AP PHOTOS: A lantern workshop in China makes snakes cute for the Lunar New Year

Sydney Sweeney celebrated the end of 2024 with friends, sharing photos of fun activities including jet skiing and karaoke. Jennifer Lopez shared a reel from her holiday celebrations in Aspen, featuring bikini shots and family moments. Heather Graham posted bikini photos from her snowy vacation in Wyoming, wishing for love and good vibes in 2025. Fans praised her youthful appearance. Full Article

During a closed-door retreat, Speaker Mike Johnson revealed that President-elect Trump prefers consolidating the Republican legislative agenda into one comprehensive bill rather than pursuing the previously planned two-bill strategy. This shift in strategy comes after Johnson's narrow reelection with Trump's support and follows his collaboration with Democrats on a spending bill. The House GOP must now adjust their approach to accommodate Trump's wishes while navigating a slim majority and aligning with Senate leadership on the...

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 21 people, including two children, as ceasefire talks resumed in Qatar; Hamas warned against misinformation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 59 deaths and over 270 wounded in the past 24 hours, with Israeli forces targeting Hamas fighters and Hamas firing projectiles. The war has caused widespread destruction, displacement of 90% of Gaza's population, and the closure of public hospitals, while tensions continue in the West...

A fire at a shopping center in Dallas killed over 500 animals, including small birds, due to smoke inhalation. The flames did not reach the animals, but chickens, hamsters, dogs, and cats also perished. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the structure of the shopping center was severely damaged. Full Article

Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is interviewing for the coaching position with the team, hoping to return to a franchise where he previously led them to back-to-back AFC Championship games. Ryan, currently an ESPN analyst, has expressed interest in coaching the Jets again despite enjoying his media role. He believes he has unfinished business with the franchise and could make a big difference with the team. The Jets have not made the...

In 2025, retirees can expect significant changes to their Social Security and Medicare benefits. President Joe Biden is set to sign a bill increasing Social Security benefits for certain pensioners, including the elimination of provisions like the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. Additionally, all Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment, while Medicare Part B premiums will rise to $185 per month and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D...