News Archives - Page 10 of 909

Key Democrat accuses the Justice Department of ‘spying’ on lawmakers reviewing Epstein files

February 12, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

A top Democrat is calling for a watchdog investigation after photographs emerged suggesting that the Justice Department has been tracking the search history of lawmakers who are reviewing files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, asked the Justice Department’s inspector general to investigate what he characterized as “spying” on members of Congress who this week have reviewed less-redacted versions of the Epstein files at a department annex and on department-owned computers. Spokespeople for the Justice Department did not immediately return a request seeking comment Thursday. Representatives for the inspector general’s office also did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

RFK Jr. promised to restore trust in US health agencies. One year later, it’s eroding

February 12, 2026

By MIKE STOBBE and ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reshaping U.S. health policy as HHS secretary, and doctors say his changes are eroding trust. Survey results show Americans’ confidence keeps sliding, not rising. Kennedy has cut vaccine guidance, dismissed advisers and pushed claims medical groups call unverified. Doctors warn this confusion leads people to skip shots. They say that raises the risk of outbreaks. Polls from KFF and Gallup show trust in the CDC falling across groups. HHS says Kennedy is adding transparency and accountability. Critics say he is doing the opposite.

2 Mexican Navy ships laden with humanitarian aid dock in Cuba as US blockade sparks energy crisis

February 12, 2026

By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ - Associated Press

Mexico is sending two Navy ships with humanitarian aid to Cuba as tighter U.S. pressure worsens the island’s energy crisis. On Thursday, the ships carry large loads of food, hygiene supplies, and powdered milk. Mexico says one ship brings about 536 tons of items like rice, beans, canned fish, and oil. Mexico says the second ship carries over 277 tons of powdered milk. President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico ships aid while talks continue on oil supplies. U.S. President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. Cuba reports blackouts and broad disruption from sanctions.

Federal authorities announce an end to the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

February 12, 2026

The Associated Press,

White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal building on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to mass detentions, protests and two deaths is coming to an end, border czar Tom Homan said Thursday. “As a result of our…

Actor takes legal action to stop Albania’s government from using her image for ‘AI minister’

February 12, 2026

By ZANA CIMILI - Associated Press

An Albanian actor is asking the government to stop using her face and voice for its “AI minister” without clear consent. On Thursday, Anila Bisha tells The Associated Press she never agreed to appear as the virtual minister Diella. This week, she filed a request in an administrative court asking for an injunction that stops the government from using her image and voice. She says the deal she signed only covered the e-Albania services platform. She says officials have ignored her messages for months. Her lawyer calls it a first legal step. The government has not commented.

Grieving families press Congress on aviation safety reforms after midair collision near DC

February 12, 2026

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

Key senators and the families of the 67 people who died when an airliner and Army helicopter collided near Washington, D.C., are convinced advanced aircraft locator systems that experts have been recommending for decades would have prevented the crash. But it’s unclear if legislation to require them around busy airports will pass Congress. The Senate Commerce Committee is planning a hearing Thursday to highlight a longstanding recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board that all aircraft be equipped with systems that both broadcast their locations and receive the locations of other aircraft. Everyone aboard the American Airlines jet and the helicopter died in the January 2025 collision.

Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych out of Winter Olympics over banned helmet honoring war dead

February 12, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Sports Writer

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych is out of the Milan Cortina Games after he refused to stop wearing a banned tribute helmet. IOC President Kirsty Coventry met him at the track before the men’s race for a private talk to make a last-minute plea but Heraskevych refused to change his stance. His helmet shows the faces of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia. The IOC says the helmet breaks rules against political statements in competition. Coventry wept as she discussed the decision with reporters.

Republicans’ edge on immigration shrinks as independents balk at Trump’s tactics, AP-NORC poll shows

February 12, 2026

By STEVE PEOPLES and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe that President Donald Trump has “gone too far” in sending federal immigration agents into U.S. cities. The survey also shows that the Republican Party’s political advantage on Trump’s signature domestic issue has shrunk since October. The new polling comes as the nation watches the human impact of Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, where thousands of heavily armed masked agents have descended upon the capital city. About 9 in 10 Democrats and about 7 in 10 independents say Trump has “gone too far” in sending federal immigration agents into U.S. cities, compared to only about one-quarter of Republicans.

U.S. allies at NATO focus on Europe as the Trump administration steps back

February 12, 2026

By LORNE COOK - Associated Press

European allies at NATO are putting on a brave face as the United States steps back from its leadership role at the alliance. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend Thursday’s gathering of defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels. His no show came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the last meeting of foreign ministers. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says he’s not disappointed, saying that it’s Hegseth’s “decision and his duties he has to fulfill.” But the Trump administration has also pulled back from Ukraine, stopping deliveries of money and guns. It’s unclear what role, if any, U.S. forces will play in Arctic Sentry, a military effort meant to ease tensions over Greenland.

Hall of Fame driver Tony Stewart and UFC boss Dana White are leading Ram back into NASCAR

February 12, 2026

By DAN GELSTON - AP Sports Writer

Ram returns to NASCAR’s Truck Series with a marketing-heavy push that includes Tony Stewart driving at Daytona and UFC boss Dana White helping promote it. On Friday night, the season opens at Daytona International Speedway. Ram has not raced in NASCAR since 2012. Ram partners with Kaulig Racing and becomes NASCAR’s first new national-level manufacturer since 2007. Ram and Kaulig also create a YouTube reality show called “Race for the Seat.” Fifteen drivers compete for a ride. Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell wins and joins Ram’s lineup. New rules also give Ram a short-term qualifying safety net.

Russia fires another barrage at Ukrainian cities as next round of US-brokered talks is unclear

February 12, 2026

By SUSIE BLANN and ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Russia has attacked Ukrainian cities again overnight as Ukraine accuses Russia of dragging its feet on new U.S.-brokered peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Washington is proposing talks next week in Miami or in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. He says Ukraine confirms it can attend but Russia is hesitating. Zelenskyy says major disputes still block a deal, including issues of occupied land and security guarantees. He also says Russia is ignoring a proposed ceasefire that impacts the energy sector. Ukraine’s air force said on Thursday that Russia fired drones and missiles at Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Officials report injuries, damaged homes, and major heating outages in the Ukrainian capital.

South Korea’s spy agency says Kim Jong Un’s daughter is close to be designated as future leader

February 12, 2026

By KIM TONG-HYUNG - Associated Press

South Korea’s spy agency says it believes the teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is close to being designated as the country’s future leader. The assessment comes as Kim moves to extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. The assessment by the National Intelligence Service was delivered to lawmakers in a closed-door meeting on Thursday. It comes as North Korea is preparing to hold its biggest political conference later this month, where Kim is expected to outline his major policy goals for the next five years and take steps to tighten his authoritarian grip.

Israeli president ends a fraught Australia visit to comfort Jews as Gaza war protests follow

February 12, 2026

By ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is close to ending a four-day visit to Australia that brought comfort to Sydney’s Jewish community following a recent antisemitic mass shooting. Herzog visited Sydney, the national capital Canberra and Melbourne in the first Australian visit by an Israeli head of state in six years. He is due to leave Australia on Thursday. Herzog’s visit has attracted large-scale demonstrations protesting the civilian toll of the Gaza war. He has been dogged by protesters who label him a war criminal. Herzog was invited to support a community reeling from an attack on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach in December that left 15 people dead.

Bangladesh votes in its first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted Hasina

February 12, 2026

By JULHAS ALAM, SHEIKH SAALIQ and SHONAL GANGULY - Associated Press

Bangladesh is holding its first election since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed in 2024 following mass protests. The voting started slow but crowds were gathering at polling stations in the capital, Dhaka, and elsewhere by midmorning Thursday. Balloting will continue through the day with results expected Friday. More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in the election to choose members of parliament. Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is a contender to form the next government. Strong support is also expected for an 11-party alliance led by the country’s largest Islamist party.

EU leaders meet to counter pressure from Russia, China and Trump

February 11, 2026

By SAM McNEIL - Associated Press

European Union leaders are gathering in Belgium as the bloc argues over how to stand up to pressure from the United States, China and Russia. They are meeting Thursday in a session meant to shape another summit in late March. German and Italian leaders are pushing deregulation, rebooted ties with Washington and more trade deals. France is pushing “European preference” to protect key industries and to steer defense spending toward EU arms makers. Leaders will also debate new finance tools to shield trade and investment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says economic strength drives global influence.

Europe warily awaits Rubio at Munich Security Conference as Trump roils transatlantic ties

February 11, 2026

By MATTHEW LEE - AP Diplomatic Writer

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a large U.S. delegation to the Munich Security Conference this week. Increasingly nervous European leaders are hoping for at least a brief reprieve from President Donald Trump’s often inconsistent policies and threats that have roiled transatlantic relations and the post-World War II international order. A year after Vice President JD Vance stunned assembled dignitaries at the same venue with a verbal assault on many of America’s closest allies in Europe, Rubio plans to take a less contentious but philosophically similar approach when he addresses the annual conference on Saturday. That’s according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Taiwan’s AI-powered economy soars in the shadow of bubble fears and China threats

February 11, 2026

By CHAN HO-HIM - AP Business Writer

Taiwan’s economy is thriving thanks to the boom in artificial intelligence, driven by strong demand for computer chips and other products made by companies like TSMC and Foxconn. The island’s economy grew at an 8.6% annual pace last year and a recent trade deal with Washington may give it a further boost. But Taiwan’s heavy reliance on computer chip makers and other technology companies also carries the risk of the AI craze turning out to be a bubble. Beijing claims the self-governed island as its own territory, a persisting threat for Taiwan despite its vital role in Chinese and global supply chains.

Sheriff, police chief believe Duluth homicide suspect was killed in officer-involved shooting

February 11, 2026

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – New details were released Wednesday involving two fatal shooting investigations in Duluth that unfolded Tuesday, just hours apart from each other. Investigators first believed the two shootings were not related. But after further investigating, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa do believe they are connected, with the victim and suspect dead….

College students prepare for upcoming career fair

February 11, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Fuse Duluth partnered with the UMD Career Center to host the second annual “Ready for the Real World Series.” The free event was open to all college students across the Twin Ports, not just UMD students. Local employers, including AMSOIL, Cirrus Aircraft, and Maurices, hosted roundtable discussions focused on interview skills, personal branding, and negotiation strategies. Students…

Skate for the Heart held at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

February 11, 2026

Lauren Martinson,

DULUTH, Minn. — Families, love birds, and community members of all ages celebrating Valentine’s Day with a night of skating at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. As skaters made laps around the rink, songs about love played throughout the arena, creating an enjoyable atmosphere. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, skaters were treated to a special gift, a night of free skating. “I…

Member of Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission ousted in dispute over antisemitism

February 11, 2026

By PETER SMITH - Associated Press

The chairman of the federal Religious Liberty Commission ousted a member after a hearing that featured tense exchanges on the definition of antisemitism. The ousted member, Carrie Prejean Boller, had defended prominent commentator Candace Owens, who routinely shares antisemitic conspiracy theories. Prejean Boller, a model turned conservative activist, quoted a Bible verse that attributed the death of Jesus to Jews and pushed back on the idea that some people mask antisemitism in their criticism of Israel. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, chair of the commission, says, “No member of the commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue.”

Protesters in multiple states press Target to oppose the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

February 11, 2026

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO - AP Retail Writer

Activists have planned protests at more than two dozen Target stores around the United States to pressure the discount retailer into taking a public stand against the 5-week-old immigration crackdown in its home state of Minnesota. A coalition of community groups, religious leaders, labor unions and other critics of the federal operation, called for coordinated demonstrations to start on Wednesday and to continue for a full week. Target’s headquarters are located in Minneapolis, where federal officers last month killed two residents who had participated in anti-ICE protests, and its name adorns the city’s major league baseball stadium and an arena where its basketball teams plays.

House votes to slap back Trump’s tariffs on Canada in rare bipartisan rebuke

February 11, 2026

By LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

The House has voted to slap back President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The tally offered a rare rebuke of the White House agenda, though it wouldn’t actually undo the tariffs without support from Trump himself, which is highly unlikely. Almost instantly, Trump issued his own rebuke with a political warning to those who would dare cross him. He believes in the power of tariffs to force U.S. trade partners to the negotiating table. But lawmakers are facing unrest back home from businesses caught in the trade wars and constituents navigating high prices. House Speaker Mike Johnson tried to prevent a vote, but his strategy collapsed. Several Republicans joined with Democrats in favor of the resolution. It next goes to the Senate.

Protesters in multiple states press Target to oppose the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

February 11, 2026

Matt McConico,

FILE – U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino walks through a Target store Jan. 11, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. NEW YORK (AP) — Activists planned protests at more than two dozen Target stores around the United States on Wednesday to pressure the discount retailer into taking a public stand against the 5-week-old immigration crackdown in its home state of Minnesota. ICE…

Explore MN conference reflects on statewide tourism impact

February 11, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.– A two-day conference is underway, and it’s reflecting on how tourism has impacted the state. Over 500 tourism professionals are at the DECC to discuss how each county can shine. The focus is on marketing, AI and evolving the tourism industry. One representative said, getting together to network does wonders for smaller communities. “It’s exciting to welcome people…

Stewart suspended 7 games and 3 other players are penalized for fighting in Pistons-Hornets game

February 11, 2026

By STEVE REED - AP Sports Writer

Detroit center Isaiah Stewart was suspended seven games by the NBA on Wednesday, while three other players were also penalized for their roles in a fight during a game between the Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté were each suspended four games for fighting and escalating the altercation, while Pistons center Jalen Duren got two games for initiating the altercation and fighting, the league announced. But the heaviest penalty went to Stewart, with the league saying it was based in part on his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.” The league said he left the bench area, aggressively entered an on-court altercation, and fought during Monday night’s game.

Lakeside Early Learning Advocates For Efficent Emergency Plans

Lakeside Early Learning advocates for emergency childcare plans

February 11, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.–A devastating pipe burst at a local childcare center has sparked a bigger conversation surrounding childcare operations in the region. Providers, senators and commissioners met today to discuss potential emergency plans, to prevent closures. The conference comes after the pipe burst at lakeside early learning, which happened late January and resulted in a 6-day closure. Lakeside Early Learning staff…

7 West TapHouse hosts fundraiser for victims of Hermantown house explosion

February 11, 2026

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly two weeks after an explosion at the Green Acres Townhomes killed two residents and affected others, 7 West TapHouse is serving up pints to help. The 7 West TapHouse on Maple Grove Rd is hosting a fundraiser to support residents impacted by the large blast. Proceeds of pint sales from Blacklist Brewing, Castle Danger Brewing and…

Lyric Opera of the North kicks off rotunda series

February 11, 2026

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Lyric Opera of the North, or LOON, was chosen as Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert’s 2026 Artist in Residence. It was the first installment of the year-long residency, which includes an installation in the mayor’s reception room and monthly lunchtime concerts in the rotunda. The first singers of the year were LOON’S General Artistic Directors, Cal Metts and…

A privacy breach at the IRS: Taxpayer data wrongly shared with DHS, court filing says

February 11, 2026

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

The IRS has erroneously shared the taxpayer information of thousands of people with the Department of Homeland Security, according to a new court filing. It was part of the agencies’ controversial agreement to share information on immigrants for the purpose of identifying and deporting people illegally in the U.S. A declaration filed Wednesday by IRS Chief Risk and Control Officer Dottie Romo stated that the IRS was only able to verify roughly 47,000 of the 1.28 million names requested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. For less than 5% of those individuals, the IRS gave ICE additional address information, potentially violating privacy rules created to protect taxpayer data.

Kraft Heinz pauses plans to split into 2 companies, says its problems are ‘fixable’

February 11, 2026

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

Kraft Heinz said Wednesday it’s pausing its plans to split into two companies. Steve Cahillane, a former Kellogg Co. chief who became CEO of Kraft Heinz on Jan. 1, said he wants to ensure that all of the company’s resources are focused on profitable growth. Cahillane said he thinks many of Kraft Heinz’s challenges are “fixable and within our control.” Kraft Heinz announced in September it was splitting into two companies a decade after a merger of the brands created one of the biggest food manufacturers on the planet. The transaction was expected to occur in the second half of this year.

Few leads in Guthrie investigation after 11 days, yet cases often break unexpectedly

February 11, 2026

By JESSE BEDAYN - Associated Press

Investigators are still searching for Nancy Guthrie as the case reaches it’s 11th day. Police briefly detained a man for questioning but released him Tuesday. Investigators say the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie was taken against her will from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The FBI released porch video of a masked person with a backpack, but they haven’t identified a suspect as pressure and questions mount. Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole says it’s not uncommon for investigations to move slowly. She says public tips can break cases open.

James Van Der Beek, the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star who later mocked his own hunky persona, has died at 48

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

James Van Der Beek, (CNN) NEW YORK (AP) — James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, shooting to fame playing the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek” and in later years mocking his own hunky persona, has died. He was 48. A statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page Wednesday said…

House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters ahead of midterm elections

February 11, 2026

By LISA MASCARO - AP Congressional Correspondent

House Republicans are rushing ahead with legislation that would impose strict new voter ID requirements ahead of the midterm elections. The bill, coming to a vote on Wednesday, is a Trump administration priority aimed at scrutinizing ballot access. But it faces blowback in the Senate. Called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, the legislation requires Americans to present proof of citizenship when they register to vote and to show a valid photo identification before they cast ballots. Republicans say it’s needed to prevent voter fraud. Democrats warn it will make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Experts say voter fraud is extremely rare.

Winter Olympics recap: Franjo von Allmen wins his 3rd gold, Chloe Kim and NHL stars get rolling

February 11, 2026

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH - AP Sports Writer

Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland looks like a breakout star of the Milan Cortina Olympics after winning his third gold medal. Jordan Stolz has one gold and is targeting three more. And Chloe Kim and a bunch of NHL stars are just getting started. Von Allmen won the super-G in Bormio on Wednesday to become the third man with three victories in Alpine skiing at one Winter Games. It hadn’t been done since 1968. Stolz won the men’s 1,000-meter speedskating and has three events to go. Kim’s attempt at a three-peat in the halfpipe began promisingly when she finished first in qualifying.

Target Drone During High Energy Laser Engagement (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin/DVIDS) WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NEW MEXICO

Pentagon-FAA dispute over lasers to thwart cartel drones led to airspace closure, AP sources say

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

Target Drone During High Energy Laser Engagement (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin/DVIDS) WASHINGTON (AP) — The sudden and surprising airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, stemmed from the Pentagon’s plans to test a laser for use in shooting down drones used by Mexican drug cartels, according to three people familiar with the situation who were granted anonymity to share…

US speedskater Jordan Stolz closes in on 1,000 meters gold medal in an Olympic-record time

February 11, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz has finished the men’s 1,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Olympics with the fastest time, pending a re-skate for one entrant who was bumped during an earlier heat. If Stolz’s time stood up Wednesday, he would earn the first gold of what he hopes will be a four-medal appearance at these Winter Games. Skating in the next-to-last pairing at Milano Speed Skating Stadium, a temporary facility constructed for these Olympics that has been producing fast times so far, Stolz finished in 1 minute, 6.28 seconds. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin didn’t threaten his world record of 1:05.37 but did establish an Olympic record.

Man accused of breaking into apartment through window and sexually assaulting resident

February 11, 2026

Matt McConico,

Shawn Jacob Neveaux DULUTH, Minn. – A man is accused of breaking into an apartment through a window and later sexually assaulting a person inside. Court documents accuse Shawn Jacob Neveaux and another unknown male of climbing through a window at the Garfield Square Apartments. That’s near the intersection of Piedmont Avenue, Garfield Avenue, and W. Superior Street. It allegedly…

Studies test whether gene-editing can fix high cholesterol. For now, take your medicine

February 11, 2026

By LAURAN NEERGAARD - AP Medical Writer

Scientists are testing an entirely new way to fight heart disease: whether gene editing might offer a one-time fix for high cholesterol. It’s very early-stage research that has been tried in only a few dozen people so far. But gene-editing approaches being developed by two companies show hints that switching off certain genes could dramatically reduce artery-clogging cholesterol. It will take far longer and larger studies to prove. Still, researchers say it raises hope of one day being able to prevent heart attacks without having to take pills.

Lindsey Vonn says she has a ‘successful’ 3rd surgery on broken leg following crash at the Olympics

February 11, 2026

By ANDREW DAMPF - AP Sports Writer

Lindsey Vonn says she had a “successful” third surgery on her broken left leg following her downhill crash at the Olympics. Vonn posted an update on Instagram that included photos of her giving a thumbs up sign in her hospital bed with a metal frame attached to her leg. She says “I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago.” The 41-year-old Vonn crashed a few seconds into her race Sunday and was airlifted off the course by helicopter. She said late Monday she had suffered a “complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly.”

Homeland Security officials voice concerns about looming shutdown

February 11, 2026

By KEVIN FREKING, MARY CLARE JALONICK and SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

Homeland Security officials are highlighting the potential impact of a shutdown. Among the concerns are delayed reimbursements to states for disaster relief costs and missed paychecks for the agents that screen passengers and bags at the nation’s airports. Congress has provided full-year funding for the vast majority of the federal government, but it only passed a short-term funding patch for the Department of Homeland Security that extends through Friday. Democrats have insisted that any funding bill for the department come with changes to immigration enforcement operations. But Republicans are emphasizing that a Homeland Security shutdown would not curtail the work of the agencies Democrats are most concerned about.

Photos show Oscar hopefuls at the academy’s annual nominees luncheon

February 11, 2026

By CAROLINE BREHMAN, CHRIS PIZZELLO and JORDAN STRAUSS - Associated Press

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Oscar hopefuls gathered Tuesday for the Academy Award nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Police release name of victim in fatal Piedmont Avenue shooting

February 11, 2026

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department has released the name of the victim in Tuesday’s fatal shooting. According to officials, the victim was 33-year-old Darius Handy of Duluth. The fatal shooting occurred in the 400 block of Piedmont Avenue, where officers found one man dead from apparent gunshot wounds, according to a news release. It is believed by…

Bernini and the pope who promoted him celebrated as Vatican marks 400 years of St. Peter’s Basilica

February 11, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

A new exhibition in Rome is celebrating one of the most important patron-artist relationships in European history. It’s one that propelled a young prodigy named Gian Lorenzo Bernini into a towering figure of Baroque art and architecture.“Bernini and the Barberini,” which opens Thursday, explores the complex relationship between Bernini and Pope Urban VIII, who ruled from 1623-1644. Urban is credited with discovering Bernini and, with him, embarking on a project to make Rome the artistic center of Christian civilization. Urban is being celebrated in a host of Vatican initiatives this year, since he consecrated the new St. Peter’s Basilica in 1626. Urban also put the finishing touches on its interior, including with Bernini’s famous baldacchino canopy over the tomb of the saint.

New revelations from Epstein files take a toll across Europe

February 11, 2026

By The Associated Press

The fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein saga is rippling through Europe. Politicians, diplomats, officials and royals have seen reputations tarnished, investigations launched and jobs lost. It comes after a trove of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents revealed their ties to the U.S. financier and convicted sex offender who died behind bars in 2019. Some experts note that the reckoning in Europe’s parliamentary democracies has been swifter and more severe for now than in the United States where Epstein built his empire and hobnobbed with many American elites.

Trump administration official says El Paso airspace closure was tied to Mexican cartel drones

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration reopened the airspace around El Paso International Airport in Texas on Wednesday morning, just hours after it announced a 10-day closure that would have grounded all flights to and from the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a social media post that it has lifted the temporary closure of the airspace over…

Attorney General Bondi will face questions from Congress on Epstein and investigation of lawmakers

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

Attorney General Pam Bondi listens as President Donald Trump speaks at an event on addiction recovery in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert) WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi will face questions from lawmakers Wednesday over the Justice Department’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein that have exposed sensitive private…

Shooter in Canada kills 9 people and injures 25 others at a school and home

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

Premier David Eby of British Columbia speaks on shooting (CNN) VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A shooting at a school in remote northern British Columbia left seven people dead, while two more were found dead at a nearby home, Canadian authorities said Tuesday. A woman believed by police to be the shooter was also found dead, apparently from a self-inflicted…

The Latest: FAA lifts temporary closure of airspace over El Paso, Texas

February 11, 2026

By The Associated Press

The Federal Aviation Administration has reopened the airspace around El Paso International Airport in Texas, just hours after it announced a 10-day closure that would have grounded all flights to and from the airport. The FAA announced in a social media post on Wednesday that it had lifted the temporary closure of the airspace, saying that there was no threat to commercial aviation and all flights would resume. The shutdown was expected to create significant disruptions given the duration and the size of the metropolitan area. El Paso is a hub of cross-border commerce alongside the neighboring city Ciudad Juárez in Mexico.

Some Valentine’s Day tips for anyone seeking the perfect match on four wheels

February 11, 2026

By BRADLEY IGER - Edmunds

Romance is in the air this month, but finding the right match can be a tricky and fretful proposition. The same goes for finding the car of your dreams. Thankfully, the experts at Edmunds can help you with the latter. They’ve identified five vehicles with distinct personality traits. With a bit of matchmaking luck, perhaps one of them will be the next automotive love of your life.

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