The Jan. 6., 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol does not happen without Donald Trump, former special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers earlier this month in characterizing the Republican president as the most culpable and most responsible person in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee released on Wednesday a transcript and video of a closed-door interview Smith gave about two investigations of Trump. The document shows how Smith during the course of a daylong deposition repeatedly defended the basis for pursuing indictments against Trump and vigorously rejected Republican suggestions that his investigations were politically motivated.

The evidence here made clear that President Trump was by a large measure the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy. These crimes were committed for his benefit. The attack that happened at the Capitol, part of this case, does not happen without him. The other co-conspirators were doing this for his benefit, Smith said, bristling at a question about whether his investigations were meant to prevent Trump from reclaiming the presidency in 2024.

So in terms of why we would pursue a case against him, I entirely disagree with any characterization that our work was in any way meant to hamper him in the presidential election, he added.

The Dec. 17 deposition was conducted privately despite Smiths request to testify publicly. The release of the transcript and video of the interview, so far Smith's only appearance on Capitol Hill since leaving his special counsel position last January, adds to the public understanding of the decision-making behind two of the most consequential Justice Department investigations in recent history.

Trump was indicted on charges of conspiring to undo the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden, and of willfully retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Both cases were abandoned after Trump's 2024 election win, with Smith citing Justice Department policy against the indictment of a sitting president.

Smith repeatedly made clear his belief that the evidence gathered against Trump was strong enough to sustain a conviction. Part of the strength of the Jan. 6 case, Smith said, was the extent to which it relied on the testimony of Trump allies and supporters who cooperated with the investigation.

We had an elector in Pennsylvania who is a former congressman, who was going to be an elector for President Trump, who said that what they were trying to do was an attempt to overthrow the government and illegal, Smith said. Our case was built on, frankly, Republicans who put their allegiance to the country before the party.

Accounts from Republicans willing to stand up against the falsehood that the election had been stolen even though it could mean trouble for them created what Smith described as the most powerful evidence against Trump.

When it came to the Capitol riot itself, Smith said, the evidence showed that Trump caused it and that he exploited it and that it was foreseeable to him.

Asked whether there was evidence that Trump had instructed supporters to riot at the Capitol, Smith said that Trump in the weeks leading to the insurrection got people to believe fraud claims that weren't true.

He made false statements to state legislatures, to his supporters in all sorts of contexts and was aware in the days leading up to Jan. 6th that his supporters were angry when he invited them and then he directed them to the Capitol, Smith said.

Now, once they were at the Capitol and once the attack on the Capitol happened, he refused to stop it. He instead issued a tweet that without question in my mind endangered the life of his own vice president, he added. And when the violence was going on, he had to be pushed repeatedly by his staff members to do anything to quell it.

Some of the deposition focused on Republican anger at revelations that the Smith team had obtained, and analyzed, phone records of GOP lawmakers who were in contact with Trump on Jan. 6. Smith defended the maneuver as lawful and by-the-book, and suggested that outrage over the tactic should be directed at Trump and not his team of prosecutors.

Well, I think who should be accountable for this is Donald Trump. These records are people, in the case of the senators, Donald Trump directed his co-conspirators to call these people to further delay the proceedings. He chose to do that, Smith said. If Donald Trump had chosen to call a number of Democratic senators, we would have gotten toll records for Democratic senators.

The communications between Trump and Republican supporters in Congress were an important component of the case, Smith said. He cited an interview his office did with Mark Meadows in which Trump's former chief of staff referenced that Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican and current chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, had been in touch with the White House on the afternoon of the riot.

And what I recall was Meadows stating that Ive never seen Jim Jordan scared of anything, and the fact that we were in this different situation now where people were scared really made it clear that what was going on at the Capitol could not be mistaken for anything other than what it was, Smith said.

Smith was also asked whether his team evaluated former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinsons explosive claim that Trump that grabbed at the steering wheel of the presidential SUV when the Secret Service refused to let him go to the Capitol after a rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021.

Smith told lawmakers that investigators interviewed the officer who was in the car, who said that President Trump was very angry and wanted to go to the Capitol, but the officers version of events was not the same as what Cassidy Hutchinson said she heard from somebody secondhand.

___

Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

Two of the NFL's three Christmas Day games set viewership records.

The Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings late afternoon game on Netflix became the most-streamed NFL game in U.S. history and the Denver Broncos-Kansas City Chiefs night game set a record for Amazon Prime Video.

The Vikings' 23-10 victory over the Lions averaged 27.5 million U.S. viewers, according to Nielsen. The audience peaked at over 30 million. That surpasses the 27.2 million average for last year's Christmas game on Netflix between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texas, which was also in the late afternoon slot.

The Broncos' 20-13 win over the Chiefs had a 21.06 million average on Prime Video, breaking the network's 19.39 million mark for most-watched Thursday Night Football game in the four seasons it has had the package. The audience peaked at 22.9 million during the second quarter.

The first game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders averaged 19.9 million. The Cowboys' 30-23 win was sharply down from the 25.8 million that tuned in for last year's early afternoon contest between the Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Figures for the three games also include local market viewing on broadcast stations and viewing on NFL+ via mobile or web viewing.

Netflix and Nielsen said Snoops Holiday Halftime Party which occurred at halftime of the Lions-Vikings game averaged 29 million.

The two Christmas games on Netflix were streamed globally, with viewers from over 200 countries and territories watching at least one of the games. The Cowboys-Commanders game had a global average of 22.4 million while Lions-Vikings had 30.5 million.

Netflix said its NFL Christmas Gameday drew more than 632 million social impressions globally, with Snoop Dogg's halftime show garnering over 100 million impressions. Snoop was the number one trend socially in the U.S. along with Andrea Bocelli, Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Families across Metro Detroit didn't wait until midnight to ring in 2026. Many venues hosted early celebrations designed specifically for children, allowing them to participate in New Year's festivities without staying up past their bedtime.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: Kids celebrate New Year's Eve early at Clarkston family fun center

Fairytale Fun Place in Clarkston hosted what they called a "Noon Year's Eve Party," complete with all the traditional New Year's celebrations moved to a more kid-friendly time.

"I love that it's kid-friendly at Noon-Year's! We're definitely not going to stay up all night, so this is amazing that they put this on for the kids," Maria Deachin of Clarkston said.

The concept proved popular with parents who knew their children wouldn't make it to the traditional midnight celebration.

"I didn't think he'd make it to midnight, so it's great to noon instead," Carolyn Robertson of Waterford said.

Amy Demoff, who owns Fairytale Fun Place with her husband, said the timing works perfectly for families with young children.

"We know that 12 o'clock midnight is really hard for little ones, and so Noon Year's Eve is perfect. You can come out with your family and have so much fun here with the kids, and get them home in time for a nap," Demoff said.

The couple has owned the Clarkston venue since 2021and started this New Year's Eve tradition the following year.

The party space also offers numerous activities for children and families, featuring arcade games and an indoor playground, creating an environment where children can play and celebrate.

"It's a lot of fun for the kids. This is just a really great place to just let come and play and unwind for a little while," Sarah Paluch of Clio said.

To celebrate 2026, children learned iconic dance moves from different decades and met characters Elsa and Anna from the movie "Frozen." The celebration culminated with a balloon drop at noon, mimicking the traditional Times Square ball drop.

"It made us so happy to see him having a great time. He's got a big personality. It's nice for him to be able to show it," Bill Robertson of Waterford said.

Demoff emphasized that the business focuses on bringing families together across generations.

"Everything we do here is family-centered, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. Everybody comes out together and hangs out together as a family," Demoff said.

The event attracted families from various locations, including one family visiting from Japan after being away for 10 years.

"You know, spending time with family and friends, there's nothing better than that," Adrienne Uchida said.

Young Wyatt Paluch from Clio summed up the day's festivities with enthusiasm: "Happy New Year!"

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

As Detroit prepares to ring in the new year, police are reminding residents that celebratory gunfire remains illegal and dangerous, nearly three decades after a local family lost their loved one to this reckless tradition.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Detroit police warn against celebratory gunfire on New Year's Eve

Chalaundra Latham was just a teenager when her mother, Saundra Latham, was killed by celebratory gunfire on New Year's Eve 1996. The family was celebrating near Grand River Avenue and Robson Street when the clock struck midnight and gunfire erupted in their neighborhood.

"Ten, nine, eight, seven, get to one and you hear the shots, I hear, 'Get down, get down!'" Chalaundra Latham said, recalling that tragic night.

When the gunfire stopped, her mother didn't get up.

"It came in through the side window. Hit her in the eye," Latham said.

Saundra Latham lost her life that day, leaving behind a devastated family that continues to feel the impact nearly 30 years later.

FULL INTERVIEW: Chalaundra Latham talks about her mother, Saundra Latham, shooting death due to celebratory gunfire FULL INTERVIEW: Chalaundra Latham talks about her mother, Saundra Latham, shooting death due to celebratory gunfire

"That was a big loss. My mom played a big roll in me and my sister and our family's life, we're very family orientated, her grandkids, it was hard, it's still hard around the holidays," Chalaundra Latham said.

Since then, the Latham family has upheld a campaign encouraging people to "ring in the new year with bells, not bullets."

At Detroit Police Department headquarters on Wednesday, Assistant Police Chief Franklin Hayes emphasized that the department has two main priorities on New Year's Eve: watching for impaired drivers and preventing celebratory gunfire.

"I want to remind everyone that discharging a firearm in the city limits is a crime," Hayes said. "Prosecution will follow."

While Hayes noted that the department has seen less of this disturbing tradition over the years, it still exists.

"We want them to bring the year in ringing a bell, and not in a jail cell," Hayes added.

The ongoing concern affects how some Detroit residents celebrate. Ronald Cranford, a Detroit resident, said he and his neighbors avoid being outside right at midnight to stay safe.

"We definitely go in early," Cranford said.

Meanwhile, the Latham family's message remains simple as another New Year's Eve approaches.

"Ring it in with a bell, not a bang, that's what I'm asking people," Chalaundra Latham said.

_____________

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Michigan's marijuana industry faces a significant tax increase as a new 24% wholesale excise tax takes effect January 1, 2026, prompting cannabis users to stock up on products before the deadline.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Michigan implements 24% wholesale marijuana tax starting January 1

The additional tax will be imposed on top of the existing 10% retail tax and 6% sales tax, bringing the total tax rate to 40%. The measure is expected to generate over $400 million per year to fund road and bridge work, along with other infrastructure projects.

"It's really unfortunate," said Sam from Berkley, one of several cannabis users I spoke with who are purchasing products before the tax increase.

The tax hike has already forced some businesses to make difficult decisions. Eric Slutzky, CEO of Dog House Farms, said his wholesale growing operation has had to scale back operations.

"We've implemented things to try to get leaner. We went through every expense over the past few months with a fine-tooth comb to try and figure out what needs to happen here. We had lay-offs too," Slutzky said.

Several cannabis companies in Michigan have laid off workers or shut down entirely due to market saturation and the new marijuana tax. Others are strategizing for the long term.

Aric Klar, founder of Quality Roots, said his company has prepared for the tax increase by stocking inventory.

"Quality Roots has stocked our shelves for the next two to three months to maximize our ability to keep our price points where they've been and hopefully continue to keep them as long as we can," Klar said.

Cannabis users said they're taking advantage of current prices before the tax takes effect.

FULL INTERVIEW: Aric Klar, founder of Quality Roots, talks about marijuana tax FULL INTERVIEW: Aric Klar, founder of Quality Roots, talks about marijuana tax

"I think that's probably a great idea for a consumer to do today before the prices increase that much," said Kristin Hinchman from Berkley.

"When I heard the news, I was definitely surprised. It's definitely going to have a huge impact, so I plan on stocking up before midnight," Sam said.

Cannabis industry groups are challenging the new tax in court as the implementation date arrives.

Some customers expressed mixed feelings about the tax increase. Brenden Bowers from Berkley said the tax makes sense to some extent, but questioned whether the revenue could be found elsewhere.

"I feel like it makes sense to a certain extent, but on the other hand, they can probably find that tax within other places," Bowers said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Scammers impersonating law enforcement officers are stealing thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims in Dundee, prompting police to issue urgent warnings to the public.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Dundee woman loses $9,500 to scammer impersonating Monroe County deputy

A Dundee woman recently lost $9,500 to a scammer who claimed to be a Monroe County Sheriff's deputy and told her there was a federal warrant for her arrest for missing jury duty, according to the Dundee Police Department.

The scammer called the woman from an unregistered, anonymous number and convinced her she could avoid arrest by depositing money into a Bitcoin ATM in Carleton. Once she made the payment, the caller immediately hung up.

The Dundee Police Department says law enforcement will never demand bond money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards for the immediate payment of anything.

Tracie Simpson from Monroe experienced a similar scam a month and a half ago when her daughter got into legal trouble. Scammers posing as sheriff's deputies told her they could get her daughter out of jail and into a rehab program.

"I had to pay to get that ankle monitor on her and get her out that night," Simpson said.

The scammers had Simpson send $400 through a Green Dot bank card.

"As soon as the money hit, they disconnect," Simpson said.

David Derigiotis, cyber risk expert and President of RT Specialty Detroit, demonstrated how easily scammers can create fake arrest warrants using artificial intelligence tools.

"So many tools are available that use AI. You can create flawless-looking images. You can create documents that look to be official," Derigiotis said. "It took me seconds to create that."

To avoid becoming a victim, Derigiotis recommends being skeptical of unsolicited communications.

"You have to be incredibly skeptical of any unsolicited communication that you receive, whether it's phone, text, or email," Derigiotis said.

Dundee Police are working the case and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies in hopes of recovering the woman's money. Anyone who has been scammed or suspects they were targeted should contact their local police department or sheriff's office.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Arch Manning made big plays with his arm and his legs Wednesday in the Citrus Bowl, throwing two touchdown passes and putting it away with a 60-yard scoring run in a 41-27 victory that ended a rough month for No. 14 Michigan.

Watch Brad Galli's report on the game: Wolverines fall to Longhorns in Citrus Bowl 41-27

Manning was an easy choice as the Citrus Bowl MVP, and that was before he burst up the middle on his 60-yarder that gave the Longhorns (10-3) a 38-27 lead, the first time all game either team led by more than one score.

Watch Darren Cunningham's report on Michigan fans: Wolverines fans disappointed by Citrus Bowl loss

Manning was 21 of 34 for 221 yards passing, and he ran nine times for 155 yards.

He delivered a perfect throw to Kaliq Lockett on a 30-yard TD for a 31-27 lead, the first time Texas led since a field goal on its opening drive.

That was one play after he scrambled 15 yards for a first down on fourth-and-2. Manning twice converted on fourth down with clutch runs, both times extending drives that led to touchdowns.

Kyle Whittingham, who arrived in Orlando on Saturday to start meeting with players, watched from the box at the Citrus Bowl. The longtime Utah coach takes over a Michigan team (9-4) that produced a strong running game and played tough on defense despite missing its top two defenders who opted out of the game.

But there was no answer for Manning, who accounted for about 80% of the Longhorns' offense.

Bryce Underwood, Michigan's freshman quarter, kept the Wolverines in the game until a pair of late interceptions sealed it. He was 23 of 42 for 199 yards and two touchdowns, along with three interceptions in the last 18 minutes of the game.

Underwood, who ran for 77 yards, scampered for a 5-yard touchdown run by diving to touch the pylon, giving Michigan its last lead at 27-24 with just under 11 minutes to go.

Hisd pass was intercepted by Ty'Anthony Smith over the middle after Texas had taken the lead, and Smith picked him another along the sideline on the next drive.

Biff Poggi lost for the first time as Michigan's interim coach. Poggi coached victories over Nebraska and Central Michigan when former coach Sherrone Moore served a two-game suspension related to the sign-stealing scandal from 2023.

Moore was fired three weeks ago for having an extramarital affair with a staffer, and he was arrested and charged with three crimes later in the day for breaking into the woman's home.

Whittingham brings a history of toughness and discipline from his 21 years at Utah, which Michigan hopes can go a long way toward bringing some stability to a culture in chaos.

The Takeaway

Michigan: Bryson Kuzdzal gave Michigan strength in the running with 82 hard-earned yards on 20 carries. He converted first downs on fourth-and short on three occasions.

Texas: While Manning ran the show for the Longhorns, they got great production from freshman running back Christian Clark, who had one touchdown and rushed for 105 yards on 20 carries. Texas was without its leading three rushers, all of whom are entering the transfer portal.

Too much yellow

The field only looked like it was sprinkled with Cheez-It crackers from the bowl sponsor. Michigan and Texas combined for 21 penalties. The most devastating for Michigan was a blind side block on a second-and-2 from the Texas 10. Underwood threw an interception two players later.

Up next

Michigan: New coach Kyle Whittingham fills out his staff. The Wolverines open at home Sept. 5 against Western Michigan.

Texas: Opens at home Sept. 5 against Texas State.

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Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The U.S. Postal Service has issued new guidance clarifying that postmarks may not always reflect the actual date you mailed your letter or package, a change that could significantly impact time-sensitive documents like ballots, tax returns and legal papers.

Under the USPS Final Rule on Postmarks and Postal Possession, most postmarks are now applied at large processing plants and show the date mail is first processed, not necessarily when the Post Office accepted it from you.

RELATED STORY | USPS plan to open hubs to rivals may cost agency its biggest customer: Amazon

With new transportation schedules called Regional Transportation Optimization, your letter might sit for a day before receiving that familiar round black stamp, even if you dropped it off on time.

For documents with hard deadlines, the Postal Service recommends bringing items to a Post Office counter and requesting a manual local postmark. This service is free and will always show the date you handed over your mail.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | USPS celebrates 250th anniversary with stamp honoring the first postmaster general

The Postal Service also suggests mailing items at least a week before deadlines and purchasing a Certificate of Mailing for proof of submission when necessary.

The change doesn't affect how the Postal Service handles mail but aims to help customers understand what postmarks mean so they can plan accordingly for important deadlines.

This story was originally published by the

Scripps News Group in Norfolk, Virginia.

Authorities in Texas confirmed Wednesday that a body found a day earlier is that of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who had been missing since Christmas Eve.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said Tuesday evening that the body was found in an area "a few hundred yards" from Olmos' residence. He added that a firearm was also found in the area but said it remains unclear whether that weapon was the same one recently reported missing by family members.

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has yet to confirm a cause of death in the case, though multiple local reports state the medical examiner's office ruled Olmos' death a suicide by gunshot wound to the head. Salazar warned when the body was found that there were "some indicators" of self-harm.

Olmos was last seen next to her car outside her family's home the morning of Christmas Eve. Authorities conducted multiple searches with ground teams, drones and cadaver dogs. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security also joined the search effort, as well as a team of about 60 or 70 volunteers who helped search near her home earlier this week.

If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. 

Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Queens assemblymember elected to office in 2020, will be sworn in at midnight as New Yorks first Muslim mayor, capping a rapid political rise.

New York is one of a handful of cities that inaugurates leaders on Jan. 1. Mamdani will have two swearing-in ceremonies. The first is scheduled for tonight in an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall, timed with New Years Eve celebrations.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | 'Were going to help him': Trump, Mamdani strike friendly tone at White House meeting

New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of Mamdanis most vocal supporters, will administer the oath at the unconventional venue, chosen to reflect Mamdanis vision for the citys future. On the campaign trail, he often spoke about overhauling transportation and other city systems.

On New Years Day, Mamdani will have a more traditional ceremony at City Hall. He will be introduced by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez before taking the oath from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. About 4,000 ticketed guests are expected, along with a nearby block party to allow the public to join the celebration.

One lingering question has been whether outgoing Mayor Eric Adams would attend. Adams had remained quiet for weeks, but it now appears he plans to be there.

RELATED STORY | Mamdani vows to be a mayor for all New Yorkers, not just supporters

After Election Day, Mamdanis incoming administration received a surge of interest, with more than 74,000 applications for positions. He has kept some long-serving officials with deep political experience while adding figures aligned with his progressive views.

A recent New York Magazine cover showcasing several appointees drew criticism from some progressives, who argued the group includes too many moderates. Mamdani has said he aimed to balance newcomers with seasoned officials, admitting he is a relative newcomer himself.

WATCH | 'I've been called much worse:' Trump holds cordial first White House visit with Mamdani

A train derailment in Trenton, Kentucky, sent 31 cars off the tracks Tuesday morning, including one carrying molten sulfur that began leaking into a farmer's field.

The incident forced residents within a half-mile radius to either evacuate or shelter in place without running their heating systems on the frigid day. Officials feared toxic fumes could waft into homes near the derailment site.

"It could have been catastrophic," said Todd County Judge-Executive Todd Mansfield, noting that the train overturned in a rural field instead of the middle of town, preventing what could have been a mass casualty event.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Interoceanic Train derails in southern Mexico, killing at least 13 and injuring dozens

The CSX freight train, consisting of 141 rail cars, derailed at approximately 6:22 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and Kentucky Highway 104. The compromised molten sulfur car began leaking material into the adjacent field, producing smoke in the immediate area.

Antonio Solomon witnessed the immediate aftermath of the derailment just north of the small Kentucky town.

"Wow, you seen it in the movies but when you see it in real life, it's just like wow," Solomon said.

Solomon called 911 after seeing the cars scattered across the field.

Miraculously, there were no injuries or fatalities from the derailment. However, the leaking molten sulfur car created a significant safety concern for the community.

CSX Transportation's Hazardous Materials team responded to the scene and began applying water to the affected rail car. According to Todd County EMA Director Ash Groves, that action successfully cooled the material, stopping the leak and reducing smoke production.

Groves told reporters that the sulfur wasn't burning but was leaking into the open field. The shelter-in-place order was lifted around midday when hazmat crews successfully stopped the leak.

The cleanup effort is now underway. CSX crews removed more than 100 train cars, that remained on the tracks during the derailment, to clear the way for heavy equipment to remove the derailed cars.

Dawna Sabin, a Trenton volunteer firefighter, said this type of incident was unprecedented for the community.

"This hasn't happened in the 28 years I've lived here," Sabin said.

Sabin and her husband worked traffic duty throughout the day. The entire community rallied to support first responders, even ensuring they had hot coffee during the long response.

"We do a lot of training about it, but this is the first time we're actually going to be a part of it," Sabin said. "Everybody does pitch in with anything going on."

IN RELATED NEWS | New lawsuit blames 2023 East Palestine train derailment for deaths in Ohio

US Highway 41 remains closed while cleanup continues. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice.

Emergency responders say they continue to work closely with CSX officials to assess the derailment and develop a recovery and cleanup plan. Environmental impacts are also being evaluated.

There's no word yet on what caused the train derailment.

"Thank God nobody got hurt," Solomon said.

"We appreciate the swift response and coordination of local first responders and emergency management officials. Our primary focus continues to be the health and safety of onsite personnel, the surrounding community, and mitigating any potential risk to the environment," CSX said in a statement.

This story was originally published by Chris Davis with the

Scripps News Group in Nashville.

President Donald Trump issued the first vetoes of his second term on Tuesday, rejecting two low-profile bipartisan bills, a move that had the effect of punishing backers who had opposed the president's positions on other issues.

Trump vetoed drinking water pipeline legislation from Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, a longtime ally who broke with the president in November to release files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also vetoed legislation that would have given the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida more control of some of its tribal lands. The tribe was among groups suing the administration over an immigration detention center in the Everglades known as " Alligator Alcatraz."

Both bills had bipartisan support and had been noncontroversial until the White House announced Trump's vetoes Tuesday night.

Trump appeared to acknowledge the tribe's opposition to the detention facility in a letter to Congress explaining his veto. The Miccosukee Tribe has actively sought to obstruct reasonable immigration policies that the American people decisively voted for when I was elected, Trump wrote.

Trump did not allude to Boebert in his veto of her legislation, but raised concerns about the cost of the water pipeline at the heart of that bill.

Boebert, one of four House Republicans who sided with House Democrats early on to force the release of the Epstein files, shared a statement on social media suggesting that the veto may have been political retaliation.

I sincerely hope this veto has nothing to do with political retaliation for calling out corruption and demanding accountability. Americans deserve leadership that puts people over politics, her statement said. Boebert added in another post: This isnt over.

RELATED STORY | Why 2025 became the year of mid-decade redistricting

The Florida legislation had been sponsored by Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez, whom Trump has endorsed. Gimenez and the Miccosukee Tribe were not immediately available for comment on Wednesday.

When asked whether the vetoes were punishment, the White House did not answer and instead referred to Trump's statements explaining the vetoes.

Congress can override the vetoes by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the House and the Senate, but its unclear if theres enough support in the Republican-controlled chambers to do so, especially heading into a midterm election year where many of them will be on the ballot and many GOP members will count on Trumps backing.

Boebert's legislation, the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, aimed to improve access to clean drinking water in eastern Colorado.

While the congresswoman has long been a staunch supporter of Trump, she found herself at odds with the president with her support this year for legislation that required the Justice Department to release files related to Epstein.

RELATED STORY | Ohio Republicans introduce bill to rename part of I-70 after President Trump

Trump fought the proposal before reversing in the face of growing Republican support for releasing the files. Members of his administration even met with Boebert in the White House Situation Room to discuss the matter, though she didn't change her mind.

Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado, who co-sponsored the legislation, said he was deeply disappointed by Trump's veto.

This was a bipartisan, unanimous bill passed by Congress to uphold a long-standing federal commitment to southeastern Colorado, Hurd said in a statement.

He said the legislation did not authorize any new construction spending or expand the federal government's original commitment to the pipeline project, but adjusted the terms of repaying its costs.

A new bill, if approved in the Ohio General Assembly, seeks to rename a two-mile stretch of I-70 in Columbus, Ohio, in honor of Donald Trump.

The bill, co-sponsored by State Reps D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) and Jeff LaRe (RViolet Township), would rename the stretch of I-70 from mile marker 98 to mile marker 100 in Ohio as "President Donald Trump Freedom Highway."

If approved, the bill would direct the Ohio Department of Transportation to "construct suitable markers along the highway indicating its name."

The stretch of highway is among the busiest portions of the interstate that spans 2,171 miles. Interstate 70 is the fifth-longest interstate in the U.S.

The bill would need to be passed by the Ohio House and Senate and signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine before it takes effect.

CLICK HERE to read the bill.

It is not unprecedented for former presidents to have highways named after them. President Joe Biden had a portion of Interstate 81 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, named after him. President Barack Obama had highways in Florida and California named after him.

There is also a portion of a remote highway in the Oklahoma panhandle named after President Trump.

This article was written by Drew Scofield for the Scripps News Group in Cleveland.

South Korea said it will formally end its dwindling yet much-criticized bear bile farming industry this week, though about 200 bears are still kept in pens and raised for their gallbladders.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced Tuesday it will ban breeding and possession of bears and extraction of their bile beginning Jan. 1. The change is in line with a revised animal rights protection law that imposes up to two or five years of prison sentences to violators.

South Korea is one of the few countries that allow farming to extract bile from bears, mostly Asiatic black bears known as moon bears, for traditional medicine or as food believed to promote vitality and stamina.

FROM THE ARCHIVES | Animals Heading For Extinction Over Habitat Destruction, Poaching

But the popularity of the practice has nosedived in the past two decades in response to questions about its medicinal effects, the introduction of cheaper medical alternatives and public awareness of animal cruelty.

Farmers and animal rights groups agreed on the ban

The ban is part of a broader 2022 agreement among officials, farmers and animal rights campaigners to prohibit bear bile farming beginning in 2026. Animal rights groups are responsible for handling purchases of bears from farmers and the government establishing facilities to hold them.

A total of 21 bears has been purchased and relocated to a government-run sanctuary in southern Jelloa province this year. But 199 bears are still raised in 11 farms across the country while disputes continue over the amount of money to be paid to farmers for giving up their bears, according to officials, activists and farmers.

The Environment Ministry said bear farmers will have a six-month grace period but will be punished by law if they extract bile from their animals. The ministry said it'll financially support farmers for keeping their bears until they are sold and moved.

Our plan to end bear farming business is an implementation of our country's resolve to improve welfare of wild animals and fulfill our related international responsibility, Environment Minister Kim Sungwhan said in a statement. We will strive to protect bears until the last one.

Farmers want bigger compensations

Kim KwangSoo, a farmer who raises 78 bears in the southern city of Dangjin, said other farmers sold their bears at extremely cheap prices because of economic difficulties, though he hasn't sold any of his animals.

This is a very bad policy, said Kim, who serves as the secretary-general of a bear farmers association. I'll still observe the law."

Bear farming began in South Korea in the early 1980s, with farmers importing bears from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. The industry has since been condemned globally for keeping bears in small, barren cages their entire lives until they are slaughtered for their body parts.

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About 1,000 bears were raised in farms in South Korea in 2014. Kim KwangSoo said many farmers had since sterilized their bears in return for government compensations. He said some bears died naturally while others have been slaughtered for their bile or killed after being attacked by other bears held in the same cages due to a lack of proper management.

Animal rights groups want bigger bear sanctuaries

Animal rights groups praised South Korea's government for pressing ahead with the 2022 agreement but urged it to establish bigger protection facilities to accept rescued bears.

The government says its Jeolla province sanctuary can carry up to 49 bears, but Kang Jae-won, an activist at the Korea Animal Welfare Association, said the number of bears should not exceed 30. A second government facility was to be established in April but the opening has been delayed until 2027 due to flooding.

Kang said that activists are discussing with foreign zoos to send some rescued bears there.

It's really good (for the government) to reflect on bear bile industry and push to end it but it's regrettable that there aren't sufficient measures to protect bears, said Cheon JinKyung, head of Korea Animal Rights Advocates in Seoul. There aren't place where these bears can stay."

Sangkyung Lee, a campaign manager at Humane World for Animals Korea, also called for a greater government role in removing the remaining bears from captivity without further delay and supporting the creation of private sanctuaries "to give back these animals a life of peace and relative freedom in natural surroundings.

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, its 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.

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Heres a rundown of what's open and closed on New Year's Day, 2026.

Government

Government buildings, post offices, courts and schools are closed.

Banks and the stock market

U.S. stock markets and banks are closed Thursday but reopen Friday.

Package Delivery

Standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on New Year's Day, although some critical services will be offered at certain locations. Check your local store for more information.

Retailers

Walmart is open on New Year's Day, but may have modified hours. Check your local stores website for hours.

Target is open on New Years Day, but may have modified hours. Check your local stores website for hours.

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Macys is open on New Years Day, but may have modified hours. Check your local stores website for hours.

Kohls is open on New Years Day, but may have modified hours. Check your local stores website for hours.

CVS is open on New Years Day, but may have modified hours. You can call your local store or check store and pharmacy hours on the CVS Pharmacy website.

Walgreens is open on New Years Day, but may have modified hours. Check your local store for more information, including whether or not the pharmacy is open.

Grocery Stores

Most national grocery store chains, such as Albertsons, Whole Foods, Kroger and Aldi are open on New Year's Day but may have modified hours. In-store pharmacies tend to be closed for the holiday. Check your local store for details.

National chains that are closed for New Year's Day include Trader Joe's and Costco.

Millions of Americans will face higher healthcare costs starting January 1, 2026, as enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire after Congress failed to extend them.

The subsidies, which were enhanced during the pandemic and later extended, will end after lawmakers could not reach a consensus on an extension or new healthcare policy. Experts predict premium increases for many Americans who purchase insurance through the ACA marketplace.

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates annual out-of-pocket premium payments for subsidized enrollees will increase by an average of 114%, though the exact amount varies widely depending on individual income, state and other factors.

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CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz defended the expiration in an interview with Scripps News this week.

"The program, the Obamacare program, is just gonna go back to the way it was functioning for the first 10 years of its existence," Oz said. "There were additional subsidies beyond the 80% that we pay right now from the federal government. So again, if you're on Obamacare, eight out of 10 dollars is paid by the federal government. You're only paying 20% of the money."

Oz said the COVID-era subsidies were designed as temporary relief.

"The COVID era crisis catalyzed action by Congress for a short-term period just for a couple years to cover the gap just so people can get back on their feet again," Oz said. "I think we all agree that the COVID pandemic is over. If you are gonna get back on, they should get back on their feet and so not extending the subsidies beyond what they originally designed to do is wise."

As the subsidies expire, President Donald Trump has blamed Democrats and criticized Obamacare as what he has called a disaster. He says he wants to give money directly to Americans to buy their own healthcare, though he has not offered specific details on how that would work.

Trump says he wants to meet with health insurance companies in the new year about cutting rates.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association said in part, "We are eager to drive solutions with President Trump and Congress that bring down the cost of healthcare."

Trump described his goals for such meetings last week.

"I want to meet with them and I want to say I want you to cut your rates way down, way way down and maybe if they do that we'll be able to not cut them out," Trump said. "We'll be able to continue to deal with them, which is probably a little easier process. I think the best process is paying the money directly to the people, let them buy their own healthcare."

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Democrats are blaming Republicans for the subsidy expiration. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer blamed what he called Republican obstruction and inaction for what he describes as a healthcare crisis.

"Millions of hard-working families, small business owners and employees, older Americans and farmers and ranchers will face impossible choices," Schumer said in part. "Senate Republicans had multiple chances to work with Democrats to stop premiums from skyrocketing and every time they blocked action."

Several House Republicans joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition to try to force a vote on extending the subsidies. That vote is likely not to be taken up until January.

Healthcare costs are expected to be a major topic when the president and lawmakers return to Washington D.C. in the new year.

Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week with layoffs remaining low despite a weakening labor market.

U.S. applications for jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 27 fell by 16,000 to 199,000 from the previous weeks 215,000, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet forecast 208,000 new applications.

Unemployment benefit filings are often distorted during holiday-shortened weeks. The shorter week can cause some who have lost jobs to delay filing claims.

The weekly report was released a day early due to the New Years Day holiday.

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Applications for unemployment aid are viewed as a proxy for layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market.

Earlier this month, the government reported that the U.S. gained a decent 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October as federal workers departed after cutbacks by the Trump administration. That helped to push the unemployment rate up to 4.6% last month, the highest since 2021.

The October job losses were caused by a 162,000 drop in federal workers, many of whom resigned at the end of fiscal year 2025 on Sept. 30 under pressure from billionaire Elon Musks purge of U.S. government payrolls.

Labor Department revisions also knocked 33,000 jobs off August and September payrolls.

Recent government data has revealed a labor market in which hiring has clearly lost momentum, hobbled by uncertainty over President Donald Trumps tariffs and the lingering effects of the high interest rates the Fed engineered in 2022 and 2023 to rein in an outburst of pandemic-induced inflation. Since March, job creation has fallen to an average 35,000 a month, compared to 71,000 in the year ended in March.

Earlier this month, the Federal Reserve trimmed its benchmark lending rate by a quarter-point, its third straight cut.

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Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the committee reduced borrowing costs out of concern that the job market is even weaker than it appears. Powell said that recent job figures could be revised lower by as much as 60,000, which would mean employers have actually been shedding an average of about 25,000 jobs a month since the spring.

Companies that have recently announced job cuts include UPS, General Motors, Amazon and Verizon.

The Labor Departments report Wednesday also showed that the four-week average of claims, which evens out some of the week-to-week volatility, rose by 1,750 to 218,7500.

The total number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the previous week ending Dec. 20 fell by 47,000 to 1.87 million, the government said.

Freedom 250 is a nonpartisan organization under the National Park Foundation that promises to be a unifying celebration of the United States 250th birthday, according to CEO Keith Krach.

Americas semiquincentennial celebration gets underway Wednesday, when the Washington Monument will be illuminated in red, white and blue, serving as the worlds tallest birthday candle.

The celebration will last throughout 2026.

America enters a once-in-a-generation moment, Krach said. President Trump promised a 250th birthday celebration worthy of our history, our values and our future. Thats why Freedom 250 was created to deliver on that promise at national scale.

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Planned events include a Memorial Day tribute to heroes, the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, the first-ever Patriot Games featuring high school athletes from all 50 states, and what organizers are calling the worlds largest fireworks show on July 4 on the National Mall.

Although the effort was launched by President Trump, a polarizing figure, Krach said the spirit of the event is nonpartisan.

This is a great unifying moment, Krach said. Ultimately, Freedom 250 is about reminding Americans that our story is still to be written. The anniversary is not just about looking back its about renewing pride, strengthening our unity and helping lay the groundwork for a golden age of opportunity for the next 250 years.

Krach said resources will be available for parents and schools to help children learn about U.S. history and independence in 1776. While many festivities will be focused in Washington, events are planned nationwide as part of the Freedom 250 network.

If you look at Freedom 250, its really a national movement launched by President Trump to bring Americans together to celebrate the triumph of the American spirit, Krach said.

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Information on events and resources is available at Freedom250.org.

Health experts are sounding the alarm as flu activity surges nationwide, with most states reporting high or very high levels.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 7.5 million Americans have gotten sick from the flu this season. The agency reports the illness has led to 3,100 deaths so far, including eight children.

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There were 5.6 flu-related hospital admissions for every 100,000 people last week, up from 3.1 the week before, according to the CDC. Flu accounted for 5.4% of all hospitalizations last week, compared with 3.2% during Christmas week last year.

A new variant, called subclade K, appears to be driving most cases.

This strain was not included in this seasons flu vaccine because it was identified after scientists selected the vaccine components. Health officials still advise getting vaccinated.

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