News Archives - Page 9 of 909

Minnesotans welcome the immigration surge drawdown but remain vigilant

February 13, 2026

By MARK VANCLEAVE and HANNAH FINGERHUT - Associated Press

The Trump administration is scaling back its immigration enforcement surge in and around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, but state officials and residents say its effects on Minnesota’s economy and immigrant communities will linger. Border czar Tom Homan says better coordination with state and local officials has allowed the operation to wind down. The surge was increasingly scrutinized after federal officers killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Homan says targeted enforcement will continue with fewer agents. People who attended a vigil Thursday at the site of Good’s killing expressed continued distrust in the federal government, and some said they fear the crackdown will simply move elsewhere.

Journalist Don Lemon is set to be arraigned in Minnesota church protest case

February 13, 2026

The Associated Press,

Don Lemon (CNN) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Former CNN host turned independent journalist Don Lemon and four other people are set to be arraigned on federal civil rights charges Friday, accused in a protest at a Minnesota church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor. Also scheduled for arraignment Friday is civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong. The prominent local activist was the subject…

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty to assault allegation

February 13, 2026

By LEAH WILLINGHAM - Associated Press

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from an alleged dispute with his former private chef. According to a police report, the woman told officers Diggs struck her and attempted to choke her during an argument about unpaid wages in early December. Diggs’ attorney has denied the allegations, calling them unsubstantiated and tied to a financial dispute. The Patriots have said they support Diggs. Friday’s arraignment comes days after the team’s 29-13 loss to Seattle in Super Bowl LX.

54-year-old Minnesota lawyer, who played with his teammate’s dad, becomes oldest US Winter Olympian

February 13, 2026

The Associated Press,

United States’ Rich Ruohonen watches the men’s curling round robin session against Canada, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — The stakes were low — and the time ripe — for a 54-year old personal injury lawyer and six-time winner of “Minnesota Attorney of the Year”…

Duluth Council Holds Study Session On Future Of Skywalk System

Duluth City Council holds study session on future of skywalk system

February 13, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council held a meeting regarding the future of the city’s skywalk system. After six months of analysis, consultants from MIG and Civilis identified accessibility challenges, declining foot traffic, high vacancy rates, and ongoing security concerns throughout the skywalk system. They emphasized that the skywalk is nearing or has surpassed its useful life. The consultants…

54-year-old Minnesota lawyer, who played with his teammate’s dad, becomes oldest US Winter Olympian

February 13, 2026

By JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press

U.S. curler Rich Ruohonen made Olympic history after joining the team as an alternate at the end of the game. On Thursday, the U.S. men trailed Switzerland 8-2 in their opening round-robin match when they subbed him in. Ruohonen stepped onto the ice and delivered a solid shot as teammates cheered. At 54, he became the oldest American to compete at the Winter Olympics. Ruohonen also balances the role with a full-time law practice. He trains before dawn, works all day, and handles Zoom hearings on the road. His younger teammates treat him like family.

What to know about the Homeland Security shutdown starting this weekend

February 13, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

Another shutdown for parts of the federal government is expected this weekend. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire Saturday as lawmakers debate new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. The White House has been negotiating with the Democrats, but the two sides failed to reach a deal by the deadline. Unlike the record 43-day shutdown last fall, the closures will be narrowly confined, as only agencies that are part of Homeland Security will be affected. Still some federal workers could begin to miss paychecks and services like airport screening could be affected if the shutdown drags on for weeks.

The Latest: AP learns that the US is sending its largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East

February 13, 2026

By The Associated Press

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity. It comes as U.S. President Donald Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran. The move, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region as Trump increases pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program.

Inflation measure falls to nearly five-year low as gas prices fall and housing costs cool

February 13, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

A key measure of inflation fell to nearly a five-year low last month as apartment rental price growth slowed and gas prices fell, offering some relief to Americans still grappling with the sharp increase in costs of the past five years. Friday’s report suggests inflation could be cooling, but it comes after the cost of food, gas, and apartment rents have soared since the pandemic, with consumer prices about 25% higher than they were five years ago. The increase in such a broad range of costs has become a high-profile political issue under the rubric of “affordability.”

Trump’s push for Greenland reveals a political weak spot, new AP-NORC poll finds

February 13, 2026

By STEVE PEOPLES and LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds that Trump’s recent push to seize control of Greenland is divisive even within his own party. The survey finds that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the issue of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. That’s higher than the share who dislike how he’s handling foreign policy generally, suggesting that Trump’s Greenland approach has created a particular weak spot for the administration. Even Republicans aren’t thrilled. About half don’t like his attempt to turn the icebound landmass into American territory, something that Trump has insisted is critical for national security in the Arctic.

New astronauts launch to the International Space Station after medical evacuation

February 13, 2026

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

The replacements for the astronauts involved in NASA’s first medical evacuation are on their way to the International Space Station. SpaceX launched the fresh crew on Friday from Florida. The four astronauts — representing the U.S., France and Russia — should reach the orbiting lab on Saturday. They will fill the vacancies left by their evacuated colleagues. NASA had to put spacewalks on hold and defer other duties after an unidentified astronaut experienced a serious medical issue in January. The entire crew returned to Earth more than a month early, leaving three astronauts in orbit.

All-Star reliever Elroy Face, who saved 3 games for Pirates in 1960 World Series, dies at 97

February 13, 2026

AP

Elroy Face, an All-Star reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates who saved three games in the 1960 World Series to help them upset the New York Yankees, has died. He was 97. In a news release, the Pirates announced they confirmed Face’s death. Team historian Jim Trdinich said the club was contacted by Face’s son, Elroy Jr., and informed the former pitcher died Thursday at an independent senior living facility in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. No cause of death was provided. Selected to six All-Star teams, Face went 104-95 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 major league seasons with Pittsburgh, Detroit and Montreal. He compiled 191 career saves — although saves didn’t become an official statistic until 1969.

Indonesia readies up to 8,000 troops in first firm commitment to Gaza peacekeeping force

February 13, 2026

By DAVID RISING and NINIEK KARMINI - Associated Press

Indonesia is training troops for a new peacekeeping force in Gaza, backing a key part of President Donald Trump’s postwar plan. Earlier this week, the army chief said training has started even though Indonesia has no clear guidance yet. Officials now talk about sending 5,000 to 8,000 troops, focusing on engineering and medical units. Indonesia has long U.N. peacekeeping experience and has backed Gaza aid. But many at home doubt the plan, wondering who will pay the troops and how they will be used. An online petition also calls for Indonesia to reverse its decision to join Trump’s Board of Peace, questioning its legitimacy.

During the Winter Games, some Milan churches are teaching Olympic values to thousands of kids

February 13, 2026

By MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ - Associated Press

A Milan church uses the buzz around the 2026 Winter Olympics to teach kids that sports values matter in everyday life. On Sunday, dozens of children receive snowflake-shaped medals at the Church of Sant’Antonio. Organizers say the goal is not elite performance. They say sport helps young people grow through friendship and respect. The Catholic Archdiocese of Milan leads the Tour of Sports Values. It brings workshops, exhibits, and sports into parish youth spaces called oratories. Basketball player Giordano Bortolani joined the kickoff. He told kids that sport and faith can shape character.

Trans-Atlantic tensions in focus as annual Munich security gathering opens

February 13, 2026

AP

An annual gathering of top international security figures that last year set the tone for a growing rift between the United States and Europe is opening. It brings together many top European officials with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others. The Munich Security Conference opens Friday with a speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, one of 15 heads of state or government from European Union countries expected to attend. The many other expected guests at the conference that runs until Sunday include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In keeping with the conference’s tradition, there will also be a large delegation of members of the U.S. Congress.

Second US aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East, AP source says, as Iran tensions high

February 12, 2026

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity. It comes as U.S. President Donald Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran. The move, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region as Trump increases pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program.

Prosecutors move to dismiss charges against men accused of hitting ICE officer with broom and shovel

February 12, 2026

By MICHAEL BIESECKER and JACK BROOK - Associated Press

Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have moved to drop felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, including one shot in the leg by a immigration officer, after new evidence emerged undercutting the government’s version of events. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota said in a filing Thursday that newly discovered evidence in the case against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis is materially inconsistent with the allegations against them. The government’s motion asked the judge for dismissal with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be resubmitted. The pending dismissal comes after a string of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents have seen claims made by federal officers called into question.

Vatican offers dialogue with breakaway Latin Mass traditionalist group, but with a catch

February 12, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

The Vatican has warned a breakaway traditionalist Catholic group that it risked renewed schism if it goes ahead with plans to consecrate new bishops without papal consent. Vatican doctrine office head Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández issued the warning during a meeting Thursday with superior general of the Society of St. Pius X the Rev. Davide Pagliarani. The meeting was scheduled after the Swiss-based society which celebrates the traditional Latin Mass announced plans to consecrate new bishops July 1 without papal consent. The Vatican said Fernández offered a new round of theological talks to regularize the SSPX’s status but only if it calls off the planned ceremony.

Trump heads to Fort Bragg to cheer special forces members who ousted Venezuela’s Maduro

February 12, 2026

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is visiting Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Friday to praise special forces involved in the capture of Venezuela’s former leader, Nicolás Maduro. First lady Melania Trump is joining the president on Friday’s trip, and they plan to meet with military families. The base is one of the largest in the world by population. Trump was last there in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by Trump’s partisan remarks at the time. Since Maduro’s ouster, Trump has pushed for broad oversight of the South American country’s oil industry.

Trump boasts of over $1.5B in political funds. How he chooses to spend it could rock the midterms

February 12, 2026

By WILL WEISSERT and BRIAN SLODYSKO - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he’s amassed a collection of campaign funds exceeding $1.5 billion, an unprecedented sum for a lame-duck president. He claims to have raked in that much just between Election Day 2024 and last August, though details on the exact figure are unclear. The funds could play a huge role in influencing this November’s midterms and even the 2028 race to succeed Trump. But it’s also possible the mountain of cash could benefit Trump’s own business interests. In the past, Trump has spent little to support political causes beyond his own — raising questions about the political funds’ true purpose and potential impact on future races.

Experts say screening tips in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is ‘tremendous’ and critical work

February 12, 2026

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

More than 4,000 calls came into an Arizona sheriff’s department within 24 hours after the release of videos of a masked person on Nancy Guthrie’s porch. Many will be worthless. Others could have merit. Experts say one thing’s certain: The tips can’t be ignored. Images of a mysterious person have been the most significant clues shared with the public during Guthrie’s disappearance in the Tucson area. She is the mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Roberto Villaseñor, a former Tucson police chief, says processing tips is a tremendous amount of work. The FBI says it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1., and the sheriff’s office says it’s received at least 18,000.

As electricity costs rise, everyone wants data centers to pick up their tab. But how?

February 12, 2026

By MARC LEVY - Associated Press

Politicians from President Donald Trump to local lawmakers agree that tech companies should cover the power costs of artificial intelligence data centers. But they still fight over what “fair share” means. The debate ties directly to cost-of-living pressure ahead of the midterm elections. Data centers keep spreading fast, and some use as much electricity as a small city. Utilities often spread new power plant and grid costs across all customers. States have started writing rules that require long-term contracts and big upfront payments. Consumer advocates warn the short-term squeeze still pushes up bills.

Palestinians look to salvage Gaza’s history from the ruins of Israel’s military offensive

February 12, 2026

By MARIAM FAM and WAFAA SHURAFA - Associated Press

The Great Omari Mosque in Gaza City was hit by an Israeli strike during the war with Hamas. It is one of dozens of heritage sites that were damaged or destroyed during the war. With major military operations halted by a shaky ceasefire, Palestinians are gaining a clearer picture of the war’s devastation, including the loss of buildings and artifacts testifying to the territory’s rich history. Some repairs are underway, but full-scale restoration, and broader reconstruction of the war-ravaged territory, face major obstacles. Israel says it takes the sensitivity of heritage sites into careful account and accuses Hamas of positioning military assets beneath or near them and other civilian buildings.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory prepares for Valentines Day

February 12, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is getting ready for Valentine’s Day. The local shop says its most popular treats during the holiday are chocolate-covered strawberries and handcrafted truffles. There are options for people who aren’t big fans of chocolate, including salted caramel and assorted candy bags. The shop will also offer dipped dog bones for those celebrating Valentine’s…

Bangladesh Nationalist Party claims victory in country’s first election since 2024 uprising

February 12, 2026

By SHEIKH SAALIQ and JULHAS ALAM - Associated Press

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party claims it won the country’s first election since the 2024 uprising, positioning itself to form the next government and potentially reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape after years of intense rivalry and disputed polls. The party’s media unit in a post on X Friday says it has secured enough seats in Parliament to govern on its own. Final results have not yet been announced by the Election Commission, though several local media outlets have reported the party’s win. BNP is headed by Tarique Rahman, its prime ministerial candidate. He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died in December.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump officials from rescinding health grants to some Democratic-led states

February 12, 2026

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM - Associated Press

A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot pull back $600 million in public health grants allocated to four Democratic-led states, for now. The states — California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota — sued Wednesday to try to block the planned funding cuts to programs that track disease outbreaks and study health outcomes of LGBTQ+ people and communities of color. U.S. District Judge Manish Shah stopped the cuts from taking effect for 14 days while the legal challenge proceeds. He said in his order that the states “have shown that they would suffer irreparable harm from the agency action.”

Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler to resign after emails show close ties to Jeffrey Epstein

February 12, 2026

By KEN SWEET - AP Business Writer

Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler is resigning after emails revealed she had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. She described Epstein as “another older brother” and downplayed his sex crimes. Ruemmler had previously tried to distance herself from these emails. In a statement before her resignation, a Goldman Sachs spokesperson said Ruemmler “regrets ever knowing him.” Before joining Goldman in 2020, Ruemmler was White House counsel for President Barack Obama. During her private practice, she received expensive gifts from Epstein. Despite CEO David Solomon’s support in December, the controversy led to her resignation.

Judge grants Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction for extra eligibility

February 12, 2026

AP

A Mississippi judge granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction that gives him another year of eligibility after a fight with the NCAA. On Thursday, the judge said the NCAA ignores its own rules and failed to weigh Chambliss’ medical history. The NCAA denied his waiver on Jan. 9. The NCAA also rejected his appeal on Feb. 4. Chambliss has spent five years in college but played only three healthy seasons. He started at Ferris State and then transferred to Ole Miss. Ole Miss finishes 13-2 and loses to Miami in the playoff semifinals.

A judge orders DHS to give Minnesota detainees swift access to lawyers before transfers

February 12, 2026

By STEVE KARNOWSKI and REBECCA BOONE - Associated Press

A federal judge has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to give detained immigrants in Minnesota quick, private access to lawyers. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel issued the emergency restraining order Thursday. She said detainees held at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building face major barriers to contacting counsel and may be pressured to sign deportation papers without legal advice. The temporary restraining order expires in two weeks. It comes in a lawsuit filed by the Advocates for Human Rights and a detainee late last month.

A timeline of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota

February 12, 2026

By REBECCA BOONE - Associated Press

The Trump administration is ending Operation Metro Surge, a sweeping immigration crackdown in Minnesota that sparked weeks of protests and left two U.S. citizens dead. On Wednesday, border czar Tom Homan announced the operation is over. Here is a look at some of the key moments during the surge.

Governor Evers visits Ashland to address cost of living issues with community members

February 12, 2026

Emily Halling,

ASHLAND, Wis.– Governor Evers visited Ashland Thursday to address what he is calling a cost-of-living problem across the state. The governor met with numerous community members to talk about how it is becoming a growing issue. Attendees expressed the need for increasing k-12 school funding, and prioritizing safe, clean, drinking water. This follows a legislative agenda letter, urging legislators to…

Cell service restored following fiber optic issue in St. Louis County

February 12, 2026

Matt McConico,

UPDATE: According to officials, cell service has been restored after a fiber-optic issue on Thursday. DULTUH, Minn. – St. Louis County has been made aware of a fiber optic issue causing sporadic impacts to cellular coverage in areas of the County. The Sheriff’s Office says identified areas include parts of Duluth, Hermantown, Hwy 53 corridor to Virginia and west to Hibbing….

A look at false claims made by the Trump administration as it revokes a key scientific finding

February 12, 2026

BY MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

While announcing that he was rolling back the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 endangerment finding, President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made false claims regarding the government declaration, climate change and energy. For example, he said the finding has no basis in fact, but it followed a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that greenhouse gases are air pollutants that can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Trump also made false claims about the effects of climate change, the cost of wind energy and the idea of an electric vehicle mandate.

Trump immigration officials shown video of Alex Pretti’s death in tense Senate hearing

February 12, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA - Associated Press

Sen. Rand Paul has challenged federal immigration officers over the shooting death of Alex Pretti and said the public has lost trust. On Thursday, Paul played a video from the Minnesota operation and said Pretti was retreating while officers pepper-sprayed him. Paul urged ICE and Border Patrol to admit mistakes. Other Republicans avoided criticizing the officers and focused instead on threats against agents. Democrats condemned the shooting and broader use of force by immigration enforcement officers. CBP chief Rodney Scott defended his officers, saying Pretti wasn’t complying with orders. ICE’s Todd Lyons also said his officers are held accountable, saying that 37 cases have been opened looking into excessive use of force by officers.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred optimistic major leaguers will play in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

February 12, 2026

By ALANIS THAMES - AP Sports Writer

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic that major leaguers will be able to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Manfred spoke to reporters at the league’s owners meetings Thursday in Palm Beach, Florida. He said there are still issues to resolve with the Major League Baseball Player’s Association before but is confident MLB players will participate. Manfred also addressed salary cap questions amid the Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest veteran pickup, World Baseball Classic insurance and prediction markets.

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults. Here’s who is most at risk and symptoms to watch for

February 12, 2026

By LAURAN NEERGAARD - AP Medical Writer

The death of “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek highlights a rising trend in colorectal cancer among young adults. While overall colorectal cancer rates have inched down in recent years, rates for those under 50 have risen. It is now the top cancer killer of Americans under 50. Van Der Beek died this week at 48 from colon cancer. Doctors say people should reduce their risk by eating a healthy diet, get screened starting at age 45 and don’t wait to have worrisome symptoms examined.

EPA ends credits for automatic start-stop vehicle ignition, a feature Zeldin says ‘everyone hates’

February 12, 2026

By ALEXA ST. JOHN - Associated Press

The Environmental Protection Agency says it is ending credits to automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles. The devices are intended to reduce emissions but EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said “everyone hates” them. It marks the latest Trump administration move to cut automotive industry efforts to clean up their cars and reduce transportation-driven emissions. Start-stop automatically shuts down a vehicle’s engine when a driver comes to a complete stop, and then automatically restarts the engine when the driver takes their foot off the brake pedal. The feature was intended to cut vehicle idling, fuel consumption and emissions. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel for transportation is a major contributor to planet-warming gases.

In photos: Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych out of Winter Olympics over banned helmet tribute

February 12, 2026

By The Associated Press

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych is out of the Milan Cortina Games after he refused to stop wearing a banned tribute helmet. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

UMD hosts annual All Majors Career Fair

February 12, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — College students of all disciplines had the chance to see local employers today as UMD hosted its All-Majors Career fair. The fair is designed to get students interacting with potential employers. 47 local and regional employers attended the event, talking about their opportunities. It also serves as a way to find internships or entry jobs and just…

Virginia Supreme Court rules US Marine’s adoption of an Afghan war orphan will stand

February 12, 2026

By JULIET LINDERMAN and CLAIRE GALOFARO

The Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that a U.S. Marine and his wife will keep an Afghan orphan they brought home in defiance of the U.S. government’s decision to reunite her with her Afghan family. The ruling likely ends a bitter, yearslong legal battle over the girl’s fate. Four justices on the Virginia Supreme Court on Thursday signed onto an opinion reversing two lower courts’ rulings that found the adoption was so flawed it was void from the moment it was issued. The justices wrote that a Virginia law that cements adoption orders after six months bars the child’s Afghan relatives from challenging the court, no matter how flawed its orders and even if the adoption was obtained by fraud.

Homeland Security shutdown seems certain as funding talks between White House and Democrats stall

February 12, 2026

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

A shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security appears certain. Lawmakers in the House and Senate are set to leave Washington for a 10-day break, while negotiations with the White House over Democrats’ demands for new restrictions have stalled. The White House and Democrats have traded offers in recent days. Democrats have said they want curbs on President Donald Trump’s broad campaign of immigration enforcement. They’ve demanded better identification for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement officers, a new code of conduct for those agencies and more use of judicial warrants, among their requests.

Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change

February 12, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the most aggressive move by the president to roll back climate regulations. The rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency rescinds a 2009 government declaration known as the…

Scientists say genetic analysis could greatly speed restoration of iconic American chestnut

February 12, 2026

By MICHAEL PHILLIS - Associated Press

A new study says genetic testing can speed the return of the American chestnut tree that once dominated Eastern U.S. forests. The tree was functionally extinct by the 1950s because of a fungal blight and root rot. Researchers want the height and character of the American chestnut with the disease resistance of the shorter, Chinese chestnut. Their work found that resistance involves many genes, not one. Genetic screening helps pick the best seedlings, and faster. Some experts say gene editing would make the process even faster, while others worry that hybrids will never fully replace a true American chestnut.

Winter Olympics recap: Brignone completes dramatic comeback and Ukrainian athlete excluded

February 12, 2026

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH - AP Sports Writer

It’s a day marked by a comeback and controversy at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Federica Brignone won a gold medal in the women’s super-G to complete one of skiing’s all-time great recoveries after badly breaking her leg a year ago. Vladyslav Heraskevych of Ukraine has been excluded from the Olympics after refusing to give up his plan to race in a helmet commemorating athletes who have been killed since Russia invaded his country. The International Olympic Committee says it breaks rules against making statements on the field of play. Later Thursday, Chloe Kim seeks a halfpipe three-peat for the United States.

Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change

February 12, 2026

By MATTHEW DALY - Associated Press

The Environmental Protection Agency has revoked a key scientific finding that supported U.S. regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. This decision rescinds a 2009 declaration that carbon dioxide and other gases endanger public health. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the move Thursday, calling it a major deregulatory action. Critics argue it undermines efforts to combat climate change and could lead to more pollution. Environmental groups are certain to challenge the action in court. The EPA also proposes delaying a Biden-era rule on vehicle emissions, which could impact the push for electric vehicles.

Ukrainian athlete tests the Olympic rules on free speech — and gets disqualified

February 12, 2026

The Associated Press,

Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych starts a men’s skeleton training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. MILAN (AP) — Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych pushed at the limits of the International Olympic Committee’s rules on freedom of expression, and the global sports body pushed back. That created an emotional and historic moment of Winter Games lore….

Judge temporarily blocks Pentagon from punishing Sen. Mark Kelly for call to resist unlawful orders

February 12, 2026

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN - Associated Press

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former U.S. Navy pilot, for participating in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled Thursday that Pentagon officials have violated Kelly’s First Amendment free speech rights. Kelly, who represents Arizona, sued in federal court to block his Jan. 5 censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In November, Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration.

Oklahoma carries out its first execution of 2026 on a man convicted of double killing

February 12, 2026

By SEAN MURPHY - Associated Press

Oklahoma has carried out its first execution of the year on a man convicted of killing two men in a drive-by shooting. Prison officials say 45-year-old Kendrick Simpson received a three-drug injection Thursday morning at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Simpson’s execution was the first this year in Oklahoma and the second in the U.S. after a lethal injection carried out Tuesday in Florida. Simpson admitted last month that he shot and killed 19-year-old Anthony Jones and 20-year-old Glen Palmer following an altercation at an Oklahoma City nightclub. The state’s five-member Pardon and Parole Board narrowly denied recommending clemency for Simpson.

Screen shot of Turning Point USA Bottle Throwing Incident from Yik Yak

Another scuffle at UMD Turning Point USA table leads to police call

February 12, 2026

Matt McConico,

Screen shot of Turning Point USA bottle throwing incident on UMD Campus 1/29/2026 DULUTH, Minn. — Two people have been ticketed for an incident that happened at a Turning Point USA table in the University of Minnesota – Duluth Kirby Student Union. On January 29, 2026, UMD police reports say student Lars Morris called one of the people sitting at…

Key Democrat accuses the Justice Department of ‘spying’ on lawmakers reviewing Epstein files

February 12, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

A top Democrat is calling for a watchdog investigation after photographs emerged suggesting that the Justice Department has been tracking the search history of lawmakers who are reviewing files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, asked the Justice Department’s inspector general to investigate what he characterized as “spying” on members of Congress who this week have reviewed less-redacted versions of the Epstein files at a department annex and on department-owned computers. Spokespeople for the Justice Department did not immediately return a request seeking comment Thursday. Representatives for the inspector general’s office also did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

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