News Archives - Page 21 of 909

The Latest: Congress scrambles to save bipartisan spending deal before Friday night deadline

January 30, 2026

The Associated Press

Senate leaders were scrambling to save a bipartisan spending deal and avert a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday. Democrats have demanded new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country following the deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal agents. Democrats struck a rare deal with President Donald Trump Thursday to separate funding for the Homeland Security Department from a broad government spending bill and fund it for two weeks while Congress debates curbs on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he Democratic leader Chuck Schumer were trying to work through any objections that could delay passage past the Friday deadline.

Journalist Don Lemon arrested after protest that disrupted Minnesota church service

January 30, 2026

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

Journalist Don Lemon has been arrested after he entered a Minnesota church and recorded anti-immigration enforcement protesters who disrupted a service. The protest Jan. 18 increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration. It was not immediately clear what charge or charges Lemon was facing. The arrest came after a magistrate judge last week rejected prosecutors’ initial bid to charge the journalist.

Trump names former Federal Reserve governor Warsh as the next Fed chair, to replace Powell

January 30, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

President Donald Trump says he’ll nominate former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to be the next Fed chair. Friday’s pick is likely to result in sharp changes to the powerful agency that could bring it closer to the White House and reduce its longtime independence from day-to-day politics. Warsh would replace Jerome Powell when his term expires in May. Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but recently has assailed him for not cutting interest rates quickly enough. Warsh’s appointment requires Senate confirmation. Warsh was on the Fed’s board from 2006 to 2011. He’s a fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Towns once run by Warren Jeffs’ polygamous sect emerge from court supervision transformed

January 30, 2026

By JACQUES BILLEAUD - Associated Press

Two neighboring towns on the Arizona-Utah border that once served as a haven for a polygamous religious sect have entered a new era. Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, were once controlled by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The changes to the towns came after the sect’s leader and prophet, Warren Jeffs, was imprisoned for sexually assaulting girls he considered brides, most followers moved away and religious influences were excised from the local governments and shared police force. Restrictions imposed by religious leaders were lifted, and the towns were released from court supervision last summer, nearly two years earlier than expected.

Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US

January 30, 2026

By GRAHAM LEE BREWER, SAVANNAH PETERS and STEWART HUNTINGTON - Associated Press/ICT

Many of the people whose ancestors lived in the U.S. thousands of years before Europeans are carrying tribal identification for protection against the Trump administration’s anti-immigration agenda. Dozens of the 575 federally recognized Native American tribes are making it easier to get tribal IDs by waiving fees, lowering the age of eligibility and printing cards on the spot. Experts say it’s the first time tribal ID cards have been widely used as proof of U.S. citizenship and protection against federal law enforcement. As Native Americans rush to secure the documents, many see a bitter irony in the first people of the land having to prove that they too are U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment.

Ukraine is bracing for brutal weather as Trump says Putin agreed to halt power grid attacks

January 30, 2026

By SUSIE BLANN - Associated Press

Ukraine is waiting to see if Russia will pause attacks on its power grid. U.S. President Donald Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a temporary halt as Ukraine faces severe winter weather. Trump didn’t specify when the call with Putin happened or when the moratorium would start. The Kremlin hasn’t confirmed the pause. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doubts Russia’s intentions. Kyiv is experiencing power shortages and expects extreme cold. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to stop its attacks if Russia does the same. But there’s no official ceasefire agreement. Zelenskyy said Thursday in comments made public on Friday that “I do not believe that Russia wants to end the war.”

PHOTO ESSAY: Liberia’s largest gold miner and community tensions

January 30, 2026

Associated Press - By MISPER APAWU

JIKANDOR, Liberia (AP) — The announcement posted in the village has a cheerful tone: “BMMC is pleased to inform you that there will be a blast” at a mining pit nearby. Residents told visiting journalists with The Associated Press and The Gecko Project that such explosions have cracked or crumbled homes during the operations of Liberia’s largest gold miner, the…

Through the eyes of Iranian protesters, glimpses of disorder, disarray and death

January 29, 2026

By KAREEM CHEHAYEB and SARAH EL DEEB - Associated Press

Six Iranians spoke to The Associated Press about the protests in Iran, describing a renewed sense of hope even with a bloody crackdown on demonstrators. The Iranians said they demonstrated and witnessed state violence. Protests erupt in Iran every few years, but several said this time felt different, with unprecedented momentum and a diverse crowd. They described older residents, people from well-to-do families, even children on the streets. Activists estimate over 6,000 people were killed in the bloodiest crackdown on dissent since the Islamic Republic’s 1979 creation. The Iranians spoke on condition of anonymity as the crackdown continued. Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not respond to questions from AP about these witnesses’ recollections.

Masked agents, face scans and a question: Are you a citizen? Inside Trump’s Minnesota crackdown

January 29, 2026

By GARANCE BURKE and BYRON TAU - Associated Press

The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is providing insights into the surveillance technologies the government is using in its mass deportation campaign. Department of Homeland Security officials insist their immigration enforcement operations are “highly targeted.” But some American citizens have been caught up in the raids as the Trump administration has built new surveillance tools and fused together datasets on citizens and noncitizens alike. Over the last year, the agency’s expanding digital dragnet has empowered federal agents to collect and analyze vast volumes of information. The Department of Homeland Security says it will not disclose law enforcement-sensitive methods.

As an uncertain 2026 begins, virtual journeys back to 2016 become a trend

January 29, 2026

By PAVAN MAHAL - Associated Press

The year is 2016. Somehow it feels carefree, driven by internet culture. Everyone is wearing over-the-top makeup. At least, that’s how Maren Nævdal, 27, remembers it — and has seen it on her social feeds in recent days. For Njeri Allen, also 27, the year was defined by the artists topping the charts that year, from Beyonce to Drake to Rihanna’s last music releases. These days, a lot of people, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are thinking about 2016. Over the past few weeks, millions have been sharing throwback photos to that time on social media, kicking off one of the first viral trends of the year — the year 2026, that is.

Rep. Stauber ducks out of Teamsters meeting, dodging blocked media and protesters

FOX 21 confirmed two Duluth police officers were contracted by U.S. Capitol Police to be at the union hall; Non-local law enforcement were also there

January 29, 2026

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber’s office responded to FOX 21’s request for more information Thursday involving a Wednesday night protest outside the Teamsters Local 346 building in Duluth involving the congressman. The spokesperson said Stauber was invited to the private gathering inside the union hall with the Teamsters to give an update on the Faster Labor Contracts Act….

“No NDA’s in the DFL” meeting held at Zeitgeist

January 29, 2026

Lauren Martinson,

DULUTH, Minn. — The topic of non-disclosure agreements took center stage at a public meeting at Zeitgeist. Elected officials and community members alike gathered to discuss NDA’s ahead of an upcoming caucus. The focus was on how NDA’s have been used by officials, but an update was also provided on the Hermantown data center. Small groups broke out for discussions…

ISMA hosts 136th Grand Lodge Convention

January 29, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — A gathering was held for the 136th annual Grand Lodge Convention hosted by the International Ship Masters’ Association. Founded in 1886, the organization represents licensed Great Lakes mariners. Its mission focuses on education, safety, and environmental stewardship from the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway. That mission will be reflected throughout this weekend-long convention. The event…

Trump sues IRS and Treasury for $10 billion over leaked tax info

January 29, 2026

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is suing the IRS and Treasury Department for $10 billion. He accuses them of failing to prevent a leak of his tax information to news outlets. The lawsuit was filed in a Florida federal court on Thursday. In 2024, former IRS contractor Charles Edward Littlejohn was sentenced to five years in prison for leaking tax information about Trump and others. Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury Department cut its contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton, where Littlejohn worked. He was charged and imprisoned for leaking tax information about thousands of wealthy individuals, including Trump.

Man at center of large Northland manhunt mistakenly released from jail

January 29, 2026

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – In September, Michael Todd Hart walked away from jail, which led to a large manhunt. About four months later, Hart walked away from another jail when he should have been in custody – but this time, jailers told him to go. Hart called FOX 21, saying he was out and it was apparently an accident. Michael Todd…

House Republicans propose voting changes as Trump administration eyes the midterms

January 29, 2026

By LISA MASCARO - AP Congressional Correspondent

House Republicans are proposing sweeping changes to the nation’s voting laws. The package released Thursday is a long-shot priority for President Donald Trump that would mean some stricter requirements before Americans vote in the midterm elections in fall. The legislation reflects a number of the party’s most sought-after election changes. They include requirements for photo IDs before people can vote, as well as proof of citizenship, which would both take effect in 2027. More immediately, it would would put prohibitions on universal vote-by-mail and ranked choice voting. The legislation faces a long haul in the narrowly split Congress, where Democrats have warned similar proposals would disenfranchise voters. One top Democrat vowed to fight it.

Trump says he will announce his Federal Reserve chair nominee on Friday morning

January 29, 2026

By JOSH BOAK and DARLENE SUPERVILLE - Associated Press

President Donald Trump said he plans to announce his choice for Federal Reserve chairman on Friday morning. Trump has criticized current Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting interest rates more aggressively. Trump is believed to have four finalists for the position, but did not give details on Thursday. Tensions have been high between Trump and the Fed, with Powell emphasizing the importance of independent judgment and accountability to Congress. Powell’s term ends in May, but he could remain on the board until 2028.

11 dead in South Africa minibus and truck collision days after similar crash killed 14 children

January 29, 2026

By MICHELLE GUMEDE and GERALD IMRAY - Associated Press

A crash involving a minibus taxi and a truck has killed at least 11 people in South Africa. A local government official and emergency services reported the incident Thursday. The collision happened in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province. Provincial transport department official Siboniso Duma says 11 people including a child died at the scene. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson has confirmed the deaths and says several people were critically injured. The driver of the minibus was trapped in the wreckage. South Africa’s Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has instructed the country’s Road Traffic Management Corporation to investigate. The accident follows a similar crash that killed 14 schoolchildren just over a week ago.

Immigration raids, election office search stir midterm concerns for Democratic election officials

January 29, 2026

MATT BROWN - Associated Press

Aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which resulted in the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, and this week’s FBI search of an election office in Georgia have Democratic election officials concerned about what could be in store for this fall’s midterm elections. During an annual gathering of state election officials on Thursday, several Democratic secretaries of state said they had begun planning for a range of ways the Trump administration might seek to interfere with voting or how they run elections. That could include putting immigration agents near polling places or attempting to seize voting equipment, they said. The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.

Conservative judge in Minnesota tries to keep Trump administration in check during crackdown

January 29, 2026

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

The chief federal judge in Minnesota has added his voice to the weekslong confrontation between the public and the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement. Judge Patrick Schiltz says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is “not a law unto itself.” He was referring to dozens of court orders that ICE has not complied with in cases where immigrants have sought release or other relief. It’s another example of judges trying to keep officials accountable during a surge of U.S. immigration enforcement. A judge in Chicago put limits on the use of force there, though the lawsuit has been dropped.

Trump threatens tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba, a move that puts pressure on Mexico

January 29, 2026

By MICHELLE L. PRICE - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, a move that puts pressure on Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said this week that her government had at least temporarily stopped oil shipments to Cuba, but said it was a “sovereign decision” not made under pressure from the United States. Trump has been squeezing Mexico to distance itself from the Cuban government. In the wake of the U.S. military operation to oust former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump has said the Cuban government is ready to fall.

Superior Chief Of Police Releases Footage Of Officer Involved Shooting

Superior Police Dept. releases videos of Dec. officer-involved shootout

January 29, 2026

Emily Halling, Adam Jagunich,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– On December 7th, 2025, an officer-involved shooting took place on 37th Street, and Tower Avenue in Superior. “I want to begin by acknowledging the gravity of any officer involved shooting. These events are traumatic,” said Chief Paul Winterscheidt, of the Superior Police Department. Chief Winterscheidt said the city of Superior hasn’t seen an incident of this significance in…

Pipe fractured in Pine County explosion was ‘susceptible to integrity issues’

January 29, 2026

Matt McConico,

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – The United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is overseeing the investigation into the natural gas pipeline explosion that happened in Pine County. Following the January 16, 2026 pipeline failure near Willow River, Minnesota, the federal agency issued a “Corrective Action Order”. The order was sent on the day following the explosion. Willow River…

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims made during Trump’s first cabinet meeting of 2026

January 29, 2026

By The Associated Press

President Donald Trump has held his first cabinet meeting of 2026, focusing on the economy, housing, energy, health initiatives and drug prices. He painted a positive picture of his administration’s accomplishments, but some claims were exaggerated. Trump mentioned $18 trillion in investments, but evidence suggests this figure is inflated. The White House website lists a lower number, $9.6 trillion, which includes commitments from the Biden era. On housing, claims of a sharp rise in home sales are overstated. The National Association of Realtors reported only a 1.4% increase in December. Additionally, Trump’s statements on California wildfires and water supply were inaccurate.

Essentia expands access to early lung cancer detection

January 29, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is combating lung cancer by expanding access to early detection screenings with state-of-the-art equipment. From more staff and hours to a new robot, the Lung Nodule and Advanced Bronchoscopy clinic can now see more patients and diagnose them much earlier. Their new robot, called Noah Medical Galaxy System, performs bronchoscopies. This device allows them to…

Propane truck crash(Burnett County Sheriffs Office)

Driver extricated from fiery propane truck crash in Burnett County

January 29, 2026

KQDS Staff,

Propane truck crash(Burnett County Sheriff’s Office) BURNETT COUNTY, Wis. — A propane truck crash in Burnett County briefly left the driver trapped inside. Officials say on Wednesday at around 12:53 p.m., they received a report of a crash at the intersection of County Road H and State Road 70 in Dewey Township. That is about 28-miles Southeast of Hayward. A…

Starbucks sees room to expand with hundreds of new US stores and increased seating

January 29, 2026

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

Starbucks says it plans to open hundreds of new stores across the U.S. and add seating at thousands of existing locations. The company detailed its plans during an investor presentation in New York on Thursday. Executives say they expect up to 175 new U.S. Starbucks cafes to open this year and around 400 in 2028. The company’s plans include smaller-format stores that are cheaper to build but still offer seating, drive-thru service, and mobile order pickup. CEO Brian Niccol has focused on making Starbucks stores more welcoming even as consumer demand for drive-thru coffee grows. He says Starbucks sees an opportunity to build at least 5,000 new cafes across the U.S.

A man impersonating an FBI agent tried to get Luigi Mangione out of jail, authorities say

January 29, 2026

By MICHAEL R. SISAK - Associated Press

Authorities say a man claiming to be an FBI agent showed up to a federal jail in New York City and told officers he had a court order to release Luigi Mangione. The man was arrested and charged with impersonating an FBI agent in a foiled bid to free Mangione from the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is held while awaiting state and federal murder trials in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A criminal complaint filed against Mark Anderson did not did not identify the person attempted to free but a law enforcement official confirmed it was Mangione. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity.

After a terrifying fall, Red Panda retraces what went wrong and the support that carried her back

January 29, 2026

By ALANIS THAMES - AP Sports Writer

Rong Niu’s pink sequined dress shimmered under the arena lights at a recent Miami men’s basketball game. The popular halftime performer known as “Red Panda” finished her signature seven-minute set. She looked up at a crowd of fans chanting her name and flashed a smile before dismounting. Niu has grown somewhat accustomed to the fanfare over decades performing at NBA, WNBA and college basketball games. Still, even after sports fans rallied around her following a frightening fall during a WNBA game last July, she can hardly put words to what the support means to her.

Sen. Susan Collins announces end to ICE large-scale operations in Maine after talks with Noem

January 29, 2026

By PATRICK WHITTLE, KIMBERLEE KRUESI and HOLLY RAMER - Associated Press

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says immigration officials have ceased their enhanced operations in the state. Collins, a Republican, announced the development Thursday after saying she spoke with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Collins says there are no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations in Maine. Collins has urged the Trump administration to reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement. Her statement follows an ICE operation called “Catch of the Day,” which led to more than 200 arrests in the state. Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who could face Collins in a high-profile Senate race this fall, has challenged immigration officials to provide more transparency.

Justice Department charges man who squirted vinegar on Rep. Ilhan Omar

January 29, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Justice Department has charged a man who squirted apple cider vinegar on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at an event in Minneapolis, according to court papers made public Thursday. The man arrested for Tuesday’s attack, Anthony Kazmierczak, faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar, according to a complaint filed in federal court. Authorities…

Some blind fans to experience Super Bowl with tactile device that tracks ball

January 29, 2026

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Some blind and low-vision fans will have unprecedented access to the Super Bowl thanks to a tactile device that tracks the ball, vibrates on key plays and provides real-time audio. The NFL teamed up with OneCourt and Ticketmaster to pilot the game-enhancing experience 15 times during the regular-season during games hosted by five teams. About 10 blind and low-vision fans will have an opportunity to use the same technology at the Super Bowl when Seattle faces New England. With hands on the device, they will feel the location of the ball and hear what’s happening throughout the game.

Trump’s border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota, but only after ‘cooperation’

January 29, 2026

By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO and REBECCA SANTANA - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s border czar says immigration enforcement could reduce the number of officers in Minnesota. Tom Homan suggested during a news conference Thursday that a drawdown could happen, but only after “cooperation” from state officials. Trump sent Homan to Minnesota following last weekend’s fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti. Homan doubled down on the need for local jails to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement to inmates who are eligible to be deported. He vowed to stay until the “problem’s gone,” but he seemed to acknowledge missteps while warning protesters they could face consequences if they interfere with federal officers.

Melania Trump’s documentary premieres at the Kennedy Center ahead of global release

January 29, 2026

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE - Associated Press

Melania Trump is capping her first year after becoming first lady again with the global release of a documentary about the 20 days before she and President Donald Trump returned to the White House. The Kennedy Center in Washington has scheduled a screening for the movie, “Melania,” on Thursday, one day before its release in theaters worldwide. The Trumps are expected to walk the red carpet. Melania Trump says the film will offer rare insight into her life as she juggled her private businesses and planned her family’s return to the White House in the run-up to the 2025 inauguration.

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse brings suspense with production of “Dial M For Murder”

January 29, 2026

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is welcoming in the Twin Ports theatre community for an evening of mystery and suspense with their production of “Dial M For Murder”. Two of the show’s stars, Jess Hughes and Dan Prevette, stopped by the morning show to talk about their preparation for the show, and what audiences can expect from the wild…

Trump eyes basing his new Board of Peace at a Washington building in legal limbo

January 29, 2026

By MATTHEW LEE - AP Diplomatic Writer

The Trump administration is looking at basing the new Board of Peace in the Washington building that formerly housed the U.S. Institute of Peace. That word comes from four administration officials. The Board of Peace’s initial task is to oversee President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, but he seems to have broader ambitions for the initiative. The U.S. Institute of Peace is an independent nongovernmental organization established by Congress. The administration seized the building last year and fired almost all the institute’s staff. The building has since been renamed the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace, but its name and status are in legal limbo.

Trump’s border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota but only after ‘cooperation’

January 29, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan says immigration enforcement will reduce the number of officers in Minnesota but suggested during a news conference Thursday that it would happen only after ‘cooperation’ from state officials. Trump sent Homan to Minnesota in the wake of the Saturday fatal shooting of a protester at the hands of a federal…

Democratic Sen. Klobuchar says she’s running for Minnesota governor after Gov. Walz dropped out

January 29, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Thursday she is running for governor of Minnesota, promising to take on President Donald Trump while unifying a state that has endured a series of challenges even before the federal government’s immigration crackdown. Sen. Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar’s decision gives Democrats a high-profile candidate and proven statewide winner as their party tries to…

Responders recall a mission of recovery and grief a year after the midair collision near DC

January 29, 2026

By GARY FIELDS, JOSH FUNK and NATHAN ELLGREN - Associated Press

Families and emergency responders are marking the one-year anniversary of the deadly plane collision over the Potomac River. American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft. The plane crash on Jan. 29, 2025, was the deadliest on U.S. soil since a 2001 crash that killed 265 people. Emergency crews faced challenging conditions as they searched for victims, their personal belongings and pieces of the wreckage. Emergency response officials said the priority was recovering bodies and returning them to families. The recovery of personal items provided some closure for grieving families.

Sabalenka into fourth straight Australian Open final and facing Rybakina again

January 29, 2026

By JOHN PYE - AP Sports Writer

Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to her fourth consecutive Australian Open final and its a rematch of the 2023 decider against Elena Rybakina. The top-ranked Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 and moved to within one victory of a third title in four years at Melbourne Park. Fifth-seeded Rybakina beat sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 in the second semifinal. Rybakina was the 2022 Wimbledon champion and runner-up here to Sabalenka three years ago. A point penalty for hindrance against Sabalenka at the start of the fourth game proved to be only a momentary distraction.

Escape from Washington? Senators look to start new chapters as governors

January 29, 2026

By MAYA SWEEDLER - Associated Press

U.S. senators are increasingly looking to leave Washington for leadership roles in their home states. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota joins Michael Bennet of Colorado, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama in running for governor. This trend highlights a shift in political ambition away from the Senate, which has become mired in dysfunction. Governorships offer the chance to govern effectively and build a national profile. The Senate is seeing the highest rate of turnover in more than a decade. Political historian Matt Dallek notes state-level governance is seen as more effective and appealing.

Dow to cut about 4,500 jobs as emphasis shifts to AI and automation

January 29, 2026

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN - AP Business Writer

Dow is planning to cut approximately 4,500 jobs as the chemicals maker puts more emphasis on using artificial intelligence and automation in its business. The company said Thursday that it anticipates about $600 million to $800 million in severance costs related to the move. Those costs are part of a broader plan aimed at simplifying operations and streamlining end-to-end processes.

Democratic Sen. Klobuchar says she’s running for Minnesota governor after Gov. Walz dropped out

January 29, 2026

By BILL BARROW and STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she’s running for governor of Minnesota. Klobuchar announced her candidacy in a video Thursday. Klobuchar promises to take on President Donald Trump’s administration and unify Minnesota after a series of challenges. Klobuchar’s decision gives Democrats a high-profile candidate as they try to keep the office held by Tim Walz, their 2024 vice presidential nominee. Walz recently dropped out amid criticism over mismanagement of taxpayer funding for child care programs. Klobuchar has been a vocal critic of Trump, especially regarding his Republican administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The Minnesota contest is expected to test Trump’s law-and-order approach against Democrats’ criticisms of his administration’s tactics.

Erin Jackson does not want to be the only Black woman to win Winter Olympics individual gold

January 29, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

American speedskater Erin Jackson is the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympics gold medal in any sport. She wants to make sure she is not the last. Jackson will be at the Milan Cortina Games in February to defend the title she won in the 500 meters at Beijing four years ago. She also will be racing in the 1,000 meters. She has made it a goal to increase the number of minority women in her sport and wants to start a foundation after she retires from competition.

EU appears poised to sanction Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over protest crackdown

January 29, 2026

AP

The European Union appears poised to sanction Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard over Tehran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. Kaja Kallas said that she expects foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday to agree on adding Iran’s Guard to its terrorist list. She said the move would put the Guard on the same footing as al-Qaida, Hamas and the Islamic State group. Iran had no immediate comment, but it has been criticizing Europe in recent days as it considered the move, which follows the U.S. earlier sanctioning the Guard.

US appeals court says Noem’s decision to end protections for Venezuelans in US was illegal

January 29, 2026

By SUDHIN THANAWALA - Associated Press

A federal appeals court says the Trump administration acted illegally when it ended legal protections that gave hundreds of thousands of people from Venezuela permission to live and work in the United States. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late Wednesday upheld a lower court ruling that found Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exceeded her authority when she ended temporary protected status for Venezuelans. The decision, however, will not have any immediate practical effect after the Supreme Court in October allowed Noem’s decision to take effect pending a final decision by the justices. An email late Wednesday night to the Department of Homeland Security was not immediately returned.

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys

January 29, 2026

By MARIA SHERMAN and JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. - AP Entertainment Writers

Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

FEMA could still support winter storm response in a shutdown, despite administration warnings

January 28, 2026

By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA - Associated Press

The Federal Emergency Management Agency would have enough money to respond to the massive winter storm still impacting large swaths of the U.S. even if a partial government shutdown begins at midnight Friday. That’s what experts and former FEMA officials say, despite Trump administration warnings to the contrary. FEMA would have about $7 billion to $8 billion in its Disaster Relief Fund, even if the money Congress appropriated expires. The agency is supporting state-led responses to a massive winter storm that left many without power. President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for 12 states, unlocking federal support. Experts say the timing of the potential shutdown helps ease concerns over FEMA’s operations.

US life expectancy hit an all-time high in 2024, CDC says

January 28, 2026

By MIKE STOBBE - AP Medical Writer

U.S. life expectancy has hit the highest mark in American history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024. It’s the result of the dissipation of the COVID-19 pandemic — and also waning death rates from all of the nation’s top killers, including heart disease, cancer and drug overdoses. Preliminary statistics suggest a continued improvement in 2025. Life expectancy is an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live, given death rates at that time. It’s a fundamental measure of a population’s health.

FBI raid in Georgia highlights Trump’s 2020 election obsession and hints at possible future actions

January 28, 2026

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI - Associated Press

Donald Trump lost his bid for reelection in 2020. But for more than five years, he’s been trying to convince Americans the opposite is true by falsely saying the election was marred by widespread fraud. Now that he’s president again, Trump is pushing the federal government to back up those bogus claims. On Wednesday, the FBI served a search warrant at the election headquarters of Fulton County, Georgia, which includes most of Atlanta, seeking ballots from the 2020 election. It marks an escalation of Trump’s obsession with the election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden, and some observers say his administration is using Georgia as a blueprint for challenging results this November.