News
US accuses Rwanda of violating the peace deal as M23 rebels seize a key eastern Congo city
By EDITH M. LEDERER and MARK BANCHEREAU
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States accused Rwanda on Friday of violating a U.S.-brokered peace agreement by backing a deadly new rebel offensive in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, and warned that the Trump administration will take action against “spoilers” of the deal.
Related Articles- South Africa eases affirmative action regulations on Starlink and others that Musk said were racist
- Russian police and National Guard will stay in Ukraine’s Donbas postwar, a Kremlin official says
- Hunger and makeshift shelters persist in north Caribbean nearly 2 months after Hurricane Melissa
- Germany summons Russian ambassador over alleged sabotage, cyberattacks and election interference
- Watch: Skydiver dangles at 15,000 feet after parachute catches on plane’s tail in Australia
The remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz came as more than 400 civilians have been killed since the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels escalated their offensive in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province, according to regional officials who also say that Rwandan special forces were in the strategic city of Uvira.
Waltz told the U.N. Security Council that the U.S. is “profoundly concerned and incredibly disappointed with the renewed outbreak of violence” by M23.
“Rwanda is leading the region towards increased instability and war,” Waltz warned. “We will use the tools at our disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace.”
He called on Rwanda to respect Congo’s right to defend its territory and invite friendly forces from neighboring Burundi to fight alongside Congolese forces. He also said the U.S. is engaging with all sides “to urge restraint and to avoid further escalation.”
M23’s latest pushThe rebels’ latest offensive comes despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington.
The accord didn’t include the rebel group, which is negotiating separately with Congo and agreed earlier this year to a ceasefire that both sides accuse the other of violating. However, it obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups like M23 and work to end hostilities.
The rebels’ advance pushed the conflict to the doorstep of neighboring Burundi, which has maintained troops in eastern Congo for years, heightening fears of a broader regional spillover.
Congo’s ministry of communication confirmed in a statement Friday that M23 has seized the strategic port city of Uvira in eastern Congo, on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and directly across from Burundi’s largest city, Bujumbura.
Uvira was Congo’s government’s last major foothold in South Kivu after the provincial capital of Bukavu fell to the rebels in February. Its capture allows the rebels to consolidate a broad corridor of influence across the east.
M23 said it had taken control of Uvira on Wednesday afternoon, following a rapid offensive since the start of the month. Along with the more than 400 killed, about 200,000 have been displaced, regional officials say.
Concerns over an escalationCivilians fleeing eastern Congo have also crossed into Burundi, and there have been reports of shells falling in the town of Rugombo, on the Burundian side of the border, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over into Burundian territory.
Show Caption1 of 3Thousands fleeing fighting in Congo’s South Kivu arrive in Cibitoke, Kansega, Burundi, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo) ExpandMore than 100 armed groups are vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo, near the border with Rwanda, most prominently M23. The conflict has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, according to the U.N. agency for refugees.
Congo, the U.S. and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which has grown from hundreds of members in 2021 to around 6,500 fighters, according to the U.N.
Waltz said Rwandan forces have provided “logistics and training support to M23” and are fighting alongside the rebels in eastern Congo, with “roughly 5,000 to 7,000 troops as of early December.”
Congo calls for more pressure on RwandaCongo’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwanda of trampling on the peace agreement, which she described as bringing “hope of a historic turning point.”
FILE – Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner attends a signing ceremony for a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the State Departmentin Washington, June 27, 2025. (AP Pho to/Mark Schiefelbein, File)She warned, however, that the “entire process … is at stake,” and urged the Security Council to impose sanctions against military and political leaders responsible for the attacks, ban mineral exports from Rwanda and prohibit it from contributing troops to U.N. peacekeeping missions.
“Rwanda continues to benefit, especially financially but also in terms of reputation, from its status as a troop-contributing country to peacekeeping missions,” Wagner told The Associated Press.
Rwanda currently is one of the largest contributors of U.N. peacekeepers, with nearly 6,000 Rwandan troops.
Wagner also said economic agreements signed with the Trump administration as part of the peace deal will hinge on stability. “We have told our American partners that we cannot envision any path toward shared economic prosperity without peace,” she told the AP.
Eastern Congo, rich in critical minerals, has been of interest to Trump as Washington looks for ways to circumvent China to acquire rare earths, essential to manufacturing fighter jets, cell phones and more.
Wagner said the economic partnership is still at an early stage.
“Everything will start to take shape and become much more tangible once the joint governance mechanisms are put in place,” she said. “What we want is a win-win partnership … far beyond the single issue of minerals and their transfer,” she added.
Rwanda accuses Congo of ceasefire violationsRwanda’s Ambassador to the U.N. Karoli Martin Ngoga accused Congo of repeatedly breaking the ceasefire. He also accused the Congolese government of supporting the mostly Hutu Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which “threatens the very existence of Rwanda and its people.”
Nearly 2 million Hutus from Rwanda fled to Congo after the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed 800,000 Tutsi, moderate Hutus and others. Rwandan authorities have accused Hutus who fled of participating in the genocide, alleging that the Congolese army protected them.
“Rwanda reiterates its full commitment to implement its part of the agreement,” Ngoga told the Security Council.
While Rwanda denies the claim that it backs M23, it acknowledged last year that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, allegedly to safeguard its security. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo.
Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.
Daily Horoscope for December 13, 2025
General Daily Insight for December 13, 2025
Conversations could open doors we didn’t expect. Early missteps from fiery Mars challenging unpredictable Uranus may test patience and plans, but stubborn standoffs shouldn’t be necessary once we see the smarter adjustments available. With clever Mercury sextiling transformative Pluto at 11:32 am EST, we’re likely to find serious thoughts linking with real resolve, empowering us to make meaningful decisions. Later, the emotional Moon sextiles romantic Venus, making room for simple warmth expressed through kind gestures. Speak clearly, because honest words invite honest support.
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
A bigger map unfolds before you today. As intellectual Mercury in your 9th House of Travel and Higher Learning sextiles powerful Pluto in your 11th House of Social Networks, plans and conversations are likely to click into place. You may finally be ready to schedule a trip or course of study that you’ve been considering for a long time. Try to avoid going it alone, though. At this time, allies are especially happy to open doors! Spread the word about what’s on your mind.
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Today calls for calm, grounded choices. As action-oriented Mars in your 8th House of Shared Resources stirs up trouble with radical Uranus in your sign, your financial arrangements and intimate interactions may genuinely need some adjustments. Indulging every vision of sweeping overhaul that pops into your head probably isn’t a wise move, though. At heart, all you really want is fairness and a clear path forward! Keep that in mind as you work to bridge different needs. Avoid knee-jerk reactions that strain trust and budgets.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Identifying what’s necessary to move forward in a significant relationship or negotiation is possible at this time. Chatty Mercury, energizing your 7th House of Partnerships, sextiles intense Pluto in your philosophical 9th house, empowering you to dig deep. You might revisit or rewrite a contract because you value lasting clarity more than quick peace. It’s crucial to see the potential good in others’ motives rather than defaulting to fear and suspicion. Still, remember to stay firm about what fits your needs and schedule right now!
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Quiet focus can keep you on track through a busy day. Your 6th House of Work and Wellness gains momentum as cerebral Mercury there reaches out to powerful Pluto, so you’re in a great place to implement a new system to keep your attention from getting scattered. Although you still might come in contact with heavier topics, maintaining a steady rhythm can keep discussions of money and other contentious subjects calm and helpful for everyone involved. No matter what happens, not everything has to change!
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
Leo, your voice lights hearts and rooms. Your kind words can travel far as the nurturing Moon in your 3rd House of Communication sextiles romantic Venus. Perhaps you’ll write a heartfelt thank-you note to someone who showed up for you. If you’re looking to interact further, support from Venus in your 5th House of Romance and Creativity helps conversations turn into fun plans, even with shy folks who need extra encouragement. Your joyful energy becomes the spark others gladly follow.
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Knowing your limits can help you now. Your 4th House of Home and Family takes center stage as information-gathering Mercury there sextiles cosmic detective Pluto, inviting honest talks that finally clear the air. You might revisit holiday plans with a family member if it starts to look like you’ve taken on more than you can handle. A simpler approach could ease their nerves too! Remember that sticking to your usual routine as much as possible keeps everything moving smoothly and protects your energy.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
Today, you’re likely to glow without even having to think about it! Charm could come naturally as the intuitive Moon lights up your 1st House of Self and sextiles sensual Venus, allowing your presence to soothe and attract without effort. Perhaps you’ll smooth a moment of tension between friends because you sense what makes everyone comfortable and safe. This ability to read the room helps texts and emails land kindly, even when discussing touchy topics. Offer grace, and people will probably reciprocate.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
Scorpio, your resolve could find the right target today. Combative Mars, stirring your 2nd House of Money and Self-Worth, provokes reactive Uranus, turning your attention toward pricing, payments, or possessions. You might renegotiate a rate with a client, cancel an order, or talk with a partner about cutting costs. Although there may be many opinions in the mix, you’ll be best served by thoughtful adjustments instead of all-or-nothing moves. Let your sharp instincts sense the workable compromise before tempers flare.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Fresh confidence can rise as you clarify your message. Mental Mercury in your sign sextiles transformative Pluto, boosting your sense of identity. Rewriting your bio because you want the outside to match the inside is a great way to invite new opportunities. Your words carry weight, and they’ll help you get what you want. Having a firm grasp of your top priorities helps you nail timing and details without losing excitement. Thoughtful humor keeps listeners engaged, so don’t be afraid to have a little fun!
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Being goal-oriented doesn’t have to make you scary, Capricorn. Your reputation could soften in a good way as the emotional Moon, lighting your 10th House of Career and Status, sextiles compassionate Venus in your selfless 12th house. Bringing kindness into public conversations is especially likely to make your name shine. You may feel moved to thank a mentor whose generous leadership gave you opportunities as well as a warm example to follow. Small courtesies are likely to open bigger doors!
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Your quiet leadership can provide needed direction to a group effort at this time. As intellectual Mercury in your 11th House of Friends and Community sextiles intense Pluto in your sign, you’re likely to be surrounded by companions who have plenty to say. Turning their flurry of ideas into shared goals will require a little more effort, though. Remembering what you’ve learned from a past project might hold the key. As you advise, maintain a collaborative tone that keeps everyone engaged and eager to contribute.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Stepping into a bigger role is an option now. As cerebral Mercury in your 10th House of Career and Public Image activates unearthing Pluto in your private 12th house, the growth you’ve undergone behind the scenes lately might be ready for display. When you speak from experience, your message is likely to land with authority and thoughtful depth. Old doubts may still haunt you, but your courage should expand once you get going. Let good work be seen, and kind support is likely to follow!
TSA renews push to end collective bargaining agreement for airport security screeners
The Transportation Security Administration is renewing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s push to end a collective bargaining agreement with airport screening officers — the second such attempt this year and one that comes just a month after the longest government shutdown on record.
Related Articles- New York is the 8th state found to have improperly issued commercial driver’s licenses to immigrants
- GOP chairman threatens Clintons with contempt of Congress in Epstein inquiry
- US accuses Rwanda of violating the peace deal as M23 rebels seize a key eastern Congo city
- Navy investigation finds Osprey safety issues were allowed to grow for years
- Trump was unable to insult his way to victory in Indiana redistricting battle
The agency said Friday the move is based on a September memo from Noem that says TSA screeners “have a primary function of national security” and therefore should not engage in collective bargaining or be represented by a union.
The American Federation of Government Employees swiftly vowed to fight the decision, calling it illegal and a violation of a federal judge’s preliminary injunction issued in June that blocked Noem’s first attempt to terminate the contract representing 47,000 workers. Emailed requests for comment were sent to TSA and Homeland Security.
TSA said it plans to rescind the current seven-year contract in January and replace it with a new “security-focused framework.” The agreement was supposed to expire in 2031.
Adam Stahl, acting TSA deputy administrator, said in a statement that airport screeners “need to be focused on their mission of keeping travelers safe.”
“Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, we are ridding the agency of wasteful and time-consuming activities that distracted our officers from their crucial work,” Stahl said.
The announcement also comes weeks after Noem held a news conference in which she handed out $10,000 bonus checks to TSA officers who she said went “above and beyond” during the 43-day shutdown, when thousands of airport screeners continued reporting for duty despite missing more than six weeks of pay during the lapse in funding.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, right, shakes hands with Transportation Security Administration Officer Monica Degro at a news conference at Harry Reid International Airport, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)“Merely 30 days ago, Secretary Noem celebrated TSA officers for their dedication during the longest government shutdown in history,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a statement. “Today, she’s announcing a lump of coal right on time for the holidays: that she’s stripping those same dedicated officers of their union rights.”
AFGE entered into the collective bargaining agreement with TSA last May. But Noem issued a memo on Feb. 27 rescinding that agreement, and TSA notified the union a week later that the contract had been terminated and all pending grievances would be deleted.
The union sued, claiming the move was retaliation for AFGE’s resistance to the Trump administration’s attacks on federal workers. A trial is currently scheduled for next year.
The Trump administration has been laying the groundwork to weaken or eliminate protections for federal workers as it moves swiftly to shrink the bureaucracy.
In granting a preliminary injunction in June, U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman of Seattle said the order was necessary to preserve the rights and benefits TSA workers have long held under union representation.
Pechman wrote that AFGE had shown in its lawsuit that Noem’s directive “constitutes impermissible retaliation,” likely violated the union’s due process, and was “arbitrary and capricious” — findings that the judge said make it likely AFGE will ultimately prevail.
Navy investigation finds Osprey safety issues were allowed to grow for years
By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN
WASHINGTON (AP) — After a spate of deadly accidents that have claimed the lives of 20 service members in the past four years, a Navy report acknowledges that the military failed to address a growing series of issues with the V-22 Osprey aircraft since it took flight almost 20 years ago.
Related Articles- New York is the 8th state found to have improperly issued commercial driver’s licenses to immigrants
- GOP chairman threatens Clintons with contempt of Congress in Epstein inquiry
- US accuses Rwanda of violating the peace deal as M23 rebels seize a key eastern Congo city
- TSA renews push to end collective bargaining agreement for airport security screeners
- Trump was unable to insult his way to victory in Indiana redistricting battle
“The cumulative risk posture of the V-22 platform has been growing since initial fielding,” according to the report by Naval Air Systems Command released Friday. It added that the office in charge of the aircraft “has not promptly implemented … fixes to mitigate existing risks.”
“As a result, risks continue to accumulate,” the report said.
The Associated Press reported last year that the most serious types of accidents for the Osprey, which is the only aircraft to fly like a plane but convert to land like a helicopter, spiked between 2019 and 2023 and that, unlike other aircraft, the problems did not level off as the years passed.
“As the first and only military tiltrotor aircraft, it remains the most aero-mechanically complex aircraft in service and continues to face unresolved legacy material, safety, and technical challenges,” the report said.
Commissioned in 2023 by NAVAIR, the Navy command responsible for the purchase and maintenance of aircraft, the investigation reveals that the Osprey not only has the “second highest number of catastrophic risks across all Naval Aviation platforms” but that those risks have gone unresolved for an average of more than 10 years.
By contrast, the average across other aircraft in the Navy’s inventory is six years.
The Navy’s responseVice Adm. John Dougherty, commander of NAVAIR, said the service is “committed to improving the V-22’s performance and safeguarding the warfighters who rely on this platform.” He offered no details on any actions taken for years of failing to address the Osprey’s risks.
The command did not respond to questions about what, if any, accountability measures were taken in response to the findings.
Show Caption1 of 3FILE – A Boeing V-22 Osprey is seen on Aug. 13, 2022, in Senja, Norway, after an emergency landing due to a clutch issue. (Norwegian Armed Forces via AP, File) ExpandThe lack of details on accountability for missteps also came up when the Navy recently released investigations into four accidents during a U.S.-led campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. A senior Navy official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity to offer more candid details, said that he didn’t believe the service had an obligation to make accountability actions public.
Risks were allowed to build up, the report saysThe investigation lays much of the responsibility for the problems on the Osprey’s Joint Program Office. Part of the mission for this office, which operates within NAVAIR, is making sure the aircraft can be safely flown by the Marine Corps, the Navy and the Air Force, all of which use different versions of the aircraft for different missions.
The report found that this office “did not effectively manage or address identified risks in a timely manner, allowing them to accumulate,” and it faced “challenges” in implementing safety fixes across all three services.
Two major issues involve the Osprey’s complicated transmission. The aircraft has a host of gearboxes and clutches that, like a car’s transmission, are crucial to powering each propeller behind the Osprey’s unique tilting capability. The system also helps connect the two sides of the aircraft to keep it flying in the event of engine failure.
One problem is an issue in which the transmission system essentially shreds itself from the inside due to a power imbalance in the engines. That brought down a Marine Corps Osprey, killing five Marines in California in 2022.
The other issue is a manufacturing defect in the gears within the transmission that renders them more brittle and prone to failure. That was behind the crash of an Air Force Osprey off the coast of Japan in November 2023 that killed eight service members.
The report reveals that this manufacturing issue went back to 2006 but the Osprey’s Joint Program Office did not formally assess or accept this risk until March 2024.
Besides these mechanical issues, the report found that the program office failed to ensure uniform maintenance standards for the aircraft, while determining that 81% of all the accidents that the Ospreys have had on the ground were due to human error.
Recommendations for the issues revealedThe report offers a series of recommendations for each of the issues it uncovered. They range from rudimentary suggestions like consolidating best maintenance practices across all the services to more systemic fixes like developing a new, midlife upgrade program for the Osprey.
While fixes for both mechanical issues are also in the report, it seems that it will take until 2034 and 2033 for the military to fully deal with both, respectively.
Naval Air Systems Command did not reply when asked if it had a message for troops who will fly in the aircraft in the meantime.
Watchdog also releases Osprey reportThe Government Accountability Office, an independent watchdog serving Congress, made similar conclusions and recommendations in a separate report released Friday.
The GAO blamed most Osprey accidents on part failures and human error while service members flew or maintained the aircraft. It determined that the military hasn’t fully “identified, analyzed, or responded” to all of the Osprey’s safety risks.
The GAO said the Pentagon should improve its process for addressing those risks, while adding more oversight to ensure they are resolved. Another recommendation is for the Navy, Air Force and Marines to routinely share information on hazards and accidents to help prevent mishaps.
Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.
Firefighters in Northern California reach home inspection milestone - dailydispatch.com
Firefighters in Northern California reach home inspection milestone dailydispatch.com
St. Thomas Aquinas pulls away from Lakeland, gets another shutout to win seventh consecutive state title
MIAMI — St. Thomas Aquinas delivered another dominant performance to capture their state-record seventh consecutive state title as the Raiders cruised past Lakeland 29-0 in the 5A state championship on Thursday night at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of FIU.
The St. Thomas Aquinas football program won its 17th state championship in school history. They defeated Lakeland in the state title contest for the second straight season and recorded a shutout as well last year in a 34-0 win.
St. Thomas Aquinas senior quarterback Mason Mallory finished 21 of 32 for 264 passing yards and had eight carries for 103 yards to the lead the Raiders offense. Mallory, who won a state championship with West Boca Raton last season, enjoyed a standout senior year with the Raiders.
“This whole season was special,” Mallory said. “I was very blessed to lead a group of guys like this and have a coaching staff that believed in me. This playoff run showed how resilient we were. It’s a great feeling.”
St. Thomas Aquinas senior kicker Johnny DiSalvatore tied a state record in the state championship with five field goals.
“It means so much to have such a good game,” DiSalvatore said. “I will remember this the rest of my life. We have overcome so much adversity throughout the season with so many people doubting us.”
The Raiders defense recorded seven sacks and created three turnovers. Junior Jaden Carey and junior Zayden Gamble each recorded interceptions while senior Mekhi Bradley had a fumble recovery. Senior Daniel Norman had six tackles and two sacks.
St. Thomas Aquinas Julius Jones (81) runs with the ball against Lakeland during the HS Football 5A state championship game at Pitbull Stadium at Florida International University in Miami.(Michele Eve Sandberg/Contributor)“The feeling is amazing after we put in hard work and dedication the whole season,” Norman said. “Our coaches did an awesome job preparing us for this week. This was our night and we wanted the shutout. We did not let up. For the last game of my high school career, I have so much joy that we came out here and did what we were supposed to do. I love this feeling.”
Junior wide receiver Julius Jones recorded seven catches for 127 yards and sophomore wide receiver Levi Thomas had seven receptions for 90 yards. Senior running back Jaden Desir and senior running back Morris Choice each rushed for touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
DiSalvatore converted three field goals in the first half. The Raiders led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter and had a 9-0 advantage at halftime. DiSalvatore drilled two field goals to give the Raiders a 15-0 advantage entering the fourth.
“When you have a tremendous special teams unit, we have a great advantage,” St. Thomas Aquinas coach Roger Harriott said. “That particular phase of the game is neglected by most teams. We put a tremendous amount of time and effort into that phase of the game. We have all the confidence in the world in our kicking game.”
St. Thomas Aquinas Morris Choice (24) reacts, and held in the air by Mark Matthews (55) during the HS Football 5A state championship game at F.I.U/Pitbull Stadium on Dec.11, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Michele Eve Sandberg/Contributor)The Raiders marched downfield on their opening possession and settled for a 19-yard field goal by DiSalvatore with 8:23 left in the first.
Jones made a highlight-reel one-handed 44-yard catch to the Lakeland 12-yard line on their next series on offense. DiSalvatore connected on a 30-yard field goal to extend the lead to 6-0 with 51 seconds left in the first.
Carey stepped up with an interception at the Raiders 26-yard line in the second quarter.
DiSalvatore converted a 30-yard field goal on the final play of the first half.
Gamble stepped up with an interception on the opening possession of the second half. The Raiders drive stalled as DiSalvatore drilled a 33-yard field goal.
Lakeland failed to get a punt away deep in their own territory at their own 14. DiSalvatore connected on another 33-yard field goal to push the lead to 15-0.
St. Thomas Aquinas students cheer during the HS Football 5A state championship game at F.I.U/Pitbull Stadium on Dec.11, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Michele Eve Sandberg/Contributor)Mallory had a 67-yard run down the left sideline to the Lakeland 2-yard line in the fourth. Desir rushed for a 1-yard score to extend the lead to 22-0 with 8:00 remaining. Bradley recovered a fumble at the Lakeland 29 on the ensuing drive. The Raiders capitalized as Choice rushed for a 6-yard touchdown run with 6:27 left.
St. Thomas Aquinas entered the state final as the No.11-ranked team nationally by MaxPreps. The Raiders won 14 straight games after a 26-23 loss to California’s Mater Dei in the season opener.
“Our coaches get the most out of our guys,” Harriott said. “Our scheme [on defense] is exceptional. The guys believe in what we do. They fly around. We had all the faith in our team.”
St. Thomas Aquinas wins the HS Football 5A state championship game at F.I.U/Pitbull Stadium on Dec.11, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Michele Eve Sandberg/Contributor)Today in History: December 12, NFL stadium’s roof collapses after major snowstorm
Today is Friday, Dec. 12, the 346th day of 2025. There are 19 days left in the year.
Today in history:On Dec. 12,2010, the inflatable roof of the Minneapolis Metrodome collapsed in the early morning hours after a snowstorm dumped 17 inches on the city. (There were no injuries, but the NFL had to shift an already rescheduled game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants to Detroit’s Ford Field.)
Also on this date:In 1870, Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first Black lawmaker sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.
Related Articles- New coins will commemorate 250th anniversary of American independence. Here’s how they’ll look
- Oklahoma Black Lives Matter leader indicted for fraud, money laundering
- Director convicted of scamming $11M from Netflix and going on lavish spending spree
- What are the 10 largest US lottery jackpots ever won?
- Crypto mogul Do Kwon sentenced to 15 years in prison for $40 billion stablecoin fraud
In 1963, the east African nation of Kenya declared independence from Britain; it became a republic exactly a year later.
In 1985, 248 American soldiers and eight crew members were killed when an Arrow Air charter crashed after takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland.
In 2000, George W. Bush became president-elect as a divided U.S. Supreme Court reversed a state court recount decision in Florida’s tightly contested presidential election.
In 2015, nearly 200 nations meeting in Paris adopted the first global pact to fight climate change, calling on the world to collectively cut greenhouse gas emissions but imposing no sanctions on countries that didn’t do so.
In 2020, thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump gathered in Washington for rallies to back his efforts to subvert the election he lost to Joe Biden.
In 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, capping a whirlwind two-day visit to Washington, D.C., urged Congress to approve more assistance to fight Russia’s invasion of his country.
Today’s Birthdays:- Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Pettit is 93.
- Singer Dionne Warwick is 85.
- Hall of Fame race car driver Emerson Fittipaldi is 79.
- Actor Bill Nighy is 76.
- Gymnast-actor Cathy Rigby is 73.
- Singer-musician Sheila E. is 68.
- Actor Sheree J. Wilson is 67.
- Tennis Hall of Famer Tracy Austin is 63.
- Football Hall of Famer John Randle is 58.
- Actor Jennifer Connelly is 55.
- Actor Regina Hall is 55.
- Actor Mayim Bialik is 50.
- Model-actor Bridget Hall is 48.
- Actor Lucas Hedges is 29.
- Actor and rapper Sky Katz is 21.
A look at new UF coach Jon Sumrall’s first Gators’ schedule in 2026
GAINESVILLE — The first schedule for Jon Sumrall at Florida offers a chance to quickly see how he stacks up against fellow first-year SEC coaches at schools interested in Sumrall’s services to fill their job openings.
Following a soft opening with visits from Florida Atlantic Sept. 5 and Campbell University Sept. 12, Florida heads to Auburn Sept. 19 to face former USF coach Alex Golesh and the Tigers as the first game of the new nine-game SEC schedule. The trip will be the Gators’ first to iconic Jordan-Hare Stadium since a 17-6 loss in 2011.
On Sept. 26, Ole Miss will visit the Swamp with new coach Pete Golding, who stepped in for one-time UF top target Lane Kiffin after he left for LSU.
The Auburn visit is one of six games away from Gainesville.
The Gators will visit Missouri Oct. 3 and Texas Oct. 17 followed by an open date before squaring off with Georgia Oct. 31 in Atlanta. The longtime rivals will play away from Jacksonville, the home to the series since 1933, because of stadium renovations at EverBank Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2027, Gators and Bulldogs will meet in Tampa.
UF has a Nov. 14 visit to Kentucky, where the Gators have lost three straight games, including a 38-7 blowout loss Nov. 8. On Nov. 28, Florida will visit Florida State — 40-21 losers last month in the Swamp.
Besides the visits from FAU, Campbell and Ole Miss, Florida will host South Carolina Oct. 10, Oklahoma Nov. 7 and Vanderbilt Nov. 21. Oklahoma and Florida never have met in the Swamp, with their two meetings in the 2008 national title game, a 24-14 Gators’ win, and a Sooners 55-20 rout in the 2020 Cotton Bowl.
New Florida football coach Jon Sumrall (right) is 17-9 away from home during two-year stints at each Tulane and Troy. Billy Napier's teams were 5-18 during his four seasons. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Winning outside of Gainesville will be key to Sumrall’s long-term success in Gainesville.
Former coach Billy Napier’s were 5-18 away from the Swamp in four seasons.
Entering No. 11 Tulane’s Dec. 20 visit to No. 6 Ole Miss, Sumrall is 17-9 in away games during four seasons as a head coach, two with the Green Wave (2024-25) and two at Troy (2022-23).
The trip to Auburn and visit from Ole Miss in consecutive weeks are especially intriguing.
Sumrall was in Auburn’s sights after the school fired Huge Freeze, but once Florida shifted its focus from Kiffin, the Tigers were forced to change direction and hire Golesh. Golesh led USF to an 18-16 upset against UF Sept. 6 in Gainesville.
Sumrall’s ties to Ole Miss, where he coached linebackers in 2018, and his 43-11 record as a head coach made the Rebels another potential suitor for the 43-year-old Gators’ coach.
UF’s new coordinators will each have their own storylines.
Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner will face Georgia, where he worked from 2020-22, in Atlanta, where he oversaw Georgia Tech’s attack the past three seasons. Defensive coordinator Brad White will return to Kentucky, where he coached since 2018, including as the Wildcats’ defensive coordinator since 2019.
UF’s 2026 scheduleSept. 5 FAU
Sept. 12 CAMPBELL
Sept. 19 at Auburn
Sept. 26 OLE MISS
Oct. 3 at Missouri
Oct. 10 SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 17 at Texas
Oct. 24 OPEN
Oct. 31 vs. Georgia (Atlanta)
Nov. 7 OKLAHOMA
Nov. 14 at Kentucky
Nov. 21 VANDERBILT
Nov. 28 at Florida State
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations
By JONATHAN J. COOPER
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday aimed at blocking states from crafting their own regulations for artificial intelligence, saying the burgeoning industry is at risk of being stifled by a patchwork of onerous rules while in a battle with Chinese competitors for supremacy.
Related Articles- Amtrak’s 18,000 workers to receive $900 bonuses, funded by executive cuts
- Senator says FAA administrator failed to sell multimillion-dollar airline stake as promised
- New coins will commemorate 250th anniversary of American independence. Here’s how they’ll look
- Trump pardoned them for Jan. 6. Now they want millions of dollars
- House votes to nullify Trump order and restore bargaining rights for federal workers
Members of Congress from both parties, as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups, have pushed for more regulations on AI, saying there is not enough oversight for the powerful technology.
But Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that “there’s only going to be one winner” as nations race to dominate artificial intelligence, and China’s central government gives its companies a single place to go for government approvals.
“We have the big investment coming, but if they had to get 50 different approvals from 50 different states, you can forget it because it’s impossible to do,” Trump said.
The executive order directs the Attorney General to create a new task force to challenge state laws, and directs the Commerce Department to draw up a list of problematic regulations.
It also threatens to restrict funding from a broadband deployment program and other grant programs to states with AI laws.
David Sacks, a venture capitalist with extensive AI investments who is leading Trump’s policies on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, said the Trump administration would only push back on “the most onerous examples of state regulation” but would not oppose “kid safety” measures.
What states have proposedFour states — Colorado, California, Utah and Texas — have passed laws that set some rules for AI across the private sector, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Those laws include limiting the collection of certain personal information and requiring more transparency from companies.
The laws are in response to AI that already pervades everyday life. The technology helps make consequential decisions for Americans, including who gets a job interview, an apartment lease, a home loan and even certain medical care. But research has shown that it can make mistakes in those decisions, including by prioritizing a particular gender or race.
States’ more ambitious AI regulation proposals require private companies to provide transparency and assess the possible risks of discrimination from their AI programs.
Beyond those more sweeping rules, many states have regulated parts of AI: barring the use of deepfakes in elections and to create nonconsensual porn, for example, or putting rules in place around the government’s own use of AI.
Amtrak’s 18,000 workers to receive $900 bonuses, funded by executive cuts
By SAFIYAH RIDDLE
More than 18,000 Amtrak workers will receive a $900 bonus before the end of the year, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Thursday evening.
Related Articles- Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations
- Senator says FAA administrator failed to sell multimillion-dollar airline stake as promised
- New coins will commemorate 250th anniversary of American independence. Here’s how they’ll look
- Trump pardoned them for Jan. 6. Now they want millions of dollars
- House votes to nullify Trump order and restore bargaining rights for federal workers
Funding for the bonuses will come from Amtrak’s executive leadership team bonus packages, the statement said. The federal administration urged executive leadership “to forgo 50% of the bonus packages that would have been paid out under the misplaced priorities of the previous executive bonus structure.”
Amtrak set all-time records for both ridership and revenue in the 2025 fiscal year, according to its annual report, with over $2.7 billion in ticket revenue from 34.5 million riders.
The bonuses were applauded by some unions representing train workers.
“End-of-year bonuses will now go to 18,000 front-line workers rather than being limited to the executive ranks. This long-overdue recognition of the employees who keep the railroad moving is a step in the right direction,” Mark Wallace, the president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National union, said in a statement.
The announcement comes amid ongoing controversy over the Trump administration’s decision to limit $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers and technicians who had perfect attendance during the government shutdown — a measure that rewarded only 776 people, and left nearly 20,000 other workers without the payment.
The disparity was blasted by air traffic controller unions at the time of the announcement in November.
“We are concerned that thousands of air traffic controllers who consistently reported for duty during the shutdown, ensuring the safe transport of passengers and cargo across the nation, while working without pay and uncertain of when they would receive compensation, were excluded from this recognition,” the National Air Traffic Controllers Association union said in a statement.
Senator says FAA administrator failed to sell multimillion-dollar airline stake as promised
By JOSH FUNK
The head of the Federal Aviation Administration has not sold off his multimillion-dollar stake in the airline he led since 1999 despite a promise to do so as part of his ethics agreement, according to a Democratic senator.
Related Articles- Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations
- Amtrak’s 18,000 workers to receive $900 bonuses, funded by executive cuts
- New coins will commemorate 250th anniversary of American independence. Here’s how they’ll look
- Trump pardoned them for Jan. 6. Now they want millions of dollars
- House votes to nullify Trump order and restore bargaining rights for federal workers
In a letter to Bryan Bedford this week, Sen. Maria Cantwell said he vowed to sell all his shares in Republic Airways within 90 of his confirmation but 150 days have now passed. In Bedford’s financial disclosures, he estimated that his Republic stock was worth somewhere between $6 million and $30 million.
Republic completed a merger last month with another major regional airline, Mesa Air Group. Republic’s stock closed Thursday at $19.02, nearly double what it was before the deal was announced in April.
“It appears you continue to retain significant equity in this conflicting asset months past the deadline set to fully divest from Republic, which constitutes a clear violation of your ethics agreement. This is unacceptable and demands a full accounting,” Cantwell said in the letter.
Bedford declined a request for comment, and an FAA spokesperson said he plans to respond directly to Cantwell.
The agency has been in the spotlight since January, when an airliner collided with an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. The investigation has already highlighted shortcomings at the FAA, which failed to recognize an alarming number of close calls around Reagan National Airport in the years beforehand.
Then, in the spring, technical problems at the center that directs planes into New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport highlighted a fragile and outdated system relied on by air traffic controllers.
And in the fall, a longstanding shortage of controllers led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays during the longest government shutdown ever as more controllers missed work while going without a paycheck.
Bedford has pledged to prioritize safety and upgrade the nation’s outdated air traffic control system. Congress approved $12.5 billion for that project, and last week the FAA picked the company that will oversee the work.
New coins will commemorate 250th anniversary of American independence. Here’s how they’ll look
By JONATHAN J. COOPER
The U.S. Mint unveiled the designs for coins commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence next year. They depict the founding documents and the Revolutionary War, but so far, not President Donald Trump, despite a push among some of his allies to get his face on a coin.
Related Articles- Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations
- Amtrak’s 18,000 workers to receive $900 bonuses, funded by executive cuts
- Senator says FAA administrator failed to sell multimillion-dollar airline stake as promised
- Trump pardoned them for Jan. 6. Now they want millions of dollars
- House votes to nullify Trump order and restore bargaining rights for federal workers
The Mint abandoned designs developed during Joe Biden’s presidency that highlighted women’s suffrage and civil rights advancements, favoring classical depictions of America over progress toward a more inclusive society.
A series of celebrations are planned next year under the banner America 250, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. All U.S. coins show the year they were minted, but those made next year will also display 1776.
Trump, at least for now, isn’t getting a coinNo design was released for a $1 coin, though U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, whose duties include oversight of the U.S. Mint, serving as a liaison with the Federal Reserve and overseeing Treasury’s Office of Consumer Policy, confirmed in October that one showcasing Trump was in the works. A draft design showed Trump’s profile on the “heads” side, known as the obverse, and on the reverse, a depiction of Trump raising his fist after his attempted assassination, The words “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” appear along the top.
By law, presidents typically can’t appear on coins until two years after their death, but some advocates for a Trump coin think there may be a loophole in the law authorizing the treasury to mint special coins for the nation’s 250th birthday.
Neither the Mint nor the Treasury Department responded when asked whether a Trump coin is still planned.
The new designs depict classical AmericanaNew designs will appear only on coins minted in 2026, with the current images returning the following year.
The nickel, dime and five versions of the quarter will circulate, while a penny and half dollar will be sold as collectibles.
Five versions of the quarter are planned depicting the Mayflower Compact, Revolutionary War, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Gettysburg Address.
The dime will show a depiction of Liberty, a symbolic woman facing down the tyranny of the British monarchy, and an eagle carrying arrows in its talons representing America’s fight for independence.
The commemorative nickel is essentially the same as the most recent nickel redesign, in 2006, but it includes two dates on the head’s side instead of one, 1776 and 2026.
Two collectible coins are plannedA half dollar coin shows the face of the Statue of Liberty on one side. The other shows her passing her torch to what appears to be the hand of a child, symbolizing a handoff to the next generation.
The penny is essentially the same as the one in circulation, which was discontinued earlier this year and will be produced only as a collectible with two dates.
Prices for collectible coins were not released. The Mint sells a variety of noncirculating coins on its website, with a vast range of prices reflecting their rarity.
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps founding, for example, a commemorative half dollar coin is available for $61, while a commemorative $5 gold coin goes for $1,262. Up to 750,000 copies of the former will be minted, but no more than 50,000 of the latter.
The abandoned designsCongress authorized commemorative coins in 2021. During the Biden administration, the Mint worked with a citizens advisory committee to propose designs depicting the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, abolitionism, suffrage and civil rights.
Those designs included depictions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Ruby Bridges, who was escorted to school by the National Guard at age 6 years amid opposition to racial integration at public schools.
Those designs represented “continued progress toward ‘a more perfect union,’” said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, quoting a phrase from the preamble to the Constitution.
“The American story didn’t stop at the pilgrims and founding fathers, and ignoring anything that has happened in this country in the last 162 years is just another attempt by President Trump to rewrite our history,” Cortez Masto said in a statement.
