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Bomb threat closes Bessemer School District Monday

Bessemer Schools Logo BESSEMER, Mich. — A bomb threat closed schools in Bessemer on Monday. According to School officials, on Sunday at around 7:05 p.m., the high school principal received a voicemail about bombs being placed at the school. SEE PREVIOUS:Bessemer Schools closed Monday due to threat Law enforcement was notified and responded to the school grounds. No other specifics…

Allegiant Air to acquire Sun Country Airlines in $1.5B deal

Allegiant Air says it will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $1.5 billion. The merger will combine two low-cost U.S. carriers focused on leisure travel. The companies on Monday told investors that the new airline will serve about 175 cities with more than 650 routes and a fleet of about 195 aircraft. Executives say the deal will strengthen competition in the leisure travel market. The merger still needs regulatory and Sun Country shareholder approval. It is expected to close in the second half of 2026. The merged airline will be based in Las Vegas and operate under the Allegiant name.

Arizona strengthens hold on No. 1 in AP Top 25; Vanderbilt cracks top 10

Arizona has tightened its hold on the top spot in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll after Michigan’s loss to Wisconsin. The Wildcats received 60 of 61 first-place votes. Iowa State moved up to No. 2, followed by UConn, Michigan and Purdue. Nebraska moved up two spots to No. 8 to match its highest-ever ranking set in February 1966. Vanderbilt hit No. 10 for its first top-10 ranking since the 2011-12 preseason poll. No. 19 Florida, No. 22 Clemson, No. 23 Utah State and No. 25 Seton Hall were the new additions to the poll. Kansas, SMU and UCF fell out.

Great Lakes iron ore trade ends year down 12.8%

CLEVELAND, Ohio. — Iron ore trade in the Great Lakes has fallen 12.8% in 2025. According to officials with the Lake Carriers Association, the year-end total for the iron ore trade decreased by 12.8 percent to 43.4 million tons. Shipments of iron ore totalled 4.2 million tons in December,  an 8.8% drop compared to 2024. Officials say shipments were also…

Meta names former Trump adviser Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman

Facebook owner Meta has named Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration adviser and longtime finance executive, as president and vice chairman of the tech giant. The company says she will help guide its overall strategy, including major investments. The announcement on Monday received praise from Donald Trump, who called it a “great choice” by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Powell McCormick has extensive experience in global finance and government roles. She worked in the Trump and Bush administrations and held leadership positions at Goldman Sachs. Her appointment arrives amid wider efforts from Meta to boost its ties with Trump.

What to know about the state gerrymandering battle kick-started by Trump

President Donald Trump’s plan to reshape congressional voting districts for partisan advantage stands at a critical point. Trump is hoping that more Republican-friendly districts can help the party retain control of the House in this year’s elections. Several Republican-led states already have enacted new districts. But so has Democratic-led California. Democrats in Virginia could be the next to act on redistricting during a legislative session that begins Wednesday. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to call a special session on redistricting in April. Resistance to redistricting remains in several states, including among Republicans in Kansas and Democrats in Illinois and Maryland.

Duluth caregiver who took vulnerable adult on drug run not banned from future roles

DULUTH, Min. – A staff person at a residential facility in Duluth took a vulnerable adult to a home, where the staffer used illegal drugs, and then drove the vulnerable adult back to the facility.  Yet with those allegations, the staff person is still able to care for vulnerable adults according to Minnesota state regulations. The state report where the…

Allegiant and Sun Country combine to form ‘leisure-focused airline’

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Airlines Allegiant and Sun Country have combined to form what officials say is a “leisure-focused airline.” Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash and stock transaction valued around $1.5 billion. With access to Sun Country’s international network, the combined airline will offer current Allegiant customers access to expanded service from its small and mid-sized cities to…

Mattel adds an autistic Barbie to doll line devoted to showcasing diversity and inclusion

An autistic Barbie is joining Mattel’s line of fashion dolls that’s intended to celebrate diversity. The toymaker says it developed the new Barbie in partnership with a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and better media representation of autistic people. A staff member with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network who worked on the prototype says creating the Barbie was a challenge because autism encompasses a broad range of behaviors and varies widely in degree. The doll that goes on sale on Monday has eyes shifted slightly to the side to avoid direct eye contact. It also has articulated elbows and wrists to acknowledge the gestures some autistic people use to process sensory information.

Cuba’s president says no current talks with the US following Trump’s threats

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says his administration is not in talks with the U.S. government. This comes a day after President Donald Trump threatened Cuba following the U.S. attack on Venezuela earlier this month. Díaz-Canel emphasized on Monday that relations must be based on international law, not hostility or threats. He expressed willingness for dialogue with the U.S. based on mutual respect and sovereignty. Trump has suggested Cuba “make a deal” before it’s too late. Díaz-Canel’s statements were reposted by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez. The situation remains tense, with Cuba facing significant economic challenges due to U.S. sanctions.

Twin Cities homicide suspect arrested in Duluth following car chase

DULUTH, Minn. — A homicide suspect from the Twin Cities is in custody after being spotted along the North Shore. Around 9 a.m. Saturday, a St. Louis County sheriff’s deputy spotted the fatal stabbing suspect in Duluth’s lakeside neighborhood. According to officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop, which turned into a pursuit on North Shore Drive. The suspect eventually…

Inside the Golden Globes: The reunions and moments the telecast didn’t show

Some of the most interesting moments of the Golden Globes happen off camera. During the commercial breaks, the stars rush to socialize, congratulate and catch up and The Associated Press had a seat inside the ballroom to observe it all. Emma Stone was perhaps the star who was out of her seat the most, holding court in a smaller room off to the side where there was a bar, an ever-replenishing supply of decadent desserts and Nobu sushi. There she hung out with Jennifer Lawrence, Yorgos Lanthimos, Kirsten Dunst and more.

Thousands of nurses go on strike at several major New York City hospitals

Thousands of nurses at several major New York City hospitals have gone on strike. The strike began Monday morning after negotiations through the weekend failed to yield a breakthrough. The affected hospitals include NewYork-Presbyterian, Montefiore and Mount Sinai. The union says about 15,000 nurses are participating in the strike. Among the nurses’ demands are manageable workloads and more workplace security. Hospitals say the union’s demands are too costly.

PHOTO ESSAY: For US women’s ski team, balancing competition with camaraderie is key

Lying breathless on the floor next to a pool table, Mary Bocock pulls a stretchy exercise band in tandem with Keely Cashman. Laughing, they encourage each other to keep going. Next to them, Ava Sunshine cycles through sets of heavy barbell weights in a makeshift gym in the Copper Mountain condo where the U.S. women’s ski team is staying. “When…

Malaysia, Indonesia become first to block Musk’s Grok over sexually explicit AI images

Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok due to its misuse in generating explicit images. Authorities in both countries acted over the weekend, citing concerns about non-consensual and sexual deepfakes. Regulators say existing controls cannot prevent fake pornographic content, especially involving women and minors. Both nations have demanded stronger safeguards from Musk’s platform, X, to prevent abuse. Grok, launched in 2023, has faced global scrutiny for its image generator feature. Critics say recent restrictions on non-paying users don’t fully address the risks.

Hong Kong court hearing arguments on sentencing in former publisher Jimmy Lai’s case

A Hong Kong court is hearing arguments about the sentence for pro-democracy media founder Jimmy Lai and his co-defendants in a landmark national security case. Their convictions under a national security law could lead to life imprisonment. Lai was found guilty of conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious articles. His case has raised concerns about press freedom, drawing criticism from the U.S. and Britain. Lai pleaded not guilty, but his co-defendants entered guilty pleas. Sentencing will occur later. Lai’s daughter says he would focus on family and faith if released. The court Monday heard arguments about the sentences of two activists before hearing Lai’s case.

See top photos of stars on the 2026 Golden Globe Awards red carpet

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Stars turned out in style for the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards, which honor movies, television and podcasts. The first major ceremony of awards season has a reputation for its partylike atmosphere and for drawing a mashup of television and film stars. It also is known as a major fashion showcase. This is a photo…

George Floyd and Renee Good: 5 years between Minneapolis videos, and confusion has increased

Five years after video of George Floyd’s killing on a Minneapolis street, video of another law enforcement action in the northern city is central to another American debate. But times have changed. The video images of Renee Good’s shooting while protesting against ICE immigration enforcement tell a much murkier story than the politce officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes. People are also becoming more desensitized to images of violence, and questioning whether what they see is real or not. It’s also clear that the Trump administration and his supporters took lessons from the Floyd case, and moved with lightning speed to try and control the narrative.

Golden Globe highlights: Brazil on a streak, Amy Poehler’s pod wins and Seth Rogen comes full-circle

The Golden Globes had its share of surprises and sweet moments. Amy Poehler took home the first podcast award, joking about NPR, and Seth Rogen experienced déjà vu, winning after his show “The Studio” depicted the very ceremony just months before. Rose Byrne had a head-scratching moment when she explained her partner was at a reptile expo instead of attending and Wagner Moura won for “The Secret Agent,” continuing Brazil’s recent cinematic hot streak. And “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” won best original song. with co-singer and co-songwriter Ejae encouraging viewers to keep striving.

Venezuelans in the US are torn between joy and worry after ousting of Maduro

For thousands of Venezuelans living in the U.S., the days since the Trump administration ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have brought a mixture of joy and trepidation. The removal of Maduro is “a first step, but we’re nervous,” said Alejandra Salima, who fled to the U.S. three years ago and assists other Venezuelans at the Miami office of an advocacy group. She and most others are thrilled that Maduro has been removed. But Trump’s move to deport Venezuelans without permanent residency has increased worry among many living in the U.S. At the same time, the fear instilled by the government Maduro left behind makes many wary of returning.

Bags tournament raises $12,000 for Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — A 52-team bags tournament raised $12,000 Saturday to help support local families with children who have life-threatening illnesses. The tournament teams at The Other Place included law enforcement and fire departments from around the area. Money raised from the tourney and raffle items will go to the Northland Lights Foundation. The event was put on by the…

DHS ‘worst of the worst’ arrests by ICE in Minnesota

Courtesy: Associated Press Tensions between some Minnesotans and the way ICE is using force in the state continue to be very raw for locals and in cities across the country. Over the weekend, people gathered in Duluth to protests ICE. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security said over the weekend it has arrested hundreds of illegal aliens in Minnesota since…

Duluth participates in nationwide ICE protests

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports residents gathered at Lake Avenue and Superior Street during a weekend of nationwide protests following the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Organized by the Twin Ports Democratic Socialists of America, Anti-Imperialist Action, and the Northwoods Socialist Collective, the protest focused on ICE’s…

Piedmont Youth Hockey Association wraps up annual jamboree

DULUTH, Minn. — The Piedmont Youth Hockey Association wrapped up its annual outdoor hockey jamboree fundraiser today. The event brought players and families together for a weekend of outdoor hockey, food, and family-friendly fun, while raising money to support local youth hockey players. This year, the Jamboree also celebrated those who stepped up to support the hockey association after it…

Mandela Barnes visits Superior during ‘Wisconsin Way’ Tour

  SUPERIOR, Wis. — Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes visited Superior over the weekend to host a roundtable discussion with local leaders and health care providers about rising health care costs. This discussion is part of Barnes’ Wisconsin Way’ tour, which he began after launching his 2026 campaign for Governor. Barnes says he is looking to expand BadgerCare to…

Purdy, 49ers eliminate defending Super Bowl champion Eagles with 23-19 win in wild-card game

Brock Purdy threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey, leading San Francisco to a 23-19 victory over defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia in a wild-card game. The 49ers next face top-seeded Seattle next weekend for an NFC divisional playoff game. Purdy threw for 262 yards and had two interceptions. The 49ers might be without star tight end George Kittle, who was injured in the first half. Philadelphia struggled offensively, with Jalen Hurts throwing for only 168 yards. The Eagles’ final drive ended with an incomplete pass, sealing their elimination from the playoffs.

The Latest: Golden Globes to kick off Hollywood’s 2026 awards season

Hollywood’s awards season is kicking off with the 83rd Golden Globe Awards at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific. Comedian Nikki Glaser returns for a second year to host the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. It’s a Champagne-soaked party featuring some of the biggest names in film and television, even if the awards won’t exactly forecast the Oscars. “One Battle After Another” topped the list of nominations with nine, closely followed by “Sentimental Value” with eight. The Globes will be broadcast on CBS and available to stream through Paramount+.

Immigration arrests and tense confrontations in Minneapolis, in photos

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Immigration arrests and tense confrontations with activists continued Sunday in the Twin Cities. That’s four days after the fatal shooting by an immigration officer of a local woman, Renee Good, who stopped during an enforcement operation. Two Associated Press journalists found several agents on a street in a residential neighborhood in northern Minneapolis. A few dozen neighbors…

A Minneapolis church holds a service of ‘Lament and Hope’ amid fears over immigration crackdown

A Minneapolis church opened its doors for a special Sunday service of ‘Lament and Hope’ amid the ongoing federal immigration crackdown in the city. The service followed a tumultuous week in a city on edge after the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer. The Rev. Hierald Osorto of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church addressed the congregation Sunday. He emphasized the importance of gathering during difficult times. The church is a longtime part of the immigrant community and offers a service in both Spanish and English. Despite fears of federal immigration enforcement actions, worshippers spoke of finding strength and support as a community as immigration agents sweep through the streets.

Matt LaFleur expects to meet with Packers president Ed Policy soon regarding his future

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is more interested in talking about his team’s future than his own. LaFleur spoke to reporters Sunday, a day after the biggest playoff collapse in the franchise’s storied history. He says he spoke briefly with team president and CEO Ed Policy on the flight back to Green Bay after the Packers’ 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in an NFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night. But he declined to comment on whether he expected to keep his job after the Packers made their third straight playoff appearance but lost their final five games.

Minnesota braces for what’s next amid immigration arrests and in the wake of Renee Good shooting

Thousands of people marched in Minneapolis Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration officer there and the shooting of two protesters in Portland, Oregon, as Minnesota leaders urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. (AP video: Mike Householder) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Already shaken by the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer, Minnesota’s Twin…

Reference to Trump’s impeachments is removed from the display of his Smithsonian photo portrait

References to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments have been removed from his photo portrait display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington. It’s the latest apparent change at the collections of museums that he’s accused of bias as he asserts his influence over how official presentations document U.S. The wall text had summarized Trump’s first presidency and noted his 2024 comeback, as well as the impeachments. That text was available online Sunday. At the museum, a different photo now appears without any accompanying text block. The White House didn’t say whether Trump or aides asked for the text to be removed or changed.

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ tops box office for fourth straight week with newcomer ‘Primate’ second

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” continues to dominate the box office, holding the top spot for a fourth consecutive week. The film earned $21.3 million in North America over the weekend, bringing its total to $342.6 million domestically and $888 million worldwide. Paramount’s horror film “Primate” was the top new release, earning $11.3 million domestically. Disney’s “Zootopia 2” remains a global hit, nearing Disney’s highest-grossing animated film record with $1.65 billion globally. Lionsgate’s “The Housemaid” also performed well, earning $11.2 million. Hollywood’s focus is on the Golden Globe Awards, with “Avatar” and “Zootopia 2” each nominated for two awards.

With Cuban ally Maduro ousted, Trump warns Havana to make a ‘deal’ before it’s too late

There’s another warning from President Donald Trump to Cuba in the wake of Nicolás Maduro’s ouster in Venezuela. Cuba is a close ally of Venezuela and a major beneficiary of oil shipments from Venezuela. But Cuba has been cut off from shipments as U.S. forces seize tankers. Trump used a social media post Sunday to urge Cuba to make a deal before, as he put it, “IT IS TOO LATE.” He didn’t explain what kind of deal. Cuba’s president responding by saying “those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, have no moral authority to point the finger at Cuba in any way.”

Minnesota Democrats are demanding a broader investigation into Renee Good’s shooting

Two of Minnesota’s leading Democrats say the investigation into the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration officer shouldn’t be handled solely by the federal government. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith said in separate interviews Sunday that state investigators need to be included in the investigation. Both say a broader investigation is needed because the Trump administration already has made it clear that they believe the officer who shot Renee Good in her car was protecting himself and fellow agents. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is dismissing the complaints about local agencies being denied any participation in the investigation.

Hamas says it will dissolve its Gaza government when new Palestinian body takes over

Hamas says it will dissolve its government in Gaza once a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes over as part of a U.S.-brokered peace plan. The timeline for the change is unclear. A “Board of Peace” led by Trump is set to oversee the committee, but the board’s members haven’t been announced. Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza, with hospitals saying Israeli gunfire killed three Palestinians on Sunday. Israeli forces say their actions are in response to ceasefire violations. Separately, Israeli police are questioning a top official from Netanyahu’s office related to a leak of classified military information to a German tabloid.

Google teams up with Walmart and other retailers to enable shopping within Gemini AI chatbot

Google is expanding the shopping features in its AI chatbot by teaming up with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair and other big retailers to turn the Gemini app into a virtual merchant as well as an assistant. An instant checkout function will allow customers to make purchases from some businesses and through a range of payment providers without leaving the Gemini chat they used to find products, according to Walmart and Google. The news was announced Sunday on the first day of the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York. The role of artificial intelligence in e-commerce and its impact on consumer behavior are expected to dominate the three-day event.

Sabalenka wins Brisbane final amid frosty exchange with Kostyuk, Medvedev tops Nakashima

Aryna Sabalenka has won her second consecutive Brisbane International title with a straight-sets victory over Marta Kostyuk. Kostyuk initially challenged Sabalenka but struggled under the physical demands. The final ended with a frosty atmosphere, reflecting tensions between the players. Kostyuk spoke about Ukraine during the trophy ceremony while Sabalenka congratulated Kostyuk and made a playful comment to her boyfriend. Daniil Medvedev also won his 22nd singles title after easing past Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 7-6 in the men’s final.

Iranian protests are growing. Israel is watching closely

Israel is closely monitoring the fallout from widespread Iranian protests. An Israeli official said Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to attack Iran could escalate the situation into a regional war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Iran overnight Saturday. However, Israel’s military said there are no new guidelines for civilians to stay close to bomb shelters. The protests are considered an internal Iranian matter, but the military is ready to respond if needed. Experts believe neither side wants another war, and Israel is likely to wait and see what happens next.

A $400,000 payout after Maduro’s capture is putting prediction markets in the spotlight

Prediction markets let people wager on anything from a basketball game to the outcome of a presidential election — and recently, the downfall of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Last week, an anonymous trader on Polymarket pocketed more than $400,000 after betting that Maduro would soon be out of office. The commercial use of prediction markets has skyrocketed in recent years, opening the door for people to wage their money on the likelihood of a growing list of future events. But in terms of government oversight in the U.S., the trades are categorized differently than traditional forms of gambling, raising questions about transparency and risk.

Buddhist monks and their dog captivate Americans while walking for peace

A group of Buddhist monks is getting viral attention with their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. The monks say their aim is to promote mindfulness and healing and finding inner peace. Their journey has already attracted large crowds across five southern states. Accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka, they have faced challenges, including a road accident that injured two of the monks. When they reach the nation’s capital, they plan to request official recognition of Vesak as a federal U.S. holiday. Vesak is the day which marks the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha.

Husband charged in double homicide after having affair with au pair is going on trial in Virginia

A Virginia man who had a relationship with a Brazilian au pair is going on trial in the killings of his wife and another man. Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at a home in northern Virginia. Prosecutors argue the killings stem from a catfishing scheme in which Banfield lured Ryan to the house and staged it to look like he and the family’s au pair shot a predator in defense. Not all officials investigating the case believe Banfield catfished Ryan. Banfield’s attorney says that officials are searching for evidence to fit their theory of the elaborate scheme.

Retouched images of Netanyahu’s wife, distributed by the state, ignite a fiery ethics debate

Israel’s official state photos from last year portend to show history in the making. They include images of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trips to the U.N. and world leaders convening to advance a tenuous Gaza peace plan. But when examined closely, the pictures are not accurate depictions of reality. Experts say they have been altered to make Sara Netanyahu look younger. That discovery has ignited a firestorm in Israel. Journalists, lawyers and members of the political opposition say the edited photos violate ethical codes and risk denigrating the state’s archives.

Lawsuits by Trump allies could shape how the 2030 census is done and who will be counted

The next U.S. census is four years away, but two lawsuits playing out this year could affect how the head count will be done and who’ll be counted. Allies of President Donald Trump are behind the lawsuits challenging various aspects of the once-a-decade count by the U.S. Census Bureau that’s used to determine congressional representation and federal aid to states. The lawsuits align with parts of Trump’s agenda, even as his administration must defend the Census Bureau and its methods in court. Democratic-aligned groups are trying to intervene because of concerns over whether the Justice Department will defend the bureau vigorously.

Transgender teen athlete in a Supreme Court fight knows the upcoming sports season could be her last

Becky Pepper-Jackson is a 15-year-old in West Virginia who knows the upcoming sports season could be her last. West Virginia has banned transgender girls like the discus-throwing sophomore from competing in girls and women’s sports. The state is among more than two dozen with similar laws. Lower courts have blocked the West Virginia law, but the outcome could be different at the conservative-dominated Supreme Court. The justices have allowed multiple restrictions on transgender people to be enforced in the past year. The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration has targeted transgender Americans.

Ukrainian drone attack in Russia kills 1 following Moscow’s intense bombardment

A Ukrainian drone strike has killed one person and wounded three others in the Russian city of Voronezh. Russian officials said Saturday’s attack damaged more than 10 apartment buildings, private houses and a high school. Regional Governor Alexander Gusev said air defenses shot down 17 drones over the city. Voronezh is about 155 miles from the Ukrainian border. The strike follows Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukraine with drones and missiles that killed at least four people in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks with the U.S. are ongoing about defending Ukraine from further aggression.

Greenland’s harsh environment and lack of infrastructure have prevented rare earth mining

Greenland’s harsh environment, lack of key infrastructure and difficult geology have prevented anyone from building a mine to extract the sought-after rare earth elements that many high-tech products require. Those challenges won’t go away even if President Donald Trump takes control of the Arctic island. Trump has made it a priority to break China’s stranglehold on the global supply of rare earths and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to do that. Now the president is again pitching that taking over Greenland could solve the problem. But Greenland may not ever produce many rare earths because of the inherent challenges.

Iran warns it will target US troops and Israel if America strikes over protests

Protests challenging Iran’s theocracy have reached the two-week mark, with demonstrators flooding the streets in Tehran and Mashhad. Activists say at least 116 people have died, and 2,600 have been detained. The internet blackout makes it hard to gauge the situation. Iran’s parliament speaker warned the U.S. and Israel could be targets if the U.S. strikes Iran. President Trump has expressed support for the protesters, hinting at possible military action. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has signaled a crackdown, with protesters facing severe penalties. The unrest began over economic issues but has grown into a broader challenge to the government.

Myanmar holds second round of voting in first general election since military takeover

Myanmar has opened a second round of voting in the country’s first general election since a takeover that installed a military government five years ago. The voting Sunday expanded to additional townships including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents. Polling stations opened in 100 townships. Many of the areas have seen clashes in recent months or remain under heightened security. The election is being held in three phases due to the civil war. The first round took place Dec. 28. Critics say the polls organized by the military government are neither free nor fair.