News Archives - Page 2 of 909

What is ALS, the disease that killed actor Eric Dane?

February 20, 2026

By LAURA UNGAR - AP Medical Writer

The fatal nervous system disease known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, killed actor Eric Dane less than a year after he announced his diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ALS is rare. In 2022, there were nearly 33,000 estimated cases. Researchers project that cases will rise to more than 36,000 by 2030. ALS is slightly more common in men than in women and tends to strike in midlife, between the ages of 40 and 60. Dane, known for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” died this week at age 53.

Trump’s made tariffs central to his presidency. Chaos may come next

February 20, 2026

By JOSH BOAK and STEVE PEOPLES - Associated Press

President Donald Trump suffered a rare rebuke when the Supreme Court ruled against his tariff agenda. The decision Friday throws U.S. trade policy back into uncertainty. Trump has built his economic message around tariffs and the deals that he says they force. He argues they bring factories and jobs back. He also warns that losing them harms the economy. The White House says it is looking for other laws to keep tariffs in place. Democrats say the decision proves Trump broke the law. Polling from AP-NORC finds that most adults oppose tariffs and expect higher prices.

2-time NL manager of the year Pat Murphy agrees to contract extension with Brewers

February 20, 2026

Matt McConico,

FILE – Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy watches during batting practice ahead of Game 1 of baseball’s National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. PHOENIX (AP) — Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy has agreed to a multi-year contract extension after leading the Brewers to division titles and getting selected as NL…

Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs

February 20, 2026

Matt McConico,

Formal group photograph of the Supreme Court as it was been comprised on June 30, 2022 after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined the Court. The Justices are posed in front of red velvet drapes and arranged by seniority, with five seated and four standing.Seated from left are Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and Justices…

PWHL’s influence apparent at Olympics with OT medal games and the gap closing behind US and Canada

February 20, 2026

By JOHN WAWROW - AP Hockey Writer

The state of women’s hockey is on the rise after a competitive Olympic tournament and coupled with launch of PWHL. Though the U.S. and Canada met in the gold medal final for a seventh time in eight Olympics, other nations showed the competitive gap just might well be closing. And that’s a direct result of the the third-year league’s influence. The largest margin of victory was six goals, four years after Canada routed Switzerland 10-3 in the semifinals at Beijing. The league and sport were also banking on a post-Olympic boost, with the PWHL season set to resume next week.

Nearly 3.4 million pounds of recalled Trader Joe’s chicken fried rice products may contain glass

February 20, 2026

AP

A Portland, Oregon, company is recalling nearly 3.4 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products sold at Trader Joe’s stores and in Canada. The products may contain pieces of glass. Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. pulled Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice. Another recalled product, Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Rice, was sold in Canada. The problem was detected after four consumers complained of finding glass. No injuries have been reported. Consumers should not eat the product.

The Latest: Trump’s entourage stocked with people who promoted election loss falsehoods

February 20, 2026

By The Associated Press

President Donald Trump has long spread conspiracy theories about voting that are designed to explain away his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Now that he’s president again, Trump has stocked his administration with many people who have promoted his falsehoods and in some cases helped him try to overturn his loss. The first concrete action from Trump’s mandate to investigate the 2020 election was the seizure in late January of ballots and election records from Fulton County in Georgia, a Democratic stronghold that includes Atlanta. The county has long been a target of election conspiracy theorists aligned with Trump.

US economy grows at 1.4% rate in the fourth quarter, slower than economists expected

February 20, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and MATT OTT - AP Economics Writers

America’s gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — increased at an 1.4% annual rate in the fourth quarter, the Commerce Department reported Friday, down from 4.4% in the July-September quarter and 3.8% in the quarter before that. A downturn in government and consumer spending contributed to the slowdown in fourth-quarter growth, the government said. Consumer spending rose just 2.2%, a significant slowdown from the third quarter’s healthy 3.5% gain. The U.S. economy grew 2.2% in 2025, down from 2024’s 2.8% expansion.

Inflation rose more quickly than expected in December

February 20, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

A key inflation gauge accelerated in December, a sign that many prices are still rising more quickly than most Americans would prefer — and faster than the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% a year. The figures show that inflation remains elevated, even as it has come down from a peak near 7% in 2022. With many prices still rising more quickly than they did before the pandemic, the report points to a key reason that many Americans remain unhappy with the economy, even as unemployment remains low and growth is solid.

Trump has stocked his administration with people who have backed his false 2020 election claims

February 20, 2026

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has long spread conspiracy theories about voting that are designed to explain away his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Now that he’s president again, Trump has stocked his administration with many people who have promoted his falsehoods and in some cases helped him try to overturn his loss. The first concrete action from Trump’s mandate to investigate the 2020 election was the seizure in late January of ballots and election records from Fulton County in Georgia, a Democratic stronghold that includes Atlanta. The county has long been a target of election conspiracy theorists aligned with Trump.

Saudi Arabia may have uranium enrichment under proposed deal with US, arms control experts warn

February 20, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Saudi Arabia could have some form of uranium enrichment within the kingdom under a proposed nuclear deal with the United States. That’s according to congressional documents and an arms control group. Both U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden tried to reach a nuclear deal with the kingdom to share American technology. Nonproliferation experts warn any spinning centrifuges within Saudi Arabia could open the door to a possible weapons program for the kingdom. The kingdom’s assertive crown prince has suggested he could pursue a nuclear weapon if Tehran obtains an atomic bomb.

Life is harsh and dangerous in Russian-run parts of Ukraine, activists and former residents say

February 20, 2026

By YURAS KARMANAU - Associated Press

Four years into its full-scale invasion, Russia controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, where an estimated 3 million to 5 million people live. Life in shattered cities and villages alike remains difficult, with residents facing problems with housing, water, power, heat and health care. Across the illegally annexed regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, Russian citizenship, language and culture has been forced upon residents, including in school lesson plans and textbooks. Some say they live in fear of being accused of sympathizing with Ukraine. Many have been imprisoned, beaten and killed, according to human rights activists.

India joins US-led initiative to build secure technology supply chains

February 20, 2026

By RAJESH ROY - Associated Press

India joined a U.S.-led initiative to strengthen technology cooperation among strategic allies in a move Friday that underscores the nations’ warming ties after a brief strain over New Delhi’s unabated purchase of discounted Russian oil. The decision aligns India closely with Washington’s efforts to build secure supply chains for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and critical technologies at a time geopolitical competition with China is intensifying. It also signals a reset in relations following friction over energy trade and tariffs. Nations that have joined the Pax Silica framework include Japan, South Korea, the U.K. and Israel.

Trump climate health rollback likely to hit poor, minority areas hardest, experts say

February 20, 2026

By DORANY PINEDA and SETH BORENSTEIN - Associated Press

The Trump administration’s revocation of a scientific finding that climate change is a danger to public health is likely to affect communities of color the most. Extensive research has found that Black, Latino, Indigenous and other racial and ethnic groups are more vulnerable to the health consequences from climate change than white people. The Environmental Protection Agency, in a 2021 report, concluded the same. That EPA report found, for example, that Black people were 40% more likely to live in places with the highest projected increases in deaths because of extreme heat driven by climate change.

Ex-South Korean president remains defiant following life sentence for rebellion

February 20, 2026

By KIM TONG-HYUNG - Associated Press

Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday remained defiant in his first reaction to a life sentence imposed by a Seoul court for his short-lived declaration of martial law but didn’t clearly say whether he would appeal. In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon denounced the judiciary and maintained that his poorly-planned power grab in December 2024 was “solely for the sake of the nation and our people.” Yoon, who was removed from office amid a political crisis set off by his unsuccessful power grab, has long rejected the eight criminal cases brought against him for what prosecutors described as a coup attempt and other allegations.

A macabre dispute has kept the body of Zambia’s former president unburied for months

February 20, 2026

By RODNEY MUHUMUZA - Associated Press

A bitter feud in Zambia has left former President Edgar Lungu’s body unburied in a South African funeral home for more than eight months. The unusual dispute pits Lungu’s family against his longtime rival, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. Lungu, in his will that he completed shortly before his death in South Africa, bars Hichilema from coming near his body — even as a mourner. Courts have sided with the Zambian state, but the family keeps resisting. In Lusaka, an empty, coffin-sized grave sits ready for a state funeral. Pastors and scholars say the standoff has turned spiritual, with fears of curses and ritual motives.

Indonesia’s president reaches a trade deal with US while in Washington for Trump’s Board of Peace

February 20, 2026

By DIDI TANG, NINIEK KARMINI and ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL - Associated Press

The White House has announced a trade agreement with Indonesia. It was announced Thursday while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was in Washington to attend the first meeting of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. Under the agreement, Southeast Asia’s largest economy will eliminate tariffs for 99% of American goods while the U.S. would maintain tariffs on most Indonesian goods at 19%. The White House is calling it a “great deal” that will “help both countries to strengthen economic security.” Indonesian and U.S. companies also reached several business deals this week. They cover agricultural products and cooperation on critical minerals and computer chips.

Israeli settlers kill 19-year-old Palestinian American, officials and witnesses say

February 19, 2026

By IMAD ISSEID and MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

The Palestinian Health Ministry and a witness say that Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank shot and killed a Palestinian American in an attack on a village. Resident Raed Abu Ali says the attack took place Wednesday in the village of Mukhmas. The Israeli military said its soldiers responded to a violent confrontation there and tried to disperse a riot. Separately, the Committee to Protect Journalists has reported that detained Palestinian journalists faced beatings, stress positions and medical neglect while in Israeli detention. The U.N. says Gaza’s destruction is so vast that clearing rubble alone will take seven years.

NASA conducts second rocket fueling test that will decide when Artemis astronauts head to the moon

February 19, 2026

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

NASA has taken another crack at fueling its giant moon rocket after leaks halted the initial dress rehearsal. Launch teams pumped more than 700,000 gallons of fuel into the rocket Thursday at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. They counted all the way down to the half-minute mark as planned, with minimal hydrogen leakage well within safety limits. Engineers are analyzing the data, and the outcome will determine whether March is possible for the Artemis II lunar fly-around with four astronauts. Two weeks ago, dangerous amounts of liquid hydrogen escaped during the operation. NASA replaced two seals and a clogged filter.

Russian-run areas of Ukraine face water, heat and housing woes

February 19, 2026

By YURAS KARMANAU - Associated Press

Nearly four years into its full-scale invasion, Russia controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Many of the estimated 3 million to 5 million people who remain in regions under Moscow’s control face housing, water, power, heat and health care woes. Even President Vladimir Putin acknowledges “many truly pressing, urgent problems” in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, which were illegally annexed by Moscow months after the Feb. 24, 2022, all-out war began. Russian citizenship, language and culture is forced upon residents, including in school lesson plans and textbooks. Human rights activists say some residents live in fear of being accused of sympathizing with Kyiv, and many have been imprisoned, beaten and killed, according to human rights activists.

Superior pushes for control over SWL&P utilities

February 19, 2026

Lauren Martinson, Adam Jagunich,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Water, Light and Power, owned by Allete, has provided Superior with utilities for the last 135 years. However, Mayor Jim Paine is pushing for a shift to keep costs affordable. “Right now, people are opening the most expensive water, light, and power bills they have ever received in the history of the city,” said Superior Mayor…

Ronald McDonald House hosts 5th annual Brew Love North fundraiser

February 19, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Ronald McDonald House hosted its5th annual Brew Love North fundraiser. Since opening in 2021, the Ronald McDonald House has supported over 500 families throughout the region. The event consisted of over 20 local craft beverage vendors offering unlimited samples, along with a silent auction and a “Donate to Vote” contest, with 100% of the proceeds going…

Mayor Roger Reinert speaks on skywalk system

February 19, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Following the release of a study regarding the skywalk system, the City of Duluth Mayor, Roger Reinert, weighed in. A six-month study of the skywalk system identified several challenges and outlined three main options: fully reinvesting in the system, removing it entirely, or pursuing a hybrid approach. The study ultimately found that a hybrid approach would work…

Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star and ALS awareness advocate, dies at 53

February 19, 2026

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Entertainment Writer

Eric Dane, the actor known for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has died at 53 due to ALS. His representatives say he died on Thursday afternoon. His family says he spent his final days with loved ones. Dane rose to fame as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and later played Cal Jacobs on “Euphoria.” He also starred on “The Last Ship,” where production paused as he battled depression. In April 2025, Dane shared his diagnosis of ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He later spoke publicly to push ALS awareness and research. He leaves two daughters with wife Rebecca Gayheart, who he married in 2004.

Shia LaBeouf used homophobic slurs while assaulting New Orleans bar patrons, police say

February 19, 2026

By JACK BROOK - Associated Press/Report for America

Actor Shia LaBeouf has been charged with battery and is accused of repeatedly using homophobic slurs while hitting multiple people at a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras. That’s according to a police report obtained Thursday by The Associated Press via a public records request. A local entertainer who police identified in the report says LaBeouf physically attacked him early Tuesday morning and called him homophobic slurs. Jeffrey Damnit says he believes he was targeted because he was wearing lipstick and eye makeup. LaBeouf was released without bond Tuesday by a New Orleans district judge. He has been charged with two counts of simple battery.

"robert's Rules Of Orders" Turns 150 Years Old

Robert’s Rules of Order turns 150 years old

February 19, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the most influential rule books for public meetings operate turned 150 years old Thursday. Robert’s Rules of Order was written in 1876 and is still shaping modern meetings today. Robert’s Rules of Order are designed to create fair, orderly meetings with equal speaking time for debates before votes are made. North Carolina attorney Jim Slaughter…

Superior Choice Credit Union holds funeral as formal goodbye to the penny

February 19, 2026

Emily Halling,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The community is “paying” their respects and keeping a penny in their thoughts mourning the loss of the 1-cent coin, discontinued last year. The service reflected the impact the 238-year-old coin had in the nation. A crash course went over the history of the penny, and how it changed over the years… Members also discussed it’s cultural significance. From…

Registered Predatory Offender accused of recording self sexually abusing child

February 19, 2026

Matt McConico,

Benjamin Peterson TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A man is accused of sexually abusing a young child and recording at least one incident. Charging documents says law enforcement was tipped off to “Child Sex Abuse Material” being discovered on Benjamin William Peterson’s cloud account. Peterson’s charging documents say he is currently a “Registered Predatory Offender”. The indictment says investigators found a…

Hockey star Laila Edwards’ family saw Olympic gold medal win, thanks to Kelce brothers and GoFundMe

February 19, 2026

By STEFANIE DAZIO and ANNIE RISEMBERG - Associated Press

When U.S. hockey defender Laila Edwards skated onto the Olympic ice ahead of Thursday’s gold medal win against Canada, she immediately scanned the stands for the real MVP. It’s her 91-year-old grandmother. Edwards was the first Black female hockey player to represent the U.S. at the Olympics. Ten family members and four friends made the trip to Milan for her Olympic debut thanks to an outpouring of donations as part of a GoFundMe drive. The contributions included a major push from NFL brother tandem of Travis and Jason Kelce, who also grew up in Edwards’ hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch

February 19, 2026

Matt McConico,

FILE – Documents that were included in the U.S. Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files are photographed Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein ’s former Zorro Ranch. Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office made the announcement Thursday, saying the decision…

USW Next Gen Committee holds book drive for Kids, Teens

February 19, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — United Steel Workers Local 9460 has a new initiative to support literacy and learning. Throughout February and March, the Next Gen Committee is holding a book drive. They are collecting new and gently used books aimed for children and teens. Donated books will be distributed to area Essentia Health locations. Kids will be able to browse in…

Wisconsin passes expanded Medicaid for moms, would leave Arkansas as only state without it

February 19, 2026

Matt McConico,

Democratic Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, surrounded by Democratic colleagues, speaks in support of measures to expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers and insurance coverage for breast exams at a news conference in the state Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Madison, Wis. MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Women in Wisconsin will soon be eligible to receive expanded Medicaid…

Wisconsin passes expanded Medicaid for moms, would leave Arkansas as only state without it

February 19, 2026

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

Women in Wisconsin will soon be eligible to receive expanded Medicaid coverage for up to a year after giving birth following passage of a measure by the Wisconsin Assembly. Passing the bill Thursday will leave Arkansas as the only state yet to expand such benefits. Wisconsin Democrats. Even most Republicans have pushed for years to expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers, only to be blocked by powerful Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. The Assembly also passed another bill with bipartisan support to require insurance to cover additional cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue.

Virginia judge temporarily blocks Democrats’ redistricting work on bid to flip 4 congressional seats

February 19, 2026

By OLIVIA DIAZ - Associated Press/Report for America

A Virginia court is temporarily blocking Democrats from preparing for an April voter referendum to redraw the state’s congressional maps. The ruling hands Democrats another setback in their efforts to pick up four more U.S. House seats in the national redistricting battle. The Tazewell Circuit Court in Virginia granted a temporary restraining order requested by the Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee over the ballot referendum’s timing and phrasing.

New Mexico’s promise of free child care comes with a fiscal escape hatch

February 19, 2026

By MORGAN LEE and SAVANNAH PETERS - Associated Press

An ambitious program to provide free universal child care to working families in New Mexico is being enshrined into law. State lawmakers are tapping into a financial windfall from oil and gas production to pay for it, but they’re wary of an uncertain future and have left the door open to copays from high-income households. New Mexico last year became the first state to offer universal free child care to families of all income levels. From New York to San Francisco, more Democratic leaders are looking to expand access to free and subsidized care. However, the political stakes are high as the potential for fraud has increased scrutiny on such social programs.

US beats Canada in OT for women’s hockey gold medal

February 19, 2026

The Associated Press,

United States’ players celebrate after a women’s ice hockey gold medal game between the United States and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) MILAN (AP) — The U.S. women’s hockey team delivered an Olympic comeback for the ages by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal…

Slavery exhibit removed by Trump administration is returning to Independence Mall in Philadelphia

February 19, 2026

By MARYCLAIRE DALE and TASSANEE VEJPONGSA - Associated Press

Federal workers are restoring an exhibit on the people once enslaved by President George Washington in Philadelphia despite an ongoing legal fight between the city and the Trump administration. Mayor Cherelle Parker visited the site Thursday morning to thank the National Park Service workers reinstalling the panels. The work is set to continue Friday, the deadline set by a judge who ordered it restored. The exhibit details the lives of the nine people enslaved at the former President’s House on Independence Mall. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is appealing the judge’s ruling. A spokesperson says the office has no comment on the restoration work.

New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch

February 19, 2026

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN - Associated Press

New Mexico’s attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch. Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office says the decision was made after reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Although New Mexico’s initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, state prosecutors say now that “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.” The New Mexico Department of Justice says special agents and prosecutors at the agency will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file.

Father, daughter arrested in separate DWI incidents at same scene

February 19, 2026

Matt McConico,

Jason Ray Jacobs WHITE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Minnesota State Troopers say at 9:35 am on the morning of February 18, 202,6 they spotted a vehicle weaving within traffic lines. Troopers began to watch the vehicle and noticed it was driving on the center line of County Road 100 in White Township, near Aurora. The vehicle continued to weave and then…

White House pressure leads universities to cut ties with nonprofit that helps racial minorities

February 19, 2026

By JOCELYN GECKER and COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writers

The Trump administration says that 31 universities have agreed to cut ties with a nonprofit that helps racial minorities earn doctorate degrees. The announcement Thursday by the Department of Education is the latest development in the Republican administration’s campaign to end diversity programs in higher education. The PhD Project was a little-known group until it became a target of conservative strategists last year and then the focus of an investigation by the Education Department. The group of 31 colleges includes major public research universities such as Arizona State, Ohio State and the University of Michigan, along with private schools like Yale, Duke and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The travertine quarries that built ancient Rome are carving rock for a new generation of temples

February 19, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD and FRANCESCA PRIMAVILLA - Associated Press

The same travertine quarries near Rome that built St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum are still being dug out today, providing the distinctive pock-marked rock to build a new generation of churches, temples and mosques worldwide. It is prized by architects for several reasons: It’s strong, plentiful and can withstand any number of climactic and environmental assaults. Depending on how and where it’s cut, it has a variety of looks: rough or sleek, in various colors. One of the latest projects is a new travertine façade for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in New York City.

Duluth Sport Show kicks off at the DECC

February 19, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the Northland’s biggest sporting exhibitions is underway at the DECC. The annual Duluth Sport Show kicked off at 3 pm Thursday, February 19th. Four halls contain hundreds of products, vendors, and activities. From boats, RVs, and resorts to demonstrations and free face painting – there will be something fun for everyone. “It’s become a tradition….

Federal judge accuses Trump administration of ‘terror’ against immigrants in scathing ruling

February 19, 2026

By SUDHIN THANAWALA - Associated Press

A federal judge has accused the Trump administration of terrorizing immigrants and recklessly violating the law in its efforts to deport millions of people living in the country illegally. Citing the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, the judge said in a scathing decision late Wednesday that the White House had also “extended its violence on its own citizens.” U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes in Riverside, California ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide detained immigrants around the country with notice of her earlier decision that they may be eligible to seek release on bond. The department said in a statement that the Supreme Court had “repeatedly overruled” lower courts on the issue of mandatory detention.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor Formerly Known As Prince Andrew

Police say the former Prince Andrew has been released after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office

February 19, 2026

The Associated Press,

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew(CNN) LONDON (AP) — The former Prince Andrew has been released after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The Thames Valley Police force said the former prince was released Thursday evening. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed in a car leaving the station near his home in eastern England about 11 hours after…

Oscars will bring back last year’s acting winners — Saldaña, Culkin, Madison and Brody — to present

February 19, 2026

AP

The film academy says last year’s acting winners return as presenters at the next Oscars. On Thursday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña will hand out trophies. The ceremony takes place on March 15 with Conan O’Brien as host. Saldaña, Madison and Culkin became first-time winners last year. Brody earned his second best actor Oscar. This year, “Sinners” leads nominations with a record 16. Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo are the “Sinners” cast members up for acting trophies.

Jordan Stolz’s Olympic gold streak ends with loss to China’s Ning Zhongyan in the 1,500

February 19, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

American speedskater Jordan Stolz’s bid for a third gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics has come up short with a loss to China’s Ning Zhongyan in the 1,500 meters. Ning won Thursday in an Olympic-record time of 1 minute, 41.98 seconds. Stolz, skating in the day’s last heat, finished 0.77 off the pace, and adds a silver to the golds he claimed earlier at these Winter Games in the 500 and 1,000. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin will participate in his last race, the mass start, on Saturday. Two-time 1,500 defending Olympic champion Kjeld Nuis of the Netherlands got the bronze on Thursday.

Iranians grieve defiantly for thousands killed in last month’s crackdown

February 19, 2026

By AMIR-HUSSEIN RADJY and KAREEM CHEHAYEB - Associated Press

Iranians are still reeling with shock, grief and fear after Iran’s rulers unleashed the deadliest crackdown ever seen in the Islamic Republic last month. But a vein of defiance persists. In some districts of the capital and other cities, residents shout anti-government slogans from their roofs and balconies at night. And this week, memorials marking the passage of 40 days since protesters’ deaths are being held, turning a traditional rite of mourning into political protests. In videos of some 40-day memorials, hundreds gather and often chant against the government.

FCC chairman says the agency is investigating ABC’s ‘The View’ over equal time rule

February 19, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC’s “The View” over possible violations of the requirement that broadcast stations give equal time to political candidates when they appear on-air. That’s according to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. At issue is a Feb. 2 appearance by James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas. There are exceptions to the equal time rule, including for newscasts, “bona fide” interview programs, and coverage of live events or documentaries. Carr has raised questions about the talk show exemption and whether it should stand. Stephen Colbert said CBS executives pulled an appearance by Talarico on Colbert’s program this week over fears it ran afoul of equal time provisions.

Judge declares 4 men wrongly accused of 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders innocent

February 19, 2026

By JIM VERTUNO - Associated Press

A Texas judge has declared four men who were wrongfully accused of the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders innocent. State District Judge Dayna Blazey called her order “an obligation to the rule of law” in a packed Austin courtroom Thursday. The declaration was aimed at closing a dark chapter for the men and for a city that was shaken by the crime and investigators’ inability to solve it for decades. Four teenagers were found bound, gagged and shot in the head at the store where two of them worked. Cold case detectives announced last year that they had connected the killings to a suspect who died in a 1999 standoff with police.

Modi’s AI summit turns awkward as tech leaders Sam Altman and Dario Amodei dodge contact

February 19, 2026

By SHEIKH SAALIQ and MATT O'BRIEN - Associated Press

India’s prime minister has put AI rivals Sam Altman and Dario Amodei in an awkward spotlight at a summit in New Delhi. On Thursday, Narendra Modi invited a group of tech leaders to hold hands and raise them together on stage to reflect their commitment to building inclusive AI. Altman and Amodei stood next to each other but didn’t clasp hands. They hesitate, then lift their fists instead. The moment went viral online and highlighted the rivalry between OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude.

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