News Archives - Page 4 of 909

Paris prosecutors open 2 Epstein-linked probes and call on victims to come forward

February 18, 2026

By SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

Paris prosecutors have opened two new investigations tied to Jeffrey Epstein, and they call on possible victims in France to come forward. Prosecutor Laurence Beccuau says one case covers sex abuse crimes and the other covers financial wrongdoing. She says investigators want to use newly released U.S. files, media reports, and fresh complaints to build a broader picture. She called on Wednesday on people who may never have spoken up before to file formal complaints or give witness accounts. She also says older French files will get reviewed.

Former army chief seen as Zelenskyy’s top rival reveals to AP a rift between them

February 18, 2026

By SAMYA KULLAB and SUSIE BLANN - Associated Press

The former Ukrainian army general widely seen as the top political rival to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken publicly for the first time about a deep rift between the two men. The comments made by Valerii Zaluzhnyi during an interview with the AP signal his possible desire to run for the presidency after the war is over. Zelenskyy ousted Zaluzhnyi as head of the army in 2024 and later appointed him as the country’s ambassador to Britain. Zaluzhnyi told AP that their strained relationship reached a boiling point in 2022, when domestic intelligence agents raided his office, a previously unreported incident he alleges was an act of intimidation. Zelenskyy’s office and the country’s security service declined to comment. The AP could not confirm Zaluzhnyi’s account of the raid.

Ukrainian and Russian envoys hold a second day of US-brokered talks in Geneva

February 18, 2026

By JAMEY KEATEN and ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

U.S.-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys are continuing in Geneva, with both sides apparently still far apart on peace terms. Ukrainian delegate Rustem Umerov said working groups on Wednesday are reviewing political and military issues. The talks mark a third round of direct meetings organized by the U.S., after earlier sessions in Abu Dhabi. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said U.S. efforts have made meaningful progress, but gave no details. Fighting continues along the long front line. Ukraine reports Russia launched a ballistic missile and more than 100 drones overnight. A drone strike in Zaporizhzhia killed a woman and injured seven.

Somalia renews its US-backed fight against al-Shabab militant group. Here is why it matters

February 18, 2026

By OMAR FARUK - Associated Press

Somalia’s government says U.S.-backed airstrikes and expanded ground operations have shifted momentum in its long-running war against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group. Authorities say they have reclaimed territory and targeted the group’s leadership and bomb-making network in recent airstrikes. The offensive comes as the African Union peacekeeping forces are gradually drawing down. Somalia is also assuming greater responsibility for its own security nearly two decades after al-Shabab emerged as a dominant militant group in Africa. And despite the reported gains in the fight, the government will now have to secure and govern reclaimed territory as international African Union peacekeepers scale back their role.

Takaichi reelected as Japan’s prime minister with a goal of pushing to the right

February 18, 2026

By MARI YAMAGUCHI - Associated Press

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been reappointed by Parliament after last week’s landslide election win that gave her a strong public mandate. She will form her second Cabinet, with all previous ministers expected to be retained. Takaichi is now gearing up to work on policies she says are needed to make Japan stronger and more prosperous, using her governing Liberal Democratic Party’s two-thirds supermajority in the lower house. She hopes to bolster Japan’s military power, government spending, U.S. alliance and social conservatism.

New Orleans closes out Mardi Gras with color and style in photos

February 18, 2026

By AMY HARRIS and MATTHEW HINTON - Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans celebrates with revelry and parades as the city bids farewell to the Mardi Gras season. Carnival events are popular for their spectacular and enormous floats, as well as the crafted outfits worn, such as Black masking Indians, whose beaded and bejeweled costumes are topped with feathered headdresses, or paradegoers walking the French Quarter in…

Sierra Leone officials facilitated illegal mansion-building in a key national park

February 18, 2026

By ED DAVEY - Associated Press

An investigation shows that illegal luxury mansions have been built in a Sierra Leone national park that serves as an environmental buffer for its capital. The Associated Press and The Gecko Project exclusively obtained the government investigation’s unpublished findings that say senior officials issued land ownership documents. A visit by journalists found that construction continues over two years after the country’s president received the findings. The illegal construction in the Western Area Peninsula National Park threatens deforestation that the findings call “an environmental time bomb.” A door-to-door survey found owners include officials reportedly working in the president’s office, land ministry and Environment Protection Agency.

Fallout from Epstein and Mandelson puts Britain’s House of Lords under scrutiny

February 17, 2026

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

Britain’s House of Lords is facing scrutiny as an indirect result of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Peter Mandelson quit the Lords over his friendship with Epstein. The episode has emboldened critics who say the unelected house is antiquated, undemocratic and far too slow at punishing bad behavior by its members. Supporters say it plays a vital role by reviewing and amending bills approved by the elected House of Commons. Successive governments have pledged reform but struggled to deliver. The Labour government is in the process of ejecting the final hereditary aristocrats from the chamber and is facing calls to go further and tighten up scrutiny of appointees.

Billionaire Les Wexner to be deposed in congressional probe of Epstein files

February 17, 2026

By JULIE CARR SMYTH - Associated Press

Les Wexner’s long-time friendship with the late sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein will be the subject of a closed-door congressional deposition in Ohio. The billionaire retail magnate on Wednesday is expected to face questions about new revelations contained in Epstein-related documents released by the Justice Department. The 88-year-old Wexner is the retired founder of L Brands. He says he intends to cooperate with House Oversight Committee members’ inquiry. As one of Epstein’s most prominent former friends, Wexner has already spent years answering for their association. He denies any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes. Wexner’s name appears more than 1,000 times.

Videos Of Fatal Deputy Involved Shooting In Duluth Released

Video of fatal deputy-involved shooting in Duluth released

February 17, 2026

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Body and dashcam videos were released Tuesday showing the moments that lead up to a fatal deputy-involved shooting in Duluth Feb. 10 that killed 30-year-old Donald Felver III. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy spotted Felver driving erratically near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Central Avenue. The pursuit ultimately ended in the 7900…

UMD students celebrate the Lunar New Year

February 17, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Students of different cultural backgrounds gathered at UMD to celebrate the Lunar New Year. 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy, independence, action, and forward momentum. The event featured festive décor, traditional dishes, and cultural activities honoring zodiac traditions and the diversity of Asian culture. “I think it’s really important to me and also…

Superior Choice Credit Union to hold penny memorial

February 17, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Choice Credit Union will hold a memorial for the penny this Thursday, Feb. 19. Last fall, the United States Mint ended production of the one-cent coin. In honor of its long-standing place in American history, SCCU has decided to give the penny a special send-off. Throughout the day, the credit union will host three commemorative sessions…

School Closings: Wed., Feb. 18, 2026

February 17, 2026

KQDS Staff,

Click here to get the latest school closings for Wednesday, Feb. 18. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled James Talarico interview as early voting begins in Texas

February 17, 2026

By MEG KINNARD, JIM VERTUNO and JOHN HANNA - Associated Press

Stephen Colbert says his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico was pulled from Monday’s broadcast over fears it would violate “equal time” guidance from the Federal Communications Commission under the Trump administration. The situation came hours before the start of early voting in Texas. Colbert says the network also told him not to mention the change but discussed it on air and pointed viewers to the full interview posted on YouTube. CBS said it only provided legal guidance. Talarico also posted a clip, calling it the “interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.” The FCC guidance warns talk shows to treat candidates like other broadcast programs. Colbert says the rule does not apply to streaming.

Authorities say 6 backcountry skiers found alive, 10 are missing after Northern California avalanche

February 17, 2026

By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ and JULIE WATSON - Associated Press

Authorities say six backcountry skiers were found alive and 10 others were still missing Tuesday in an avalanche in Northern California during a powerful winter storm moving through the state. Search and rescue crews were dispatched to the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe, after someone called 911 to report an avalanche with people buried. Authorities combed the area of Castle Peak, which is northwest of Lake Tahoe.

Gerdau Ball Grinding Factory in Duluth shaping the mining industry

February 17, 2026

Emily Halling, Adam Jagunich,

DULUTH, Minn.– In Duluth there’s a mining factory producing a one-of-a-kind steel product, that’s in high demand across the country. The Gerdau Ball Grinding Factory is a global staple for the mining industry, where rods of steel are heated to 2-thousand degrees, and forged into balls. “We get our raw material, which you can see out in our yard. This…

Power outages expected due to heavy wet snow fall

February 17, 2026

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 Chief Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg is predicting snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain to fall across our region Tuesday (Jan 17) evening into Wednesday (Jan 18) morning. These storms very likely will cause at least scattered power outages. Stay safe – Ways to be prepared for an outage: • Keep a “Lights Out” kit in an…

Judge grants hearing, expresses concerns ex-Michigan coach Moore may have had rights violated

February 17, 2026

By LARRY LAGE - Associated Press

A judge on Tuesday granted a request for a hearing to learn more about the investigation that led to charges against former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, who was arrested soon after he was fired due to his relationship with his executive assistant. Judge J. Cedric Simpson expressed concerns a detective didn’t disclose Moore had a employer-employee relationship with the woman when a magistrate authorized a warrant for his arrest. Moore was charged with felony home invasion, stalking and illegal entry. His lawyer is trying to get the case dismissed.

Screen Grab of Dashcam video from Feb 10, 2026 Deputy Involved Shooting

Dashcam and bodycam video released from deadly deputy-involved shooting

February 17, 2026

Matt McConico,

Screen grab of dashcam video from Feb 10, 2026 deputy involved shooting – After the PIT maneuver as deputies approach vehicle DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has released video from the body-worn cameras and squad video (dash cam) from the deadly deputy-involved shooting on February 10, 2026. The video shows the chase, crash, and exchange of…

Cloquet High recognized for Unified Program

February 17, 2026

Jadie Jones,

CLOQUET, Minn. — Cloquet High School received some national recognition from Special Olympics North America. Cloquet High is now recognized as a Unified Champion School, one of only five in Minnesota. The unified school program brings students with and without disabilities together for classes, sports, and events. In celebration of the honor the school hosted a variety of events, including a…

Birkie Week sees some changes due to weather

February 17, 2026

Jadie Jones,

HAYWARD, Wisc. — American Birkebeiner organizers have announced a few adjustments due to the weather. They have postponed Wednesday’s (2/18) Open Track to Thursday (2/19). Events that are scheduled to take place Thursday on Hayward’s Main Street, will now be held at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, Wisconsin. Event Director Kristy Maki says the Birkie trail is in great…

Police arrest man who ran toward the US Capitol building holding a shotgun

February 17, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday after he ran from his vehicle toward the west side of the Capitol Building armed with a shotgun. Capital Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the unidentified man parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, got out and ran “several hundred yards” toward the building before…

Ramadan arrives in Gaza under shaky ceasefire deal, but the festive spirit eludes many Palestinians

February 17, 2026

By WAFAA SHURAFA - Associated Press

Muslim Palestinians in Gaza are preparing for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan under a fragile ceasefire deal. Many say the losses of the Israel-Hamas war and the hardships of daily lives are dampening the month’s spirit. Some lament the absence of loved ones. Others say they struggle financially. In normal circumstances, Ramadan usually sees families gather to break their daily fast. Israel’s offensive has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed large parts of Gaza. It was sparked by the deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, there has been almost daily Israeli fire in Gaza.

Police arrest man who ran toward the US Capitol building holding a shotgun

February 17, 2026

By GARY FIELDS - Associated Press

U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., have arrested an 18-year-old man after he ran toward the west side of the Capitol Building armed with a shotgun. Capital Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the unidentified man parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol on Tuesday, got out and ran “several hundred yards” toward the building before officers intercepted him and ordered him to the ground. Sullivan says the gunman was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the vehicle. The shotgun was loaded and the man had additional rounds on him, the chief says. Congress is not in session.

What to know about the ‘equal time’ rule Stephen Colbert says led CBS to pull his Talarico interview

February 17, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

Stephen Colbert’s comments that network executives pulled his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico over fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration has prompted a conversation about how media outlets treat political coverage. The concern about the interview, which the late-night host referenced in his show and later posted in full online, stems from a requirement that broadcast stations give equal time to political candidates when they appear on-air. Although there are multiple exemptions to the provision, the Trump administration through the Federal Communications Commission has been moving to clamp down specifically on programs like Colbert’s, which the agency has suggested may be “motivated by partisan purposes.”

Twins right-hander Pablo López has a major elbow injury that likely will need season-ending surgery

February 17, 2026

AP

Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López has a “significant tear” in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow that is expected to require season-ending surgery. Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters Tuesday that López will seek a second opinion but likely is headed for a Tommy John procedure. López ended a bullpen session early on Monday after experiencing soreness. He was the team’s opening day starter in each of the last three seasons and scheduled to pitch for his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic next month. López is making $21.75 million this season and signed through next year.

Iron Range Man accused of having sex with young teen after meeting on Snapchat

February 17, 2026

Matt McConico,

Tyler Edmundson TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Tyler Edmundson, 22, of Virginia, Minnesota is accused of having sexual contact with a young teen that he met on Snapchat. Charging documents accuse Edmundson of driving to meet the girl and her friend in Lake County. In October 2025 Edmundson allegedly drove the three to Duluth and back. The friend was then dropped-off…

Minnesota’s Legislature braces for a federal immigration fight as the enforcement surge winds down

February 17, 2026

The Associated Press,

Minnesota State Capitol (Senate Media Services, Photo by A.J. Olmscheid) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democrats hope to rein in the power of federal immigration officers in Minnesota as the state’s legislative session gets underway Tuesday, while Republicans will focus on combatting fraud in taxpayer-funded programs that President Donald Trump cited to justify the recent immigration enforcement surge. While White House border czar Tom Homan said…

Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band to launch ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ US tour next month

February 17, 2026

AP

Bruce Springsteen brings his political message back to U.S. arenas with a new run of shows. The “Land of Hope and Dreams” American tour mixes big rock concerts with themes of democracy and freedom. The tour starts March 31 in Minneapolis and runs for 20 dates. It ends May 27 with an outdoor show at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. In his announcement, Springsteen calls this a dark and dangerous time. He urges fans not to despair. Last month, Springsteen dedicated the song “Streets of Minneapolis” to immigrants in the city. He also criticizes President Donald Trump’s enforcement actions.

Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested after alleged fight during Mardi Gras in New Orleans

February 17, 2026

By JUAN A. LOZANO - Associated Press

Police say actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested after being accused of hitting two men during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. New Orleans police say in a statement that LaBeouf has been charged with two counts of simple battery. Police say LaBeouf “was causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive” inside a business around the French Quarter on Tuesday. Police allege LaBeouf hit two men outside the business and he was held down until police arrived. Court and jail records did not list an attorney who could speak on behalf of LaBeouf. Emails to LaBeouf’s publicists were not immediately returned. LaBeouf has had several run-ins with the law during his career.

New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, the indulgent conclusion of Carnival season

February 17, 2026

By SARA CLINE - Associated Press

As the sun rose in New Orleans, rows of parade-goers already lined the street. People set up chairs, coolers, grills and ladders — offering a higher vantage point to catch the eye of float riders throwing glimmery plastic beads to revelers. Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday. It falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. The big bash marks the end of Carnival season and a final chance for indulgence and revelry before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection. New Orleans has the nation’s largest and best-known celebration. Parade-goers will line the streets hoping to catch beads, toys and trinkets unique to each parade.

Georgia students recall horror of being shot as father of accused school shooter goes on trial

February 17, 2026

By JEFF MARTIN and JOHN RABY - Associated Press

Students in Georgia describe the terror of a school shooting as prosecutors try to convict the suspect’s father for giving him the gun. On Tuesday, ninth-graders testified that they saw a classmate bleeding in their algebra class. One student said she saw a hole in her wrist and feared she would die. Investigators say then 14-year-old Colt Gray planned the Sept. 4, 2024 attack that killed two teachers and two students and wounded several more. Prosecutors said his father ignored warnings and bought the rifle and ammunition used in the shooting. The defense says Colt hid his plans from his father.

Photos of Londoners in costume sprinting with frying pans on Pancake Day

February 17, 2026

By KIN CHEUNG - Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Racers dressed in costumes including a number two pencil, a penguin and a strawberry ran with a frying pan in hand through a central London square to compete in the annual pancake flipping competition. The celebration of Pancake Day takes place each year on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, the final day before the 40-day…

The Latest: The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s death prompts vows to ‘keep hope alive’

February 17, 2026

By The Associated Press

Many people who knew and worked with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. are vowing to ‘keep hope alive’ in honor of his legacy. Jackson led the U.S. Civil Rights Movement for decades. The protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate died Tuesday morning at the age of 84. In the United States and abroad, he advocated for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society.

Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano will end their MMA retirements and fight each other in May

February 17, 2026

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to fight each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll fight at 145 pounds for five five-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic fighters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA.

A Nexo retorna aos EUA

February 17, 2026

Business Wire

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–fev 17, 2026–A Nexo anunciou hoje seu retorno formal ao mercado dos Estados Unidos em 2026. O relançamento oficial da empresa nos EUA está sendo executado em parceria com entidades regulamentadas, fornecendo uma estrutura compatível com as leis americanas para os produtos de investimento e crédito da empresa. A infraestrutura de negociação de ativos digitais é fornecida pela Bakkt,…

New subpoenas issued in inquiry on response to 2016 Russian election interference, AP sources say

February 17, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

The Justice Department has issued new subpoenas in an investigation into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump and the U.S. government response to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. That’s according to multiple people familiar with the matter. An initial wave of subpoenas in November asked recipients for documents related to the preparation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that detailed a sweeping, multi-prong effort by Moscow to help Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Though the first subpoenas requested documents from a monthslong time frame surrounding the January 2017 publication of the Obama administration intelligence assessment, the latest subpoenas issued in recent weeks ask for any records through the present.

ProAmpac Pushes the Limits of Fiber Packaging with New High Barrier Packaging Innovation Platform

February 17, 2026

Business Wire

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, announces the expansion of its ProActive Recyclable® RP-2000 High Barrier Series. This curbside recyclable, fiber-based packaging platform is designed to help brands transition away from traditional non-recyclable high-barrier multilayer structures, such as paper/foil, paper/metalized polyethylene terephthalate (METPET), and certain film laminations. The RP-2000 platform provides strong barriers…

Align Named to CRN’s MSP 500 List For 2026

February 17, 2026

Business Wire

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Align, the premier global provider of technology infrastructure solutions and Managed IT Services today announced that it has been named by CRN ®, a brand of The Channel Company, to the Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category for 2026.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217811293/en/Align has been…

Warner Bros reopens takeover talks with Paramount after receiving a waiver from Netflix

February 17, 2026

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

Warner Bros. Discovery is briefly reopening takeover talks with Skydance-owned Paramount to hear the company’s “best and final” offer, while the Hollywood giant continues to back the studio and streaming deal it struck with Netflix. In a Tuesday regulatory filing, Warner said that Netflix had granted it a waiver to open discussions with Paramount for seven days. Paramount now has until Feb. 23 to negotiate a possible transaction. But in the meantime, Warner’s board is still recommending shareholders support of its proposed merger with Netflix. A special meeting is now scheduled for Friday, March 20 to hold a vote on that deal.

Wall Street swings with worries about tech stocks and discouraged US shoppers

February 17, 2026

By STAN CHOE - AP Business Writer

U.S. stocks are swinging as companies talk about how discouraged their customers are feeling and some tech stocks continue to feel the downside of AI. The S&P 500 was flat Tuesday after flipping between a modest gain and a loss of nearly 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 28 points, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.1%. General Mills dropped after cutting its profit forecast for the year amid weak consumer sentiment. Nvidia swung between being one of the heaviest weights on the market and one of its biggest strengths. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market.

Italy pulls off a stunner in Olympic men’s speedskating team pursuit, earns first gold since 2006

February 17, 2026

By The Associated Press

The Italian men’s speedskating team pulled off a stunner in team pursuit, surging past the United States to gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The group of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini, and Michele Malfatti pulled away over the final laps and win by 4.5 seconds. The Canadian women’s team defended their Olympic gold in the same event. Elsewhere at the Games, organizers scrubbed the women’s snowboard slopestyle final after heavy snow hit the facility in Livigno. France rallied past favored Norway to win gold in the men’s biathlon relay. Norway’s Jens Luraas Oftebro takes another Nordic combined title, this time on the large hill.

The Latest: Partial government shutdown over DHS oversight seems poised to drag on

February 17, 2026

By The Associated Press

Lawmakers and the White House offered no signs of compromise over the holiday weekend in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers that has led to a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers last month. Unlike the 43-day shutdown last fall, the closures are narrowly confined, affecting only agencies under the DHS umbrella.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84

February 17, 2026

By SOPHIA TAREEN - Associated Press

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson has died. He was 84. Jackson was a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King and became a leader of the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King was assassinated in 1968. A two-time presidential candidate, Jackson led a lifetime of political crusades. He advocated for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders and channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms. He used his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition to pressure executives to make America a more open and equitable society. His family confirmed he died Tuesday.

Police credit a good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink

February 17, 2026

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI - Associated Press

A gunman who opened fire at a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two adults and injuring three others, was stopped after a fellow spectator intervened. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Goncalves says investigators think the shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon was targeted and may have involved a family dispute. Video online shows players and fans scrambling for cover and rushing to exits. Gov. Dan McKee says the state is grieving again after another recent mass shooting.

Elevate Prize winners gain more than $300K in funding. They learn to better tell their own stories

February 17, 2026

By GLENN GAMBOA - AP Business Writer

The Elevate Prize Foundation named its 10 winners for 2026 on Tuesday, including Monica Ramirez of Justice for Migrant Women and Mara Fleishman of the Chef Ann Foundation. Each group gets $300,000 in unrestricted funding. Winners also get training to grow and raise their profile. CEO Carolina Garcia Jayaram tells The Associated Press that increasing a group’s visibility not only can increase fundraising and finding partners. It also helps protects leaders under pressure. The foundation also launched its “Good Is Trending” initiative Tuesday, taking over NASDAQ’s Times Square billboards to promote the stories of this year’s winners.

Huge floats, wild costumes and nonstop street parties: Brazil Carnival in photos

February 17, 2026

By SILVIA IZQUIERDO, ANDRE PENNER and BRUNA PRADO - Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The world’s biggest party is back as Carnival celebrations return to Brazil with glittery, outrageous costumes, samba rhythms ringing out until dawn and hundreds of raucous roaming parties flooding the streets. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Alex Samoylovich Featured on CRE Daily’s No Cap Podcast Discussing Adaptive Reuse, Historic Redevelopment, and Executing Complex Development Deals

February 17, 2026

ACCESS Newswire

Alex Samoylovich joins CRE Daily’s No Cap Podcast to discuss adaptive reuse, historic redevelopment, and real-world execution strategy.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Alex Samoylovich, Co-founder of CEDARst Companies, is featured on CRE Daily’s No Cap Podcast in a new episode focused on adaptive reuse, historic redevelopment, and the execution discipline required to deliver projects many…

There was ‘a bridge called Jesse Jackson’ across decades of civil rights advocacy

February 17, 2026

By AARON MORRISON and SOPHIA TAREEN - Associated Press

The Rev. Jesse Jackson kept up his more than half-century-long fight for civil and human rights through his final years despite challenges over his health, the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice and political divisions. Whether appearing at the funerals of Black people killed by police or participating in COVID-19 vaccination drives to address hesitancy in communities of color, Jackson built on a life in public advocacy that included running for president, international diplomacy and influencing the lexicon of racial identity in America. Jackson, a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., died on Tuesday. He was 84.

Detroit’s stunning surge: Pistons enter post-All-Star play with the NBA’s best record

February 17, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

The Detroit Pistons have surged from years of misery to the NBA’s best record as play resumes after the All-Star break. Detroit sits at 40-13 and barely leads Oklahoma City when games resume Thursday. The Pistons avoid long skids and rarely lose big. They also beat strong teams more than anyone. Cade Cunningham says the team stays focused and keeps building. History suggests the title picture centers on Detroit, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Boston, Denver and New York. Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the scoring race. Injuries and the 65-game rule shake up awards.

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