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President Trump is sharply criticizing Rep. Henry Cuellar, expressing anger that the Texas Democrat chose to run for Congress again under his party’s banner just days after receiving a presidential pardon that cleared him and his wife, Imelda, of federal bribery and related charges. Cuellar formally filed for reelection soon after the pardon was issued last week, ending speculation that he might switch parties after years as one of the House’s more conservative Democrats.

Trump’s frustration was evident in a post on Truth Social, where he wrote that shortly after granting clemency, Cuellar announced he would be “‘running’ for Congress again… as a Democrat, continuing to work with the same Radical Left Scum that just weeks before wanted him and his wife to spend the rest of their lives in Prison – And probably still do!” The president went on to denounce “Such a lack of LOYALTY, something that Texas Voters, and Henry’s daughters, will not like,” before adding, “Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!”

Speaking Sunday on Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures, Cuellar defended both his decision to run again and his longstanding party affiliation. Citing the late President Lyndon Johnson, he said, “I’m an American, I’m a Texan, and I’m a Democrat, in that order.” He added that “anybody that puts party before their country is doing a disservice to their country.”

Cuellar told reporters last week that “nothing has changed” about his political identity following the pardon, and described himself as a “conservative Democrat” who intends to work with the president where possible: “If I can work and find common ground, then I certainly want to do that.” He said he prayed that morning for Trump and his family, explaining, “if the president succeeds, the country succeeds.”

Cuellar and his wife were indicted in May 2024 on 14 federal counts, accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from an Azerbaijan state-run energy firm and a Mexican bank in exchange for actions benefitting both entities. Two counts related to foreign-agent registration were dismissed months later. The couple pleaded not guilty. A separate House Ethics Committee inquiry remains open.

The Justice Department originally alleged that Cuellar agreed to influence legislation and deliver a favorable congressional speech. Cuellar has maintained his innocence, insisting prosecutors tried — unsuccessfully — to ensnare him in a sting operation.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that the case stemmed from Cuellar’s vocal opposition to President Biden’s border policies. In Sunday’s post, he argued that Democrats “mercilessly went after Henry with everything they had!” and sought to “destroy him, his lovely wife, his two young daughters, and anyone close to them.”

He said his decision to pardon Cuellar was influenced by a letter from the congressman’s daughters, Christina and Catherine, who urged him to “show mercy and compassion to our parents.” In that letter — which Trump reposted — they cited their father’s willingness to “speak his mind” about border security.

Despite Trump’s public rebuke, Cuellar reiterated that he intends to work with the administration, expressing interest in meeting border officials and saying, “I’d love to sit down and see where we can find common ground.”

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones exited Sunday’s crucial AFC South matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars after a non contact injury to his lower right leg, an issue quickly ruled an Achilles injury and feared to be season-ending.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation (via NBC Sports), Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season.  Coach Shane Steichen said after the game that while he doesn’t have the medical specifics yet, the status of Jones’s injured Achilles “is not looking good.”

Jones went down late in the first quarter while delivering a pass, appearing to slip on the wet field before collapsing and immediately grabbing at his right Achilles area. The 28-year-old, who had already been playing through a fractured left fibula for several weeks, pounded his helmet into the turf as trainers examined him. He eventually stood and limped to the medical tent, later walking slowly to the locker room under his own power.

The Colts confirmed he would not return moments later while trailing Jacksonville 14–7 at the time; the Jags went on to win the game, 36-19.  The two teams entered Sunday tied for the AFC South lead, but now Jacksonville (9-4) holds sole possession of first place in the division over Indianapolis (8-5).

Jones had been battling what was believed to be a hairline fibula fracture, limiting his mobility in recent losses to Kansas City and Houston. On Sunday, he initially looked more comfortable before the Achilles injury abruptly ended his afternoon. The play marked another setback in a career already marked by major leg injuries: just two years ago, his right knee buckled while backpedaling for the Giants, ending his 2023 season with a torn ACL.

The timing could hardly be worse for Indianapolis. After opening the year 7–1, the Colts had dropped three of their previous four and were fighting to retain a playoff spot. In addition, with backup Anthony Richardson Sr. still on injured reserve because of an orbital fracture, the Colts were forced to turn to sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard from Notre Dame.

Jones, who rejuvenated his career after being released by the Giants and spending part of last season on Minnesota’s practice squad, had been central to the Colts’ offensive resurgence. Entering Week 14, he had 24 total touchdowns, seven interceptions and 3,041 passing yards. His 19 passing touchdowns on the year were his highest since throwing 24 as a Giants rookie in 2019, and his eight wins as a starter marked his second-best season total.  He will become a free agent after the season, but Sunday’s Achilles injury now places both his future and the Colts’ postseason hopes in jeopardy.

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After seven seasons and four career wins leading into 2025 , Lando Norris sealed his first Formula 1 world championship on Sunday, winning the 2025 title with a third-place finish – and earning enough points to hold off his opposition – at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Though Max Verstappen dominated the race from pole, the Red Bull driver fell two points short of extending his streak of four consecutive titles.

Norris, 26, arrived at Yas Marina with a 12-point advantage over Verstappen and a 16-point buffer over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. All three remained in mathematical contention, but Norris needed only a podium to close out the championship — and he executed that plan with precision despite constant pressure throughout the race.

Verstappen led the field comfortably, while Piastri slipped into second early, passing Norris on the opening lap. Norris briefly came under attack from Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, then navigated a tense middle stint after pitting on Lap 17 and rejoining in traffic. He sliced through slower cars to retain the crucial third position, even surviving an aggressive defensive move from Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, who later received a five-second penalty. McLaren CEO Zak Brown called it “a dangerous and unnecessary maneuver.”

From there, McLaren split strategies between its two drivers; Norris made a second stop to cover Leclerc, while Piastri stayed out longer before his final stop, ultimately emerging too far behind Verstappen to challenge for victory. Norris held firm in third for the remainder of the race.

The final standings had Norris at 423 points, Verstappen at 421, and Piastri closing his breakout campaign with 410. Norris becomes the 35th world champion in Formula 1’s history and the first McLaren driver since Lewis Hamilton in 2008 to lift the trophy. His triumph also coincided with McLaren securing its second consecutive constructors’ title.

Norris was overcome with emotion after hearing confirmation that he was world champion, saying on F1TV: “It’s a long journey It feels amazing. … I’m just crazy happy. … Thank you guys. I love you guys, thanks for everything. I love you Mum, I love you Dad. And I’m crying!”

Sunday’s result also ended Verstappen’s four-year run atop the sport. The Dutchman later acknowledged that McLaren’s divergent strategies complicated his options: “What complicated, also, a bit, was that Oscar was on a different strategy .. So there was really not much that I could have done different.”

For Piastri, the result was bittersweet. “Obviously I would have wished for a slightly different ending,” he said, though he praised his teammate as “a deserving champion.” The Australian leaves 2025 with seven race wins and his strongest season yet.

Looking ahead, F1 faces a major reset in 2026 as new regulations arrive alongside an 11th team, the GM-backed Cadillac entry. Norris said that “I need to understand what I can do better. I feel like I did that this year and I’ve got to do that even more next year if I want to retain what we’ve been able to achieve this year.”

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Lizzo took to social media to address a viral ‘fat joke’ about her body. The singer, 37, has been candid about her weight loss journey since 2023, and had a direct message for her haters in response.

Posting a picture of herself in a yellow bikini, Lizzo wrote on Instagram: “Today I saw a fat joke about me—in 2025—and it was viral. It was a dumb joke and they were just laughing at me because I’m fat….Let me be a reminder to everyone to NEVER let anyone shame you for what you choose to do with your body. Because when you’re big they talk s–t, when you’re small they talk s–t. Your body will never be good enough for them because it’s not FOR them. It’s for you … If I get a BBL mind ur business. If I lose 100lbs mind your business, if I gain every pound back and then some….mind your f—-ingg business.” Lizzo ended her message writing: “Anyways…my fat a** staying living with a paid off mortgage in yall b–chess heads.”

Lizzo also recently addressed how the topic of her weight has impacted her career, writing in a personal essay published on Substack: “People could not see my talent as a musician because they were too busy accusing me of making ‘being fat’ my whole personality. I had to actively work against ‘mammy’ tropes by being hypersexual and vulgar because being a mammy by definition is being desexualized. And that’s the reality that nobody wants to talk about,” she wrote. “We’re in an era where the bigger girls are getting smaller because they’re tired of being judged. I want us to allow the body positive movement to expand and grow far away from the commercial slop it’s become, because movements move.”

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Summer Walker has released two new deluxe editions of her latest album, Finally Over It. 

Walker wrote on Instagram: “Take Me Out This Club, Drown In My Love and 1-800 Heartbreak (Solo) are live on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS. Finally Over It (The AfterParty) deluxe. I heard you!”

Finally Over It (Cocktail Hour) includes an unreleased version of “Session 32,” recorded live from one of the Breezy Bowl tour stops in Vegas. There’s also a new song titled “Session 34,” a breakdown of all three of Summer’s “Session” songs and the video for her song “Go Girl.”

Finally Over It (The After Party) officially brings previous vinyl exclusives “Take Me Out This Club” and “Drown In My Love” featuring Foggie Raw to streaming services. A solo version of “1-800 Heartbreak,” which features Anderson .Paak on the original album, is also on this deluxe edition.

Finally Over It (Cocktail Hour) is exclusively available on iTunes, while Finally Over It (The After Party) can be streamed on all DSPs.

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Federal authorities have arrested a Virginia man linked to the pipe bombs left outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on the night of Jan. 5, 2021 — devices discovered the following afternoon as the Capitol came under assault. The arrest, confirmed by multiple law enforcement sources including CNN, marks a major turning point in a case that has challenged investigators for nearly five years.

The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. of Woodbridge, Virginia. He was taken into custody Thursday morning and charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials, according to charging documents filed Thursday afternoon. Attorney General Pam Bondi credited investigators and prosecutors for “sifting through evidence that had been sitting at the FBI,” adding that “this investigation is ongoing. As we speak, search warrants are being executed, and there could be more charges to come.”

The bombs — constructed from short galvanized pipes packed with homemade black powder, wires, metal clips, and fitted with kitchen timers — were placed outside both party headquarters roughly 15 hours before they were found. Investigators have long warned the devices were fully capable of causing “serious injury or death.” Their discovery prompted a swift police response just minutes before rioters began overwhelming security lines at the U.S. Capitol.

Surveillance footage released over the years showed a hooded figure in a mask and Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers with a yellow logo. Investigators noted what appeared to be an unusual or pronounced gait, but the lack of clearer identifiers hampered progress even after more than 1,000 interviews, a review of tens of thousands of video files, and more than 600 public tips. At times, the FBI could not even determine the suspect’s gender. The reward for information eventually climbed to $500,000.

The bomb at the DNC was discovered after former Vice President Kamala Harris had arrived at the building. A Homeland Security inspector general’s report later revealed that Harris entered via a ramp within 20 feet of the device and remained inside for about 1 hour and 40 minutes before it was found and she was evacuated. The bomb’s placement was roughly nine feet from the building’s exterior wall.

The extended mystery caused some political commentators claimed the lack of an arrest suggested deliberate concealment, including assertions that “there is a massive cover-up” or that the incident was “an inside job.” The theories persisted even after the FBI publicly debunked claims that the bombs had been planted by a former Capitol Police officer.

Despite the challenges, federal investigators continued to treat the case as a priority. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who had previously amplified theories about the incident before joining the bureau, said in May that the investigation had received “additional resources and investigative attention,” with weekly briefings and renewed analytical reviews of earlier work.

Political leaders responded to Thursday’s arrest with relief. DNC Chair Ken Martin said, “We are grateful to the law enforcement officers who have dedicated years to investigating the pipe bombs… Those responsible for this horrific act must be brought to justice.” Former prosecutors involved in Jan. 6-related cases echoed that sentiment, calling the arrest a testament to the persistence of career FBI agents and federal attorneys.

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President Donald Trump’s name has been added to the sign on the United States Institute of Peace headquarters in downtown D.C., above the existing building name.

Workers early Wednesday affixed large silver letters reading “Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace” to the Washington, D.C., headquarters of the U.S. Institute of Peace, a move that formalizes President Donald Trump’s decision to rename the organization after himself, while attempting to dismantle it.

The State Department’s X account shared a photo of the new facade on Wednesday in a post that called Trump “the greatest dealmaker in our nation’s history,“ an apparent reference to his work to end multiple conflicts around the world. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X about the name change that “President Trump will be remembered by history as the President of Peace. It’s time our State Department display that.”

Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for Trump, confirmed the new name to multiple outlets, describing the original institute as “a bloated, useless entity that blew $50 million per year while delivering no peace.” She said the updated title is “beautifully and aptly named after a president who ended eight wars in less than a year” and claimed the building will now serve as a reminder of what, in her words, strong leadership can achieve for global security.

The rebranding caps months of turmoil inside the institution. Earlier this year, the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency—led by former adviser Elon Musk—swept out the non-profit’s president, nearly all employees, and most members of its 12-seat board. Although Congress established the USIP in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan to promote conflict resolution and support peacebuilding, its fate has been uncertain since the takeover.

Legal uncertainty continues to surround the institute. A federal judge ruled in May that the mass personnel overhaul was “effectuated by illegally installed leaders who lacked legal authority to take these actions, which must therefore be declared null and void.” However, Judge Beryl Howell declined to issue an order halting the administration’s control, noting the organization’s unusual status as a congressionally created but independently operated body. In June, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit paused a lower-court ruling that had blocked the administration from dismantling the USIP during ongoing litigation. The panel wrote that “The President faces irreparable harm from not being able to fully exercise his executive powers,” and suggested the government may ultimately succeed in arguing that the institute’s structure is unconstitutional because of its board’s removal protections. A full hearing on the issue has since been delayed, and the building has been moved under the control of the General Services Administration.

Former staff and board members remain sharply critical, with their attorney, George Foote, stating that the name change “adds insult to injury,” stressing that a judge has already deemed the takeover unlawful—even if that ruling is on hold during appeal. Foote said: “The rightful owners will ultimately prevail and will restore the U.S. Institute of Peace and the building to their statutory purposes.”

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss two-four weeks after suffering a right calf strain early in Wednesday’s win over the Detroit Pistons.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Thursday that “Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for approximately 2 to 4 weeks with a right calf strain, sources tell ESPN.”

The injury occurred just minutes into the first quarter, when Antetokounmpo collapsed without contact while sprinting back on defense. He stayed on the floor checking his lower leg before being helped to the bench and then to the locker room. Initial concerns about a possible Achilles injury were eased after a preliminary MRI. Coach Doc Rivers said the team believed the issue was limited to a calf strain and confirmed postgame that Antetokounmpo was undergoing imaging “right now.”

The Bucks managed to close out a 113-109 victory, but the setback comes at a difficult point in their season. Antetokounmpo had only recently returned from an adductor strain that sidelined him four games last month. Through 17 games this year, the 30-year-old had been averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, has been a first-team All-NBA selection for seven straight seasons. His injury comes amid renewed uncertainty about his long-term future, and has added fuel to trade speculation ahead of February’s deadline. Earlier Wednesday, ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have been discussing with team officials whether continuing in Milwaukee remains the best path. Rivers dismissed the notion before the game, saying “there’s been no conversations” and insisting Antetokounmpo “loves Milwaukee and he loves the Bucks.” Antetokounmpo signed a three-year extension in 2023 and still has a year and a half left before a potential opt-out.

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Veteran cornerback Darius Slay, claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, is not expected to report to the team as he considers stepping away from football.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported: “Breaking: Veteran CB Darius Slay, whom the Buffalo Bills claimed on waivers Thursday, is unsure if he wants to continue playing and will not be reporting to Buffalo. Slay’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN that ‘Slay is honored that a first-class organization like the Bills claimed him, but he is going to take some time away from football right now and decide in the next few days if he wants to keep playing.’”

Slay, 34, became available after parting ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday. He was inactive for Pittsburgh’s loss to Buffalo, marking his second straight missed game after a concussion sidelined him earlier in November. Though cleared from the injury report last week, the Steelers opted to elevate Asante Samuel Jr., leaving Slay as a healthy scratch.

Slay, who turns 35 on Jan. 1, is weighing retirement after a 13-year career highlighted by six Pro Bowl selections, a first-team All-Pro season in 2017, an NFL-leading eight interceptions that same year, and two fumble-return touchdowns in 2021. Including postseason play, he has appeared in 198 games with 28 interceptions and 655 tackles, helping Philadelphia secure an NFC title in 2022 and a Super Bowl championship in 2024.

Before arriving in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal this season, Slay spent five years in Philadelphia and seven seasons with the Detroit Lions, who originally drafted him in 2013. He appeared in 10 games for the Steelers this year, starting nine and posting 36 tackles, three pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and one tackle for loss.

Both the Eagles and Lions, his former teams, reportedly submitted waiver claims, but Buffalo’s higher priority secured his rights should he choose to continue playing. His addition would have bolstered an 8-4 Bills squad currently fighting for AFC playoff positioning and fielding a secondary led by veterans Christian Benford, Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, Taron Johnson, and first-round pick Maxwell Hairston.

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ABC and Dick Clark Productions have announced the performers set for the 55th annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest special.  This year marks Seacrest’s 21st year hosting the event.

Organizers revealed that this year’s New Year’s telecast, with four countdowns in New York City, Puerto Rico, Chicago and Las Vegas, will be the longest in history with the most performers ever featured. In total, 85 songs will be performed in the broadcast.

Ejae, Audrey Nina and Rei Ami — the voices of the girl group Huntr/x from KPop Demon Hunters — will perform, alongside fellow K-pop group Le Sserafim. Other artists set to perform include: 4 Non Blondes, 50 Cent, Charlie Puth, Ciara, Demi Lovato, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Wyclef Jean, Goo Goo Dolls, Lil Jon, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Mariah Carey, New Kids on the Block, OneRepublic, Pitbull, Rick Springfield, the All-American Rejects, 6lack, AJR, BigXthaPlug, Filmore, Jess Glynne, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, Leon Thomas, Madison Beer, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore and Zara Larsson.

As previously announced, Chance the Rapper and Julianne Hough join the co-hosting lineup for this year’s special, which will kick off in New York and continue through Las Vegas, Chicago and Puerto Rico. Seacrest will be ringing in the New Year as the main host of this year’s “Rockin’ Eve” in Times Square, with Rita Ora returning as his co-host for the third year in a row. Julianne Hough and former NFL player Rob Gronkowski will co-host in Las Vegas.

Chance the Rapper joins the Chicago broadcast as co-host, which will feature a midnight countdown for the Central Time zone for the first time in the show’s history. Brandon Johnson, the mayor of Chicago, previously said in a statement that “this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and dynamism of our city and its people for the world to see.”

The largest lineup and longest telecast in the show’s more than 50-year history airs live Wednesday, December 31 at 8/7c on ABC, and streams next day on Hulu.

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