Brazil's Bolsonaro leaves hospital and returns to jail in capital Brasilia

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Former Brazilian PresidentJair Bolsonaroleft a hospital in capital Brasilia on Thursday, a week after he underwent a double hernia surgery. A car took the embattled ex-leader back to the federal police headquarters where he is serving his 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup d'etat aimed at keeping him in office.

Hospital DF Star confirmed Bolsonaro was released after some other minor medical procedures after the double hernia surgery that was completed without complications.

Brazil's Supreme Court approved the release of the former president, who governed from 2019 to 2022, for the surgery.

Supreme Court JusticeAlexandre de Moraes, who sentenced Bolsonaro to prison, denied the former president's request for house arrest after he leaves the hospital.

Bolsonaro has undergone several other medical procedures since he was stabbed in the abdomen during a campaign rally in 2018.

Bolsonaro has no contact with the few other inmates at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, where he is held and where his 12-square-meter (around 130-square-foot) room has a bed, a private bathroom, air conditioning, a television and a desk.

In December, Bolsonaro shook Brazilian politics again by appointing his eldest son, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, to become his political party'spresidential candidate in next year's election, challenging incumbentLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Neither Flávio Bolsonaro nor former first-lady Michelle Bolsonaro made comments about the former leader returning to prison after his hospitalization.

Michelle Bolsonaro said in her social media channels that "there is a Brazil of good people which loves you and prays for you."

"We will beat the bad days," she wrote.

Bolsonaro and several of his allieswere convicted in Septemberby a panel of Supreme Court justices of attempting to overthrow Brazil's democratic system following his 2022 election defeat.

The plot included plans to kill Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and de Moraes. There was also a plan to encourage an insurrection in early 2023.

Bolsonaro was also convicted on charges that include leading an armed criminal organization and attempting the violent abolition of the democratic rule of law. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Follow the AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean athttps://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

byDaniel Coleman
in
January 02, 2026

Brazil's Bolsonaro leaves hospital and returns to jail in capital Brasilia

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Former Brazilian PresidentJair Bolsonaroleft a hospital in capital Brasilia on Thursday, a week a...
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Coastal flooding and king tides in Northern California forecast

The new year is bringing warmer than normal temperatures across much of the U.S. including the Northern Rockies and Great Plains, whilecoastal California faces warningsfor a couple of feet of coastal flooding and storm surge through the weekend.

A strong system is forecast to arrive off California and the Pacific Northwest, bringing more heavy rain and mountain snows in the region, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center.

The strong low pressure system is approaching with unfortunate timing, just as some of the highest astronomical tides of the year arrive along the Pacific Coast through the weekend. Coastal flood advisories are in effect along parts of the south central Oregon coast and northern California, including the Bay area, the National Weather Service has warned.

The low pressure system is forecast to bring strong southerly winds, generating storm surge that will help contribute to minor to moderate coastal floodingnear shorelines and tidal waterways around San Francisco Bay,and from north of Point Reyes southward to Big Sur along the coast.

In San Francisco, high tides are forecast to be more than 2 feet above normal on Saturday and nearly that high again on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 4, thanks to the front and the alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun.

A similar forecast for coastal flooding is in effectalong Coos Bay, Oregonand the surrounding estuaries.

<p style=From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding, Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric river that officials have warned about for days.

People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> A vehicle stands across flood waters flowing on a road after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. Flood waters flow as houses ad trees remain partially submerged after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. A helicopter flies over a flooded area after evacuating people stranded on the roof of a building in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Flood waters flow as houses remain partially submerged after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. People get into a helicopter after they were stranded on the roof of a building as floods partially submerged the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Cars drive through a large puddle at Cortez Street in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A tree limb was left dangling on some wires on Orange Drive and Balboa Street in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Cars drive through a large puddle at the intersection of Cortez Street and Ventura Boulevard in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Steve Cruz, a Camarillo city worker, moves large chunks of a fallen tree off Santa Rosa Road after a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A car drives through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Heavy rain is seen from Kenneth Hahn Park blocking the view of the city skyline on Dec.24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Workers cut and move a tree which fell at the Westfield Topanga shopping centre in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Shoppers walk through a parking lot on a rainy Christmas Eve morning at the Westfield Topanga shopping centre in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A man checks the damage caused by driving through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A A car drives through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Cars drive through puddles as heavy rain falls due to an atmospheric river, in an intersection in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Cars drive through puddles as heavy rain falls due to an atmospheric river, in an intersection in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. City workers try to remove a tree that felt on a wall next to the Hollywood Water Reserve on Dec.24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Leticia Serafin (R) cooks tamales with her husband Paul Fonseca, center, and friend Pedro Jimenez, who holds up his phone light, ahead of the atmospheric river storm on Dec. 23, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. The couple lost their home of 25 years in the Eaton Fire and are residing in a donated travel trailer on their property as they make plans to rebuild. They make tamales every year to distribute to family and friends on Christmas Eve, and continued the tradition this year. A flood watch will be in effect for much of the region through Christmas Eve, with evacuation warnings in place for residents near recent burn areas. Meteorologists are calling for five straight days of precipitation, with the highest rainfall totals predicted for Christmas Eve, along with heavy snow in higher elevation mountain regions.

Strong atmospheric river brings floods, snow, high winds to California

From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding,Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric riverthat officials have warned about for days.People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

Severe thunderstorms are possible along the Oregon andCalifornia coasts on the weekend. From Friday night through Monday, a general 2-4 inches of rain is forecast, with locally higher amounts along the coast north of Los Angeles, AccuWeather reported on Jan. 1.

Therain could exacerbate already wet conditions in Californiafrom other recent rain. It rained on the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day for the first time in years, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department reportedrescuing more than 100 peopleand one dog from flooding on Christmas Eve.

Water floods down a gutter as parade attendees wear ponchos as they walk up Colorado Blvd in the rain before the start of the 137th Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026.

The moisture also means snow in the Sierras, and AccuWeather reported it could lead to a long stretch of wintry conditions along the higher elevations of Interstate 80, possibly bringing several feet of snow to Donner Pass, enough to force the road to close.

Here is a detailed summary on the very wet start to the current water year through December across Southwest California.https://t.co/Q78445OgGh#CAwx#LARainpic.twitter.com/rlIP4fC1iO

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles)January 1, 2026

Warmer temperatures likely in Central U.S.

Far to the east, a warming trend could bring temperatures that range from 15-30 degrees above normal in the Plains, the weather service said.

Further east, more heavy lake effect snow is forecast across portions of the Great Lakes, in far northwest Pennsylvania and portions of western New York state. The weather service reported 16 inches of snow in Oswego, New York on New Year's Day.

Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has covered climate change, weather and other news for decades. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Coastal flooding in California, rare rain fell on Rose Bowl Parade

byDaniel Coleman
in
January 02, 2026

Coastal flooding and king tides in Northern California forecast

The new year is bringing warmer than normal temperatures across much of the U.S. including the Northern Rockies and Great...
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China taxes condoms, contraceptive drugs in bid to spur birth rate

HONG KONG, Jan 2 (Reuters) - China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and ​devices from January 1 in new steps ‌to spur a flagging birth rate.

Condoms and contraceptive pills now ‌incur value-added tax of 13%, the standard rate for most consumer goods.

The move comes as Beijing struggles to boost birth rates in the world's second-largest economy. ⁠China's population fell ‌for a third consecutive year in 2024 and experts have cautioned the downturn will ‍continue.

China exempted childcare subsidies from personal income tax and rolled out an annual childcare subsidy last year, following ​a series of "fertility-friendly" measures in 2024, such as ‌urging colleges and universities to provide "love education" to portray marriage, love, fertility and family in a positive light.

Top leaders again pledged last month at the annual Central Economic Work Conference to promote "positive marriage and ⁠childbearing attitudes" to stabilise birth rates.

China's ​birth rates have been falling ​for decades as a result of the one-child policy China implemented from 1980 to ‍2015, and ⁠rapid urbanisation.

The high cost of childcare and education as well as job uncertainty and a slowing ⁠economy have also discouraged many young Chinese from getting ‌married and starting a family.

(Reporting by Clare Jim; ‌Editing by Kate Mayberry)

byDaniel Coleman
in
January 02, 2026

China taxes condoms, contraceptive drugs in bid to spur birth rate

HONG KONG, Jan 2 (Reuters) - China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and ​devices from Janu...
Read More
Getty Woman shocked while looking at her computer

NEED TO KNOW

  • A woman admitted to "speed-booking" her vacation dates when she found out her colleague wanted the same time off

  • The woman claims she previously told her colleague about the dates, and accused her of trying to "steal" them from her

  • She recalled the situation in Reddit's "AmItheButtface" forum in December

A woman with a guilty conscience is seeking advice after she booked her vacation on the same dates as her co-worker — but she has a good reason for it, she says.

The 28-year-old took to Reddit's"AmItheButtface"forum earlier in December to explain the situation and ask her fellow Reddit users if her actions put her in the wrong. She titled the post: "AITB for speed-booking my vacation the second my coworker tried to steal the exact dates I'd already told her about?"

She begins by explaining how she works in a "highly specialized retail department" consisting of only six people, the majority of which were all taking their vacations during the busy holiday season.

"This Christmas, four of them somehow got approved for 2–4 weeks off at the same time, leaving just me and Betty (50s) to cover everything," the original poster (OP) writes. "No one else in the store is trained to help. It's been an absolute disaster."

She them names another one of her colleagues, Jacinta, who kept "texting me for department updates" despite being on her holiday vacation, the Reddit user explains.

Getty Woman looking at her phone

Continuing the tale, the OP then recalls an exchange between her and Jacinta that's an important piece of context for the rest of her story.

"Two weeks ago I mentioned in passing that I'm planning to take the last week of Feb plus the first week of Mar off," they explain. Referring to Jacinta, she adds, "She never replied to that specific message."

The plot thickens when the OP says she received a text message from Jacinta, who was still on her vacation, first asking for another department update before getting into her time off in 2026.

She then "casually drops that she's 'thinking of taking late Feb/early Mar off too," the user writes of her colleague. "Word-for-word the dates I told her."

After hearing this — and without clarifying whether Jacinta read her previous message — the OP says she "immediately" submitted her own dates to her manager.

"I panicked, contacted our manager immediately, got verbal approval, and submitted the official request that same hour. It's now locked in while Jacinta is still away," she writes. "She's going to be furious when she sees I 'took' the dates she pretended she didn't know about."

Concluding the post with a request for her fellow Redditors, she asks: "AITB for beating her to it?"

Getty Angry woman looking at something on her computer

The OP adds more context in the comments section in response to questions from her fellow users, and explains that she's based in Australia and is a part-time employee, while Jacinta is the only full-time staffer.

Further down in the comments, many users thought the OP didn't do anything wrong in this situation, and declared her "not the buttface" (NTB).

"You told her you were taking those dates off - and now you officially are. NTB in any way, shape or form," one wrote, while another echoed, "NTB, it's up to management if they approve her leave."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Getty

Others deemed her NTB but advised her to learn an important lesson from the ordeal: "Don't talk about taking time off with coworkers. You see now they can't be trusted."

In response to another commenter's similar advice, the OP agreed that it's a "painful lesson learned," but notes she specifically chose dates that aren't as popular because she didn't think anyone would try to "steal" them. She admits to booking her flights "months in advance" to save on costs because of this.

"So when I told this co-worker when I was going I genuinely didn't think they were going to steal my dates," the OP adds. "It almost makes me think they were doing it on purpose to be spiteful, because they ignored my text when I told them."

Read the original article onPeople

byDaniel Coleman
in
January 02, 2026

Woman ‘Speed-Books’ Vacation After Co-Worker Said They Were Eyeing the Same Dates for Their Trip

NEED TO KNOW A woman admitted to "speed-booking" her vacation dates when she found out her colleague wanted the same time off Th...
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Samir Hussein/WireImage Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince George and Prince William on Christmas 2024

Samir Hussein/WireImage

NEED TO KNOW

  • Royal photographer Josh Shinner shared a sweet tribute to Prince William and his family

  • Shinner, who has worked with the royals since 2023, posted a candid black and white shot of William lying on the ground, surrounded by his smiling children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

  • The sweet photograph came from a family shoot that the family has also shared on Father's Day and the young princes' birthdays

Photographer Josh Shinner has captured some ofKate MiddletonandPrince William's most endearing family moments, and he has revealed one of his favorite images of the royals.

"It's been a real privilege to photograph the @princeandprincessofwales over the last couple of years, and this might be my favourite shot to date," Shinner captioned acandid family photoposted to his Instagram account on Sept. 10. "Just a really joyful and spontaneous moment that I'm so happy to have been there for."

The photograph, taken during a family shoot that William and Kate have shared multiple times this year, is a candid black-and-white shot of Prince William lying on the ground, surrounded by his smiling children.Princess Charlotte, 10, grins at the camera, while her brothers,Prince George, 12, andPrince Louis, 7, have their faces turned towards their father.

The photo was previously shared on the Prince and Princess's Instagram account as part of aFather's Daytribute to Prince William in June. Alongside a more formal image, the caption joked that the two shots were a "before and after" moment.

The family has also shared other photos from the same photo shoot forPrince George's birthdayin July andPrince Louis' birthdayin April.

Karwai Tang/WireImage Prince Louis, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton on June 14, 2025

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Shinner first worked with William and Kate's family when he shot the photo that would become their2023 Christmas card.The black and white photo featured the family in matching button-downs and dark pants, a casual departure from the typical royal portrait.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

That same year, the Yorkshire-born photographer opened up toHarper's Bazaarabout how getting comfortable with his subjects is one of the most important components to getting a great portrait.

"I've always loved portraiture and the people I most enjoy photographing are those that take some warming up," he said. "Maybe they're nervous or they don't want to be there, or perhaps they find having their picture taken as pleasant as going to the dentist, but I love trying to make those people feel at ease and chatting to them – normally about anything other than the shot we're about to take – then making them comfortable enough to take a good picture."

"The feeling when it all comes together and you make something you're both happy with is hard to beat," he added.

Read the original article onPeople

byDaniel Coleman
in
January 02, 2026

Royal Photographer Shares His 'Favorite' Photo of Prince William with His Kids in a 'Spontaneous Moment'

Samir Hussein/WireImage NEED TO KNOW Royal photographer Josh Shinner shared a sweet tribute to Prince William and his family Shinner, who...
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Brianna LaPaglia/Instagram; Zach Bryan/Instagram Brianna LaPaglia in December 2025; Samantha Leonard and Zach Bryan in December 2025

Brianna LaPaglia/Instagram; Zach Bryan/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

  • Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia enjoyed shots with friends on New Year's Eve

  • The influencer shared a series of Instagram Stories on Dec. 31 recapping her night as Zach Bryan revealed he married Samantha Leonard

  • Bryan announced his split from LaPaglia on Instagram in October 2024

Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPagliahad a New Year's Eve with friends and shots.

On Wednesday, Dec. 31, the influencer shared a series ofInstagram Storiesrecapping her New Year's Eve festivities as her exZach Bryanrevealed he married Samantha Leonard.

In the first post, LaPaglia, 26, shared an image of coasters emblazoned with "cock" and "tail" on them.

"I just asked what cock and tail meant," she wrote in text over the image.

LaPaglia could then be seen flaunting her gray hoodie in a brief video.

"Guys, this is my New Year's Eve outfit because we came to Florida but it's 40 degrees out. I'm wearing a high school football sweatshirt," she said, laughing.

Brianna LaPaglia/Instagram Brianna LaPaglia in December 2025

Brianna LaPaglia/Instagram

The next video clip featured LaPaglia taking shots with friends asRihanna's2010 track "S&M" played in the background.

"Everyone try not to throw up. Cheers to 2026," theBFFspodcast host said before her friends took their sips.

Brianna LaPaglia/Instagram Brianna LaPaglia in December 2025

Brianna LaPaglia/Instagram

LaPaglia also shared footage of her friends drinking and balloons filling a venue amid their festivities.

"2025 thank you for the best damn moments with my best friends," she captioned the penultimate photo on Instagram Stories, which appeared to feature her friends' shadows.

The final snap featured a group photo of LaPaglia and her friends.

"Also I thought I had already had my best friends for life then I met this damn family this year. SO GRATEFUL," she wrote in text over the photo.

On Wednesday, Bryan, 29, confirmed that he and Samantha Leonard tied the knot, after a videocirculatedof the couple entering a car decorated with "Just Married" flags on the back.

The couple were initially linked in July 2025 after Leonard shared anInstagram slideshowthat featured a snap of them attending Spain's Running of the Bulls. They were also seen spending time on vacation together inInstagramphotos shared by Leonard in August.

Under her post, Bryan commented, "Spanish eyes."

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who was previously married to Rose Madden from 2020 to 2021, dated LaPaglia from 2023 to 2024.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia in February 2024 in Los Angeles

Neilson Barnard/Getty

LaPagliaaccused Bryan of emotional abuseand alleged that he offered her $12 million and a house to not discuss their relationship in November 2024.

"You made the women before me believe that they had no other choice than to take money from you, sign their experiences away, sign what they went through away," she claimed on theBFFs Podcast.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

LaPaglia added, "You get to go skip off and sing your little f------ songs on stage like you're a good dude ... Sorry, I'm not them."

Bryan has not commented publicly on her claims, however, he subtly referenced his ex in a recent video, sharing an Instagram Stories clip that featured him setting a Barstool Sports flag on fire, an apparent nod to the media company that hosts LaPaglia's podcast.

Read the original article onPeople

byDaniel Coleman
in
January 02, 2026

Zach Bryan's Ex Brianna LaPaglia Parties with Pals on NYE as Country Star Marries Samantha Leonard

Brianna LaPaglia/Instagram; Zach Bryan/Instagram NEED TO KNOW Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia enjoyed shots with friends on New Y...
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India approves electronic component projects worth $4.6 billion

Jan 2 (Reuters) - India has approved projects worth 418.63 billion rupees ($4.64 billion) from a ​host of companies to boost domestic manufacturing ‌of electronic components under an incentive scheme, the country's ‌IT ministry said on Friday.

Global majors Samsung Electronics, Tata Electronics and Foxconn were among the companies whose projects were approved to receive government subsidies ⁠under the Electronics ‌Component Manufacturing Scheme, which has an outlay of 229.19 billion rupees. The ‍projects include the manufacture of enclosures for mobile phones, camera sub-assemblies and other components.

India has been stepping up ​efforts to boost electronics manufacturing, launching a ‌series of incentive programs to attract global and domestic investors, expand local manufacturing capacity, reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chains across multiple sectors.

India's electronics manufacturing sector produced goods worth $125 billion ⁠in the year to March ​2025. The government hopes ​to increase this to $500 billion by fiscal 2031.

The projects approved on Friday are spread ‍across eight ⁠states and are expected to produce parts worth 2.58 trillion rupees ($28.62 billion), while employing ⁠about 34,000 individuals, according to the IT ministry..

($1 = 90.1440 ‌Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru; ‌Editing by Harikrishnan Nair)

byDaniel Coleman
in
January 02, 2026

India approves electronic component projects worth $4.6 billion

Jan 2 (Reuters) - India has approved projects worth 418.63 billion rupees ($4.64 billion) from a ​host of companies to bo...
Read More

 

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