NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump was thwarted Monday in his bid to indefinitely postpone this week’s sentencing in his hush money case while he appeals a ruling that upheld the verdict. Judge Juan M. Merchan ordered Friday’s sentencing to proceed as scheduled, rejecting arguments from Trump’s lawyers who said it should be halted…… MORE
NEW YORK (AP) — The first U.S. bird flu death has been reported. Louisiana health officials announced the death Monday of a person who had been hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms. Health officials have said the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds…… MORE
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas are once again struggling to reach a ceasefire that could wind down the 15-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of Israelis held hostage. The enemies are under pressure from outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before the Jan. 20 inauguration.…… MORE
McDonald’s is ending some of its diversity practices, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions. McDonald’s is the latest company to shift its tactics in the wake of the 2023 ruling and a conservative backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Walmart, John Deere, and other corporations have also rolled…… MORE
TOKYO (AP) — Nippon Steel Chief Executive Eiji Hashimoto says the top Japanese steelmaker is standing firm on its proposed $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. He told reporters Tuesday in Tokyo there is no reason or need to give up. President Joe Biden has blocked the move. Hashimoto says it’s the best for both…… MORE
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve’s top financial regulator said Monday that he would resign next month, avoiding a potential confrontation with the incoming Trump administration and Republicans in the Senate. Fed governor Michael Barr said in a letter to President Joe Biden that he would step down as vice chair of supervision Feb. 28,…… MORE
Winter weather is causing flight delays and cancellations. Experts have tips on what to do when your itinerary gets scrambled by a storm. Airlines are required to provide refunds for customers whose flights are canceled for any reason. Airlines will try to put you on a later flight, but that depends on the availability of…… MORE
NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI says the New Orleans truck attacker who killed 14 people had previously scouted the French Quarter and recorded video with his Meta smart glasses. Meta is the parent company of Facebook. A spokesperson declined to comment. The devices are made in partnership with Ray-Ban. They’re frames with a built-in…… MORE
Biden champions the action as win for climate change, while Trump’s team says it could keep energy costs high (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) President Biden announced an 11th-hour executive action on Monday that bans new drilling and further oil and natural gas development on more than 625 million acres of U.S. coastal and offshore waters. Biden, whose…… MORE
Credit AP News Will TikTok be banned this month? That’s the pressing question keeping creators and small business owners in anxious limbo as they await a decision that could upend their livelihoods. The fate of the popular app will be decided by the Supreme Court, which will hear arguments on Jan. 10 over a law…… MORE
