Melania Trump welcomes Christmas tree to the White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Melania Trump has welcomed this year's Christmas tree to the White House. On Monday, the tree arrived from Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan. It was delivered in a green horse-drawn carriage driven by three men in top hats. Melania Trump described it as a beautiful tree as she circled the carriage and posed for pictures. She shook hands with one of the drivers and a woman standing with the two Clydesdale horses.
Donald Glover says he had a stroke
Donald Glover has revealed he suffered a stroke last year, which forced him to cancel his tour. Speaking at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, Glover shared that a doctor diagnosed him after he experienced severe head pain during a show in Louisiana. Despite the pain, he performed but later sought medical attention in Houston. Glover also disclosed he had two surgeries for a heart condition. He expressed gratitude for his life and career, saying, "You got one life, guys, and I gotta be honest, the life I’ve lived with you guys has been such a blessing."
‘Wicked: For Good’ is even more popular than the first, soaring to a $226 million global debut
Universal Pictures' "Wicked: For Good" has taken the box office by storm, earning an estimated $150 million in North America and $226 million globally in its opening weekend. It's the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the first film's $112 million launch, and the second biggest of the year. Released earlier this week, the film played in 4,115 North American locations by Friday, with IMAX showings contributing $15.5 million. Women made up 71% of ticket buyers. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande, the film's success is crucial for the exhibition industry as the year ends.
UK leader suggests former Prince Andrew should testify in US investigation into Jeffrey Epstein
LONDON (AP) — Pressure is increasing for the former Prince Andrew to give evidence to a U.S. congressional committee investigating the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after Britain’s prime minister suggested he should testify. Keir Starmer did not comment directly about King Charles III’s disgraced younger brother, but told reporters traveling with him for the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg that as a “general principle” people should provide evidence to investigators. The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has so far ignored a request from members of the House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview.”
A pair of snowy owls spotted along Lake Michigan beach draws crowds in Chicago
CHICAGO (AP) — A pair of snowy owls has taken up residence along a Lake Michigan beach, sparking curious speculation about how long the Arctic birds of prey will call Chicago home. Word of the two owls has been circulating on birder forums in the nation’s third-largest city for the last week. A throng gathered on a Lake Michigan pier on Saturday to see the birds. While snowy owls aren’t rare in Chicago, their frequency each winter varies widely. Generally, a handful are reported in Chicago each year around December, but some times there aren’t any at all. Snowy owls live north of the Arctic Circle during the summer.
JFK's granddaughter reveals terminal cancer diagnosis, criticizes cousin RFK Jr.
John F. Kennedy’s granddaughter has disclosed that she has terminal cancer and may live for only about another year. Tatiana Schlossberg is the daughter of Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg. She shared her diagnosis in an essay published Saturday in “The New Yorker.” Its publication comes on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather's assassination. Schlossberg says she was diagnosed in May 2024 after the birth of her second child when the doctor noticed her white blood cell count was high. It turned out to be acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation.
Trump teaming up with Jack Nicklaus to revamp 'president's golf course' at Joint Base Andrews
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he's teaming up with legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus to revamp the golf courses at Joint Base Andrews. On Saturday, Trump took an aerial tour of the courses and promised improvements. He suggested that the rest of the base needs some fixing up as well, but announced that Nicklaus would serve as architect for any facelift of the golf courses. Located near the White House, Andrews has long been a favorite golfing spot for past presidents. Trump has mostly preferred his own properties in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia for golfing. Questions remain about who will pay for the redesign and improvements, as Andrews is military property. The White House hasn't commented.
Chris Paul hints at retirement from NBA with video before Clippers-Hornets game in his home state
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul hinted at potential retirement after this season. He shared a video on social media before the team's game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, which could be his last in his home state of North Carolina. The video features highlights from his 21-year NBA career, including his childhood and college days at Wake Forest. Paul, 40, is a 12-time NBA All-Star. He was the New Orleans Hornets' fifth overall pick in 2005.
Cargo ship fire in Los Angeles nearly contained after shelter-in-place order lifted
A fire that broke out aboard a container ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles was nearly contained by Saturday afternoon. The blaze briefly prompted a shelter-in-place order Friday night for surrounding communities over concerns about hazardous materials within the ship’s cargo. The order was lifted Saturday and port operations also resumed as normal. All 23 crew members of the ship were accounted for and there were no injuries from the electrical fire, officials said. Roughly 100 cargo containers were burned. Officials said they had identified hazardous materials, such as lithium-ion batteries, aboard the vessel. It was not immediately clear how the fire started.
Rural Greece struggles to cope with predator comeback
LEVEA, Greece (AP) — Populations of brown bears and wolves are burgeoning in Greece, thanks to conservation efforts. But not everyone is enthusiastic about the comeback. Farmers and residents of small villages, fearful for their livelihoods and their own safety, are calling for greater protection after increased sightings and a series of attacks. It’s a phenomenon playing out elsewhere in Europe, too, with some arguing conservation has gone too far and pushing to roll back restrictions.
