News Archives - Page 12 of 909

US judges dismiss lawsuits accusing fantasy author Neil Gaiman of sexual assault in New Zealand

February 9, 2026

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press

Federal judges have dismissed three lawsuits accusing British author Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting his children’s nanny in New Zealand. Scarlett Pavlovich filed lawsuits against Gaiman and his wife, Amanda Palmer, in February 2025. She accused Gaiman of multiple assaults while she worked as their nanny in 2022. Judges in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New York dismissed the cases, stating Pavlovich needed to pursue them in New Zealand. Gaiman denied the allegations, calling them meritless. His attorneys argued the claims were part of a plan to smear him. Pavlovich alleged violations of federal human trafficking laws.

Republican candidate for Minnesota Governor suspends campaign after death of daughter

February 9, 2026

Matt McConico,

Minnesota Republican Party Logo DULUTH, Min. – Jeff Johnson, who is running for Governor of Minnesota, has suspended his campaign for governor. The Minnesota Republican Party released a statement saying they are, “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Dr. Jeff Johnson’s daughter, who was killed in a violent crime Saturday night in St. Cloud.” FOX 9 is reporting Dr. Johnson’s…

Gabbard’s office warns attorney against sharing classified complaint with Congress

February 9, 2026

By DAVID KLEPPER - Associated Press

The general counsel for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is warning the attorney for an anonymous government employee not to share a top-secret complaint about Gabbard directly with members of Congress. In a letter Monday, Gabbard’s legal office warned that the complaint contains many classified details and that sharing it improperly with lawmakers or their staffers could violate the law. An anonymous employee has alleged that Gabbard withheld classified material for political purposes, an accusation two inspectors general found didn’t appear to be credible. Democrats question why it took eight months to refer the report to select members of Congress as required. Gabbard has denied wrongdoing and said she did all she could to ensure the report reached Congress.

Wisconsin’s new Blackout and Retro license plates selling big in first month available

February 9, 2026

Matt McConico,

Wisconsin Retro & Black Out License Plates SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the first month since their debut, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has issued more than 10,000 of new plate options – Blackout and Retro license plates. The clean design of the Blackout plate has a black background with white lettering and edge. The Retro yellow or butter license plate…

When conflict meets competition: Trump’s immigration agenda roils opening days of Winter Olympics

February 9, 2026

By STEVEN SLOAN and EDDIE PELLS - Associated Press

The Winter Olympics have become a platform for political debate in the U.S. American athletes face questions about President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressed mixed emotions about representing the U.S., prompting criticism from Trump and others. On Monday, fellow athletes like Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu defended Hess, emphasizing unity. The Olympics often intersect with political issues, and recent events in the U.S. have heightened tensions. Athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and Amber Glenn have spoken out, while others prefer to focus on their sports, avoiding political distractions.

GOP lawmakers both critical and cordial with Charlotte leaders after high-profile crime

February 9, 2026

By GARY D. ROBERTSON - Associated Press

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have pressed Charlotte-area leaders about crime-fighting efforts after recent light-rail stabbings. The August fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and a December non-fatal stabbing on the same rail system have fueled GOP critiques. During a legislative committee meeting on Monday, GOP Rep. Brenden Jones cited failures in criminal justice functions for Zarutska’s death. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and others have highlighted additional safety measures for the light rail. Most of the committee’s vitriol was targeted at the Mecklenburg County sheriff.

Boy who appeared in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show is not the 5-year-old detained by ICE in Minneapolis

February 9, 2026

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

Social media users incorrectly identified a young boy who was part of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday as Liam Conejo Ramos. He’s the 5-year-old who, along with his father, was detained by immigration officials in Minnesota and held at an ICE facility in Texas. The boy in the halftime show was actually Lincoln Fox Ramadan, a child actor from Costa Mesa, California, who is also 5 years old, according to his Instagram profile.

Community Action Duluth’s plan to move forward after state’s enhanced monitoring

February 9, 2026

Matt McConico,

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth(CAD) has laid out its plan to move forward after the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) identified 15 “deficiencies.” These were laid out in a late November letter to CAD. They were mandated to turn in a planned document of the state by the end of January. FOX…

Minnesota Power customers to receive one time bill credit

February 9, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power sold lands surrounding many of its hydroelectric reservoirs, resulting in a one-time bill credit for customers. Through 2025, those land sales totaled $72 million, which is expected to be about $109 for the average residential customer. The credit will appear on bills later this year. Minnesota Power also announced its CARE program expansion, which provides…

US reaches first Olympic curling mixed doubles final, will face Swedish siblings for gold

February 9, 2026

The Associated Press,

United States’ Korey Dropkin, left, and United States’ Cory Thiesse react following the semi-finals round of the mixed doubles curling match against Italy, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse guaranteed the U.S. its first Olympic medal in mixed doubles curling,…

Arizona holds No. 1 spot for 9th week in AP Top 25; Houston rises to No. 3, Kentucky returns at 25th

February 9, 2026

By AARON BEARD - AP Basketball Writer

Arizona remained firmly atop The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll for a ninth consecutive week. The Wildcats claimed all 59 first-place votes to be the unanimous choice for a fourth straight week. Michigan remained No. 2. Houston was next at No. 3 after jumping five spots. Duke, Iowa State, UConn, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas and Michigan State rounded out the top 10. Kentucky cracked the poll at No. 25 for the first time since early December. The Wildcats are coming off a win against Tennessee that knocked the Volunteers from the poll.

Photos of future dance stars competing at the Youth America Grand Prix

February 9, 2026

By NAM Y. HUH - Associated Press

RIVER FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Up-and-coming dancers performed traditional and contemporary styles at the semifinals of the annual Youth America Grand Prix dance competition in River Forest, Illinois, at the Dominican University Performing Arts Center. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Scott Jensen drops out of Minnesota Governor’s race, announces run for State Auditor

February 9, 2026

Jason VanHorn,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Dr. Scott Jensen announced Monday that he is withdrawing from the Minnesota Governor’s race and will instead run for the office of State Auditor. Jensen, a former state senator, was the republicans 2022 gubernatorial candidate “Our state’s problems can’t be fixed by simply replacing a leader. Our biggest problem right now is broken trust in…

Officials deny seeking quick end to asylum claims for the Minneapolis family of 5-year-old

February 9, 2026

AP

Federal authorities have denied attempting to expedite an end to asylum claims for the family of a 5-year-old boy who was detained with his father during the immigration crackdown that has shaken the Minneapolis area. Images of Liam Conejo Ramos wearing a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack surrounded by immigration officers stirred outrage over the crackdown. Danielle Molliver, a lawyer for the boy and his father, told the New York Times that the government’s attempts to expedite the deportation proceedings “extraordinary” and possibly “retaliatory.” The government denied targeting the family, with Homeland Security official Tricia McLaughlin saying “these are regular removal proceedings.”

How the man who was accidentally released from jail was caught

February 9, 2026

Matt McConico,

Michael Todd Hart HIBBING, Minn. — We’re learning more about how the man accidentally released from Itasca County Jail on January 21 was re-arrested. Michael Todd Hart is now back in jail. The Minnesota State Patrol tells FOX 21 on February 6 at 1:37 a.m., a state trooper observed what they called “suspicious activity” near 13th Avenue E and E…

Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer questions from a House committee, citing 5th Amendment rights

February 9, 2026

The Associated Press,

A document that was included in the U.S. Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, photographed Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, shows a U.S. passport renewal in 2012 and a federal booking system form from 2020 for Ghislaine Maxwell. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick) WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers tried Monday to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, but the former girlfriend and confidante of…

NYC nurses reach a deal to end a strike at 2 major hospitals while walkout continues at another

February 9, 2026

By PHILIP MARCELO and JENNIFER PELTZ - Associated Press

Nurses and two major hospital systems in New York City have reached a deal to end a nearly monthlong strike over staffing levels, workplace safety and other issues. The tentative agreement announced Monday involves Montefiore and Mount Sinai hospital systems. Nurses remain on strike at NewYork Presbyterian. The walkout began Jan. 12. The hospitals scrambled to hire legions of temporary nurses to fill in during a demanding flu season. Mount Sinai alone hired 1,400 temporary nurses. The three-year-deal, which still needs to be approved by union members, affects roughly 10,500 of the some 15,000 nurses on strike at some of the city’s biggest private, nonprofit hospitals.

Savannah Guthrie makes emotional plea for mom's safe return

Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note deadline approaches as search enters a second week

February 9, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities investigating the apparent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie returned to her Arizona neighborhood several times over the weekend, ahead of a Monday evening deadline set by her purported abductors who sent ransom notes demanding money for her return. The investigation into what happened to the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie entered a second week with still no…

Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note deadline approaches as search enters a second week

February 9, 2026

By TY O'NEIL - Associated Press

Authorities investigating the apparent kidnapping of the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie have returned to the 84-year-old’s Arizona neighborhood several times over the weekend. There’s still no word on whether Nancy Guthrie is alive, and authorities say they have no suspects connected to the case. Her purported abductors sent ransom notes with a Monday deadline demanding money for her return. Savannah Guthrie says the family is prepared to pay. Investigators say they believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will on Jan. 31, and there are growing concerns about her health because she needs daily medication.

Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer questions from a House committee, citing 5th Amendment rights

February 9, 2026

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

Lawmakers tried to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, but the former girlfriend and confidante of Jeffrey Epstein invoked her 5th Amendment rights to avoid answering questions that would be incriminating. Maxwell was questioned Monday during a video call to the federal prison camp in Texas where she’s serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. She’s come under new scrutiny as lawmakers try to investigate how Epstein, a well-connected financier, was able to sexually abuse underage girls for years. Maxwell has been seeking to have her conviction overturned, arguing that she was wrongfully convicted.

The Latest: Justice Department will allow lawmakers to see unredacted Epstein files

February 9, 2026

By The Associated Press

President Donald Trump has lashed out at reporters raising questions about the Epstein files, demanding that the country “get onto something else,” but that’s highly unlikely since many documents haven’t been released, and the ones that are now public are heavily redacted. Now members of Congress will be able to see the unredacted files. A letter to lawmakers obtained by The Associated Press says they can come to the Justice Department with 24 hours notice and review the more than 3 million files without redactions. They can’t bring anyone with them, and can take notes but not make electronic copies.

Lindsey Vonn’s choice to race Olympic downhill on injured knee questioned after crash

February 9, 2026

By ANDREW DAMPF and PAT GRAHAM - AP Sports Writers

Lindsey Vonn’s crash in the Olympic downhill has sparked debate over whether she should have raced with a severely injured knee. Nine days before the crash, Vonn revealed she had a ruptured ACL, an injury that typically sidelines athletes for months. Despite this, she decided to compete after consulting with her medical team. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) president, Johan Eliasch, says the decision should be left to the athlete. Vonn underwent surgery for a broken leg after the crash. Many in the skiing community support her choice, emphasizing personal responsibility in the sport.

Olympic town warms up as climate change puts Winter Games on thin ice

February 9, 2026

By JENNIFER McDERMOTT - Associated Press

Olympic fans came to Cortina with heavy winter coats and gloves. Their coats were unzipped Sunday and their gloves were pocketed. Climate Central says the timing of winter, the amount of snowfall and temperatures are all less reliable and less predictable because Earth is warming at a record rate. This poses a growing and significant challenge for organizers of winter sports. The International Olympic Committee says that staging future Winter Games as early as January and the Paralympic Winter Games in February is a possibility because of the effects of rising temperatures.

How Keir Starmer could be replaced as UK leader if Epstein fallout brings him down

February 9, 2026

By PAN PYLAS - Associated Press

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a battle to stay in post as he comes under heavy criticism for his decision in 2024 to appoint veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson as the U.K. ambassador to the U.S. despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer’s judgment is in the spotlight like never before after the recent release of millions of Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Justice Department showed how close those ties were. Starmer’s leadership has now been called into question as some lawmakers call for him to quit. He could resign or he could face a leadership challenge.

Photos show the moment Lindsey Vonn crashed

February 9, 2026

By JACQUELYN MARTIN - Associated Press

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn came to the Winter Olympics as one of the headline acts of the Games, just a week after tearing the ACL in her left knee. But her chances of winning a medal at 41 came to an abrupt and painful end when she crashed in the women’s downhill. Here’s a photo gallery curated…

Masks emerge as symbol of Trump’s ICE crackdown and a flashpoint in Congress

February 9, 2026

By LISA MASCARO - AP Congressional Correspondent

The images of masked federal officers has become a flashpoint in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations. Not in recent U.S. memory has an American policing operation so consistently masked its officers from the public. Whether to allow — or ban — the masks has emerged as a central question as Congress debates over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats want to ban masks as one of several proposals to rein in immigration operations. But many Republicans support the masks. The Department of Homeland Security believes the masks are important to safeguard employees from online harassment. Lawmakers face a Friday midnight funding deadline to avoid a partial agency shutdown.

UK leader Starmer fights for his job as Mandelson-Epstein revelations spark a leadership crisis

February 9, 2026

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a political crisis as he tries to persuade Labour Party lawmakers not to oust him. Starmer lost his chief of staff on Sunday and is losing support after revelations about former British ambassador Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer fired Mandelson in September after emails showed he maintained a friendship with Epstein. Critics say Starmer should have known better than to appoint Mandelson. Police are investigating Mandelson for potential misconduct. Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned, taking responsibility for the appointment. Some hope his departure will allow Starmer to rebuild trust.

Bad Bunny brings Gaga, Martin and Puerto Rican pride to Super Bowl as Green Day, Puth play pregame

February 9, 2026

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. and ANDREW DALTON - AP Entertainment Writers

Super Bowl 60 was a star-studded event with Chris Pratt and Jon Bon Jovi introducing the teams. Bad Bunny’s halftime show celebrated Puerto Rican culture with appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. The performance featured Puerto Rican imagery and a real-life wedding. Green Day delivered a tribute to the NFL championship’s 60th anniversary with a mix of hits. Brandi Carlile and Charlie Puth performed patriotic songs, while Coco Jones opened with “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Celebrities like Travis Scott, JAY-Z and Brad Pitt were spotted at Levi’s Stadium, adding to the excitement of the event.

China critic and former media tycoon Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 20 years in a Hong Kong security case

February 9, 2026

By KANIS LEUNG - Associated Press

Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon and a fierce critic of Beijing, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in one of the most prominent cases prosecuted under a China-imposed national security law. The maximum penalty of his conviction was life imprisonment. His daughter Claire said that if this sentence is carried out, he will “die a martyr behind bars.” The case has raised concerns about declining press freedom in Hong Kong. His sentence could heighten Beijing’s diplomatic tensions with foreign governments. Six former Apple Daily staffers and two activists received prison terms between 6 years and 3 months, and 10 years.

Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 jumps after a landslide victory for PM Takaichi’s ruling party

February 9, 2026

By ELAINE KURTENBACH - AP Business Writer

Asian shares have advanced and Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 share index jumped as much as 5% after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s governing party secured a two-thirds supermajority in a parliamentary election. The landslide victory gives Takaichi a stronger mandate to pursue market-friendly policies. U.S. futures edged higher after the U.S. stock market roared back on Friday as technology stocks recovered much of their losses from earlier in the week and bitcoin halted its plunge. The S&P 500 rallied 2% for its best day since May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 1,206 points, or 2.5%, and topped the 50,000 level for the first time, while the Nasdaq composite leaped 2.2%.

Lindsey Vonn’s fall explained: A reverse banked section, an unfortunate bump and an inflated air bag

February 8, 2026

By ANDREW DAMPF - AP Sports Writer

Lindsey Vonn knows the Olympic downhill course better than anyone. She’s won a record 12 World Cup races on the Olympia delle Tofane track and has a total of 20 podium results there stretching back to her very first on the entire circuit in 2004. So how did the 41-year-old American standout lose control just 12.5 seconds into her run and crash so spectacularly at the Milan Cortina Winter Games? The answer involved a critical, reverse-banked section of the course and an unfortunate bump. Vonn’s mandatory safety air bag inflated under her racing suit during the crash and may have softened her landing.

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado says a close ally was kidnapped hours after prison release

February 8, 2026

By REGINA GARCIA CANO - Associated Press

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says one of her closest allies has been kidnapped hours after being released from prison. The government had released several prominent opposition members from prison Sunday after lengthy politically motivated detentions. Machado said on social media that Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor who had been in custody for eight months, was taken by heavily armed men around midnight in a residential neighborhood of the capital, Caracas. She demanded his release. The government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez has faced pressure to free hundreds of people whose detentions have been linked to their political activities. The government’s press office did not immediately comment early Monday.

Trial against Meta in New Mexico focuses on dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media

February 8, 2026

By MORGAN LEE - Associated Press

A trial focused on whether Meta misrepresented the safety of its platforms when it comes to the dangers of child sexual exploitation is set to start in New Mexico. Opening statements are scheduled for Monday. It’s the first stand-alone trial from state prosecutors in a stream of lawsuits against major social media companies over harms to children. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Meta in 2023. He alleges Meta platforms enabled predators who target children for sexual exploitation. Meta denies the allegations and says prosecutors are taking a “sensationalist” approach. The trial is likely to highlight explicit online content and its effects.

Why some women choose Galentines over Valentines. And how they might celebrate

February 8, 2026

By ALICIA RANCILIO - Associated Press

Christie O’Sullivan of Florida says her favorite Valentine’s Day was spent with a close friend, not her husband. For Galentine’s Day, they took the day off work, got massages and enjoyed a fancy dinner. O’Sullivan is one of many women who find it empowering to focus on female friendship rather than relationship pressures. Galentine’s Day was inspired by the TV show “Parks and Recreation.” One New Jersey woman hosts an annual Galentine’s bash, hiring a DJ and bartender. A Galentine’s fan in Michigan takes classes with friends to learn or enjoy skills like cake decorating or calligraphy. Other ways to mark Galentine’s Day include going to a play, hiking, karaoke, playing cards or just having coffee.

Migrants languish in US detention centers amid dire conditions and prolonged waits

February 8, 2026

By GISELA SALOMON - Associated Press

Prolonged detention has become more common in President Donald Trump’s second term, at least partly because a new policy generally prohibits immigration judges from releasing detainees while their deportation cases wind through backlogged courts. The number of people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention has topped 70,000 for the first time. The agency said there were 7,252 people in custody at least six months in mid-January, including 79 held for more than two years. That’s more than double the 2,849 who were in ICE custody at least six months in December 2024, the last full month of Joe Biden’s presidency.

Cardi B praises Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime moment, opens up about tour and new music

February 8, 2026

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. - AP Entertainment Writer

Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show and Cardi B says she is proud of his cultural impact and activism. She has praised him for standing against ICE and highlighted their collaboration on the hit “I Like It.” Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl on Sunday, one week after winning album of the year at the 2026 Grammys. Cardi B is preparing for her first headlining tour in six years following the release of her album “Am I the Drama.” She expresses excitement about the possibility of joining him on stage.

Russian airstrike on Ukrainian city kills 1 as US pushes June deadline for peace deal

February 8, 2026

AP

A Russian airstrike on a residential area in eastern Ukraine has killed one person and wounded two others. The attack hit Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, causing a fire in a nine-story apartment block. Officials reported the incident on Sunday. Russia also targeted energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Poltava region overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the U.S. has given Ukraine and Russia a June deadline to reach a peace deal. The U.S. proposed holding the next round of trilateral talks next week. Previous talks in Abu Dhabi did not produce a breakthrough.

‘Take the vaccine, please,’ a top US health official says in an appeal as measles cases rise

February 8, 2026

By MATT BROWN - Associated Press

A leading U.S. health official is urging people to get inoculated against the measles at a time of outbreaks across several states. The appeal is from Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator. And it comes as the United States is at risk of losing its measles elimination status and as Oz’s boss, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has raised suspicion about the safety and importance of vaccines. Oz was interviewed Sunday on CNN and he said, “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem.”

US Olympians speaking up about politics at home face online backlash — including from Trump

February 8, 2026

By FERNANDA FIGUEROA - The Associated Press

U.S. Olympians are beginning to face backlash for speaking out about domestic politics at the Milan Cortina Games. On Sunday, freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressed mixed emotions about representing the U.S. because of aggressive immigration enforcement operations begin carried out by the Trump administration. Hess said wearing the American flag doesn’t mean he supports everything happening at home. Hess’ comments invited online criticism from YouTuber Jake Paul and U.S. President Donald Trump, who called Hess a “real loser.” Other U.S. athletes, like Chris Lillis and Amber Glenn, also were criticized after voicing concerns. The U.S. Olympic Committee said it is working to address the abusive messages directed at the athletes..

Lindsey Vonn’s legend was built on pushing the limits. Her brief time in Cortina was no different

February 8, 2026

By WILL GRAVES - AP National Writer

Lindsey Vonn’s quest for an Olympic gold at age 41 came after years of building her legacy on a combination of perseverance, risk and staying true to herself. She held close to all three in the run-up to the 2026 Winter Games. She leaned into it when she stepped into the starting gate for the women’s downhill in Cortina. Vonn crashed just 13 seconds into her run after clipping a gate, which is always part of the risk when you are searching for every ounce of speed you can get.

‘Melania’ falls steeply and ‘Send Help’ holds steady at No. 1 on a quiet weekend in theaters

February 8, 2026

By JAKE COYLE - AP Film Writer

Hollywood is largely ceding attention to football this weekend. The survival thriller “Send Help” repeated as the weekend’s No. 1 film at the box office and the Melania Trump documentary “Melania” fell sharply in its second weekend. Super Bowl weekend is typically one of the year’s lowest for movie attendance. The Sam Raimi-directed survivalist thriller “Send Help” lead the weekend box office with $10 million in ticket sales. Amazon MGM’s “Melania” added 300 theaters in its second weekend of release, but dropped 67% to just $2.4 million in sales. The rapid downturn means the Brett Ratner-directed documentary is likely heading toward flop territory given its high price tag.

Investigation continues a week after Savannah Guthrie mother was reported missing

February 8, 2026

AP

The investigation into the apparent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, continues. Authorities believe she was taken last weekend. Savannah Guthrie addressed potential kidnappers in a social media video, stating the family is prepared to pay for her safe return. The FBI is reviewing a message sent to a Tucson TV station. Multiple ransom letters have been received, but their credibility is unclear. Concerns grow for Nancy’s health due to her need for daily medication. The case has captured national attention.

Paul Thomas Anderson wins at 78th Directors Guild Awards for ‘One Battle After Another’

February 8, 2026

By JAKE COYLE - AP Film Writer

Paul Thomas Anderson won the top prize at the 78th Directors Guild Awards, putting the “One Battle After Another” filmmaker on course to potentially win his first Oscar. The DGA Awards, held Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, is among the most reliable Academy Awards precursors. In the last 10 years, nine DGA winners have gone on to win best director at the Oscars. In the guild’s nearly eight-decade history, only eight times has the guild not predicted the Oscar winner. The award adds to a virtual awards-season sweep for “One Battle After Another,” the best-picture front-runner.

Gaza’s Rafah crossing reopens, allowing limited travel as Palestinians claim delays and mistreatment

February 8, 2026

By SAMY MAGDY and MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened Sunday, allowing limited Palestinian travel after a two-day closure, according to Egyptian state media. The crossing opened last week for the first time since 2024, a key part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire. Egyptian media reported Palestinians began crossing around noon. Israel hasn’t confirmed this. Over the first four days, 36 Palestinians needing medical care and 62 companions were allowed to leave for Egypt, according to the United Nations. Nearly 20,000 people in Gaza seek to leave for medical care. The crossing’s reopening is part of a fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Voters are worried about the cost of housing. But Trump wants home prices to keep climbing

February 8, 2026

By JOSH BOAK - Associated Press

The White House is trying to show it’s lowering the cost of living, but President Donald Trump has said he doesn’t want to see the price of homes come down. He wants to keep values high. That’s something in the interest of existing homeowners and they’re a key part of his political base. And older voters tend to show up to vote more than do younger people, so Trump’s position on housing could be a factor in the November elections. But Trump’s aversion to policies that would expand housing supply and lower prices risks alienating younger voters and could hurt the chances for his Republican Party to expand its voting base.

Lindsey Vonn crashes early in Olympic downhill, taken off the mountain in a helicopter

February 8, 2026

By ANDREW DAMPF and PAT GRAHAM - AP Sports Writers

Lindsey Vonn’s pursuit of a second Olympic downhill gold medal is over. The 41-year-old American, skiing with a badly injured left knee, crashed early in Sunday’s race in Italy. She was taken off the course by helicopter after receiving medical attention. Vonn lost control early in the race and was heard screaming as she was surrounded by medical personnel. The race was paused while she received treatment. Vonn returned to elite ski racing last season after a long break and was a gold-medal favorite. Her crash may end her storied career.

Iran’s top diplomat strikes a hard line on US talks, saying Tehran’s power comes from saying ‘no’

February 8, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran’s top diplomat says Tehran’s strength comes from its ability to “say no to the great powers.” Sunday’s statement follows recent nuclear negotiations with the United States and nationwide protests that shook Iran. Speaking at a summit in Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran’s right to enrich uranium, a key issue with President Donald Trump. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also described talks in Oman with the U.S. as “a step forward.” However, Araghchi’s remarks highlight ongoing challenges. The U.S. has moved military assets to the region, increasing pressure on Iran.

Hard hats and dummy plates: Reports of ICE ruses add to fears in Minnesota

February 7, 2026

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ - Associated Press

Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota. Not all of those incidents have been verified during the ongoing immigration crackdown. But they have heightened fears in a state already on edge. They add to legal groups’ concerns about the Trump administration’s dramatic reshaping of immigration enforcement tactics nationwide. Supporters of the immigration crackdown say the sprawling network of anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis has forced federal agents to adopt new methods of avoiding detection.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hopes for big win as polls open in national elections

February 7, 2026

By MARI YAMAGUCHI and FOSTER KLUG - Associated Press

Polls opened Sunday in Japanese parliamentary elections that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hopes will give her struggling governing party a big enough win to be able to push forward an ambitious conservative political agenda. Takaichi is hugely popular, but the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan for most of the last seven decades, is not. She called Sunday’s snap elections hoping to turn that around. She wants to make progress on a right-wing agenda to boost Japan’s economy and military capabilities as tensions grow with China. The ultraconservative Takaichi, who took office as Japan’s first female leader in October, pledged to succeed on the job with “work, work, work.”

Thailand votes in early election with 3 main parties vying for power

February 7, 2026

By GRANT PECK - Associated Press

Voters in Thailand are heading to the polls for an early general election. The election is seen as a three-way race among competing visions of progressive, populist and old-fashioned patronage politics. The polls are being held amid slow economic growth and heightened nationalist sentiment. More than 50 parties are competing. But only three have the organization and popularity to gain a winning mandate. It’s widely projected that no single party will gain a majority. So a coalition government is likely. The progressive People’s Party is favored to win a plurality. But the rival Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai parties may join forces to block its path to power.