toggle caption Mstyslav Chernov/AP Mstyslav Chernov/AP SHEDAI CAMP, Afghanistan (AP) — In a sprawling settlement of mud brick huts in western Afghanistan housing people displaced

The state of New York said it will prioritize non-White people in the distribution of COVID-19 treatments in short supply. New York’s Department of Health released a document detailing their plan to distribute the treatments, such as monoclonal antibody

The COVID antiviral drugs are here but they're scarce. Here's what to know Enlarge this image Thomas Hansmann/Pfizer Thomas Hansmann/Pfizer Two highly anticipated COVID-19 pills have been authorized for emergency use and allocated for shipment to states,

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) is requiring healthcare providers to prioritize non-white patients when administering oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The department issued a health advisory notice Monday announcing

New York, under the leadership of its newly appointed governor, Kathy Hochul, has managed to somehow become even more absurd in regards to COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Empire State has led the nation in pointless, draconian measures like

Basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, the skilled scorer whose 10 NBA titles is second only to Boston Celtics teammate Bill Russell, has died, the team said. He was 88. Jones died Thursday night in Florida, where he had been hospitalized in failing health, Celtics

Sam Jones, the Boston Celtics’ sharpshooting Hall of Fame guard who played on 10 N.B.A. championship teams, a milestone exceeded only by his teammate Bill Russell, died on Thursday in Florida. He was 88. His death was announced by a Celtics spokesman, who

(CNN) The Boston Celtics great and Hall of Famer Sam Jones has passed away at the age of 88, according to the Celtics. Jones, a guard who played his entire 12-year NBA career with the Celtics and won 10 titles with the team, was inducted into the Naismith

Former Boston Celtic Sam Jones, whose 10 NBA titles is second only to teammate Bill Russell, died on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, the team said. He was 88. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) via Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, the

NASCAR is reviewing a deal calling for a "Let's go Brandon" paint scheme on a car in its Xfinity Series, USA Today reported Friday. Driver Brandon Brown's owner, Brandonbilt Motorsports, and a cryptocurrency coin named after the "Let's go Brandon" meme announced

“Let’s Go, Brandon”-themed stickers have spread from America’s roadways to NASCAR’s — thanks to “Brandon” himself. Brandon Brown acquired a new sponsor Thursday, one that took its very name from the chant based on the driver’s name but aimed at President Biden. The

NASCAR driver Brandon Brown has decided to embrace the slogan ''let's go, Brandon,'' announcing a full-season sponsorship deal with LGBcoin, a cryptocurrency inspired by the slogan, according to Mediaite. Brown, 28, previously told The New York Times earlier

(CNN) Tiffini Hale, a former cast member on "The All New Mickey Mouse Club" and singer in the pop group The Party died on Christmas Day, according to some of her costars and bandmates. She was 46. "It is with the heaviest of broken hearts that we share the

Tiffini Hale, best known as a member of "The All New Mickey Mouse Club," has died at age 46 after suffering cardiac arrest. The news was confirmed Thursday in a statement by Hale's former band, The Party, which was formed in the late '80s and comprised of

Tiffani Hale, best known as a member of "The All New Mickey Mouse Club," has died. She was 46. The sad news of the star's passing was shared on social media by her former band The Party, which was formed by the Disney Channel of "Mickey Mouse Club" alums. "It

2021 was the year Communist China smashed the dream of freedom and democracy in Hong Kong, with only modest opposition from the civilized world. The flicker of hope kindled by the 2019 protest movement was ruthlessly extinguished as decades-old newspapers

Hong Kong (CNN Business) Hong Kong's flagship airline warned Friday that strict new quarantine measures in the city could lead to "dramatic disruptions" to local supply chains, as the company is forced to curb some passenger and cargo flights. Cathay Pacific's

Hong Kong (CNN) Hong Kong has confirmed its first Omicron cluster, bringing an end to its long streak of zero locally transmitted cases and prompting fears of a wider outbreak as the city prepares to ring in the new year. Two cases of local transmission were

SEATTLE (AP) — The omicron-fueled surge that is sending COVID-19 cases rocketing in the U.S. is putting children in the hospital in record numbers, and experts lament that most of the youngsters are not vaccinated. “It’s just so heartbreaking,” said Dr. Paul

Sen. Ted Cruz is accusing Dr. Anthony Fauci of editing his message and engaging in "pandemic politics" on COVID-19 after the doctor's comments on the number of children who have been hospitalized during the pandemic. Fauci, the chief medical adviser for the

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and top critic of Dr, Anthony Fauci, took to Twitter late Thursday to accused the top disease doctor of editing his message when it comes to COVID-19 hospitalizations during the Biden administration. Cruz retweeted an interview Fauci

WASHINGTON — The Navy has fired the commander and the second in charge of the littoral combat ship Montgomery because of “a loss of confidence in their ability to command,” the service said on Thursday. Cmdr. Richard J. Zamberlan, the ship’s skipper, and Cmdr.

The two senior officers of a San Diego-based Navy warship were fired Thursday “due to a loss of confidence in their ability to command,” Navy officials said. Commander Richard J. Zamberlan, captain of the USS Montgomery, and Commander Phillip Lundberg, executive

Two top-ranking officers on a U.S. Navy vessel were relieved of duty on Thursday due to a "loss of confidence in their ability to command," the Navy announced. Cmdr. Richard J. Zamberlan and Cmdr. Phillip Lundberg of the USS Montgomery both lost their posts

Tesla will recall more than 475,000 cars over potential safety concerns that could lead to crashes. The electric vehicle company raised issues over its Tesla Model 3s from 2017 to 2020, and the front trunk of its Model S sedans from 2014 and onward. A product-recall

Tesla recalls nearly half a million cars over possible safety issues Enlarge this image toggle caption David Zalubowski/AP David Zalubowski/AP Tesla is recalling more than 475,000 cars for potential problems that may increase the risk of accidents. Two defects

Elon Musk’s Tesla is recalling more than 475,000 Model 3 and Model S electric vehicles in the U.S. due to safety issues — this accounts for almost half of all Tesla’s sold domestically. The Verge reports that Tesla is recalling 475,000 of its vehicles in the

People should avoid cruise travel regardless of their vaccination status, the CDC says Enlarge this image toggle caption Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new advisory

New York (CNN Business) Cruise company stocks had been holding up remarkably well in December despite concerns about Covid outbreaks on ships and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. But that's no longer the case. Carniva CCL Royal Caribbean RCL Norwegian

MIAMI (AP) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people on Thursday not to go on cruises, regardless of their vaccination status, because of onboard outbreaks fueled by the omicron variant. The CDC said it has more than 90 cruise ships

Germany on Friday is shutting down half of the six nuclear plants it still has in operation, a year before the country draws the final curtain on its decades-long use of atomic power. The decision to phase out nuclear power and shift from fossil fuels to renewable

BERLIN (AP) — Germany on Friday is shutting down half of the six nuclear plants it still has in operation, a year before the country draws the final curtain on its decades-long use of atomic power. The decision to phase out nuclear power and shift from fossil

Germany announced that it would shutter its remaining six nuclear power plants by the end of 2022, completely ending its reliance on the renewable energy source. “For the energy industry in Germany, the nuclear phase-out is final,” Kerstin Andreae, the head

Ratings released by the Cook Political Report on Thursday show the Republican Party has the edge in the upcoming 2022 midterms. The Cook Political Report is a nonpartisan, independent newsletter that analyzes national political trends and elections. As it

(dkfielding/Getty Images) The Cook Political Report released several ratings on Thursday showing the GOP as the clear favorite to take control of the U.S. House in the 2022 midterms. Three Democratic-held districts have fallen into the “lean Republican column,”

Don’t bet against the red wave, a top political handicapper predicts for 2022. The Cook Political Report is projecting that Republicans have an advantage in taking back a majority in the House of Representatives during the coming midterm elections. The GOP

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that travelers should expect hundreds of flights over the next few days to be delayed or canceled as a wave of the COVID-19 omicron variant continues to hit the United States, The Wall Street Journal

The travel chaos continues for an eighth consecutive day Friday, with almost 1,300 U.S. cancellations as of 11 a.m. ET. The airlines have been grappling with the one-two punch of bad winter weather and a surge in crew COVID cases that have left them short-staffed,

Washington (CNN Business) The Federal Aviation Administration is warning more air travel headaches may be in store, even as airlines cancel thousands of flights because of coronavirus crew shortages and other issues. The FAA said Friday an "increased number"

(CNN) Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Massachusetts Democrat, announced Friday she tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms. "After experiencing Covid-like symptoms, this morning I received a positive, breakthrough Covid-19 test result," Pressley

Rep. Ayanna Pressley tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. The Massachusetts Democrat, a prominent member of the far-left “Squad,” said she contracted the virus despite being vaccinated and boosted. “After experiencing COVID-like symptoms, this morning

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley said Friday that she has tested positive for COVID-19. The Massachusetts Democrat said that after experiencing symptoms, she received a positive, breakthrough positive COVID-19 test result Friday. Advertisement “Thankfully,

Prince Andrew will not be able to delay turning over evidence requested in a civil suit against him brought by a longtime Jeffrey Epstein accuser, a federal judge ruled Friday. The Duke of York tried to block discovery in the suit filed by Virginia Roberts

(CNN) Prince Andrew has been asked to provide documents proving his "alleged medical inability to sweat" in a court filing by attorneys for Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who has accused the royal of sexual assault in a US civil lawsuit. In the court document filed

Prince Andrew’s accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre is demanding he hand over medical records that show he is unable to sweat — after he previously claimed the alleged condition was proof he didn’t sexually assault her, court documents reveal. Giuffre’s lawyers

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' office fired back after a Sunshine State mayor asked where DeSantis is amid the rising coronavirus case count nationwide. Democratic Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County in Florida attacked DeSantis in a press conference Tuesday

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis accompanied his wife to her cancer treatment while critics were accusing the governor of taking a vacation as coronavirus cases spiked, Fox News has learned. A DeSantis spokesperson said the governor accompanied wife

A New York resident and “Jeopardy” contestant who was stumped this week by a clue about his state’s governor got a do-over A New York resident who was stumped by a “Jeopardy” question about his state's governor got a do-over Friday, joining Gov. Kathy Hochul's

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that students attending the state university system or New York City's college system must receive their COVID-19 booster shots before returning to classrooms. The Democrat governor included the mandate in her "Winter

(CNN) Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee deleted a tweet Friday morning that spread disinformation about Covid-19 booster shots. The false tweet from the House Judiciary Committee Republicans' official account, which was posted Thursday afternoon,

House Judiciary Committee Republicans on Thursday questioned the efficacy of COVID-19 booster shots as the country sees a surge in infections due to the omicron variant. "If the booster shots work, why don't they work?" tweeted the House Judiciary GOP, which

A memorial service honoring former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has been scheduled for Jan. 8 at a performing arts center in Las Vegas LAS VEGAS -- A memorial service honoring former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has been scheduled for Jan.

Former President Barack Obama is set to deliver the eulogy at the late Sen. Harry Reid’s funeral. Mr. Obama will speak at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas at 11 a.m. on Jan. 8, according to The Las Vegas Sun. Mr. Reid, a prominent

From minimum wage increases to animal protection to police accountability to both cutting and increasing taxes a series of new laws are taking effect across the country on Saturday, the first day of 2022 Minimum wage increases, animal protections, police accountability,

Minimum wage increases, animal protections, police accountability, cutting and increasing taxes are all part of a series of new laws taking effect across the country on Saturday, the first day of 2022. Some of the laws such as abortion restrictions in New

Dec. 31 (UPI) — Will & Grace actress Debra Messing announced on Instagram she is taking it easy after testing positive for COVID-19. “I’m COVID POSITIVE. Yup. Happy New Year! Actually, it is the perfect end to 2021,” Messing posted from her Manhattan home

Debra Messing is wrapping up the year in bed. On Thursday, the "Will & Grace" alum took to Instagram to announce that she's tested positive for coronavirus. Alongside her revelation, the 53-year-old actress shared a photo of herself lying in bed, wearing

A jury holds Teva Pharmaceuticals liable in the opioid crisis Enlarge this image toggle caption Dan Balilty/AP Dan Balilty/AP NEW YORK — Drugmaker Teva Pharmaceuticals contributed to the opioid crisis, a suburban New York jury ruled Thursday in one of few

New York (CNN) A New York jury ruled Thursday in a landmark trial that Teva Pharmaceuticals contributed to decades of opioid addiction and deaths in New York state. The jury's decision marks a conclusion to New York Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit

Israel has approved a fourth vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to COVID-19 , an official said Thursday, becoming one of the first countries to do so as it braces for a wave of infections fueled by the omicron variant. Nachman Ash, the director general

Israel started administering fourth shots of the COVID-19 vaccine Friday amid a wave of new cases driven by the Omicron variant. The country is administering the extra dose to people with weakened immune systems, as well as elderly residents and employees

The Chinese government accused Walmart and Sam’s Club of caving in to Western pressure after pulling products made in the Xinjiang Province from their shelves. China’s anti-graft agency said on Friday that retail giant Walmart Inc., which owns Sam’s Club,

China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection accused retail giant Walmart on Friday of "secretly" removing inventory from the Xinjiang region from its Sam's Club membership stores in the country, threatening "practical actions" from Chinese consumers

(CNN) A traveler isolated for Covid-19 at a quarantine facility in New Zealand managed to infect three others across a hallway, researchers reported Thursday. Closed-circuit camera footage, genetic testing and careful contact tracing show that the only conceivable

A quarantined traveler in New Zealand reportedly infected three people who were in a separate room across a hallway with zero contact. Researchers determined the infection likely occurred from air that leaked out when all doors were briefly opened. “Closed-circuit

Nicole Kidman is shutting down questions about her past. The 54-year-old actress recently made waves for her performance as television icon Lucille Ball in Amazon's "Being the Ricardos" and is expected to gather an Oscar nomination for her portrayal. During

(CNN) Nicole Kidman may portray Lucille Ball in "Being the Ricardos," but don't try and draw comparisons between their former marriages. Kidman quickly shut it down when a journalist from The Guardian asked if some of her comments about Ball and her husband

An Ohio man shot and killed his 16-year-old daughter inside their family home on Wednesday after mistaking her for an intruder. The teen, identified by police as Janae Hairston, was inside the garage at the home shortly before 4:30 a.m. when her dad opened

An Ohio father mistook his 16-year-old daughter for an intruder early Wednesday and fatally shot her inside his Columbus home's garage, police said. The girl’s mother told dispatchers about the accident that occurred after the home’s security alarm went off,

A “potentially hazardous” asteroid more than twice the height of the Empire State Building will make a close encounter with Earth in January – and then won’t make its next visit for another 200 years. The space rock, called (7482) 1994 PC1, is expected to

A massive asteroid measuring more than twice the size of the Empire State Building will whizz past earth in January, and will only make a reappearance 200 years from now. The space rock, called 7482 (1994 PC1), is expected to come within 1.2 million miles

Caselles Luis Miguel / 500px via Getty Images SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) — The judges of a Michigan university’s cheeky annual “Banished Words List” have a message for texting and tweeting Americans: Your “wait, what?” joke is lame. The phrase topped Lake

The judges of a Michigan university’s cheeky annual “Banished Word List" have a message for texting and tweeting Americans: Your “wait, what?” SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- The judges of a Michigan university's cheeky annual “Banished Words List" have a message

The Republican chairwoman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said on Friday that she was cutting short her term after clashing with Democratic banking regulators. Jelena McWilliams, who was appointed by then-President Donald J. Trump to a five-year

The Republican head of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), who clashed with the majority-Democratic board, said on Friday she will step down from her role effective Feb. 4, 2022, The term of Jelena McWilliams, a holdover from the Trump administration

(CNN) More than a year after two policemen pepper-sprayed a Black and Latino US Army officer, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has sued the town of Windsor, alleging its police department has discriminated against African Americans and violated their

Virginia’s attorney general filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the town of Windsor, seeking changes in policing and saying that his office’s monthslong investigation uncovered evidence of discriminatory, unconstitutional policing. The Windsor Police came

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal judge has sided with local law enforcement in a case brought by Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrators alleging excessive use of force by police at a protest site in North Dakota in 2016. The Bismarck Tribune reported that temperatures

A federal judge has sided with local law enforcement in a case brought by Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrators alleging excessive use of force by police at a protest site in North Dakota in 2016 BISMARCK, N.D. -- A federal judge has sided with local law enforcement

Two people died when a higher speed commuter train hit their car as the driver tried to make it around the crossing gate, police said. The crossing gate’s lights were flashing and bells were ringing to signal an approaching train on Thursday morning when the

Police say two people died when a higher speed commuter train hit their car as the driver tried to make it around the crossing gate near Miami AVENTURA, Fla. -- Two people died when a higher speed commuter train hit their car as the driver tried to make it

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a schedule for January 6 to mark a year since protesters entered the Capitol building — including a designated time for select historians to “establish and preserve the narrative” of what happened that day. “The House

Washington (CNN) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday announced a slate of events around the US Capitol next week to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection. "These events are intended as an observance of reflection, remembrance

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has selected longtime Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) to serve as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, succeeding the departing Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.). Turner, 61, was the most senior Republican

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) will replace retiring Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) as ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced Turner’s appointment to the committee on Thursday, noting his

A Minnesota teen wanted by cops for allegedly trying to rob an elderly woman ended up being busted after his own mother recognized him in CCTV footage and turned him in. Isaiah Jamal Foster, 18, has been charged with aggravated robbery and assault over the

Minnesota investigators looking for a man captured on surveillance video allegedly knocking an elderly woman down while trying to snatch her purse as she walked into a Walgreens were tipped off as to the identity of the man by his own mother. Isaiah Jamal

Spirit Airlines flight attendants are receiving triple pay on any work through January 4, their union said, as the budget carrier scrambles to keep its schedules intact after U.S. airlines were hammered by a week of mass cancellations. The holiday season has

Spirit Airlines Inc. flight attendants are receiving triple pay on any work through Jan. 4, their union said, as the budget carrier scrambles to keep its schedules intact after U.S. airlines were hammered by a week of mass cancellations. Unruly Passengers The

A skier missing in the Sierra Nevada mountains for almost a week has been presumed dead Thursday after exhaustive search efforts were suspended. Rory Angelotta, was a ski shop manager from California who was reported missing after he didn’t show up for Christmas

The search for a skier who vanished in California on Christmas Day has now been called off after authorities behind the effort say "there is no realistic possibility" that he "survived the severe winter conditions." The somber announcement from the Placer

The U.S. Postal Service pulled out all the stops to avoid a repeat of the 2020 holiday shipping disaster, and it worked PORTLAND, Maine -- The U.S Postal Service pulled out all the stops to avoid a repeat of the 2020 holiday shipping disaster, and it worked. The

The U.S Postal Service pulled out all the stops to avoid a repeat of the 2020 holiday shipping disaster, and it worked. The Postal Service and several other private shippers reported that holiday season deliveries went smoothly for the most part. ShipMatrix,

More than 200 hundred Marines have been booted from the United States military for refusing to submit to a coronavirus vaccine. Fox News confirmed Thursday that 206 U.S. Marines have been kicked out of the military since late November for refusing to take

The Biden administration's mandate that members of the military have their COVID-19 vaccines or face discharge "creates division in the ranks," Blaine Holt, a retired Air Force brigadier general and deputy military representative to NATO, told Newsmax Friday. "We

(CNN) A growing number of school systems, colleges and universities are making changes to the beginning of the 2022 spring semester as a result of the surge in cases of Covid-19. Duke University is extending its plan for remote classes by another week due

Several more major American universities have announced a remote start to the spring 2022 semester, citing the recent increase in coronavirus omicron variant cases around the country. Michigan State University and the University of Miami have announced that