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.
English actors Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton welcome their second child
NEW YORK (AP) — English actors Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton have welcomed their second child. Hiddleston confirmed the news to GQ in a feature published Monday. He described birth as the “most beautiful, profound, earth-shattering, life-altering” experience. A birth date was not revealed. Hiddleston and Ashton first met while starring in the 2019 revival of the Broadway play, “Betrayal.” They confirmed their engagement in 2022 and welcomed their first child later that year. Both Hiddleston and Ashton were born in London. Hiddleston is best known for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ashton is also a member of the MCU, having portrayed Dar-Benn in the 2023 film “The Marvels.”
Gospel singer Richard Smallwood dies at 77, leaving a legacy that inspired many in music
Eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer Richard Smallwood has died at 77. His representative announced that Smallwood passed away Tuesday due to complications from kidney failure in Maryland. Smallwood had faced health challenges for years, but his dedication to music kept him going. His songs were recorded by artists such as Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child. Smallwood's music inspired many, including Chaka Khan, who praised his brilliance and spirit. He began playing piano at age 5 and formed his first gospel group by 11. One of his biggest hits was the song “Total Praise.”
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor from 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71
Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died at age 71. His manager confirmed he passed away Tuesday in New York after a short illness. Whitlock played the corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis on “The Wire." He also appeared in several Spike Lee films, including “25th Hour” and “BlacKkKlansman.” Whitlock played Secretary of Defense George Maddox on “Veep.” Originally from South Bend, Indiana, he studied theater after a football injury and began his acting career in San Francisco. He began appearing in small television guest roles on shows including “Cagney and Lacy” in the late 1980s. He went on to appear in five of Lee’s films.
Brigitte Bardot's funeral will be held next week in French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez
PARIS (AP) — Local authorities in France say Brigitte Bardot’s funeral is set for next week in the French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez which she helped make famous. The cinema star and animal rights activist died Sunday at 91 in southern France. Saint-Tropez town hall said Monday that a ceremony is scheduled on Jan. 7 and will be broadcast on large screens at the port and central square. The burial will be private at the local cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A public homage will follow. Bardot retired from cinema in 1973 and lived in Saint-Tropez for more than a half-century.
