News

Trump warns Iraq against returning former PM al-Maliki to power amid worries about Iran influence

President Donald Trump is warning Iraqi officials that the U.S. would no longer support the country if its former prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, returns to power. Trump made the threat on Tuesday, days after a dominant political bloc known as the Coordination Framework announced it had backed al-Maliki. Trump derided al-Maliki’s previous stewardship of Iraq and warned the U.S. “will no longer help Iraq” if he returns to power. The United States has long viewed al-Maliki as being too close to Iran. Iraq held elections in November but its caretaker prime minister was unable to form a government. That cleared the field for al-Maliki.

McKenney makes go-ahead layup as No. 3 Michigan hands No. 5 Nebraska its first loss, 75-72

Trey McKenney made a tiebreaking layup with 1:07 left and No. 3 Michigan rallied past No. 5 Nebraska 75-72 to hand the Cornhuskers their first loss this season. Morez Johnson Jr. had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Wolverines, who trailed for 36-plus minutes before holding Nebraska scoreless over the final 3:20. Jamarques Lawrence missed a 3-pointer with 4 seconds remaining for the short-handed Cornhuskers, and Sam Hoiberg missed a jumper just before the buzzer. Nebraska had won 24 straight games dating to last season, including four victories in the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament at Las Vegas last April. That was the longest winning streak in Division I since the 2014-15 Kentucky team went 38-0 before losing to Wisconsin in the Final Four.

President Trump endorses Rep. Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin governor

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, (R) Wisconsin, for governor of Wisconsin. Trump called Tiffany a “Proven Leader who has dedicated his life to serving his Community.” In a news release late Tuesday, Tiffany said: “I’m grateful for the overwhelming support we have received since launching this campaign, and I’m especially honored to earn President Trump’s…

Man sprays unknown substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar and is tackled at Minneapolis town hall

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man wearing a black jacket was tackled to the ground after spraying an unknown substance on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall she was hosting in Minneapolis on Tuesday.  Click here to watch the encounter. The audience cheered as he was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In video of…

What travelers can expect as Southwest Airlines introduces assigned seats

Southwest Airlines passengers are making their final boarding-time scrambles for seats as the carrier prepares to end its signature open-seating system. Customers on Southwest flights will have assigned seats starting on Tuesday. The airline began selling tickets shaped by the new policy in July. New airfare tiers include the option of paying more to get a preferred seat closer to the front of a plane or seats with extra legroom. An eight‑group boarding structure is replacing the find-your-own-seat scrum. Southwest says the boarding groups are based on seat location, fare class, loyalty tier status and benefits from the airline’s credit card rewards program.

Northland lawmakers address increasing mistrust in law enforcement, amid ICE operations

DULUTH, Minn.–Four Northland lawmakers held a press event at Duluth City Hall to address their growing concerns around ICE operations in Minnesota and its effects on the Northland. Democratic representatives Liish Kozlowski, Pete Johnson, and Senator Jen McEwen of Minnesota joined Wisconsin Rep. Angela Stroud. Rep. Pete Johnson is a first responder as a longtime firefighter, and he said seeing…

‘Doomsday Clock’ moves closer to midnight over threats from nuclear weapons, climate change and AI

A science-oriented advocacy group moved its “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight, saying the Earth is closer than ever to destruction. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists on Tuesday cited threats from nuclear war, climate change, potential misuse of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. Last year, the clock advanced to 89 seconds to midnight. Since then, “global understandings are collapsing, accelerating a winner-takes-all great power competition and undermining the international cooperation” needed to reduce risks, the group said. The advocacy group began using a clock in 1947 to symbolize the potential and likelihood of people doing something to end humanity.

Judge issues temporary order barring removal of boy, 5, and father who were detained in Minnesota

A federal judge has issued a temporary order barring the removal of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father whose arrest last week in Minnesota became another lightning rod for divisions on immigration under the Trump administration. U.S. Judge Fred Biery ruled Monday that any removal or transfer of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, is on hold while a court case proceeds. The father and son are now at family detention facility in Dilley, Texas, near San Antonio. They were taken into custody last week outside their home in Minnesota.

UPS retires fleet of MD-11 aircraft involved in deadly Kentucky crash

UPS says it has retired its fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes just months after one crashed in Louisville, killing 15 people. CEO Carol Tome said during a fourth-quarter earnings call Tuesday that the company decided to accelerate its plans while all MD-11s remain grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane’s three-person crew and 12 others on the ground were killed after the plane’s left engine fell off. The company is rebuilding its fleet with 18 new Boeing 767s in the next 15 months. The company also announced plans to cut up to 30,000 jobs this year as it reduces its shipments for Amazon.

Peralta willing to consider multiyear deal with Mets but wants to get settled in New York first

Freddy Peralta says he’s willing to consider a multiyear contract with the Mets before reaching free agency, but he wants to get settled in New York first. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns expressed a similar sentiment after acquiring Peralta in a trade with Milwaukee last week, saying he would definitely allow the All-Star pitcher an adjustment period before potentially broaching a long-term arrangement. Peralta is due to make $8 million this season after the Brewers picked up their club option on a deal he signed in 2020. He can become a free agent following the World Series.

Two federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two federal officers fired shots during an encounter that killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, a Customs and Border Protection official told Congress in a notice sent Tuesday. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in…

Judge issues temporary order barring removal of boy, 5, and father who were detained in Minnesota

(CNN) SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A federal judge has issued a temporary order prohibiting removal of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father whose arrest last week in Minnesota quickly become another lightning rod for America’s divisions on immigration under the Trump administration. U.S. Judge Fred Biery ruled Monday that any removal or transfer of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and…

Judge finds Virginia Democrats’ redistricting resolution illegal

A Virginia judge has ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment letting Democrats redraw the state’s Congressional maps is illegal. Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. says lawmakers’ proposed constitutional amendment was invalid due to a technicality under state law that says such proposals must be passed and published by the clerk’s office at least three months before a general election. Lawmakers advanced their mid-decade redistricting resolution in October, less than a week before their statewide races. The ruling threatens Democrats’ efforts to pick up more U.S. House seats in the state in November.

TikTok faces app deletions, censorship claims and glitches in days after its ownership change

Censorship claims, technical problems and a report of a surge in app deletions are just some of the challenges TikTok is facing this week as it adjusts to a new ownership structure in the U.S. The company said this week it was experiencing a “major infrastructure issue triggered by a power outage” at one of its U.S. data center partner sites. The outage led to bugs such as creators temporarily seeing zero views on their videos even if people had looked at them, as well as slow load times and timeout requests when posting videos.

Families of 2 men killed in boat strike sue Trump administration over attack they call ‘unlawful’

Families of two Trinidadian nationals killed in a Trump administration boat strike last October are suing the federal government, calling the attack a war crime and part of an “unprecedented and manifestly unlawful U.S. military campaign.” The lawsuit filed Tuesday is thought to be the first wrongful death case arising from the three dozen strikes the administration has launched since September on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Government officials have defended the strikes as necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the United States but many legal experts say they amount to a brazen violation of the laws of armed conflict.

DEED awards nearly $2.5 million in grants for Northland contamination cleanup

DULUTH, Minn. —  The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED) has awarded multiple Northern Minnesota communities nearly $2.5 million dollars in grants to clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. These grants pay up to 75% of the costs to assess and clean up the sites. Communities in Northern Minnesota that received funds: The Duluth Economic Development Authority was awarded…

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, in photos

People throughout Europe and beyond observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day, reflecting on the massacre of millions and the attempts to eliminate Jewish life in Europe more than 80 years ago. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

What to know about Gregory Bovino, the commander of Trump’s immigration crackdown

The commander of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is leaving the city after federal agents fatally shot two people in less than three weeks. Gregory Bovino had been the go-to architect for the large-scale immigration crackdowns ordered by Trump and the public face of his administration’s city-by-city sweeps. The Border Patrol chief led agents in Los Angeles, Chicago and New Orleans before he headed to Minnesota in December for what the Department of Homeland Security called its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation. He’s also been heavily criticized for his norm-breaking tactics.

Shooting involving Border Patrol leaves 1 in critical condition near US-Mexico border

ARIVACA, Ariz. (AP) — One person was shot and in critical condition Tuesday in a shooting involving the Border Patrol near the U.S.- Mexico border, authorities in Arizona said. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it was working with the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in response to the shooting in Arivaca, Arizona, a community about 10 miles…

Caitlin Clark joining NBC’s ‘Sunday Night Basketball’ for Lakers-Knicks pregame at MSG

Caitlin Clark is joining NBC’s pregame coverage for “Sunday Night Basketball.” NBC announced Tuesday that the Indiana Fever star will be part of its team when the Los Angeles Lakers play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. She’ll return on March 29 for another pregame role. NBC calls Clark “a special contributor” alongside host Maria Taylor and analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. A two-time WNBA All-Star, Clark has a marketing relationship with Xfinity. She says she’s excited to join the crew and share her insights on the game she loves.

Pinterest will lay off 15% of its workforce as the platform pivots resources to AI

Pinterest plans to lay off under 15% of its workforce, as part of broader restructuring that arrives as the image-sharing platform pivots more of its money to artificial intelligence. In a Tuesday filing, the company says these cuts support “transformation initiatives,” which include reallocating resources to AI roles and products. Pinterest also says it will reduce office space. The restructuring is expected to finish by the end of September, with pretax charges of $35 million to $45 million. Pinterest’s job cuts will impact hundreds of workers. Shares of Pinterest fell more than 9% as of midday trading Tuesday.

How artist Gordon Parks’ foundation keeps his legacy growing 20 years after his death

Civil rights photographer and artist Gordon Parks’ legacy continues to grow, even as the 20th anniversary of his death approaches. The Gordon Parks Foundation, also celebrating its 20th anniversary, faces challenges in funding its arts and social justice programs. Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. says the foundation is sensitive to the changing funding landscape and is dependent on support for events like its annual gala. This year’s gala on May 19 in Manhattan will honor John Legend, Chance the Rapper, Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander, artist Henry Taylor, and the entire family of Muhammad Ali.

Trump administration’s trust and credibility tested in wake of Pretti’s death in Minneapolis

Lawmakers in both parties are calling for investigations following the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol officer. Some warn that the credibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security is at stake. Videos from the scene show Pretti being pushed by an officer, contradicting initial claims that he acted violently. The White House has tried to ease tensions, with President Donald Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz having a productive conversation. Lawmakers from both parties are urging independent investigations and emphasizing the importance of trust. The situation highlights ongoing challenges with credibility in the Trump administration.

ICE agents to have security role at Milan Cortina Olympics

Olympic rings MILAN (AP) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will have a security role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, according to information shared with local media by sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. The Associated Press independently confirmed the information with two officials at the embassy. The officials who confirmed ICE participation on Tuesday said that…

Trump’s immigration crackdown led to drop in US growth rate last year as population hit 342 million

(AP) ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration contributed to a year-to-year drop in the nation’s growth rate as the U.S. population reached nearly 342 million people in 2025, according to population estimates released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. The 0.5% growth rate for 2025 was a sharp drop from 2024’s almost 1% growth rate, which…

Judge orders ICE chief to appear in court to explain why detainees have been denied due process

Courtesy: Associated Press (file) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) — The chief federal judge in Minnesota says the Trump administration has failed to comply with orders to hold hearings for detained immigrants and ordered the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to appear before him Friday to explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt. In an order dated Monday, Chief Judge…

Not ready for robots in homes? The maker of a friendly new humanoid thinks it might change your mind

A new humanoid robot named Sprout, developed by Fauna Robotics, is making its debut. Unlike sleek and powerful-looking machines from companies like Tesla, Sprout is designed to be approachable and friendly. Standing at 3.5 feet tall, it features a soft, foam exterior and expressive features. Fauna Robotics aims to create a new industry of “approachable” robots for homes, schools and social spaces. Sprout is more of a software developer platform, priced at $50,000, targeting university labs and tech entrepreneurs. Early customers include Disney and Boston Dynamics. The robot’s design draws inspiration from beloved science fiction characters like WALL-E, Baymax and R2-D2.

ICE agents will have a security role at Milan-Cortina Olympics, US sources say

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will have a security role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, according to sources at the U.S. embassy in Rome. The sources who confirmed ICE participation on Tuesday said that federal ICE agents would support diplomatic security details and not run any immigration enforcement operations.

Takeaways from AP’s report on how Bangladeshi workers were tricked into fighting in the Ukraine war

Bangladeshi workers were lured to Russia under the false promise of civilian work and then forced to fight in the Ukraine war. That’s the finding of an Associated Press investigation. AP conducted interviews with three men who escaped Russia and the families of three others who are missing, The investigation documented a pattern of deception by labor recruiters who enticed workers with promises of lucrative job opportunities. Instead, they unknowingly signed contracts for military service. Returning Bangladeshi men recounted harrowing experiences. That included being forced to transport supplies to front-line positions, evacuate the wounded and collect dead bodies.

Sabalenka beats 18-year-old Jovic to reach Australian Open semifinals. Svitolina stuns Coco Gauff

Aryna Sabalenka beat 18-year-old Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open before searing heat on Day 10 forced matches to be played under cover. Elina Svitolina stunned third-seeded Coco Gauff in under an hour in a night match to move into the final four. Alexander Zverev got the benefit of playing under a roof at Rod Laver Arena and advanced to the final four with a 6-3, 6-7, 6-1, 7-6 win over 20-year-old Learner Tien on a hot afternoon at Melbourne Park.

UK’s Starmer heads to China seeking a thaw in relations but risking a rift with Trump

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is heading to China, aiming to improve relations with Beijing amid tensions with the United States. Starmer hopes for an economic boost for Britain but risks backlash from China hawks at home and U.S. President Donald Trump. Starmer will be accompanied by a delegation of corporate leaders on the visit, starting Wednesday, and is due to meet with President Xi Jinping. Britain is seeking Chinese technology and investment, along with greater access to the Chinese market for U.K. financial services, cars, and Scotch whisky. Starmer’s visit comes as some U.S. allies reconsider their ties with Washington amid Trump’s “America First” foreign policy.

Trump’s about-face in Minnesota after Pretti’s death is latest in pattern of sudden shifts

President Donald Trump is taking a more conciliatory approach with Democratic leaders in Minnesota. This change follows the second fatal shooting there by federal agents this month. The incident has raised doubts about the administration’s aggressive deportation tactics — including from some Republicans. On Monday, Trump spoke with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, saying they were now on a “similar wavelength.” This marks a sharp U-turn from Trump’s previous personal attacks on Walz. It’s not the first time Trump has initially taken a maximalist position only to later retreat. This month, he has backtracked on threats over tariffs and on military action against Iran.

Workers from Bangladesh sought jobs in Russia but instead got sent to combat in Ukraine

An Associated Press investigation found that Bangladeshi workers were lured to Russia by the false promise of civilian jobs and thrust onto the battlefield in the Ukraine war. Many were threatened with violence, imprisonment and death. AP spoke with three Bangladeshi men who escaped from the Russian military and the families of three others who are still missing. They shared harrowing accounts of being coerced into front-line tasks against their will. Those duties included advancing ahead of Russian forces, transporting supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers and recovering the dead. Neither the Russian Defense Ministry nor the Bangladeshi government responded to questions from AP.

India’s prime minister says it has reached a free trade deal with the EU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India and the European Union have reached a free trade agreement to deepen their economic and strategic ties. The accord was concluded after nearly two decades of negotiations. It was dubbed the “mother of all deals” by both sides. It touches a whopping 2 billion people and is one of the biggest bilateral engagements on commerce. The timing comes as Washington targets both India and the EU with steep import tariffs. Modi says the agreement will bring major opportunities for the people of India and Europe. It represents 25% of global GDP and one-third of global trade.

Trump to visit Iowa in an effort to focus on affordability amid fallout from Minneapolis shooting

President Donald Trump is heading to Iowa as the White House tries to focus on affordability ahead of the midterm elections despite fallout over the administration’s immigration crackdown. While there, Trump will visit a local business and deliver a speech at the Horizon Events Center in Clive. Tuesday’s trip also highlights energy policy as part of a plan to have Trump travel weekly before the elections. This visit comes amid the Trump administration’s handling of the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Republicans hope Trump’s visit will refocus attention on the tax bill, a key part of their campaign strategy.

Russia offers cash bonuses, frees prisoners and lures foreigners to replenish its troops in Ukraine

Russian authorities use various strategies to recruit new troops to replenish its supply of soldiers for its nearly 4-year-old full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They are offering financial incentives, freedom for convicts and simplified paths to citizenship paths for foreigners who are willing to sign military contracts to go into battle. This effort aims to avoid a nationwide mobilization of men, which could be unpopular. When a limited mobilization of 300,000 men was tried in 2022, tens of thousands of Russians fled abroad. Recruiting foreigners, including migrants in Russia and those from other countries, appears to be a part of that strategy.

Minnesota killing produces backlash against Trump administration from Second Amendment advocates

Prominent Republicans and gun rights advocates helped elicit a White House turnabout this week after bristling over the administration’s characterization of Alex Pretti as responsible for his own death because he lawfully possessed a weapon. Pretti was the second U.S. citizen and protester killed this month by a federal officer in Minneapolis. His death produced no clear shifts in U.S. gun politics or policies, even as President Donald Trump shuffles the lieutenants in charge of his militarized immigration crackdown. But important voices in Trump’s coalition have been criticizing inconsistencies in some Republicans’ Second Amendment stances since the killing.

At least 6,126 people killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, activists say

Activists say that at least 6,126 people were killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests and many more are still feared dead. The new figures Tuesday came from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in multiple rounds of unrest in Iran. The group verifies each death with a network of activists on the ground in Iran. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll given authorities cutting off the internet and disrupting calls into the Islamic Republic. Iran’s government has put the death toll at a far lower 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces, and labeled the rest “terrorists.”

The shootings in Minneapolis are upending the politics of immigration in Congress

The shooting deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal law enforcement in Minneapolis have upended the politics of the Trump administration’s deportation agenda. Democrats have awakened to what they see as a moral moment for the country. At the same time, Republicans who have championed President Donald Trump’s tough approach to immigration are signaling second thoughts. It all comes as Congress faces a Friday deadline to approve funding for Homeland Security and other agencies or risk a partial shutdown. Democrats say they won’t provide the security funds without restraints and changes to the immigration and deportation operation.

Pipe burst leaves Lakeside Early Learning with thousands of dollars in damage

DULUTH, Minn.– On Sunday afternoon, the extreme cold caused a pipe burst that has wrecked half of Lakeside Early Learning Center. We’re told, luckily no children or staff were harmed while this occured. However, the incident has left the daycare with at least $25,000 in damage so far. The executive director said, thousands of gallons of water soaked through all…

What we know about the investigations into the Minneapolis shooting death of Alex Pretti

The fatal shooting of Minneapolis man Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers has sparked calls for an independent investigation. The Trump administration has launched three federal probes, but details remain unclear. Tensions are high in Minneapolis, with conflicting narratives about the incident. The FBI is assisting in processing evidence, but there’s no indication their Civil Rights Division intends to investigate Pretti’s case. The incident highlights mistrust between state officials and the Trump administration over the investigation. Minnesota’s governor, in a call with President Donald Trump, said he called for impartial investigations.

Walz and Frey both talk to President Trump today; Say positive conversations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he spoke to President Donald Trump about the immigration crackdown in his city and some federal officers will begin leaving. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. Frey…

Trump threatens to hike tariffs on South Korean goods over inaction on trade deal

President Donald Trump says he is increasing tariffs on South Korean goods because the country’s national assembly has yet to approve the trade framework announced last year. Trump said on social media Monday that import taxes would be raised on autos, lumber and pharmaceutical drugs from South Korea with the rate on other goods going from 15% to 25%. The U.S. president previously imposed the tariffs by declaring an economic emergency and bypassing Congress, while South Korea needed legislative approval for the framework announced in July and affirmed during Trump’s October visit to the country. The threat was a reminder that the tariff drama unleashed last year by Trump is likely to be repeated again and again this year.

Border Patrol commander Bovino and some agents expected to leave Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A senior Border Patrol commander and some agents are expected to leave Minneapolis as early as Tuesday, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino walks with Federal agents outside a convenience store on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) The departure of Border Patrol commander…

In their words: An examination of statements Trump officials made about what led to Pretti’s death

The Trump administration has portrayed 37-year-old Alex Pretti as an armed threat who intended to harm federal agents during a Minneapolis protest. But video footage reviewed by The Associated Press seems to contradict some of these statements. Pretti is seen holding a phone in the video and was licensed to carry a concealed weapon, but was reportedly not brandishing one when he was shot by federal agents on Saturday. Border Patrol officials say Pretti resisted being disarmed, which led to his shooting. President Donald Trump has blamed Democrats for chaos he links to immigration issues. Local officials urge calm and have questioned the administration’s narrative.

What to know about Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, as he heads to Minneapolis

President Donald Trump has announced that his border czar, Tom Homan, will visit Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of an ICU nurse. Homan’s visit coincides with bipartisan calls for an independent investigation into immigration enforcement tactics. Homan, a former ICE director, is known for his alignment with Trump’s immigration policies. Despite promises to target public safety threats, recent arrests have raised concerns. Aside from his allegiance to Trump’s policies, Homan has also faced bribery accusations, which the Trump administration dismissed as an effort to entrap him by the Biden administration.

Bucks have no timetable on when Giannis Antetokounmpo might return from right calf strain

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential return date remains uncertain as the Milwaukee Bucks forward recovers from a calf strain that he had predicted might keep him out for four to six weeks. The two-time MVP said after the Bucks’ 102-100 loss to Denver on Friday that an MRI would determine he had a calf or soleus strain in his right leg. Bucks coach Doc Rivers confirmed the calf strain diagnosis Monday but didn’t speculate on when Antetokounmpo might return. Antetokounmpo previously missed eight games from Dec. 5-26 with a right calf strain.

Penske’s Porsche clinches 3rd straight Rolex 24 win, offering hope amid challenging year

Team Penske’s Porsche Penske Motorsports program shined in 2025, despite a tough year for their IndyCar and NASCAR teams. The IndyCar team only managed two wins and faced a major inspection infraction at the Indianapolis 500. NASCAR’s three-year championship streak ended as drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney failed to reach the finale. However, Penske’s No. 7 Porsche won the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday, marking its third consecutive victory in this prestigious race. This success highlights the strength of Penske’s sports car program, which also won the IMSA championship in 2024 and 2025.

Publishers Clearing House scams making rounds in Northern Minnesota

Publishers Clearing House Logo DULUTH, Minn. –  The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says there have been numerous reports of scammers calling people claiming they had won a Publishers Clearing House prize. The calls have been made within the past week. Scammers are claiming the person won a cash sum and often a brand-new vehicle.  The caller then requests that they…