Author: Lester Holt

The University of Connecticut (UConn) celebrated the legacy of its women’s basketball program by honoring the 2015 and 2016 NCAA championship teams. The teams were recognized during a ‘Huskies of Honor’ ceremony, highlighting their historic achievements. UConn’s women’s basketball program is widely regarded as one of the most successful in college sports history. The 2015 and 2016 teams contributed significantly to the program’s dominance, winning back-to-back national championships and setting records for excellence on and off the court. The ceremony took place at the Gampel Pavilion, with former players, coaches, and fans gathering to celebrate the teams’ accomplishments. The event…

Across the U.S., grassroots and community leaders are turning local experiences with gun violence into action that influences legislation and political engagement. These leaders are working to create reforms that were once seen as too divisive to address. Local activists are meeting with lawmakers, organizing community programs, and using public forums to share real-life experiences. Their goal is to inform policy decisions with evidence and firsthand knowledge of the effects of gun violence. By doing so, they hope to build understanding and find practical solutions. Many grassroots leaders emphasize education and collaboration. They host workshops, town halls, and social media…

Three athletes from Texas have earned national recognition for their outstanding performances in 2025. USA Today named them among the best female athletes of the year, highlighting their talent and groundbreaking achievements. These athletes have excelled in their respective sports, setting new records and earning awards that reflect their hard work and dedication. Their recognition celebrates not only personal success but also the growing prominence of Texas athletes on a national stage. The list includes stars from diverse sports, showing the range of talent coming from Texas. Their achievements span fields such as track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. Each…

Investors are closely monitoring top U.S. stocks as 2026 approaches, with companies like Palantir and Nvidia moving near key technical buy points. Analysts say these signals reflect strong fundamentals and potential earnings growth, making them attractive for portfolios. Palantir has gained attention for its consistent revenue growth and expanding government and commercial contracts. Its software solutions continue to secure new clients, supporting long-term earnings potential. Nvidia is also drawing interest, fueled by demand for AI, gaming, and data center products. The company’s strong fundamentals and innovative technology pipeline position it well for continued growth in 2026. Technical analysts note that…

Amazon is deepening its community commitment around its HQ2 campus in Northern Virginia. The company says it aims to support local service, strengthen communities, and boost economic growth. These efforts focus on long-term benefits for residents and local organizations. Since opening HQ2, Amazon has invested in programs that improve daily life in nearby areas. The company works with local groups to support education, housing, and workforce development. Leaders say these actions reflect a broader goal to be a responsible neighbor. One major focus is local service. Amazon employees take part in volunteer projects across Northern Virginia. These include food drives,…

The U.S. economy likely remained strong in the third quarter of 2025, supported by rising consumer spending and increased business investment. Experts say this growth indicates resilience ahead of next year’s elections. Preliminary data suggest steady expansion across multiple sectors. Retail sales rose, reflecting consumer confidence, while companies continued investing in new equipment and technology. These trends helped maintain overall economic momentum. Analysts note that consumer spending accounts for a large portion of the U.S. economy. In recent months, Americans have spent more on goods and services, boosting revenue for businesses and supporting job growth in key industries. Business investment…

The Dayton Art Institute has received its largest-ever donation of feminist and socially engaged art, significantly enhancing its collections and educational offerings. The new acquisition includes nearly 500 works from major contemporary artists, providing a wide-ranging look at the evolution of feminist perspectives in art. This extensive collection spans painting, sculpture, mixed media, and other formats. It showcases the creativity and activism of artists who challenge societal norms and advocate for gender equality. By highlighting diverse voices, the donation strengthens the museum’s mission to promote cultural representation and foster understanding of social issues through art. Feminist art has played a…

The United States has lifted sanctions on a Brazilian Supreme Court justice and his wife following diplomatic discussions, a decision hailed as a step toward strengthening judicial independence. The move also signals a renewed focus on cooperation between the U.S. and Brazil. Officials said the reversal came after productive talks between U.S. and Brazilian diplomats. These discussions addressed concerns over prior sanctions and explored ways to reinforce mutual respect for judicial processes. Brazilian leaders welcomed the decision, calling it a positive development for democracy and the rule of law. The sanctions had previously created tension between the two countries. Their…

A’ja Wilson athlete award recognition comes as TIME names her 2025 Athlete of the Year. The Las Vegas Aces star earned the honor after an outstanding season in the WNBA. Wilson led the Aces to their third league title in four years. She also won her fourth WNBA MVP, making her one of the most dominant players in recent history. Her combination of scoring, defense, and leadership stood out this season. TIME highlighted Wilson’s impact both on and off the court. She has become a role model for young athletes, using her platform to inspire and advocate for women’s sports.…

Lawmakers from both parties have introduced a bipartisan measure, the FREEDOM Act, aimed at expanding internet access for people in Iran. The legislation demonstrates cooperation across party lines on issues of human rights and free communication. The FREEDOM Act seeks to evaluate technologies that could provide more reliable and widespread internet connectivity in Iran. By improving access, the bill aims to support Iranians in communicating freely and staying informed, even amid restrictions on online platforms. Supporters of the measure highlight that internet access is essential for human rights, education, and civic participation. Lawmakers argue that expanding digital connectivity empowers citizens…