North Korea says latest missile tests involve hypersonic weapons system

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Monday that leader Kim Jong Un observed test-flights ofhypersonic missilesand underscored the need to bolster the country's nuclear war deterrent, as the country dials up weapons displays ahead of its major political conference.

North Korea reported on the drill a day after its neighbors said they detectedmultiple ballistic missile launchesand accused the North of carrying out provocations. The tests came just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed forChinafor a summit with President Xi Jinping.

The official Korean Central News Agency said Sunday's drill involving a hypersonic weapon system was meant to examine its readiness, enhance missile troops' firepower operational skills and evaluate operational capabilities of the country's war deterrent.

"Through today's launching drill, we can confirm that a very important technology task for national defense has been carried out," Kim said, according to KCNA. "We must continuously upgrade the military means, especially offensive weapon systems."

The possession of a functioninghypersonic weaponwould give North Korea an ability to penetrate the U.S. and South Korea's missile defense shields. In past years, North Korea has performed a series of tests to acquire it, but many foreign experts question whether the tested missiles have achieved their desired speed and maneuverability during flights.

In recent weeks, North Korea test-fired what it called long-range strategiccruise missilesand new anti-air missiles and released photos showing apparent progress in the construction of its firstnuclear-powered submarine.

Observers say North Korea aims to demonstrate or review its achievements on the weapons development sector ahead of the rulingWorkers' Party congress,the first of its kind in five years. Keen attention is on whether Kim would use the congress to set a new approach on relations with the U.S. and resume long-dormant talks.

North Korea's nuclear program is expected to be discussed when Lee and Xi meet for a summit later Monday. Lee's office earlier said he would call for China, North Korea's major ally and economic pipeline take "a constructive role" in efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The latest launches followed Saturday's audacious U.S. military operation thatousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from powerand brought him to the U.S. to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. North Korea slammed the operation, saying it again shows "the rogue and brutal nature of the U.S."

Many experts say the U.S. operation likely leave Kim pushing to further expand his nuclear weapons capabilities that he thinks guarantees the survival of his government and state sovereignty in the face of U.S.-led hostilities.

During Sunday's launch drill, Kim defended his push for a stronger nuclear program. "Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events," he said.

North Korea says latest missile tests involve hypersonic weapons system

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Monday that leader Kim Jong Un observed test-flights ofhypersonic missilesand ...
Trump says that Ukraine didn't target Putin residence in a drone strike as Kremlin claims

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday told reporters that U.S. officials have determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian PresidentVladimir Putinin a drone attack last week,disputing Kremlin claimsthat Trump had initially greeted with deep concern.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week said Ukrainelaunched a wave of dronesat Putin's state residence in the northwestern Novgorod region that the Russian defense systems were able to defeat. Lavrov also criticized Kyiv for launching the attack at a moment of intensive negotiations to end the war.

The allegation came just a day after Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyhad traveled to Florida for talks with Trump on the U.S. administration's still-evolving20-point plan aimed at ending the war, and had Zelenskyy quickly deny it.

Trump said that "something happened nearby" Putin's residence but that Americans officials didn't find the Russian president's residence was targeted.

"I don't believe that strike happened," Trump told reporters as he traveled back to Washington on Sunday after spending two weeks at his home in Florida. "We don't believe that happened, now that we've been able to check."

Trump addressed the U.S. determination after European officials argued that the Russian claim was nothing more than an effort by Moscow to undermine the peace effort.

But Trump, at least initially, had appeared to take the Russian allegations at face value. He told reporters last Monday that Putin had also raised the matter during a phone he had with the Russian leader earlier that day. And Trump said he was "very angry" about the accusation.

By Wednesday, Trump appeared to be downplaying the Russian claim. He posted a link to a New York Post editorial on his social media platform that raised doubt about the Russian allegation. The editorial lambasted Putin for choosing "lies, hatred, and death" at a moment that Trump has claimed is "closer than ever before" to moving the two sides to a deal to end the war.

The U.S. president has struggled to fulfill a pledgeto quickly end the warin Ukraine and has shown irritation with both Zelenskyy and Putin as he tried to mediate an end to a conflict he boasted on the campaign trail that he could end in one day.

Both Trump and Zelenskyy said last week they madeprogress in their talksat Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort on a 20-point peace plan.

But Putin has shown little interest in ending the war until all of Russia's objectives are met, including winning control of all Ukrainian territory in the key industrial Donbas region and imposing severe restrictions on the size of Ukraine's post-war military and the type of weaponry it can possess.

Madhani reported from Washington.

Trump says that Ukraine didn't target Putin residence in a drone strike as Kremlin claims

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday told reporters that U.S. officials have determined that Ukra...
Rain continues in parts of California reeling from flooding and high tides

CORTE MADERA, Calif. (AP) — Crews cleared mud from key California highways as forecasters warned Sunday that more thunderstorms were on the way after downpours andhigh tidescaused flooding, road closuresand rescuesof people trapped in cars.

Five northern counties remained under a flood watch, with up to three inches (7.6 cm) of rain possible through Monday night in areas that have been drenched off and on since around Christmas, said the National Weather Service office in Eureka. At least a foot (.3 meters) of snow was likely in the mountains.

To the south near the San Francisco Bay Area, waters were slowly receding after roadways from Sausalito to San Rafael were flooded during heavy rain that coincided with record-breaking "King Tides." Such tides occur when the moon is in its closest position to the Earth, creating a stronger gravitational pull.

Some people kayaked along swamped streets, while others waded through water above their knees. Authorities were called to assist when cars got stuck in water as high as 3 and 4 feet (1.1 and 1.2 meters), Marin County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Dobbins said Saturday.

"I've been around here for the King Tides and I've never seen it this high. Never," Jeremy Hager of San Rafael told KTVU-TV.

Flooding was reported across Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo and San Francisco counties.

While the tides were waning, lingering thunderstorms on Sunday could cause additional problems throughout low-lying areas, forecasters said. "For anyone driving, slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination," the Bay Area office of the weather service warned on social media.

Farther south in Santa Barbara County, a key highway was reopened Sunday after it was blocked for most of the weekend near Goleta due to a series of mudslides. A man died after he was swept into a creek during the storm, the sheriff's office said Saturday.

Parts of Santa Barbara County received more than four inches (10 cm) of rain over two days, the weather service said Sunday.

After a mostly dry autumn, California has been hit by a series of powerfulwinter stormsthat brought the wettest holiday season to the state in years.

Rain continues in parts of California reeling from flooding and high tides

CORTE MADERA, Calif. (AP) — Crews cleared mud from key California highways as forecasters warned Sunday that more thunder...
Kevin Winter/Getty 'Adolescence' wins the award for Best Limited Series at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards

Kevin Winter/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Adolescence won Best Limited Series at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

  • Among this year's nominees were All Her Fault, Chief of War, Death by Lightning, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Dope Thief, Dying for Sex and The Girlfriend

  • Adolescence stars Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty each won for their performances

Adolescencedominated the 2026Critics Choice Awards' limited series categories.

At the ceremony held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 4, writer-producer and starStephen Grahamaccepted the award for Best Limited Series on behalf of the show, with a handful of his costars, including Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty, by his side.

"I'd like to thank all the cast and crew, because without any one of them, none of this is possible. We're all exactly the same," Graham, 52, said. "When I was a kid, my mom told me, 'You're never above anyone and you're never below anyone.' So we're all equal. And I think the ethos that we carried into this piece, that paid off in this production."

He added, "It was a unique experience. And I'd just like to say, if you've got any kids at home, give them a massive cuddle and tell them you love them."

Also among this year's nominees wereAll Her Fault, Chief of War, Death by Lightning, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Dope Thief, Dying for SexandThe Girlfriend.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Owen Cooper attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4, 2025

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

The series also took home a string of individual actor awards ahead of the big limited-series win on Sunday. Graham won in the Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television category for his performance as Eddie Miller, Cooper scored the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television, and Doherty won for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television.

"I'm the only person I don't recognize in this room," Graham joked in his earlier speech.

During his acceptance speech, Cooper, 16, reflected on how the past year has been a "whirlwind" for him and his family.

Adolescenceled this year's television nominees with six total nominations. In September,Adolescencetook home the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series trophy at the 2025Emmy Awards.

The Netflix drama follows a British family as their 13-year-old son Jamie Miller (Cooper) is accused and arrested for murdering a teenage girl in his class.

Courtesy of Netflix© 2024 Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper in

Courtesy of Netflix© 2024

Peacock'sAll Her Faultwas also nominated in the category and is based on Andrea Mara's 2021 novel and tells the story of a mother, Marissa Irvine (Sarah Snook), who goes to pick up her son Milo from a playdate, only to find that the person who opens the door is a stranger who has never heard of her child. As the search for Milo begins, more lies start unraveling amongst the characters, who are portrayed by a star-studded cast includingDakota Fanning,Jake Lacy,Jay EllisandAbby Elliot.

Chief of War, meanwhile, starsJason Momoaas Kaʻiana, a legendary figure in Hawaiian history. He was the first chief to travel beyond the islands and lived during the turbulent time when Kamehameha the Great fought to unify the Hawaiian islands under his rule.

Netflix'sDeath by Lightningis based on Candice Millard's 2011 bookDestiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. The limited series follows the life of President James Garfield (Michael Shannon), including his unplanned bid for presidency, his brief time as the 20th president of the United States and his assassination at the hands of Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen).

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacytells the real-life story of the brutal crimes of serial killerJohn Wayne Gacy. In the Peacock series, Michael Chernus portrays the murderer whokilled at least 33 boys and men in the 1970s. Gacy, who was given the moniker the "Killer Clown" because he often dressed as one when volunteering,targeted young menand sexually assaulted many of them before murdering them.

Apple TV'sDope Thieffollows friends Ray (Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny (Wagner Moura) running a scam in which they dress as DEA agents and scare small-time Philadelphia dope dealers out of money and drugs.

In FX'sDying for Sex,Michelle Williamsstars as Molly Kochan, a young woman who, facing a terminal breast cancer diagnosis, decides to leave her husband of 13 years and spend her remaining years exploring her sexual desires.

Prime Video'sThe Girlfriendwas adapted from Michelle Frances' novel. It follows Laura Sanderson (Robin Wright), a gallery owner whose life begins to unravel when her son Daniel (Laurie Davidson), brings home a new girlfriend, Cherry Laine (Olivia Cooke).

Read the original article onPeople

“Adolescence” Picks Up More Trophies as It Wins Big at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

Kevin Winter/Getty NEED TO KNOW Adolescence won Best Limited Series at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards Among this year's nominees wer...
George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Steven Anthony Lawrence as Beans in 'Even Stevens'; Steven Anthony Lawrence

George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • On Saturday, Jan. 3, Stephen Anthony Lawrence accused Universal Studios Hollywood of firing him in retaliation after he reported a "suspected pedophile"

  • The former child star vowed in an Instagram post to never take his child to the theme park as a result of the situation

  • Lawrence appeared in the hit Disney Channel series Even Stevens from 2001 to 2003

A former child star is alleging that he was fired from his job at Universal Studios after reporting a suspected pedophile at the theme park.

On Saturday, Jan. 3, Stephen Anthony Lawrence claimed in anInstagram postthat his position at Universal Studios Hollywood was terminated as retaliation by his boss in response to the allegation he made.

"I delayed posting this for about a month because I was hoping we could find some sort of amicable solution, because I absolutely loved performing and dancing with all you amazing people," Lawrence wrote, alongside a photo of his Universal Studios ID pass propped up against a toad costume.

"It is with a heavy heart I have to announce that my time with Universal Studios has ended," he continued.

Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic Steven Anthony Lawrence in 2011

Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

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Lawrence, 35, alleged that a boss at Universal Studios and an HR representative fired him "to retaliate for reporting a suspected pedophile around children."

"While I will truly miss my job, I cannot be associated with an organization or people that don't care about performer or guest safety while numerous people continue to get hurt," Lawrence wrote.

He added that while he missed his job, he wouldn't be returning to Universal Studios Hollywood in light of his claims.

"With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD," he concluded, adding, "Be safe, everyone."

Lawrence didn't share any further details regarding his claims.

George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty Donna Pescow, Tom Virtue, Shia LaBeouf, Christy Carlson Romano, Nick Spano and Steven Anthony Lawrence in 'Even Stevens'

George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty

The former child actor played Bernard "Beans" Aranguren on the hit Disney Channel seriesEven Stevensthroughout the series' three-season run from 2001 to 2003.

Lawrence's former costar on the show, Christy Carlson Romano, showed her support in the comment section, writing, "Good for you Steven! 👏," according toTMZ.

PEOPLE has contacted Universal Studios Hollywood for comment.

Read the original article onPeople

Former“ Even Stevens” Actor Claims He Was Fired From His Job at Universal Studios After 'Reporting a Suspected Pedophile'

George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty NEED TO KNOW On Saturday, Jan. 3, Stephen Anthony Lawrence accused Universal...
JISH / BACKGRID Jennifer Aniston (left) and Jim Curtis (right) on Jan. 3.

JISH / BACKGRID

NEED TO KNOW

  • Jennifer Aniston supported boyfriend Jim Curtis' book event on Saturday, Jan. 3

  • The hypnotherapist hosted his "A Deep Reset for the New Year" event at Godmother's bookstore in Summerland, Calif.

  • Aniston and Curtis first sparked romance rumors in July

Jennifer Anistonis a supportive girlfriend.

The actress, 56, supported boyfriendJim Curtisduring his book event at Godmother's bookstore in Summerland, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Aniston and Curtis, 50, were photographed at the shop, where the hypnotherapist hosted his"A Deep Reset for the New Year" event.

Curtis wore a black T-shirt, gray cardigan and plaid pants for the outing, while Aniston kept warm in a green sweater and jeans.

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.

JISH / BACKGRID Jim Curtis (left) and Jennifer Aniston (right) on Jan. 3.

JISH / BACKGRID

Aniston and Curtis first sparked romance rumors when they werephotographed together in Julyon a yacht.

TheFriendsalum then wentInstagram officialwith her boyfriend in November, when she shared a tribute in honor of Curtis'50th birthday.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Recently marking the end of 2025, Curtis shared a sweet photograph on Instagram ofhimself and Aniston in the car together. "Some amazing things happened this year, but it's always the people who make it," he wrote in the post's caption.

Aniston, meanwhile,shared an Instagram Reelthat featured an image of Curtis cuddling one of her dogs. "BUH-BYEEEEE 2025," she captioned the clip.

Michael Kovac/Getty Jim Curtis (left) and Jennifer Aniston (right) in November 2025.

Michael Kovac/Getty

A source close to Aniston recently told PEOPLE that her romance with Curtis is a result of them spending"months" chatting and getting to know one anotherbefore taking things to the next level.

"Jen really valued their friendship in the beginning of the year," the insider said. "When it all took a turn to something more romantic, she was cautious at first. Now, she's excited that she just went for it."

The source also told PEOPLE that Aniston's relationship with Curtis "feels like kismet," and that she "truly loves" him.

"He's brought so many good things into her life," the insider explained of Curtis.

Read the original article onPeople

Jennifer Aniston Supports Boyfriend Jim Curtis at His California Book Event

JISH / BACKGRID NEED TO KNOW Jennifer Aniston supported boyfriend Jim Curtis' book event on Saturday, Jan. 3 The hypnotherapist hoste...
Benjamin Johnson was hailed a hero by the Swiss Boxing federation

A young boxer died trying to save his friend from the fire that engulfed a Swiss bar on New Year's Eve.

Benjamin Johnson, 18, a member of the Lausanne Boxing Club, was hailed a hero by the Swiss Boxing federation.

"This final act of selflessness perfectly reflects his nature: he was someone who always helped others," said Amir Orfia, the president of Swiss Boxing.

"Having watched him grow up, first when I was in the ring myself, then as a coach, I will remember him as a young man who was always positive, smiling, and respectful. He was always the first to support his teammates, especially his friends."

Swiss police said on Sunday night that they had identified all the victims including that of Charlotte Niddam, who was a pupil at a British private school.

The 15-year-old, who attended Immanuel College near Watford, had not been heard from since the fire broke out.

The victims include 13 Swiss, six Italian and six French nationals as well as a Portuguese and a Belgian woman.

People in the Le Constellation bar hold up Champagne bottles with lit sparklers

The Niddam family said on social media: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Charlotte."

In anothertale of heroism, Tahirys Dos Santos, a French football player was seriously injured in the fire after he went to rescue his girlfriend, Coline, who was trapped inside the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.

Originally from Mont-Saint-Martin, the 19-year-old who plays for Metz, suffered severe burns to his body and was transferred from Switzerland to Germany by air ambulance.

His French club said it was saddened to hear the news and was working to have him transferred to a hospital closer to home as soon as possible.

"Deeply affected by this news, the club's management, players, coaches, and employees are in shock and are sending their thoughts to Tahirys as he battles his injuries," the club said in a statement on Facebook.

Christophe Hutteau, Dos Santos's agent, told BFM TV that the footballer had fled the bar but returned when he realised his girlfriend was trapped inside.

"He went back in to rescue her from the flames. He's not only a victim, he's a hero," he said.

Chiara Costanzo, a 16-year-old student from Milan, and 15-year-old Sofia Prosperi, who has Italian and Swiss citizenship were among the victims named on Sunday.

Camilla Costanzo, Chiara's elder sister, said her family was overwhelmed when they received the news.

"I have no words to describe it," Ms Costanzo, 29, told The Telegraph. "We are just devastated."

Ms Costanzo, a consultant based in Zurich, said she had contacted the emergency hotline and had called seven different Swiss hospitals in search of her sister in the days after the fire. Her father, Andrea, previously shared his anguish with the media saying his daughter had ended up at the bar by chance.

Fighting back tears, Ms Costanzo questioned how it could have happened inSwitzerland, which has a reputation for strictly enforcing regulations.

"This type of stuff never happens in Switzerland, everybody follows the rules," she said. "It should never have happened."

Giovanni Tamburi, Emanuele Galeppini and Achille Barosi

Three of the Italian victims have since been named as Achille Barosi, 16, from Milan, Giovanni Tamburi, 16, from Bologna, and Emanuele Galeppini, a17-year-old golferfrom Genoa who had dual citizenship and lived in Dubai.

Hundreds of people gathered in Crans-Montana on Sunday morning for a memorial Mass and silent march to honour the dead and injured.

Mourners pay their respects by laying flowers, candles and messages at a makeshift memorial near Le Constellation bar

At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed his sympathy for the victims after his weekly Angelus blessing in St. Peter's Square.

"I wish to express once again my closeness to all those who are suffering as a result of the tragedy in Switzerland," he said. "I assure you of my prayers for the young people who have died, for the injured, and for their families."

Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, remembered her 16-year old son, Arthur Brodard, who died in the flames with a Facebook tribute on Saturday. After a days of searching for her son, she posted a photo of him saying, "Our Arthur has now left to party in heaven."

None of the victims have been officially named by Swiss police who are working to identify "all victims, both deceased and injured".

Bishop Monseigneur Jean-Marie Lovey holds Sunday mass at a chapel in Crans-Montana that has been dedicated to the victims of the fire People march in honour of the victims in the ski resort of Crans-Montana

Swiss authorities have openedan investigation into the managersof Le Constellation bar, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, where the tragedy unfolded.

Le Parisien, the French newspaper, reported that Mr Moretti had a criminal record and had served a jail term in Savoie in 2005.

The newspaper claimed he was linked to prostitution cases dating back 20 years, but had also been associated with a kidnapping and false imprisonment case about 30 years ago.

He was sentenced to two years in prison for fraud, according to the daily.

Mr Moretti and his wife are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing fire by negligence, police said on Saturday.

As Swiss prosecutors continue to investigate the New Year's Eve fire that killed 40 and injured 119 others, police said there was no need to detain the two bar managers accused of manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson.

"There is no suspicion that the defendants wish to evade criminal proceedings or the foreseeable penalty by fleeing," police from Valais canton said late Sunday.

The probable cause of the fire during the New Year's celebrations wassparklers on bottlesbeing carried too close to the ceiling, a preliminary investigation found.

Images and videos have been circulated widely on social media showing people inside the club carrying sparklers inside champagne bottles.

Witnesses have told police the fire ignited and spread very quickly, and that the sparklers may have been responsible.

"They are designed to be placed on the ground, fixed in the ground or on a support, or held in the hand," police said.

Investigators also plan to look into whether the bar complied with local construction laws, provided adequate emergency routes and complied with fire safety standards.

They said that theinvestigationwas opened on Friday night, but did not give further details.

They will examine whether sound-dampening material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and if the candles were permitted for use in the bar.

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Boxer, 18, died saving friend in Swiss bar fire

A young boxer died trying to save his friend from the fire that engulfed a Swiss bar on New Year's Eve. Benjamin Johnson, 18, a member...

 

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