Here are the AP’s top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan.
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UNITED STATES
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US--JUSTICE DEPARTMENT-JEFFREY EPSTEIN
Justice Department can unseal Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking case records, judge says
SUMMARY: A federal judge in New York has granted the Justice Department’s request to publicly release grand jury transcripts and other material from Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking case, citing a new law that requires the government to open its files on Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime confidant. But the judge Tuesday cautioned people shouldn’t expect to learn much new information from the materials. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer says the materials don’t identify anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell as “having had sexual contact with a minor” and don’t ”identify any client.” The Justice Department had asked judges after the law’s passage to lift secrecy orders in Maxwell’s and Epstein’s cases. Records could be made public within 10 days.
WORDS: 835 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 11:17 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8e3985dd977cb94ef41b9581115ef61b&mediaType=text
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US--ELECTION 2026-REDISTRICTING
Opponents of Trump-backed redistricting in Missouri submit a petition to force a public vote
SUMMARY: Opponents of Missouri’s new congressional map have submitted thousands of petition signatures calling for a statewide referendum on the plan backed by President Donald Trump. Organizers of the petition drive said they turned in about 300,000 signatures Tuesday to the secretary of state’s office. That’s well more than the roughly 110,000 signatures needed to suspend the U.S. House districts from taking effect until a public vote can be held next year. But the signatures still must be formally verified by election authorities. Republicans hope the new voting districts could help their party win additional seats in Congress in next year’s midterm elections.
WORDS: 804 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 11:04 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:14312a112b6e32d15e5ef36b83cdc6a7&mediaType=text
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US--ELECTION 2026-REDISTRICTING-INDIANA
Indiana Senate committee advance redistricting legislation backed by Trump toward final floor vote
SUMMARY: An Indiana state Senate committee took the first step toward enacting a new congressional map. But it remains to be seen if the full Senate will have enough votes to enact what is designed to give the GOP the edge in the state’s nine congressional seats. President Donald Trump wants Indiana to follow other states like Texas and Missouri, which have redrawn their congressional maps in order to give the GOP a better chance of keeping its U.S. House majority. But many Indiana Republican senators have been hesitant to stack the deck in their party’s favor. One Republican voted on Monday with the two Democrats in the Senate elections committee against the legislation. A final vote on the bill is expected Thursday. A new congressional map was previously approved by the House.
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS
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US--TRUMP-THE LATEST
The Latest: Federal judge grants request to unseal Ghislaine Maxwell case records
SUMMARY: A federal judge says the Justice Department can publicly release investigative materials from a sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime confidante of Jeffrey Epstein. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled Tuesday after the Justice Department in November asked two judges in New York to unseal grand jury transcripts and exhibits, along with investigative materials that could amount to hundreds or thousands of previously unreleased documents. He’s the second judge to allow the Justice Department to publicly disclose previously secret Epstein-related records.
WORDS: 2524 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 11:18 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa6b767b0b23f26c07346d7daafd62a9&mediaType=text
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US--ELECTION-2026-NEW-YORK-GOVERNOR
Long Island Republican Bruce Blakeman is running for New York governor
SUMMARY: Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is running for governor of New York. Blakeman announced his candidacy on Tuesday. His entrance into the race kicks off what is expected to be a heated Republican primary contest against Rep. Elise Stefanik. Both count themselves as allies of President Donald Trump, who calls them “both great people.” Gov. Kathy Hochul, a moderate Democrat, faces a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. Both Blakeman and Stefanik now frame themselves as candidates who could appeal to moderate Democrats as well as Republicans, even though both have adopted the brash political rhetoric of Trump, who remains unpopular in New York.
WORDS: 492 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 10:03 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fcce28666f71f2a2435a27d2a9a72ecc&mediaType=text
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US--TRUMP-AFFORDABILITY
Trump says he’s fixing affordability problems. He’ll test out that message at a rally
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump will road-test his claims he’s fixing Americans’ affordability woes at a nighttime rally in Pennsylvania. The Republican president is heading Tuesday to Mount Pocono, in a county that flipped his way in 2024, helping him win the swing state and return to office. Polls show voter confidence in Trump’s economic leadership has faltered. Trump blames his Democratic predecessor for inflation, but his tariffs haven’t helped prices. Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, says she wants him to “campaign like it’s 2024 again” to help turn out his supporters for midterm elections in November.
WORDS: 750 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 9:09 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a7884b814f448ab6b17b9d924a356ba&mediaType=text
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US--SUPREME COURT-CAMPAIGN FINANCE
Supreme Court weighs Republican appeal to end limits on party spending in federal elections
SUMMARY: The Supreme Court is considering a Republican-led drive, backed by President Donald Trump’s administration, to overturn a quarter-century-old decision and erase limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president. A day after the justices indicated they’d overturn a 90-year-old decision limiting the president’s power to fire independent agency heads, the court is revisiting a 2001 decision that upheld a provision of federal election law that’s more than 50 years old. The Republican committees for House and Senate candidates filed the lawsuit in Ohio in 2022. Democrats are calling on the court to uphold the law. Oral arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning.
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INTERNATIONAL
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AS--THAILAND-CAMBODIA
Cambodia vows fierce fight against Thailand in escalating border conflict
SUMMARY: Cambodia and Thailand are engaged in renewed fighting, forcing tens of thousands to flee border areas. The conflict reignited Sunday after a skirmish injured two Thai soldiers, breaking a ceasefire from July. On Tuesday, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen vowed to fight back, while Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul supported military operations. Both sides blame each other for initiating attacks. The fighting has killed several civilians and soldiers. Thousands have been evacuated, with temporary shelters set up in both countries. Historical tensions and territorial disputes, including over ancient temples, continue to fuel the conflict.
WORDS: 1108 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 11:26 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:142145d84a217ad6c6f208769c447615&mediaType=text
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EU--RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR
Zelenskyy reaffirms his refusal to cede land to Russia as he rallies European support
SUMMARY: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his refusal to cede territory, resisting U.S. pressure for compromise with Russia. He emphasized Ukraine’s legal and moral stance against giving up land. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. The Vatican has urged continued dialogue for peace. Zelenskyy met with other European leaders Monday to strengthen support amid U.S. pressure. In remarks published Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump again pressed Zelenskyy to accept the U.S. proposal that Ukraine cede territory to Russia, arguing that Moscow has the “upper hand” in its nearly 4-year-old invasion. Both continued to exchange attacks with drones. Energy infrastructure in Ukraine remains a key target.
WORDS: 1058 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 10:56 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf17d925e21e6d6329fadff7e3efbb90&mediaType=text
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AS--JAPAN-QUAKE
Japan assesses damage from 7.5 magnitude quake that injured 34
SUMMARY: Japan is assessing damage and cautioning people of potential aftershocks after a late-night 7.5 magnitude earthquake caused injuries, light damage and a tsunami in Pacific coastal communities. At least 34 people were injured after the 7.5 magnitude quake struck around 11:15 p.m. Monday off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main Honshu island. A tsunami more than 2 feet above tide levels was measured in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture before all tsunami advisories were lifted. Power was knocked out for hundreds of homes but was mostly restored Tuesday morning. Authorities warned of possible aftershocks.
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https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:493c395f288ff2dc4296db4e7539e5a8&mediaType=text
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ML--MIDEAST-WARS
Hamas wants more pressure on Israel before ceasefire’s next phase
SUMMARY: A Hamas leader has threatened to not move forward with the Gaza ceasefire’s next phase unless Israel is pressured to open a key border crossing, cease deadly strikes and allow more aid. Tuesday’s comment came as Israel’s government says it is ready to move into the next and more complicated phase of the ceasefire deal. It also calls on the militant group to return the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. Hamas has little leverage in ceasefire negotiations and could come under heavy pressure from regional powers like Qatar and Turkey to not hit the brakes on the fragile truce.
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https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f0d1b03f7be9c0358325b5e506f3ed8e&mediaType=text
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AS--INDONESIA-FIRE
At least 22 people killed in office building fire in Indonesia’s capital
SUMMARY: Indonesian police say at least 22 people have been killed when a fire ripped through an office building in the capital. Flames engulfed the seven-story building in Jakarta on Tuesday. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky and caused panic among nearby residents and workers in a neighborhood in central Jakarta. The fire broke out at midday. The police chief said that the blaze was believed to have started on the first floor of the building in the Kemayoran neighborhood before spreading to other floors. Hundreds of personnel and 29 fire trucks were deployed to try to contain the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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BUSINESS
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US--PARAMOUNT-WARNER-BROS-BID-WHAT-TO-KNOW
What to know about Paramount’s hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
SUMMARY: Warner Bros. Discovery’s friendly agreement to sell itself to Netflix just got upended by a hostile actor. Paramount made Warner shareholders a higher offer on Monday and touched off what is likely to be a lengthy fight in the latest episode of media industry consolidation. Paramount says its all-cash offer is worth about $77.9 billion, while Netflix agreed to buy Warner for $72 billion in cash and stock. Both offers will face regulatory scrutiny, and President Donald Trump has promised to weigh in. Shareholders have until Jan. 8, 2026, to vote on Paramount’s offer.
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https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2ce327bd3fc1af2b0a765161e6f38578&mediaType=text
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US--WARNER-BROS-CNN
Takeover bid of parent company means limbo for CNN and some fellow cable networks
SUMMARY: It’s a tough time for CNN, which looks like it will be in management limbo for some time with Paramount Skydance’s hostile takeover bid of its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Some at the network had expressed relief that CNN was not included in Warner’s announced deal Friday to sell its studio and streaming business to Netflix. But Paramount wants to buy all of the company, including CNN and sister cable networks like HGTV and TNT. If that bid is successful, CNN could combine with CBS News in some fashion. Whoever wins, it’s likely to be many months before the management situation is cleared up.
WORDS: 780 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 9:45 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:14124eaeaadd13d31323ea3fb5312793&mediaType=text
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HEALTH/SCIENCE
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US-MED--INFANT BOTULISM TREATMENT
How a rare drug made from scientists’ blood saves babies from botulism
SUMMARY: An infant botulism outbreak has sickened at least 39 babies across the U.S. and underscored the crucial role of a medication that treats the rare disease. BabyBIG, an IV drug, is made from blood plasma donated by a small group of scientists and other volunteers. It was the brainchild of the late Dr. Stephen Arnon. He was a California scientist who first identified the form of botulism that affects babies under age 1 and then spent his 45-year career figuring out how to treat it. It took 15 years and $10.6 million to develop the treatment licensed in 2003.
WORDS: 849 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 9:03 a.m. EST
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ENTERTAINMENT
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ENT-OBIT-RAUL MALO
Raul Malo, the soulful tenor and frontman of The Mavericks, has died at age 60
SUMMARY: Raul Malo, the soulful tenor and frontman of The Mavericks, has died at age 60. He was battling colon cancer and later leptomeningeal disease, a rare complication when cancer spreads to membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Malo co-founded The Mavericks in 1989, blending genres like alt-country, Americana, and Latin. The band won a Grammy and multiple awards. Malo also released solo albums and collaborated with others. He urged fans to prioritize
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SPORTS
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YE--MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Shohei Ohtani is the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year for record-tying 4th time
SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani has won The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying with Lance Armstrong, LeBron James and Tiger Woods for most among male honorees. Ohtani received 29 of 47 votes in balloting among sports journalists from the AP and its members. The AP award has been given out since 1931. The Japanese baseball superstar’s two-way dominance culminated in a repeat World Series title for his Los Angeles Dodgers. Among Ohtani’s goals for 2026 are staying healthy so he can play in every game and to keep working on his English-speaking skills so he bridge the gap with his U.S. fans.
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