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DELAWARE
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Atlantic City mayor Marty Small Sr. has been acquitted on charges he assaulted his teenage daughter
SUMMARY: Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. has been acquitted of charges that he endangered and abused his teenage daughter. The verdict was handed down Thursday afternoon, after more than a week of testimony. Atlantic County prosecutors had said Small and his wife, La’Quetta Small, who is the seaside gambling resort’s schools superintendent, hit and emotionally abused the girl in December 2023 and January 2024, at least once to the point of unconsciousness. Marty Small was charged with child endangerment, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and witness tampering. La’Quetta Small is scheduled to go on trial Jan. 12 on child abuse charges. She maintains her innocence.
WORDS: 566 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 12:58 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AtlanticCitymayorMartySmallSrhasbeenacquittedonchargesheassaultedhisteenagedaughter/7a9eaa47884f3c2218c5a7c8c7a45734/text——————————
States faces a choice on whether to embrace Trump's tax cuts on tips, overtime and more
SUMMARY: Lawmakers across the U.S. will be debating whether to adopt new federal tax breaks for tips, overtime and business expenses. The Trump administration is urging states to follow its lead by applying the federal tax cuts to state income taxes. But that decision varies by state. In some places, the tax breaks automatically apply unless legislatures opt out. In others, they won't occur unless legislatures opt in. States embracing all of President Donald Trump's tax cuts could offer significant savings to taxpayers but may also face financial strain. So far, only a few states have voted on these tax breaks, with Michigan being the first to opt in for tips and overtime.
WORDS: 1046 - MOVED: 12/19/2025 10:09 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/StatesfacesachoiceonwhethertoembraceTrumpstaxcutsontipsovertimeandmore/e0285cff57b7a0257a309a06d7d8092d/text——————————
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NEW JERSEY
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Atlantic City mayor Marty Small Sr. has been acquitted on charges he assaulted his teenage daughter
SUMMARY: Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. has been acquitted of charges that he endangered and abused his teenage daughter. The verdict was handed down Thursday afternoon, after more than a week of testimony. Atlantic County prosecutors had said Small and his wife, La’Quetta Small, who is the seaside gambling resort’s schools superintendent, hit and emotionally abused the girl in December 2023 and January 2024, at least once to the point of unconsciousness. Marty Small was charged with child endangerment, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and witness tampering. La’Quetta Small is scheduled to go on trial Jan. 12 on child abuse charges. She maintains her innocence.
WORDS: 566 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 12:58 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AtlanticCitymayorMartySmallSrhasbeenacquittedonchargesheassaultedhisteenagedaughter/7a9eaa47884f3c2218c5a7c8c7a45734/text——————————
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PENNSYLVANIA
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Atlantic City mayor Marty Small Sr. has been acquitted on charges he assaulted his teenage daughter
SUMMARY: Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. has been acquitted of charges that he endangered and abused his teenage daughter. The verdict was handed down Thursday afternoon, after more than a week of testimony. Atlantic County prosecutors had said Small and his wife, La’Quetta Small, who is the seaside gambling resort’s schools superintendent, hit and emotionally abused the girl in December 2023 and January 2024, at least once to the point of unconsciousness. Marty Small was charged with child endangerment, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and witness tampering. La’Quetta Small is scheduled to go on trial Jan. 12 on child abuse charges. She maintains her innocence.
WORDS: 566 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 12:58 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AtlanticCitymayorMartySmallSrhasbeenacquittedonchargesheassaultedhisteenagedaughter/7a9eaa47884f3c2218c5a7c8c7a45734/text——————————
A bag, a hoagie and a long wait for a ruling: What we learned at Luigi Mangione’s pretrial hearing
SUMMARY: A three-week pretrial hearing on Mangione’s fight to exclude evidence from his New York murder case revealed new details about his December 2024 arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, steps prosecutors say he took to elude authorities for five days, and what he may have revealed about himself after he was taken into custody. The hearing ended Thursday. Mangione watched from the defense table as prosecutors called 17 witnesses, many of them police officers and other personnel involved in his arrest. Mangione’s lawyers called none. Judge Gregory Carro said he won’t rule until May 18, “but that could change.” Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal murder charges. The pretrial hearing was in the state case.
WORDS: 1724 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 10:39 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AbagahoagieandalongwaitforarulingWhatwelearnedatLuigiMangionespretrialhearing/1c5b61d3c160d48c9ad85b6c359203d8/text——————————
Romanian court sentences US rapper Wiz Khalifa to 9 months for drug possession
SUMMARY: A court in Romania has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months in jail on drug possession charges. The ruling on Thursday came more than a year after he took part in a music festival in the Eastern European country. Khalifa was stopped by Romanian police in July 2024 after allegedly smoking cannabis on stage at the festival in Costinesti. Prosecutors said the rapper was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis and that he consumed some on stage. The Constanta Court of Appeal handed down the sentence. The decision is final. It isn’t clear whether Romanian authorities will seek to file an extradition request since Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and doesn’t reside in Romania.
WORDS: 273 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 1:56 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RomaniancourtsentencesUSrapperWizKhalifatomonthsfordrugpossession/c1b9ce20aaff0baea09e80a82df48f13/text——————————
States faces a choice on whether to embrace Trump's tax cuts on tips, overtime and more
SUMMARY: Lawmakers across the U.S. will be debating whether to adopt new federal tax breaks for tips, overtime and business expenses. The Trump administration is urging states to follow its lead by applying the federal tax cuts to state income taxes. But that decision varies by state. In some places, the tax breaks automatically apply unless legislatures opt out. In others, they won't occur unless legislatures opt in. States embracing all of President Donald Trump's tax cuts could offer significant savings to taxpayers but may also face financial strain. So far, only a few states have voted on these tax breaks, with Michigan being the first to opt in for tips and overtime.
WORDS: 1046 - MOVED: 12/19/2025 10:09 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/StatesfacesachoiceonwhethertoembraceTrumpstaxcutsontipsovertimeandmore/e0285cff57b7a0257a309a06d7d8092d/text——————————
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SPORTS
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MARYLAND
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Dry needling is common around the NFL, and players aren't worried despite Watt's collapsed lung
SUMMARY: NFL players say they will continue with dry-needling sessions despite a recent incident involving the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt. Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung during the procedure and is out indefinitely. Dry needling is used by physical therapists to treat pain and movement issues by inserting needles into muscles. It’s part of a larger pain management plan and can increase blood flow and release endorphins. NFL players like Trey McBride, Drew Dalman and Bobby Okereke use it for relief from muscle tension. Despite some concerns, many players plan to continue using the treatment.
WORDS: 858 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 11:32 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DryneedlingiscommonaroundtheNFLandplayersarentworrieddespiteWattscollapsedlung/72e2e0bb502c249e39812031005febf5/text——————————
Capitals rebound from a bad road trip, beat Maple Leafs 4-0 behind goalie Thompson
SUMMARY: Logan Thompson earned his second shutout of the season, Jakob Chychrun scored twice and the Washington Capitals rebounded from a pair of ugly losses, beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0. The Capitals lost at Winnipeg and Minnesota by a combined 10-1, but Aliaksei Protas and Chychrun scored in the first period against Toronto. Thompson made the early lead stand up, finishing with 22 saves for his eighth career shutout. Chychrun made it 3-0 with a third-period goal, and John Carlson also scored in the final period.
WORDS: 300 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 9:35 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/CapitalsreboundfromabadroadtripbeatMapleLeafsbehindgoalieThompson/3a38d957cd8425b93f57936312270a5a/text——————————
Capitals' Team Canada hopefuls Thompson and Chychrun shine in a win over Maple Leafs
SUMMARY: If this was an audition of sorts in front of a Canadian TV audience, Washington’s Olympic hopefuls were pretty impressive in a 4-0 win over Toronto. Jakob Chychrun scored two goals, and Logan Thompson made 22 saves for his second shutout of the season. Thompson and Tom Wilson have been getting plenty of buzz as possible options for Team Canada. Now Chychrun has entered the conversation. His 14 goals lead all NHL defensemen. Thompson lowered his goals-against average to 2.00.
WORDS: 402 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 11:00 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/CapitalsTeamCanadahopefulsThompsonandChychrunshineinawinoverMapleLeafs/02df309174ca6fab03da0fa6d058290e/text——————————
John Means tears Achilles tendon and says he was about to sign a 2026 contract
SUMMARY: Former All-Star pitcher John Means says he tore an Achilles tendon this week just before signing a 2026 contract. He wrote on social media that the injury occurred Tuesday while training. It was the same day he was supposed to sign with a team and be available on opening day for the first time in a long time. Means debuted in 2018 and was an All-Star in 2019. The 32-year-old has pitched in eight big league games since mid-April 2022 due to Tommy John surgeries.
WORDS: 235 - MOVED: 12/19/2025 10:40 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/JohnMeanstearsAchillestendonandsayshewasabouttosignacontract/cda96c945c69000b4da4d5af22740b38/text——————————
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NEW JERSEY
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Heat beat the Nets 106-95 to snap a 5-game losing streak
SUMMARY: Norman Powell scored 24 points, Kel’el Ware had 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, and the Miami Heat snapped a five-game losing streak with a 106-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 19 points and Bam Adebayo had 17 rebounds despite battling foul trouble as the Heat won for just the second time in December. They came into the month with 13 wins, tied for their most ever before December, but had gone 1-5 since. Michael Porter Jr. scored 28 points for the Nets, who went cold after equaling the most lopsided victory in franchise history in their last game.
WORDS: 221 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 10:10 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/HeatbeattheNetstosnapagamelosingstreak/898f745c02f084dd50c348b22fca4b93/text——————————
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PENNSYLVANIA
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Dry needling is common around the NFL, and players aren't worried despite Watt's collapsed lung
SUMMARY: NFL players say they will continue with dry-needling sessions despite a recent incident involving the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt. Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung during the procedure and is out indefinitely. Dry needling is used by physical therapists to treat pain and movement issues by inserting needles into muscles. It’s part of a larger pain management plan and can increase blood flow and release endorphins. NFL players like Trey McBride, Drew Dalman and Bobby Okereke use it for relief from muscle tension. Despite some concerns, many players plan to continue using the treatment.
WORDS: 858 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 11:32 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DryneedlingiscommonaroundtheNFLandplayersarentworrieddespiteWattscollapsedlung/72e2e0bb502c249e39812031005febf5/text——————————
Right-hander Brad Keller and Philadelphia Phillies finalize $22 million, 2-year contract
SUMMARY: Right-hander Brad Keller and the Philadelphia Phillies have finalized their $22 million, two-year contract. Keller gets a $4 million signing bonus, half payable upon the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball and half in October. He receives salaries of $7 million next year and $11 million in 2027. Keller was 4-2 with a career-low 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances for the Chicago Cubs this season. He struck out 75 in 69 2/3 innings.
WORDS: 298 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 6:24 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RighthanderBradKellerandPhiladelphiaPhilliesfinalizemillionyearcontract/c8a3160d313777ac0fc088e01ca0c35f/text——————————
Conyers' 15 lead Charlotte past Lafayette 81-67
SUMMARY: Led by Arden Conyers' 15 points, the Charlotte 49ers defeated the Lafayette Leopards 81-67 on Thursday. The 49ers are now 5-7 on the season, while the Leopards fell to 3-9.
WORDS: 143 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 9:38 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/ConyersleadCharlottepastLafayette/d80562cd92fb43fd95b5bac5c104a8b8/text——————————
Whitlock scores 33 as Lehigh takes down Penn State-Hazleton 83-74
SUMMARY: The Lehigh Mountain Hawks defeated the Penn State-Hazleton Nittany Lions 83-74 on Thursday led by Nasir Whitlock's 33 points. The Mountain Hawks are now 4-8 on the season.
WORDS: 153 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 9:52 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/WhitlockscoresasLehightakesdownPennStateHazleton/c0cf8b4b4ee04db8aa80a7ce2cae73a6/text——————————
Thompson, Ostlund score 2:36 apart late in 2nd period as Sabres beat Flyers 5-3 for 4th straight win
SUMMARY: Tage Thompson and Noah Ostlund scored 2:36 apart in the closing minutes of the second period, and the Buffalo Sabres won their fourth in a row with a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Josh Norris, Jack Quinn and Ryan McLeod also scored for the Sabres in their first game since Jarmo Kekalainen took over as general manager on Monday. Travis Konecny, Cam York and Noah Cates scored for the Flyers, who lost in regulation for the first time in six outings. Samuel Ersson stopped 23 shots. The win was the 915th of Sabres coach Lindy Ruff’s career, moving him into fourth place on the NHL list, one ahead of Barry Trotz.
WORDS: 336 - MOVED: 12/18/2025 10:18 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/ThompsonOstlundscoreapartlateinndperiodasSabresbeatFlyersforthstraightwin/60e8601db6ab41becbb9860c5caeb445/text——————————
Royals reunite with former All-Star pitcher Matt Strahm in a trade with the Phillies
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have reunited with veteran pitcher Matt Strahm. They acquired the former All-Star left-hander from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. Strahm, 34, has pitched for four clubs over ten seasons in the majors. He began his career with the Royals, who selected him in the 2012 draft. Strahm has also pitched for the Padres, Red Sox and Phillies, where he was an All-Star in 2024. Bowlan, 29, has pitched in parts of the past three seasons for Kansas City, appearing in a career-best 34 games this past season.
WORDS: 228 - MOVED: 12/19/2025 11:37 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RoyalsreunitewithformerAllStarpitcherMattStrahminatradewiththePhillies/bc33504861df5602c1f9c8af5c18ea6a/text——————————
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