News Archives - Page 16 of 909

Judge set to hear arguments as court gives Trump another shot at nixing hush money conviction

February 3, 2026

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER - Associated Press

A federal judge is set to hear arguments as he again weighs a legal maneuver that could lead to President Donald Trump having his hush money conviction erased. Wednesday’s hearing comes after the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in November ordered U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to reconsider his decision to keep the case in state court instead of moving it to federal court. A three-judge panel ruled that Hellerstein erred by failing to consider “important issues relevant” to Trump’s request to move the New York case to federal court, where he can seek to have it thrown out on presidential immunity grounds. They said they expressed “no view” on how Hellerstein should rule. Trump is not expected to attend.

Prosecutors seek life sentence for man who tried to shoot Trump at a Florida golf course

February 3, 2026

By DAVID FISCHER - Associated Press

Federal prosecutors are asking that a man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump be sentenced to life in prison. Ryan Routh is scheduled to appear Wednesday in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida. He aimed a rifle through shrubbery as Trump played golf at his West Palm Beach country club in 2024. Routh’s sentencing had initially been scheduled for December. The judge agreed to move the date back after Routh decided to use an attorney instead of representing himself as he did for most of the trial. The attorney says a just punishment would allow Routh to experience freedom again as opposed to dying in prison.

Trump says Washington has waited 200 years for the arch he wants to build. Not quite

February 3, 2026

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump wants to build a massive arch near the Lincoln Memorial. He says the idea dates back around 200 years but was interrupted by the Civil War — despite history suggesting that wasn’t what happened. Trump nonetheless envisions the arch as reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. He plans to unveil it as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. Trump has similarly argued that his new ballroom is justified since officials throughout history clamored for one, another dubious claim.

Kevin Huerter heads to East-leading Pistons in 4-player, 3-team deal

February 3, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons got deeper by acquiring Kevin Huerter from the Chicago Bulls as the centerpiece of a four-player, three-team deal. The Pistons got Huerter and Dario Saric — who was just acquired over the weekend by Chicago — from the Bulls. Chicago landed Mike Conley Jr. from Minnesota and Jaden Ivey from the Pistons. Huerter is having one of the most well-rounded seasons of his career and joins a Detroit team aiming for a deep playoff run in the East. The Pistons don’t shoot many 3-pointers, but that could change with Huerter in the mix.

Son of late dictator Gadhafi is killed in Libya

February 3, 2026

By SAMY MAGDY - Associated Press

Libyan officials say that Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son and one-time heir apparent of Libya’s late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, has been killed in the northern African country. The 53-year-old was killed in the town Zintan, 136 kilometers southwest of the capital, Tripoli. The country’s chief prosecutor’s office said he was shot to death in the town of Zintan and that an investigation is ongoing. Khaled al-Zaidi, a lawyer for Seif al-Islam, confirmed the death on Facebook, without providing details.

Brothers of Renee Good, woman killed by immigration officer, call for action in Congress

February 3, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA - Associated Press

The brothers of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, are urging Congress to take action. Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot Jan. 7. Her death and that of another protester, Alex Pretti, have sparked national outrage. Speaking at a congressional hearing on Tuesday, brothers Luke and Brett Ganger shared their grief and called for change. They described their sister as a beautiful person. The forum, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Robert Garcia, highlighted Use-of-force complaints against Homeland Security officers.

Trump administration’s tongue-in-cheek names for immigration operations praised and slammed

February 3, 2026

By MATT BROWN and TERRY TANG - Associated Press

The Department of Homeland Security’s approach to naming immigrant enforcement operations elicits polarizing opinions: Are the names funny or offensive? Reactions depend on political affiliation and support for the operations that largely target Black and brown communities. California congressman Jimmy Gomez says names such as Operation Dirtbag and Operation Catch of the Day send a message that immigrants are “sub-human.” But Texas congressman Brandon Gill says the names show President Donald Trump is serious about reining in illegal immigration and securing the border.

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office PAL Boxing Club hosts open house

February 3, 2026

Emmaleah Allen, Lauren Martinson,

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League Boxing Club hosted its first open house this evening. The boxing club is located in the former First Presbyterian Church on East 2nd Street. The program came together through community partnerships and donations. This included equipment and financial support that helped transform the once-empty space into a fully…

DFL Party holds annual Caucus meeting

February 3, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor party held its Caucus Night across Duluth. The meeting took place at five different locations, giving Duluth residents a chance to participate in political discussions regarding the parties’ priorities ahead of upcoming elections. Attendees debated resolutions on topics ranging from immigration enforcement and gun control to non-disclosure agreements. “It is so important to…

Federal agents must limit tear gas for now at protests outside Portland ICE building, judge says

February 3, 2026

By CLAIRE RUSH - Associated Press

A judge in Oregon has temporarily restricted federal officers from using tear gas at protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland. U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued the temporary restraining order Tuesday. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Oregon on behalf of protesters and freelance journalists. The suit against the Department of Homeland Security argues that federal officers’ use of chemical munitions and excessive force is a retaliation against protesters that chills their First Amendment rights. The department said federal officers have followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary.

Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant to team up at All-Star Game. Kawhi Leonard added to roster

February 3, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

Stephen Curry is teaming up with LeBron James and Kevin Durant at the NBA All-Star Game. The NBA has announced the rosters for this season’s event, which has a new U.S. vs. The World format. The game is set for February 15 at the Los Angeles Clippers’ home in Inglewood, California. The U.S. teams are split by age into USA Stripes and USA Stars. Kawhi Leonard was added Tuesday to the USA Stripes squad. That move likely sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the World team. Towns has played for the Dominican Republic in international events. Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to play for the World team due to injury.

Judge: Deal reached to protect identities of Epstein victims in documents release

February 3, 2026

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER - Associated Press

A federal judge who presided over the sex trafficking case against Jeffrey Epstein says a Wednesday conference to address harm done to the financier’s victims by a massive release of records isn’t needed after a deal was struck to protect their identities. Judge Richard M. Berman cancelled the hearing late Tuesday after he was notified by Florida attorney Brittany Henderson that “extensive and constructive discussions” with the Justice Department had resulted in an agreement to protect victims’ identities. On Sunday, Henderson and attorney Brad Edwards had sought judicial intervention, saying nearly 100 victims had been harmed by sloppy redactions to a massive release of Epstein documents that began Friday.

Lawyers for patients of UCLA doctor say clients shaken by court overturning his sex abuse conviction

February 3, 2026

By JAIMIE DING and JULIE WATSON - Associated Press

A California appeals court’s decision to overturn the sex abuse conviction of former University of California, Los Angeles, gynecologist James Heaps has left his victims devastated and legal experts puzzled by the type of judicial error that transpired. The panel’s ruling Monday hinged on a note sent by the foreperson to the judge expressing concern that one of the jurors did not have sufficient English to carry out his duties that was never shared with the defense. Some legal experts say this kind of error is unheard of. Lawyers representing Heaps’ victims say their clients are devastated by the ruling.

Judge seems skeptical of legal justification for Pentagon’s punishment of Sen. Mark Kelly

February 3, 2026

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN - Associated Press

A federal judge says he knows of no U.S. Supreme Court precedent to justify the Pentagon’s censuring of a sitting U.S. senator who joined a videotaped plea for troops to resist unlawful orders from the Trump administration. Sen. Mark Kelly had a front-row seat in a courtroom on Tuesday as his attorneys urged U.S. District Judge Richard Leon to block the Pentagon from punishing the Arizona Democrat, a retired U.S. Navy pilot. Leon didn’t immediately rule from the bench on Kelly’s claims that Pentagon officials violated his First Amendment free speech rights. But the judge appeared to be skeptical of a government attorney’s defense of Kelly’s Jan. 5 censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

With caviar McNuggets and heart-shaped pizza, fast food chains hope to win Valentine’s diners

February 3, 2026

Matt McConico,

McNugget® Caviar (AP) – It’s a tale as old as time, or at least as old as TikTok: chicken nuggets lovingly topped with a dab of caviar. McDonald’s is embracing the trend this Valentine’s Day with a limited-time McNugget Caviar kit. The free kit, which will be available on McNuggetCaviar.com on Feb. 10, pairs a one-ounce tin of Paramount’s Siberian…

Travelers without “Real ID” required to pay 45-dollar fee

February 3, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.–TSA now has a new 45-dollar fee for travelers without a Real ID. The 45-dollar fee covers the cost of an alternative identity verification system, called “TSA ConfirmID”. Officials with the Duluth Airport Authority said, that those without a Real ID can still travel, but they may face longer screening times. DAA officials said, if you’re traveling soon…

Renee Good’s brothers remember their sister at Congressional hearing

February 3, 2026

Matt McConico,

Luke Ganger, left, and Brent Ganger, right, brothers of Renee Good, appear during a Bicameral Public Forum on the Disproportionate Use of Force by DHS Agents, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two brothers of Renee Good spoke lovingly of their sister during a hearing put on by Congressional Democrats. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three,…

With caviar McNuggets and heart-shaped pizza, fast food chains hope to win Valentine’s diners

February 3, 2026

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

It’s a tale as old as time, or at least as old as TikTok: chicken nuggets lovingly topped with a dab of caviar. McDonald’s is embracing the trend this Valentine’s Day with a limited-time McNugget Caviar kit. The free kit, which will be available on McNuggetCaviar.com on Feb. 10, pairs a one-ounce tin of Paramount’s Siberian sturgeon caviar with a $25 McDonald’s gift card to buy McNuggets. McDonald’s is one of several fast-food chains hoping to win a share of traffic this Valentine’s Day. For the 35th year in a row, White Castle is transforming its restaurants into Love Castles, with hostess seating, tableside service and Valentine’s Day décor.

7 dogs competing for Westminster’s show big prize Tuesday night

February 3, 2026

By JENNIFER PELTZ - Associated Press

The Westminster Kennel Club is getting ready to crown its top dog. After two days, 2,500 dogs and more than 200 breeds, it will come down to seven canines vying Tuesday night for U.S. show dogs’ most coveted prize. Four finalists already have been chosen. There’s an Afghan hound named Zaida, a Lhasa apso called JJ, a Maltese named Cookie, and an old English sheepdog dubbed Graham. Three more rivals will be selected Tuesday night before they all face off at Madison Square Garden for the best in show prize.

A 13-year-old Australian boy swims for hours to save his mother and siblings who were swept away

February 3, 2026

By ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

A 13-year-old boy swam for four hours in cold and choppy waters to save his mother and two younger siblings who had been swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia. The family rented paddleboards and a kayak that got pulled further and further out to sea as the wind picked up Friday. Austin Appelbee said Tuesday that he told himself to just keep going during his 4-kilometer ocean swim back to Quindalup. His mother, brother and sister were in the water for about 10 hours before they were rescued. Police Inspector James Bradley praised Austin, saying the teenager’s “determination and courage” saved their lives.

More departures at the US attorney’s office in Minnesota, AP sources say

February 3, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

More prosecutors are leaving the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota during a time of continued turmoil over the Trump administration’s stepped-up immigration enforcement in the state and recent shootings of civilians by federal agents. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter. The latest departures are on top of a half-dozen attorneys who resigned from the office last month amid frustration over the Justice Department’s response to the shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. At least one supervisory agent in the FBI’s Minneapolis office is known to have resigned last month as well.

Don Lemon says a dozen agents came to arrest him even though he offered to turn himself in

February 3, 2026

By AUDREY McAVOY - Associated Press

Independent journalist Don Lemon says about a dozen federal agents came to his Los Angeles hotel to arrest him last week. Lemon told ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel on Monday that the arrest happened even though his attorney told authorities he would turn himself in to face federal civil rights charges. Lemon was indicted last week on federal civil rights charges over his coverage of a Minnesota anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a church service. The Department of Justice didn’t respond to messages seeking comment. The FBI’s Minneapolis office said it would be inappropriate to comment because the case has reached “the adjudication phase.”

Disney parks chief Josh D’Amaro will take over for Bob Iger as CEO

February 3, 2026

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN - AP Business Writer

Disney is naming parks chief Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO, succeeding Bob Iger. D’Amaro has served as Disney Experiences Chairman, spearheading efforts for the company’s theme parks, cruises and resorts. The decision on the next chief executive at Disney comes almost four years after the company’s choice to replace Iger went badly, forcing Iger back into the job. Only two years after stepping down as CEO, Iger returned to Disney in 2022 after a period of clashes, missteps and a weakening financial performance under his hand-picked successor, Bob Chapek.

Minnesota athletes head into the Winter Olympics with concerns about turmoil back home

February 3, 2026

By MARTHA BELLISLE and DAVE CAMPBELL - Associated Press Writers

Many Minnesota-based athletes at the Winter Olympics this week have more on their minds than sports. Turmoil in the state from the immigration crackdown has created angst and added motivation. The U.S. Olympic contingent in Italy counts 26 athletes who are native to Minnesota. That trails only Colorado for the most by state. About a dozen others either call Minnesota home now or compete and train there in sports like curling or hockey. Biathlon team member Luci Anderson is from the Twin Cities area. She followed from afar when her family members joined a recent protest march in Minneapolis.

House passes bill to end the partial government shutdown, sending the measure to Trump

February 3, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Tuesday passed a roughly $1.2 trillion spending package to end the partial government shutdown, sending the measure to President Donald Trump and setting the stage for a debate in Congress over Homeland Security funding. The vote was 217-214, and wraps up congressional work on 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, funding the vast…

French prosecutors request 5-year ban on Marine Le Pen from holding office

February 3, 2026

By SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

French prosecutors have requested a five-year ban on holding elected office against far-right leader Marine Le Pen at a crucial appeal trial in Paris. It’s an outcome that may prevent her from running in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen, 57, is seeking to overturn a March 2025 ruling that found her guilty of misusing European Parliament funds in the hiring of aides from 2004 to 2016. Prosecutors accused Le Pen of being at the head of a “system” meant to “siphon off” EU public funds to the benefit of her party. The appeals court’s verdict is expected at a later date.

Caregiver in November high speed crash had history of drinking and smoking marijuana with residents

February 3, 2026

Matt McConico,

Michael Edward Rahja Jr. DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Human Services has released its investigation into a caregiver who crashed a vehicle with vulnerable adults in it while he was allegedly drunk and high. It sheds more light on the high-speed crash that sent multiple people to the hospital. It also has revelations of drug and alcohol abuse…

Immigration agents draw guns, arrest activists following them in Minneapolis

February 3, 2026

By RYAN MURPHY, SARAH RAZA and STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

Immigration officers with guns drawn arrested some activists who were trailing their vehicles Tuesday in Minneapolis. It’s a sign tensions have not eased since the departure of a high-profile commander. At least one person wearing an anti-ICE message was handcuffed while face-down on the ground. An Associated Press photographer witnessed the arrests. There was no immediate response from the Department of Homeland Security. A federal judge ordered officers not to arrest motorists who are following but not obstructing their operations, but an appeals court set the order aside. Meanwhile, a man charged with squirting apple cider vinegar on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar will remain in jail.

US shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says

February 3, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Central Command says a U.S. Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that was approaching the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. In an emailed statement Tuesday, U.S. Central Command said the drone “aggressively approached” the aircraft carrier with “unclear intent” and it “continued to fly toward the ship despite de-escalatory measures…

Clintons finalize agreement to testify in House Epstein probe, bowing to threat of contempt vote

February 3, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – Former President Bill Clinton, left, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton listen as Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finalized an agreement with House Republicans Tuesday to…

Clintons finalize agreement to testify in House Epstein probe, bowing to threat of contempt vote

February 3, 2026

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have finalized an agreement with House Republicans to testify this month in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. They bowed to the threat of a contempt of Congress vote against them. Hillary Clinton will testify before the House Oversight Committee on Feb. 26. Bill Clinton will appear on Feb. 27. It will mark the first time that lawmakers have compelled a former president to testify. The arrangement comes after months of negotiating between the two sides as Republicans sought to make the Clintons a focal point in a House committee’s investigation into Epstein.

Women returning to Gaza say Israeli troops bound and interrogated them after Rafah crossing

February 3, 2026

By SAMY MAGDY, WAFAA SHURAFA and SAM METZ - Associated Press

Three women from the first group of Palestinians to enter Gaza through the newly reopened Rafah crossing told The Associated Press that Israeli troops blindfolded, handcuffed and interrogated them for hours after they crossed. They said the treatment occurred at a screening station in Israeli-controlled territory. Asked about the allegations, the Israeli military said it wasn’t aware of any inappropriate conduct or mistreatment. Confusion over luggage rules and tight vetting further marred the reopening, which allowed fewer people to cross than expected.

Cass Lake couple killed in train vs car collision

February 3, 2026

KQDS Staff,

FARDEN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Two people are dead following a train vs car collision in Farden Township. According to the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened on January 30 around 10 a.m. Officials say they received a call from a train conductor of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad who said that the train just hit a car at…

Trump demands $1 billion from Harvard as a prolonged standoff appears to deepen

February 3, 2026

By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

President Donald Trump is demanding a $1 billion payment from Harvard University to end his prolonged standoff with the Ivy League campus, doubling the amount he sought previously as both sides appear to move further from reaching a deal. The president raised the stakes on social media Monday night, saying Harvard has been “behaving very badly.” He said the university must pay the government directly as part of any deal — something Harvard has opposed. Trump’s comments on Truth Social came in response to a New York Times report saying the president had dropped his demand for a financial payment, lowering the bar for a deal.

Pope Francis’ problematic secret decrees in spotlight in Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’

February 3, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Defense lawyers in the Vatican’s “trial of the century” have argued that Pope Francis violated the fundamental rights of their clients by issuing four secret decrees that gave prosecutors “surreal carte blanche” to investigate.The tone of argument in the frescoed Vatican tribunal was so charged Tuesday that at one point the tribunal president asked defense lawyers to refrain from citing Francis by name.The request by Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo underscored how Francis’ problematic role in the financial trial poses something of an existential dilemma to the Holy See. On the one hand, popes can only be judged by God. On the other, Francis stands accused of violating the God-given rights of the defendants.

UK politician Peter Mandelson will quit House of Lords in storm over Epstein ties

February 3, 2026

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

British politician Peter Mandelson is quitting the House of Lords over questions about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Speaker of the House of Lords says Mandelson will retire effective Wednesday. He faces a potential police investigation over claims he passed sensitive government information to Epstein. The British government sent police a file on Tuesday about Mandelson’s alleged leaks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is appalled by the revelations in newly released Epstein files. The files suggest Mandelson shared market-sensitive information about the 2008 financial crisis. Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday to avoid further embarrassment.

Paris prosecutors raid X offices as part of investigation into child abuse images and deepfakes

February 3, 2026

By SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

French prosecutors have searched the offices of Elon Musk’s social media platform X as part of an investigation into alleged offences, including spreading child sexual abuse images and deepfakes. The investigation began in January last year and involves the prosecutors’ cybercrime unit. Prosecutors are looking into alleged complicity in possessing and spreading pornographic images of minors, among other charges. They have asked Elon Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino to attend voluntary interviews on April 20. Employees of X have also been summoned as witnesses. Europol is supporting the French authorities in this investigation.

Seeking shelter from Trump’s fury, U.S. trade partners reach deals with each other

February 3, 2026

By PAUL WISEMAN, JOSH BOAK and ELAINE KURTENBACH - Associated Press

Bullied and buffeted by President Donald Trump’s tariffs for the past year, America’s longstanding allies are desperately seeking ways to shield themselves from the president’s impulsive wrath. U.S. trade partners are cutting deals among themselves —- sometimes discarding old differences to do so — to diversify their economies away from a newly protectionist United States. And central banks and global investors are dumping dollars and buying gold. Together, their actions could diminish U.S. influence and mean higher interest rates and prices for Americans already angry about the high cost of living.

Russia fires 450 drones and 70 missiles at Ukraine, a day before US-brokered talks

February 3, 2026

By KAMILA HRABCHUK - Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that Russia has launched a major attack on Ukraine with around 450 drones and 70 missiles. The strikes reported Tuesday came a day before U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. Zelenskyy said that Russia targeted the power grid again in five regions of Ukraine in a bid to deny civilians light, heating and water during a harsh winter. At least 10 people were wounded. Zelenskyy urged allies to send more air defense supplies and increase pressure on Russia. Talks between Moscow and Kyiv have been described as constructive. But a comprehensive settlement remains distant.

Argentina fires ravage pristine Patagonia forests, fueling criticism of Milei’s austerity

February 3, 2026

By ISABEL DEBRE - Associated Press

Argentina’s Patagonia region is battling severe wildfires, with vast areas of Los Alerces National Park ablaze. The fires have destroyed more than 174 square miles of native forests, forcing thousands to evacuate. Critics blame President Javier Milei’s austerity measures, which have slashed firefighting budgets. On Monday, the fires continued to spread. Milei’s cuts have stabilized the economy but left firefighting efforts underfunded. Experts say climate change is worsening the situation. Milei declared a state of emergency on Thursday, unlocking funds for firefighters. Many are frustrated, feeling the crisis could have been mitigated with better preparation.

Even small EU nations go big on arms production, sending drones to the Ukrainian front and beyond

February 2, 2026

By MENELAOS HADJICOSTIS - Associated Press

Cyprus has become a surprising player in drone manufacturing, with Swarmly producing over 200 H-10 Poseidon drones for Ukraine. These drones have logged more than 100,000 hours in the air over the last three years. Swarmly’s factory also exports to countries like Indonesia and India. The rise of Cyprus’s defense industry reflects a broader trend in Europe, where even small EU countries are developing high-tech defense capabilities. This shift is driven by the need for self-reliance, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EU has supported these efforts with significant financial assistance.

GOP leaders labor for support ahead of key test vote on ending partial government shutdown

February 2, 2026

By KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

Speaker Mike Johnson’s ability to carry out President Donald Trump’s “play call” for funding the government is being put to the test. The House is holding a procedural vote Tuesday on a bill that would end the partial government shutdown. Johnson will need near-unanimous support from his Republican conference to proceed. The legislation funds most of the federal government through Sept. 30 and the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks as lawmakers negotiate potential changes for the agency that enforces the nation’s immigration laws, often referred to as ICE. Trump urged lawmakers to back the bill in a social media post.

Trump to host Colombia’s Petro just weeks after insulting him as a ‘sick man’ fueling drug trade

February 2, 2026

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is set to welcome Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House for talks. Tuesday’s meeting comes weeks after Trump accused the Colombian leader of pumping cocaine into the United States and threatened military action against his South American country. U.S. administration officials say the meeting will focus on regional security cooperation and counternarcotics efforts. Bad blood between the leaders looms large ahead of the sit-down. Trump, on the heels of an operation to capture Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, warned Petro last month that he could be next. The conservative Trump and leftist Petro are ideologically far apart, but both leaders share a tendency for verbal bombast and unpredictability. That’s giving the visit an anything-could-happen vibe.

Football, politics and protest: This year’s Super Bowl comes at a tinderbox moment in the US

February 2, 2026

By STEVEN SLOAN and STEVE PEOPLES - Associated Press

The NFL faces pressure to take a stance against the Trump administration’s immigration policies ahead of the Super Bowl. Over 184,000 people have signed a petition urging the league to denounce Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s potential presence at the game. The liberal group MoveOn plans to deliver the petition to the NFL’s New York City headquarters on Tuesday. Bad Bunny, the halftime show’s headliner, is expected to address the moment. The Grammy-winning artist has criticized President Donald Trump on various issues. Trump has said he doesn’t plan to attend this year’s game and has derided Bad Bunny as a “terrible choice.”

Trump’s $45 billion expansion of immigrant detention sites faces pushback from communities

February 2, 2026

By DAVID A. LIEB, HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and MORGAN LEE - Associated Press

State and local officials are pushing back against federal plans to expand immigrant detention facilities. President Donald Trump’s administration is scouting locations across the U.S. for new sites, sparking protests and legal challenges. In Minnesota, fatal shootings during immigration enforcement have intensified scrutiny on ICE. In Virginia, a proposed detention center drew hundreds of people to a tense public hearing. Kansas City officials have passed a moratorium attempt to block a new ICE detention site. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s legislature is advancing a bill to ban state and local contracts for ICE facilities. A law Trump signed last year includes $45 billion to expand ice detention facilities.

Intelligence director says Trump requested her presence at FBI search of Georgia election center

February 2, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has told lawmakers that she attended an FBI search of the election center in Fulton County, Georgia, last week because President Donald Trump asked her to be there. She also acknowledged in a letter Monday that she “facilitated” what she described as a brief phone call between Trump and FBI agents who carried out the search but insisted that neither she nor the president issued any directives. The letter marked Gabbard’s first explanation for her unusual presence at an FBI search during which agents seized hundreds of boxes containing ballots and other documents related to the 2020 election.

UMD students make tie blankets for Aspirus patients

February 2, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD Students spent the evening making tie blankets for the St. Luke’s Foundation. The event was organized by the club known as ‘SERVE,’ or Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences. Organizers say the goal is to create up to 50 handmade blankets, which will be given to patients and families at Aspirus St. Luke’s to provide warmth…

Nurses lead Nightingale Walk honoring Alex Pretti

February 2, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered downtown Duluth for the Nightingale Walk honoring the life of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti. The candlelight vigil was organized by two local nurses. A brief ceremony was held by the Nurse Honor Guard before everyone began the walk along the lake. Participants carried candles during the walk as a symbol of remembrance, grief, and solidarity….

Trevi Fountain fee takes effect as Rome seeks to manage tourist crowds

February 2, 2026

By PAOLO SANTALUCIA and NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Tourists visiting Rome’s Trevi Fountain now pay a $2.35 fee for close access. This new fee structure, which began Monday, aims to raise funds and manage crowds at the iconic site. Tourists seem unfazed by the charge, appreciating the improved access. The fee is part of a broader initiative, including a nearly $6 fee for some city museums, to enhance the tourist experience and support maintenance costs. Officials expect to generate $7.7 million annually. The Trevi Fountain fee follows similar measures at other Italian sites, like the Pantheon and Venice’s day-tripper tax.

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation ahead of contempt of Congress vote

February 2, 2026

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are agreeing to testify in a House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But the Republican leading the probe says an agreement had not yet been finalized. Rep. James Comer, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, was advancing criminal contempt of Congress charges against both Clintons Monday evening for defying a congressional subpoena. Attorneys for the Clintons emailed staff for the Oversight panel, saying the pair would accept Comer’s demands and “will appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates.” But Comer says an agreement had not been reached to avoid a contempt vote.

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