Kennedy Center cancellations; aid to Gaza; job training

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Amy Langfield December 30, 2025 By Amy Langfield December 30, 2025 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, the Kennedy Center renaming prompts a new round of cancellations from artists; Israel says it will halt operations of several humanitarian organizations in Gaza; and Walmart and other US companies want to build a pipeline of skilled tradespeople. UP FIRST Demonstrators, including Nadine Siler, of Waldorf, Md., dressed in a pink frog costume, hold up signs at a designated protest point in front of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, a day after a Trump-appointed board voted to add President Donald Trump's name to the Kennedy Center, Dec. 20 in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Kennedy Center renaming prompts new round of cancellations from artists More artists have canceled scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following the addition of President Trump's name to the facility, with jazz supergroup The Cookers pulling out of a planned New Year's Eve concert. Read more.  RELATED COVERAGE ➤ DOJ pushed to prosecute Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after mistaken deportation, judge's order says Judge blocks White House's attempt to defund the CFPB, ensuring employees get paid SNAP bans on soda, candy and other foods take effect in five states Jan. 1 Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers IRS increases 2026 business mileage rate by 2.5 cents TOP STORIES Israel says it will halt operations of several humanitarian organizations in Gaza starting in 2026 Israel says it will suspend several humanitarian organizations for failing to meet its new rules to vet international organizations working in Gaza. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said on Tuesday that the organizations that will be banned on Jan. 1 did not meet its new requirements for sharing staff, funding and operations information. It accused Doctors Without Borders, known as MSF by its French acronym, of failing to clarify the roles of some staff that Israel accused of cooperation with Hamas and other militant groups. MSF didn't immediately comment but other international organizations have said that Israel's rules are arbitrary and could endanger staff. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Iran's president says answer to attack would be harsh in apparent response to Trump warning U.S. sanctions 10 people and firms from Iran and Venezuela over drone and missile trade Escalation in Yemen threatens to reignite civil war and create wider tensions in Gulf region Walmart and other US companies want to build a pipeline of skilled tradespeople As the number of skilled tradespeople dwindles in the U.S., Walmart is building up its own workforce to keep conveyor belts moving and refrigerated grocery cases cold. Analysts and employers say retirements and reduced immigration have worsened a shortage of carpenters, mechanics and other tradespeople that many industries need. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ The legendary Warren Buffett steps back this week and Berkshire Hathaway enters a new era Find inspiration for achieving your financial resolutions and money goals in 2026 WATCH: Farmer opens ice rink in old barn to diversify amid low crop prices ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS A Basset Fauve De Bretagne stands for photographs during a Meet the Breeds event in 2022 in San Diego. (David Woo/American Kennel Club via AP) Meet the Teddy Roosevelt terrier: New dog breeds join American Kennel Club's roster for 2026  Alabama: Judge orders new trial for woman sentenced to 18 years in prison after stillbirth South Africa: 41 young men die from circumcision procedures during initiation ceremonies Oklahoma: Man firing gun in yard fatally shoots neighbor sitting blocks away, authorities say Stefon Diggs: Patriots star receiver faces strangulation charges, denies allegations Granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy: Tatiana Schlossberg has died at 35 E. coli risk: Idaho company recalls nearly 3,000 pounds of ground beef Pop culture in 2025: A ring for Taylor, an ill-timed KissCam ... and whatever '6-7' means WATCH: A 'book treasure' in a Baghdad basement draws readers from all around the city TRENDING Gary Seputis, top, and Clint Hornsby, employees of Entertainment Design Group, work on attaching two leaves to the fiberglass and foam Peach in preparation for the 2012 Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta in 2011, in Atlanta. ( Jason Getz/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Where are the wackiest New Year's Eve drops in the US?  Dozens of places across the U.S. will ring in 2026 by dropping a quirky assortment of fruits, vegetables, sea creatures and balls of all shapes and sizes. Many have a hometown flair. There's the giant cheese wedge in Plymouth, Wisconsin, a chile pepper in Las Cruces, New Mexico, a pinecone in Flagstaff, Arizona, and a conch shell in Key West, Florida. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT