Trump says Ukraine and Russia are ‘closer than ever’ to peace

December 29, 2025

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday insisted Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal as he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort, but he acknowledged that negotiations are complex and could still break down, leaving the war dragging on for years. The president’s statements came after the two leaders met for a discussion that took place after what Trump described as an “excellent,” two-and-a-half-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine launched the ...

Belmont Hills Country Club, DJFS provide Christmas gifts for children in need

December 24, 2025

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — For the second year in a row, Belmont Hills Country Club and Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services have teamed up to provide Christmas to area children in need. “During this holiday season, many Belmont Hills Country Club members wanted to show their ...

Red Sox acquire All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras from Cardinals for three young righties

December 23, 2025

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox acquired three-time All-Star Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday in a trade for right-hander Hunter Dobbins and two pitching prospects. The 33-year-old Contreras is a .258 hitter with 172 homers and 548 RBIs in 10 seasons with the Cubs and Cardinals. He spent most of his career as a catcher before moving to first base last year, when he batted .257 with 20 homers and 80 RBIs. Dobbins, 26, went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA as a rookie in Boston last year before tearing the ACL in his right knee and missing the second half of the season. ...

Moments of Happiness Captured By the Associated Press in 2025

December 12, 2025

People gather at an overlook as a double rainbow appears over Dead Horse Point State Park, near Moab, Utah, after sunrise, following a thunderstorm.

Bears look to bounce back against Garrett, Browns with rematch against Packers looming

December 11, 2025

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears were rolling along and on top of the NFC before they got tripped up at Green Bay last week. They'll get their shot at payback when Jordan Love and the Packers visit Soldier Field next week. But before they can turn their attention toward the rematch with ...

Hearing in Mangione’s murder case sheds new light on his arrest

December 5, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Minutes after police approached Luigi Mangione in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, he told an officer he didn’t want to talk, according to video and testimony at a court hearing Thursday for the man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Although some video ...