Trump Defends His Energy And Health After Scans

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump defended his energy and health in an interview with The Wall Street Journal and disclosed that he had a CT scan, not an MRI scan, during an October examination about which he and the White House delayed offering details.

Pakistan sees deadliest year in a decade, with combat deaths surging 74%

ISLAMABAD (AP) – Pakistan experienced its deadliest year in over a decade in 2025 as combat-related deaths surged 74%, with militants accounting for more than half the death toll, according to a new report released by an independent think tank. Islamabad often accuses Kabul of turning a blind eye to cross-border attacks by Pakistani militants.

40 People Dead and 115 Injured in Fire at Swiss Alpine Bar

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) – About 40 people were killed and another 115 injured, most of them seriously, after a fire ripped through a bar’s New Year celebration in a Swiss Alpine resort less than two hours after midnight Thursday, police said. Authorities did not immediately have an exact count of the deceased.

Editorials from The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Trump delays tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets for a year

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump signed a New Year’s Eve proclamation delaying increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year, citing ongoing trade talks.

Flash floods in Afghanistan kill at least 17 people

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – The season’s first heavy rains and snowfall ended a prolonged dry spell but triggered flash floods in several areas of Afghanistan, killing at least 17 people and injuring 11 others, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s national disaster management authority said Thursday.

Cash machines in Bulgaria issue euros for first time

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) – Bulgarians began withdrawing euros for the first time on Thursday after the former communist nation joined the euro currency union as its 21st member. Cash machines in the capital, Sofia, dispensed brand new euro banknotes, replacing the lev, which will still be in use for cash payments in January. However, people will receive only euros in change.

Saudi Arabia mandates inspections of flights between Yemen and UAE

ADEN, Yemen (AP) – Yemen’s transport ministry, which is aligned with Emirati-backed southern separatist authorities, on Thursday said Saudi Arabia has imposed requirements mandating that flights to and from Aden International Airport undergo inspection in Jeddah.

Employees file complaint against Trump's ban on gender-affirming care

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is facing a new legal complaint from a group of government employees who are affected by a new policy going into effect Thursday that eliminates coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance programs.