US & World News Archives

US launches new retaliatory strikes against ISIS in Syria after deadly ambush

1 hour ago

AP

The U.S. has launched another round of strikes against the Islamic State in Syria. This follows last month’s ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. The strikes, conducted with partner forces, targeted multiple Islamic State locations across Syria. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes occurred around 12:30 p.m. ET. Saturday’s action is part of a broader operation in response to the deadly ISIS attack in Palmyra. The operation, called Operation Hawkeye Strike, began on Dec. 19 with a large-scale strike hitting 70 targets in central Syria.

Virginia man pleads not guilty to charges in DC pipe bomb case

1 hour ago

AP

A Virginia man has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of planting two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national parties on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Brian J. Cole Jr. entered the plea at a brief hearing on Friday. He is facing two counts of transporting and attempting to use explosives. Justice Department prosecutors have said that Cole confessed to placing pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee headquarters only hours before a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol.

Man convicted for carrying Pelosi’s podium during US Capitol riot seeks Florida county office

5 hours ago

AP

A man who is known for grabbing Nancy Pelosi’s podium during the U.S. Capitol riot is running for a county office in Florida. Adam Johnson filed to run as a Republican for the Manatee County Commission on the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot. Johnson says the timing was intentional to generate buzz. He pleaded guilty to entering a restricted building during the riot and served 75 days in prison. Johnson says he regrets the action only because of the sentence. He says he’s running because of high property taxes and overdevelopment, claiming current county administrators are wasteful.

Wisconsin beats No. 2 Michigan 91-88 to give Wolverines their 1st loss of the season

2 hours ago

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

John Blackwell had 26 points, Nick Boyd scored 22 and Aleksas Bieliauskas set a career high with 17 points to lead Wisconsin to a 91-88 win over previously unbeaten, second-ranked Michigan on Saturday. The Badgers beat their highest-ranked regular-season opponent since a win over No. 2 Michigan in 2019. They beat the AP poll’s No. 2 team on the opponent’s court for the second time since winning at Maryland on Feb. 13, 2016. The Wolverines led by as much as 14 in the first half and lost because they gave up 54 points in the second half.

Veteran actor T.K. Carter, known for ‘The Thing’ and ‘Punky Brewster,’ dies at 69

3 hours ago

AP

Veteran actor T.K. Carter, known for his roles in “The Thing” and “Punky Brewster,” has died at 69. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive male in Duarte, California, on Friday evening. Police have not disclosed a cause of death but said no foul play is suspected. Carter gained fame as Nauls the cook in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic, “The Thing.” He also appeared in the 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” and films like “Runaway Train,” “Ski Patrol,” and “Space Jam.”

The aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in photos

January 10, 2026

By The Associated Press

Protesters continued to confront federal officers in Minneapolis, days after 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Demonstrations also broke out in other cities across the country, from Los Angeles to Washington to Kansas City, Missouri. The shooting has intensified tensions amid the Trump administration’s deployment of thousands of officers to Minnesota for…

A week in photos from Venezuela after U.S. strike removed its president

5 hours ago

By ARIANA CUBILLOS, MATIAS DELACROIX and CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ - The Associated Press

Venezuelans navigated a tense week after U.S. forces captured former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The Trump administration said it intends to oversee Venezuela’s oil exports and steer its global sales, a step it says will help stabilize the country and push a political transition. The upheaval spilled into daily life as pro-government armed civilians emerged, families waited outside…

Trump pushes a 1-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates and banks balk

7 hours ago

By KEN SWEET and SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he wants a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates. It’s an idea that revives a campaign pledge and could save Americans tens of billions of dollars. But it’s drawing immediate opposition from an industry that’s been in his corner. Trump wasn’t clear in a social media post Friday night whether a cap might take effect through executive action or legislation. One Republican senator said he had spoken with the president and would work on a bill with Trump’s “full support.” Trump said he hoped it would be in place Jan. 20, one year after he took office. Average interest rates now range from 19.65% to 21.5%.

Congress is debating the possible consequences for ICE and even Noem after Renee Good’s killing

9 hours ago

By MATT BROWN and LISA MASCARO - Associated Press

Members of Congress are considering the possible consequences for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and even Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after an ICE officer shot Renee Good to death in Minnesota. Her killing is reverberating across Capitol Hill, where Democrats and some Republicans are vowing an assertive response as President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation operations. Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions. That includes a full investigation of the shooting death and policy changes over law enforcement raids. Some lawmakers want funding cuts to ICE operations and even Noem’s impeachment, though that’s unlikely to happen.

Stafford gets first nod for AP All-Pro. Garrett, Nacua and Smith-Njigba are unanimous choices

9 hours ago

By ROB MAADDI - AP Pro Football Writer

Matthew Stafford beat out Drake Maye while Myles Garrett, Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were unanimous choices for the 2025 Associated Press NFL All-Pro Team. Bijan Robinson is the first-team running back while Christian McCaffrey earned the All-Purpose spot. Ja’Marr Chase is the third wide receiver and tight end. Trey McBride got 49 of 50 first-place votes. Will Anderson Jr. and Micah Parsons joined Garrett at edge rusher. Jeffery Simmons and Zach Allen were selected as interior defensive linemen.

Doctors say changes to US vaccine recommendations are confusing parents and could harm kids

10 hours ago

By LAURA UNGAR - AP Medical Writer

Doctors fear this week’s unprecedented changes to federal vaccine recommendations will stoke vaccine hesitancy even more, pose challenges for pediatricians and parents and ultimately lead to more illness and death among children. The Trump administration cut the number of routine childhood vaccines, recommending that all kids be immunized against 11 diseases. Vaccines against seven other illnesses are now recommended only for at-risk children or through “shared decision-making” with a health care provider. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the changes strengthen transparency and informed consent. But doctors say the new recommendations are sowing confusion, especially around the notion of shared clinical decision-making.

Supporters press for a DC memorial to Thomas Paine, whose writings helped fuel the Revolutionary War

10 hours ago

By HILLEL ITALIE - AP National Writer

British-born Thomas Paine helped inspire the 13 English colonies to declare independence and form the United States of America. Yet there’s no formal tribute to the author of “Common Sense” from his adopted country. A Washington memorial to Paine was authorized by a 2022 law, and today it awaits approval from the Department of Interior. If approved, the memorial would have a 2030 deadline for completion. Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the publication of “Common Sense.” It’s one of the milestones of a yearlong commemoration of America’s founding and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Ukrainian drones set fire to Russian oil depot after Moscow launches new hypersonic missile

11 hours ago

AP

A Ukrainian drone strike has sparked a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s Volgograd region, according to regional authorities. There were no immediate reports of casualties on Saturday. The attack is part of Ukraine’s strategy to target Russian energy sites and deprive Moscow of oil revenue. Russia aims to cripple Ukraine’s power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to essential services. The strike followed a massive Russian bombardment of Ukraine on Friday, including the use of a powerful hypersonic missile. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities and fuel depots.

Photos show snow and ice hitting parts of Europe

January 10, 2026

By The Associated Press

As winter storms slam certain parts of the U.K. and France, other parts of Europe have experienced heavy snow and icy conditions. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Hollywood couple Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors gain Guinean citizenship

13 hours ago

By BOUBACAR DIALLO - Associated Press

Hollywood couple Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have received Guinean citizenship after tracing their ancestry to the West African country. They were awarded citizenship in a private ceremony in Conakry on Friday. The couple plans to tour the country’s tourist sites on Sunday. Djiba Diakité, head of the president’s cabinet, praised them as worthy representatives of Guinea. Majors, once on track for Hollywood stardom, faced setbacks after a 2023 arrest and subsequent conviction. Good, who began dating Majors in 2023, supported him during his trial. They married last year. Guinea’s citizenship offer follows similar initiatives by other African countries.

Greenland’s party leaders firmly reject Trump’s push for US control of the island

13 hours ago

AP

Greenland’s party leaders have rejected President Donald Trump’s calls for the U.S. to take control of the island. They insist that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people. Trump said on Friday he wants to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous region of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from taking it. He mentioned doing it “the easy way” or “the hard way” without explaining further. The White House is considering options, including military force. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that an American takeover could end NATO. Officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. met Thursday to discuss the issue.

VR headsets are ‘hope machines’ inside California prisons, offering escape and practical experience

15 hours ago

By HAVEN DALEY and CHRISTOPHER WEBER - Associated Press

Prisoners are now taking regular trips to far-flung, exotic locales such as Thailand. No passport required, just a virtual reality headset. A Los Angeles-based nonprofit is bringing the technology to California lockups with the goal of providing inmates a brief escape and, more importantly, exposure to real world scenarios that will prepare them to reenter society. During a weeklong program last month, incarcerated men at Valley State Prison near Fresno strapped on VR goggles. Some saw the sights on the other side of the globe, including Bangkok, while others experienced more practical scenes, such as job interviews.

Iran’s exiled crown prince rises as a figure in protests, decades after leaving his homeland

16 hours ago

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Nearly 50 years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution overthrew his father, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has spurred demonstrators onto the streets in a massive escalation of the protests sweeping Iran. But Pahlavi’s call, rebroadcast by Farsi-language satellite news channels and websites abroad, raises questions about both his influence and the ultimate aim of the demonstrators in the streets. Iranian state media has for years mocked the 65-year-old Pahlavi, who lives in exile in the United States, as being out of touch and corrupt. President Donald Trump and other world leaders have been hesitant to embrace him.

Filipino rescuers detect ‘signs of life’ in garbage avalanche that killed 4 and left dozens missing

17 hours ago

By JIM GOMEZ - Associated Press

A Philippine official says rescuers have detected signs of life in an avalanche of garbage that killed at least four workers and left more than 30 others missing. The official says the search will be intensified at the landfill in the central Philippines. Twelve workers have been retrieved alive from the huge mound of garbage that collapsed Thursday afternoon. The collapse happened among low-slung buildings of a waste management facility in Binaliw village in Cebu City. Mayor Nestor Archival says authorities confirmed the presence of signs of life in specific areas that require careful excavation and a more advanced crane

Giannis stops LeBron twice in the final minute as the Bucks rally to beat the Lakers 105-101

17 hours ago

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked a shot by LeBron James and stole the ball from him on consecutive possessions in the final minute, and the Milwaukee Bucks blew a fourth-quarter lead before rallying for a 105-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 22 points, and he hit two free throws to break a tie after Antetokounmpo blocked a driving layup attempt by James with 39 seconds left. Antetokounmpo then knocked the ball out of James’ hands from behind with 2 seconds left, and Porter hit two more free throws to seal Milwaukee’s fifth win in seven games. Luka Doncic had 24 points for the Lakers.

National championship game will be a homecoming for Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

17 hours ago

By MAURA CAREY - AP Sports Writer

Indiana is headed to its first national championship game after beating Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been a key player in a historic season for Indiana. The team is set to face Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. The game will be a homecoming for Mendoza, who grew up in Miami and attended high school 30 minutes south of the stadium.

How the US could take over Greenland and the potential challenges

18 hours ago

By EMMA BURROWS and BEN FINLEY - Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Greenland and says Washington must take control of the strategically located island. The White House says military options are being considered. But Denmark’s prime minister warns that would spell the end of NATO. Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S. The United States already has a military base there under a 1951 defense agreement. Trump says control is needed for security against Russian and Chinese threats. But Greenlanders say they want independence and not U.S. annexation.

Actor Timothy Busfield accused of child sex abuse in New Mexico

19 hours ago

By AUDREY McAVOY - Associated Press

Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for director and Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield to face a child sex abuse charge. An investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department said in a criminal complaint Friday that the child reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately. The acts allegedly occurred on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a TV series Busfield directed and acted in. The complaint says the child’s mother told Child Protective Services the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024. Busfield’s attorney and agent did not immediately respond to email messages seeking comment late Friday.

Washington National Opera bows out of Kennedy Center

19 hours ago

By LOU KESTEN and JONATHAN J. COOPER - Associated Press

The Washington National Opera is moving performances away from the Kennedy Center. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s takeover of the venue and its rebranding as the Trump-Kennedy Center. A statement from the opera says it can’t function under financial constraints imposed by the Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center. The opera will reduce its spring season and move performances to other venues. Francesca Zambello, the opera’s artistic director, vows to continue offering a variety of shows.

What to know as Trump targets child care and social service funding to 5 states led by Democrats

January 9, 2026

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

The Trump administration has tried to freeze funds for programs including child care subsidies and cash assistance and job training for poor families with children. The administration says it’s rooting out fraud, but some state leaders say the motivation is political, with five Democratic-led states a special focus of attention. Money had been on hold for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York. Those states sued to challenge the demands and a federal judge on Friday halted it for at least two weeks while arguments are presented in court. The administration asked the state to produce personal data on program recipients.

Judge blocks Trump’s elections order in lawsuit by vote-by-mail states Oregon and Washington

21 hours ago

By GENE JOHNSON - Associated Press

A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against the vote-by-mail states Washington and Oregon, in the latest blow to Trump’s efforts to require documentary proof of citizenship to vote and to require that all ballots be received by Election Day. U.S. District Judge John H. Chun found that those requirements exceeded the president’s authority, following similar rulings in a Massachusetts case brought by 19 states and in a Washington, D.C., case by Democratic and civil rights groups.

Former Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan agrees to become Miami Dolphins GM

January 9, 2026

By ALANIS THAMES - AP Sports Writer

Jon-Eric Sullivan has agreed join the Miami Dolphins as their general manager. The former Green Bay Packers executive is the first key piece in Miami’s organizational reboot. Sullivan was previously the Packers’ vice president of player personnel. He completed an in-person interview this week with the Dolphins. Miami was expected to move swiftly in hiring a new general manager after parting ways with longtime GM Chris Grier during the season. Sullivan’s first major task will be hiring a head coach after Mike McDaniel was fired Thursday. ESPN first reported the deal.

Rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman sells for $15 million

23 hours ago

By BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI - Associated Press

A rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman and also was once stolen from the home of actor Nicolas Cage has been sold for a record $15 million. The private deal for “Action Comics No. 1” was announced Friday. It eclipses the previous record set last November when a copy of “Superman No. 1″ was sold at auction for $9.12 million. The Action Comics sale was negotiated by Manhattan-based Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, which said the comic book’s owner and the buyer wished to remain anonymous. The comic sold for 10 cents when it came out in 1938 and marks the beginning of the superhero genre.

Minneapolis schools offer remote learning as tensions rise over federal immigration enforcement

January 9, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA, STEVE KARNOWSKI and BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS - Associated Press

The Minneapolis school system will offer families the option of remote learning for a month. Officials made the announcement Friday in response to concerns that children might feel unsafe venturing out in the city. Tensions are high in Minneapolis over federal immigration enforcement. Parents and educators say such enforcement in cities around the U.S. has led to dips in attendance. Under the temporary plan, teachers will simultaneously deliver lessons from their classrooms to students in the classroom and at home. It’s similar to the way many did during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district says the virtual option will be available until Feb. 12.

The NCAA has denied Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility waiver. Rebels plan to appeal

January 9, 2026

By The Associated Press

The NCAA has denied Mississippi’s request to extend the eligibility of Trinidad Chambliss. The Rebels star quarterback finished his fifth year of college football in a 31-27 loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Thursday night. He had planned to return to Ole Miss for one more year. Ole Miss will appeal the decision. Chambliss took a redshirt his first season at Ferris State in 2021-22 and was held out his second season for medical reasons. He played two more seasons at the Division II school, and then transferred to Ole Miss. The Rebels filed the waiver request with the NCAA in November.

Free agent outfielder Max Kepler suspended 80 games by MLB following positive drug test

January 9, 2026

By RONALD BLUM - AP Baseball Writer

Free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s drug program. Kepler tested positive for Epitrenbolone, a substance that led to a suspension in 2018 for boxer Manuel Charr. An 11-year major league veteran, Kepler spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played his first 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins. Kepler accepted the suspension without contesting the discipline in a grievance, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press.

Judge to temporarily block effort to end protections for relatives of citizens, green card holders

January 9, 2026

By MICHAEL CASEY - Associated Press

A federal judge is expected to temporarily block efforts by the Trump administration to end a program that offered legal protections for more than 10,000 relatives of citizens and green card holders. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said Friday during a court hearing that she plans to issue a temporary restraining order but did not say when it would be issued. Plaintiffs want it issued by Jan. 14. That’s when protections end for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras who are part of the Family Reunification Parole program. Plaintiffs argue that many of these people have waited years for green cards, with some just weeks away from getting them.

Trump promises oil executives ‘total safety’ if they invest in Venezuela after Maduro ouster

January 9, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday called on oil executives to rush back into Venezuela as the White House looks to quickly secure $100 billion in investments to revive the country’s ability to fully tap into its expansive reserves of petroleum. Since the U.S. military raid to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, Trump has quickly…

Meta lines up massive supply of nuclear power to energize AI data centers

January 9, 2026

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN - AP Business Writer

Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers. Meta struck agreements with TerraPower, Oklo and Vistra for nuclear power for its Prometheus AI data center that is being built in New Albany, Ohio. Meta announced Prometheus, which will be a 1-gigawatt cluster spanning across multiple data center buildings, in July. It’s anticipated to come online this year. Financial terms of the deals with TerraPower, Oklo and Vistra were not disclosed.

Fractures are starting to show in Trump’s GOP at the start of this election year

January 9, 2026

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

President Donald Trump gathered House Republicans this week at Washington’s Kennedy Center for a pep rally that kicked off the year. But by the time Republican lawmakers had completed their first week of work, fractures in the party were already showing. A few Republicans are pushing back on Trump’s aggression in the Western Hemisphere. The party is also not unified over health care benefits. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says that Republicans are “going to be focused like a laser” on issues of affordability. But Democrats are making the case that Trump is becoming distracted from the needs of Americans, especially after the attack on Venezuela.

From climbing vacuums to cyber pets: Some highlights of CES 2026

January 9, 2026

By RIO YAMAT and SHAWN CHEN - AP Business Writers

CES 2026 showcased futuristic tech, from paper-thin screens to AI-driven gadgets. Meanwhile, robots were everywhere on the show floor, assisting and entertaining. Highlights of the annual tech trade show in Las Vegas included Lego introducing Smart Play, a blend of connected bricks with Star Wars themes. Clicks Technology also revived the digital phone keyboard with a magnetic QWERTY mode, while LG unveiled a TV as thin as paper. Roborock presented a vacuum that climbs stairs and Razer demoed AI-powered headphones similar to smart glasses. Strutt introduced a self-driving mobility chair and Uber revealed a premium robotaxi.

Minnesota prosecutor calls on the public to share Renee Good shooting evidence with her office

January 9, 2026

The Associated Press,

Federal law enforcement officers stand near a roadblock at Portland Avenue and East 32nd Street, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, after reports of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has been conducting a major crackdown. (AP Photo/Tim Sullivan) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on Friday called on members of the public to send any…

Packers’ Trevon Diggs wants to make the most of his unexpected playoff opportunity

January 9, 2026

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Trevon Diggs couldn’t have imagined a couple of weeks ago that he’d have a chance to make an impact in the playoffs. The 27-year-old cornerback finds himself in this improbable position after the Green Bay Packers claimed him off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys last week. Diggs performed capably while playing nearly half of Green Bay’s defensive snaps in its regular-season finale Sunday. Packers coach Matt LaFleur didn’t rule out the possibility of starting him in their Saturday night wild-card matchup at Chicago.

As tensions flare in Minnesota, Treasury Secretary Bessent pushes a crackdown on fraud

January 9, 2026

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says his agency is taking a closer look at financial transactions between Minnesotan residents and businesses and Somalia. The actions come as the federal government ramps up its immigration crackdown in the state. The Treasury Department has ordered banks and businesses that people use to wire money to relatives abroad to scrutinize transactions. Bessent spoke to reporters during a Friday visit to Minnesota. Somali leaders and allies including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have vowed to protect the community. Bessent’s visit coincides with protests in Minneapolis after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a woman in a residential neighborhood on Wednesday.

Judge dismisses Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit to reclaim master recordings from Universal Music Group

January 9, 2026

By MARK KENNEDY - AP Entertainment Writer

A federal judge has dismissed Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit to reclaim ownership of their master recordings from Universal Music Group. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote sided with the recording giant, stating the group never owned the copyrights to their sound recordings. UMG argued the recordings were “works made for hire,” preventing rights reclamation. Salt-N-Pepa claimed their agreements indicated otherwise. The duo, Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, became Salt-N-Pepa in 1985. They signed with Next Plateau Records, now under Universal’s Republic label. The judge found no evidence they granted the label copyright that can be reclaimed.

Federal officers are leaving Louisiana immigration crackdown for Minneapolis, documents show

January 9, 2026

By JACK BROOK - Associated Press/Report for America

Documents obtained by The Associated Press show that federal border agents are pulling out of a Louisiana immigration crackdown and heading to Minneapolis. The shift appeared to signal a wind down of the Louisiana deployment that began in December and had been expected to last into February. The Trump administration has begun surging thousands of federal officers to Minnesota under a sweeping new crackdown that is tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. The Department of Homeland Security would not say Friday whether the Louisiana operation was ending in order to send officers to Minnesota.

T-wolves hold a pregame moment of silence for Renee Good, the woman fatally shot by an ICE officer

January 9, 2026

AP

The Minnesota Timberwolves have held a moment of silence before their game for Renee Good, the 37-year-old woman fatally shot in her car by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Good was killed following a brief confrontation with ICE officers Wednesday morning on a Minneapolis street about 3 miles from Target Center. The shooting fueled further protests around the Twin Cities in light of a recent surge of ICE activity in the area as part of the Trump administration’s illegal immigration crackdown. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch says the Minneapolis community “has suffered yet another unspeakable tragedy.”

Some flu measures decline, but it’s not clear this severe season has peaked

January 9, 2026

By MIKE STOBBE - AP Medical Writer

U.S. flu infections are showing signs of a slight decline, but health officials say it’s not clear that this severe flu season has peaked. New government data posted Friday covered flu activity through last week. It showed declines in medical office visits due to flu-like illness and in the number of states reporting high flu activity. But flu deaths and hospitalizations rose. By some measures this season is already surpassing the flu epidemic of last winter. That was one of the harshest in recent history. And experts believe there’s more suffering ahead.

Rapper Fetty Wap released from prison early in drug trafficking case

January 9, 2026

AP

Rapper Fetty Wap has been released from a federal prison to home confinement after serving just over half a six-year sentence for drug trafficking. The federal Bureau of Prisons says he was discharged from a Minnesota prison on Wednesday and transferred to community confinement overseen by a bureau office in Philadelphia. The agency did not explain the early release. Fetty Wap issued a statement thanking supporters and saying he is focused on family and giving back to his community. The New Jersey-born rapper had pleaded guilty after being charged in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine to dealers on Long Island and in New Jersey.

FACT FOCUS: Minneapolis shooting prompts spread of misrepresented and fabricated images online

January 9, 2026

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

Misrepresented and fabricated images spread widely on social media in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Minneapolis woman Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on Wednesday. In some, photos of other women were wrongly identified as Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. Others were fabricated to falsely represent what happened at the scene of the shooting and an old video of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was said to show him speaking about the episode.

Swiss prosecutors request male bar manager to be placed in pre-trial detention over fatal fire

January 9, 2026

AP

Switzerland is holding a memorial service to honor the 40 people who were killed in an Alpine bar fire earlier this month during a New Year’s celebration. An additional 116 people were injured when the fire broke out less than two hours after midnight at the Le Constellation bar on Jan. 1. Investigators have said they believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fire in the resort town of Crans-Montana when they came too close to the ceiling. Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers. The memorial service Friday is part of a national day of mourning in Switzerland.

Trump meets with oil executives at the White House on Friday, seeking investments in Venezuela

January 9, 2026

By JOSH BOAK - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is meeting with oil executives at the White House on Friday. He hopes to secure $100 billion in investments to revive Venezuela’s oil industry. The goal rides on the executives’ comfort with investing in a country facing instability and inflation. Since a U.S. military raid captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, Trump has said there’s a new opportunity to use the country’s oil to keep gasoline prices low. The meeting is set for 2:30 p.m., and is currently set to occur behind closed doors. The full list of executives has not been disclosed, but Chevon, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips are expected to attend.

Takeaways from AP reporting on Trump administration cuts affecting US water systems

January 9, 2026

By TAMMY WEBBER, MICHAEL PHILLIS and M.K. WILDEMAN - Associated Press

Deep funding cuts under President Donald Trump will make it more difficult for struggling communities to get help to fix sewer systems that put health and homes at risk. Cuts include grants, loans and technical help promised by the Biden administration to address racial and economic disparities. The cuts threaten to widen infrastructure inequality. Many cuts are part of Trump’s war on diversity, equity and inclusion. That includes a $14 million grant to help install septic systems in three majority-Black Alabama counties where many residents must pipe sewage from their homes onto their own property because it has nowhere else to go.

Poor communities threatened by aging sewers see crucial aid slashed under Trump

January 9, 2026

By TAMMY WEBBER, MICHAEL PHILLIS and M.K. WILDEMAN - Associated Press

Deep funding cuts under President Donald Trump will make it more difficult for struggling communities to get help to fix sewer systems that put health and homes at risk. Cuts include grants, loans and technical help promised by the Biden administration to address racial and economic disparities. The cuts threaten to widen infrastructure inequality. Many cuts are part of Trump’s war on diversity, equity and inclusion. That includes a $14 million grant to help install septic systems in several majority-Black Alabama counties where many residents must pipe sewage from their homes onto their own property because it has nowhere else to go.

As Trump promises Venezuelan renaissance, locals struggle with crumbling economy

January 9, 2026

By REGINA GARCIA CANO and MATT SEDENSKY - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says American intervention in Venezuela will bring billions of dollars of investment in the country’s infrastructure, a revival of its once-thriving oil industry and a new age of prosperity for the Latin American country. But those pledges of future prowess can be hard to digest for Venezuelans living through today’s crumbling economy. The International Monetary Fund estimates Venezuela’s inflation rate is a staggering 682%, the highest of any country for which it has data. That has sent the cost of food beyond what many can afford. People typically work multiple jobs just to survive, and still cupboards and refrigerators are nearly bare. An estimated eight in 10 people live in poverty.

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