Indonesia's panda cub Rio thriving 40 days after birth
CISARUA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s conservation park has shared a video of a giant panda cub named Rio, 40 days after his birth. Veterinarians at the Indonesian Taman Safari park in West Java examined Rio for the first time outside the incubator. The video shows his growth from a tiny pink baby to a panda with black and white fur. Rio's weight increased by 46% and his length by 95% over the past 30 days. He was born on November 27 to pandas Hu Chun and Cai Tao, who arrived in Indonesia in 2017. Pandas are known for their breeding difficulties, making Rio's birth especially significant.
Trump may have his name on the building but it's still the Kennedy Center to Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump may have his name on the building but it's still the Kennedy Center to Congress. A bipartisan spending package released Monday by House Speaker Mike Johnson includes $32 million for operating expenses at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts through Sept. 30, 2027. Trump made a series of leadership changes at the center after he took office. The Republican president's handpicked board of trustees voted in December to add his name to Kennedy’s on the exterior of the building and the website, turning it into the Trump Kennedy Center for short.
Hollywood starts 2026 with 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' No. 1, as James Cameron's sci-fi epic crosses $1B
NEW YORK (AP) — Hollywood kicked off 2026 with “Avatar: Fire and Ash” atop the box office for the third straight week and with hopes for a blockbuster-filled year after a disappointing 2025. In three weeks of release, “Fire and Ash” has cleared $1 billion worldwide. The third chapter in James Cameron’s Pandora epic collected $40 million over its third weekend in North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. But over the holiday week, it wasn’t just about the weekend ticket sales. The whole week was a lucrative one for Hollywood, with most schools still out. What drove ticket sales, beyond “Avatar”? Sydney Sweeney, Timothée Chalamet and “Zootopia 2.”
Why ordering takeout or calling the dog walker might lead to a happier relationship
Couples who spend money on small, time-saving services like takeout or housecleaning or dog walking report greater relationship satisfaction. Especially during stressful times. That's according to Harvard Business School's Ashley Whillans. She studies how people trade time for money. She found that outsourcing chores can boost well-being by giving people a sense of control. Whillans advises couples to audit their time and make small changes to reclaim moments together. She emphasizes that saved time should be for quality connection, not more work. Just opening up time doesn't replace communication. The key is intentional use of time to strengthen relationships.
Conservationists in Kenya pay tribute to beloved 'super tusker' elephant Craig, who died at age 54
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyans are mourning the death of a beloved "super tusker" elephant named Craig. He lived in Amboseli National Park and symbolized Kenya's efforts to protect elephants from poachers. Craig died Saturday at age 54 from natural causes. The Kenya Wildlife Service described him as calm and dignified, often pausing for tourists to photograph him. Craig was one of only a few super tuskers, with tusks weighing over 45 kilograms each. His death highlights conservation successes, as Kenya's elephant population has grown significantly. Craig fathered many calves, ensuring his legacy continues.
Country singer Zach Bryan has married Samantha Leonard
NEW YORK (AP) — Here’s to a lifetime of pink skies. The irreverent country singer Zach Bryan is married. Bryan confirms the news in an Instagram post shared Thursday. Beneath a photo of him holding his bride, Samantha Leonard, he wrote the caption, “tougher than the rest.” It is a reference to the Bruce Springsteen song of the same name. It is unclear when the couple started dating or got engaged. Rumors of their relationship hit social media in August, when Leonard posted a picture of the pair embracing on a boat on her official Instagram account. Bryan is scheduled to release a new album, “With Heaven On Top,” next Friday.
Man fought off a mountain lion weeks before a suspected fatal Colorado attack
A suspected deadly mountain lion attack on New Year’s Day that killed a woman hiking alone was preceded by another harrowing encounter in the same area. A man says he was rushed by a mountain lion along the same northern Colorado trail in November but fought it off with a stick. Authorities say the wounds on the woman found Thursday are consistent with a mountain lion attack. Two of the animals were later tracked down and killed and the search for a third lion is ongoing Friday. If confirmed, it marks the first fatal attack by a mountain lion in Colorado in more than 25 years.
Troy Aikman to advise Miami Dolphins in search for new GM
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman will be advising the Miami Dolphins in their search for a new general manager. Aikman, who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl wins and is now an ESPN analyst, isn’t expected to remain with the organization beyond their GM search, ESPN reported. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel welcomed the outside help. The Dolphins fired longtime general manager Chris Grier on Oct. 31 after a 2-7 start to the season. Dolphins senior personnel executive Champ Kelly has been Miami’s interim general manager.
Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' could make Grammy history
NEW YORK (AP) — The Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has redefined what it means to be a global giant. And he may once again make history at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio is up for six awards. He is also the first Spanish-language artist to be nominated for album, song and record of the year simultaneously. Win or lose, experts say Bad Bunny’s Grammy nominations mark a symbolic moment for Latinos. That is because his critically acclaimed 2025 album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” took local, traditional Puerto Rican sounds and made them global smash hits. It's also because his success arrives in a particularly tense political moment.
New Year's Day: What's open? Retailers. What's closed? Government and banks
While schools, government and banks are closed on New Year’s Day, most major retailers across the U.S. will be open, with many offering discounts on older inventory to clear the way for newer products. But before you run out the door on New Year’s Day to peruse deals, it’s wise to double-check your local store’s operating hours, which can differ depending on their location. When in doubt, call ahead or look up more specific schedules online for stores in your neighborhood.
