Mariah Carey is going to add some American pop-star pedigree to the opening ceremony for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The local organizing committee says Carey is the first international star named to perform in the Feb. 6 ceremony at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium. The committee says “Mariah Carey fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games. And that “music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities and intertwines with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.” The Games will be spread all over northern Italy. The closing ceremony is slated for Verona’s ancient Roman Arena on Feb. 22.

Melania Trump has continued a decades-old first lady tradition of visiting with hospitalized children for the holidays. The first lady on Friday was escorted into the festively decorated atrium of Children's National hospital in Washington by two patients. She sat in a large red chair in front of a tall Christmas tree and read, “How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” by Mac Barnett. Trump wished the nearly two dozen children in the audience lots of strength and toys from Santa before she left. She said President Donald Trump was sending “love and best wishes as well.”

  • Updated

President Donald Trump arrives for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, near the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

  • Updated

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, near the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

  • Updated

Cristina Osornio and her 3-year-old daughter, Valentina, decorate a Christmas tree in their apartment, Nov. 18, 2025, in Rogers, Ark. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Melania Trump has decorated the White House for the holidays, and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.” The first lady's decor also nods to next year's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America. In a change this year after the East Wing was torn down, the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room also honors Gold Star families that lost a member during active-duty military service. The East Room is decorated with patriotic colors and eagles and other national symbols to highlight the coming America250 celebration.

  • Updated

Christmas trees decorate the Cross Hall of the White House during a press preview of the Christmas decorations "Home is Where the Heart Is," Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

  • Updated

A Lego portrait of President Donald Trump decorates the Green Room of the White House during a press preview of the Christmas decorations "Home is Where the Heart Is," Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

  • Updated

"The President's Own" Marine Band plays in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a press preview of the Christmas decorations "Home is Where the Heart Is," Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

  • Updated

A Lego portrait of President Donald Trump decorates the Green Room of the White House during a press preview of the Christmas decorations "Home is Where the Heart Is," Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)