US & World News Archives

NASA moves its Artemis II moon rocket off the launch pad for more repairs

5 hours ago

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

NASA is moving its grounded Artemis moon rocket from the launch pad back to its hangar for more repairs. The 4-mile-long slow-motion trek began Wednesday morning at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. It’s expected to take all day. Managers ordered the rollback over the weekend after a problem developed with the rocket’s helium pressurization system. Already delayed a month by hydrogen fuel leaks, the launch team had been targeting March for the Artemis II astronaut mission — humanity’s first trip to the moon in decades. But now it’s off until at least April.

Photos of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address

17 hours ago

The Associated Press

At President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, he hoped to convince Americans that the economy is strong and that they should vote for more of the same by backing Republicans during November’s midterm elections. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Rubio visits Caribbean to talk with leaders unsettled by Trump’s policies

1 hour ago

By MATTHEW LEE and DÁNICA COTO - Associated Press

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with Caribbean leaders for talks on regional concerns about Trump administration policies in the Western Hemisphere. Rubio addressed the leaders behind closed doors Wednesday before beginning a series of separate one-on-one meetings. President Donald Trump has targeted the hemisphere for a 21st-century incarnation of the Monroe Doctrine to ensure Washington’s dominance in the region. In January, Trump ordered a military operation to capture Venezuela’s then-leader, Nicolás Maduro. And Trump has stepped up aggressive tactics to combat alleged drug smuggling. Caribbean leaders have complained about administration demands for nations to accept third-country deportees from the U.S. and chill relations with China.

Trump’s portrayal of ‘golden age’ is out of sync with how Americans see economy

1 hour ago

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and PAUL WISEMAN - Associated Press Writers

President Donald Trump sought in his first State of the Union address to sell Americans on the idea of a booming economy, falling prices, and soaring jobs, yet he faces a skeptical public with a much gloomier view. Barely 12 hours before his speech, in fact, The Conference Board, a business research group, released its latest consumer confidence report. It showed that overall confidence in the economy remains historically low, and is barely above the level it plunged to in the depths of the COVID recession. Other polling has yielded similar results: Only 39% of Americans approve of Trump’s economic leadership, according to the latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey.

Soaring cost of food and other staples squeezes Iranians as threat of US attack looms

2 hours ago

By NASSER KARIMI and MEHDI FATTAHI - Associated Press

Iranians face a sudden surge in prices for food and daily essentials, and many families say they cannot keep up. The mounting costs only further strain the population as they fear a possible war with the U.S. and wrestle with the aftermath of protests that swept the country last month. The rial keeps falling against the dollar, hiking the cost of imports and raw materials. Uncertainty over potential war only drives prices higher. Shoppers in Tehran say staples like potatoes, milk, and meat have risen sharply in just a month. Some are buying in bulk in case the U.S. strikes.

Larry Summers will resign from teaching at Harvard during review of Epstein ties, university says

3 hours ago

By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers will resign from teaching at Harvard University amid a campus review of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the university announced Wednesday. Summers, who has been on leave since November and whose name appeared hundreds of times in newly released Epstein files, will leave at the end of the school year, according to a statement from Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton.

Sondra Lee, a veteran Broadway dancer with roles in ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Hello Dolly!’ dies at 97

3 hours ago

BY MARK KENNEDY - AP Entertainment Writer

Broadway dancer and actor Sondra Lee, who helped shape “Peter Pan” and “Hello, Dolly!,” has died at 97. Her friend, the Rev. Joshua Ellis, says Lee died Monday in her New York City apartment. Legendary choreographer-director Jerome Robbins discovered her early in her career, putting her in “High Button Shoes.” She later originated Tiger Lily in the 1954 Broadway “Peter Pan.” She played Minnie Fay in the original “Hello, Dolly!,” staying with the show for years. Lee later taught and consulted on films. Her last appearance came in 2025 at Carnegie Hall.

Discord postpones age verification rollout amid criticism, promises transparency

3 hours ago

By KAITLYN HUAMANI - AP Technology Writer

Discord is postponing its controversial age verification policy after users of the popular platform for gamers to communicate online expressed strong objections and privacy concerns. The company announced earlier this month it would roll out an age verification policy in March that would include face scanning or requests for an ID upload for users it could not determine were adults. When it rolls out the revised age verification system in the second half of 2026, Discord will now offer more options to verify users’ ages. The company also promised users it would be transparent about its internal age determination methods and the vendors it partners with going forward.

Citing AP investigation, new bill seeks to prohibit DHS from using full-body restraints

4 hours ago

By JASON DEAREN and JIM MUSTIAN - Associated Press

A new House bill aims to stop the Department of Homeland Security’s use of a full-body restraint device called the WRAP. On Wednesday, Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez introduced the “Full-Body Restraint Prohibition Act.” She points to an Associated Press investigation showing ICE used the device on deportation flights since 2020. The bill also adds new oversight and reporting rules. Advocates say ICE may not track its use as force reports require. The maker says the device can save lives.

What to know as the Louvre gets a new chief after a surprise resignation and a bruising year

3 hours ago

By THOMAS ADAMSON - Associated Press

After months of pressure, the Louvre has a new director. Christophe Leribault was named to lead the landmark on Wednesday, half a day after the previous director, Laurence des Cars, resigned. The leadership change at the world’s most-visited museum comes after the October crown jewels heist and a string of failures that battered confidence in one of the country’s most prized institutions. The rapid handover is meant to restore order at a museum hit by a punishing run of crises. It also protects a politically loaded project for President Emmanuel Macron, who has made the Louvre overhaul a signature cultural legacy plan as he eyes the end of his term next year.

The surprising complexity behind the squeak of basketball shoes on hardwood floors

4 hours ago

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

A new study uses physics to uncover why sneakers squeak on the basketball court. Scientists slid a shoe against a smooth glass plate over and over, filming it and recording the squeaking sounds with a microphone. As the shoe works hard to keep its grip, the sole changes shape thousands of times per second as it momentarily loses and then regains contact with the floor at a frequency that matches the pitch of the loud squeak we hear. These insights can help scientists understand essential questions about friction, which has important practical applications. The study was published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

Casey Means faces the Senate health committee in a confirmation hearing to be US surgeon general

5 hours ago

By ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

Wellness influencer and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means is speaking before the Senate health committee and talking about promoting “a great national healing” as she seeks approval to be U.S. surgeon general. Wednesday’s confirmation hearing was rescheduled from last October, when Means went into labor the day she was set to appear. The hearing gives Means a chance to share her vision for ending chronic disease through dietary and lifestyle changes, a message aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again movement. Means will likely face tough questions about her qualifications and potential conflicts.

US men’s hockey team feted at State of the Union; Trump says women’s team will be honored ‘soon’

5 hours ago

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon and later received about a two-minute bipartisan standing ovation during his State of the Union address that night. Trump also announced that the women’s hockey team, which also defeated Canada to win gold, will “soon” visit the White House. The women’s team had declined…

UK parliamentary speaker says he tipped off police over possible Mandelson flight risk

5 hours ago

By PAN PYLAS - Associated Press

The Speaker of the U.K.’s House of Commons has told lawmakers that he tipped off police that Peter Mandelson, the former ambassador to the U.S. who is facing accusations of leaking information to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was a possible flight risk. Lindsay Hoyle said Wednesday that he had told police of information he had heard, without disclosing the source. Lawyers for Mandelson said his arrest Monday at his home in north London for alleged misconduct in public office was the result of a “baseless suggestion” that he planned to flee the country. Mandelson was released on bail early Tuesday morning after more than nine hours of questioning. He denies any wrongdoing.

Takeaways from Trump’s address: Sales mode on economy, heavy on patriotism, dark turn on Democrats

6 hours ago

The Associated Press,

State of the Union Address (CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump started in sales mode, using his State of the Union address to deliver an upbeat vision of the U.S. economy. But that portrayal collides with the sentiment of Americans who remain anxious about their finances and feel they haven’t benefited from Trump’s policies. He took the high road to honor the gold…

US men’s hockey team feted at State of the Union; Trump says women’s team will be honored ‘soon’

23 hours ago

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE - Associated Press

The gold medal-winning U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team has visited President Donald Trump at the White House and later received about a 2-minute bipartisan standing ovation during his State of the Union address. Trump also announced that the women’s hockey team, which also defeated Canada to win gold, will visit the White House. The women’s team had declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union due to the timing of the address. Trump also said goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Swirling beauty of the Milky Way galaxy’s heart is captured in a new telescope picture

7 hours ago

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

A telescope in Chile has revealed the swirling splendor of star-forming gases at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy. The European Southern Observatory released the picture Wednesday. It zeros in on a region of cold cosmic gases stretching more than 650 light-years. The clouds of gas and dust surround the supermassive black hole at the galactic dead center. It’s the largest image ever taken by the ALMA antenna network in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth.

SUV comparison: Honda Passport vs Subaru Outback

8 hours ago

By JAMES RISWICK of Edmunds

The 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Subaru Outback are two similar midsize SUVs. They are both roomy on the inside and are designed to help you tackle snowy roads in winter as easily as outdoor adventures in summer. Each SUV has also received a full redesign for 2026, bringing new styling and features. Yet there are still some key differences between the Passport and Outback. Which one is the better buy? Edmunds’ car experts compared them to find out.

Trump plans to take his State of the Union message on the road — eventually

8 hours ago

By SEUNG MIN KIM - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has a midterm year message to sell. Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday boasted about economic strength and a tougher America. The Republican president will get the chance to test drive that narrative later this week, when he travels to Texas to talk about the economy and energy policies. Republican lawmakers say Trump’s State of the Union sets the tone for their campaign message this year. While presidential travel remains key, Trump is known for finding ways to grab attention. Trump’s speech was peppered with a series of made-for-social-media surprises designed to be clipped and replayed repeatedly. Democrats argue many American families are still struggling under Trump’s policies.

Are expensive shampoos worth it? Here’s what the experts have to say

9 hours ago

By ISABELLA O'MALLEY - Associated Press

Shampoos and conditioners can run from a few dollars to more than $100. Elaborate marketing can make pricier products appear as elixirs to all hair woes and might make consumers think they have to pay more for a better product. But dermatologists say that over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners can work just as well as pricier products. Some brands are more expensive because they are private, smaller companies or have invested in sustainable practices such certified organic ingredients, regenerative agriculture and recycled materials.

Zelenskyy says Ukrainian officials to meet Trump envoys in Geneva for more Russia talks

9 hours ago

By KAMILA HRABCHUK - Associated Press

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a Ukrainian delegation is set to meet Thursday with American envoys in the run-up to another round of trilateral talks with Russia. Zelenskyy told reporters Wednesday that Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary, is due to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The meeting will take place in Geneva. The Swiss city is also expected to host on the same day a round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.

Trump cites health care issues in Greenland saying he’s sending a hospital ship. His claims are off

February 25, 2026

By KIRSTEN GRIESHABER, KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and DEVI SHASTRI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. was sending a hospital ship to Greenland because people there are not getting care, but the claim faces pushback. He said in a Truth Social post Saturday that the ship was already on the way, though at the time he posted, the two U.S. ships appeared to be docking in Alabama. Publicly available ship tracking data shows that on Tuesday one of the ships, the USNS Mercy, went out to sea. It’s not clear from the public data where the ship is headed, and Pentagon officials didn’t comment when asked about its destination. The leaders of Greenland and Denmark have defended their health care system in response to Trump’s allegations.

A new director is being appointed to lead the Louvre Museum after jewel heist, sources say

10 hours ago

By SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

The Louvre Museum, home of the ‘Mona Lisa,’ is getting a new director. Two French officials told The Associated Press that art historian Christophe Leribault, a veteran museum director, has been tapped to steer the world’s largest museum out of crisis. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the appointment expected to be approved at a Cabinet meeting and announced later Wednesday. The new director will shoulder the challenge of getting the world’s largest museum out of crisis after the brazen heist in October of the French crown jewels.

Iran pushes back against Trump ahead of Geneva talks in face of major US military deployment

10 hours ago

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran has pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s pressure tactics ahead of critical talks in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear program. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissed Trump’s remarks at the State of the Union as “big lies.” Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker said the U.S. could either engage in diplomacy or face the wrath of Iran if it attacks. America has assembled its biggest deployment of aircraft and warships into the Middle East in decades, part of Trump’s efforts to get a deal while Iran struggles at home with growing dissent following nationwide protests last month.

Residents want local governments to end contracts that let ICE train on their gun ranges

12 hours ago

By AMY TAXIN - Associated Press

Residents in a Southern California city want local police to stop letting federal immigration agents train at a publicly owned firing range. Some residents of Escondido say Immigration and Customs Enforcement has changed by donning masks and using hard-handed tactics in raids that turned deadly in such places as Minneapolis and Chicago, and don’t want to give agents a reason to come to their city. Similar debates have sprung up in various communities since the Trump administration ramped up immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security didn’t comment on the local backlash and declined to discuss where authorities train out of security concerns.

Hungary’s Orbán stakes his reelection on anti-Ukraine message

13 hours ago

By JUSTIN SPIKE - Associated Press

Facing tough odds in an upcoming election, Hungary’s pro-Russian prime minister is trying to convince voters that the greatest threat to the country is not economic stagnation, but neighboring Ukraine. Viktor Orbán is running an aggressive media campaign whose central message is that Hungarians should refuse to align with the rest of Europe in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. That path, he argues, risks bankrupting the country and getting its youth killed on the front lines. Orbán’s chief opponent, Péter Magyar, has focused his campaign on stemming the rising costs of living, improving social services and reining in corruption. He also promises to restore democratic institutions which have eroded during Orbán’s 16 years in power.

Photos of a massive snowstorm pummeling northeast US

February 25, 2026

The Associated Press

A massive snowstorm hit the northeast United States, forcing millions of people to stay home amid strong winds and blizzard warnings, transportation shutdowns, and school and business closures. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Jets plan to keep Hall, while futures for Walker and Montgomery remain uncertain

22 hours ago

AP

The New York Jets don’t plan to let running back Breece Hall hit the open market at the start of the league year, while the futures of other top running backs such as Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and David Montgomery remain more in flux. Jets general manager Darren Mougey said that the team plans to use either the franchise tag or the transition tag on Hall if the two sides can’t reach a new deal before the deadline on March 3. Seattle general manager John Schneider wouldn’t commit to tagging Walker, while Detroit could be open to trading Montgomery.

Amon-Ra St. Brown to play in mother’s home of Germany as Lions are set for NFL Munich game

19 hours ago

AP

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says a longtime dream will come true with his team set to play in the NFL game in Munich this year. St. Brown’s mother was born in Germany and his career has been closely followed by the NFL’s large German fan base. Detroit’s opponent will be confirmed later. The Munich game is part of a record schedule of nine international games in 2026, including new host cities in France, Australia and Brazil.

Kirk Cousins is set for free agency. Falcons GM says the team plans to release the veteran QB

February 24, 2026

AP

The Atlanta Falcons have informed quarterback Kirk Cousins they plan to release the 14-year veteran when free agency opens. New general manager Ian Cunningham made the announcement at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Cousins played two seasons with the Falcons and started 22 of 34 games. He signed a $180 million contract before Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in 2024. The 37-year-old Cousins is 88-77-2 as a starter with Washington, Minnesota and Atlanta. The Falcons also placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts on Tuesday, preventing him from becoming a free agent.

Justice Department suit accuses UCLA of failing to protect Jewish employees from campus hostility

22 hours ago

By COLLIN BINKLEY - AP Education Writer

The Justice Department is suing the University of California over allegations that UCLA failed to protect Jewish employees from antisemitic harassment amid pro-Palestinian protests that roiled the campus in 2023 and 2024. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in California, is the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign to punish top universities that it says have been soft on antisemitism. The suit accuses UCLA of failing to discipline those who were involved in protests, including dozens who were arrested in 2024 for failing to leave a campus encampment. UCLA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wisconsin schools, teachers file lawsuit against GOP-led Legislature seeking more funding

February 24, 2026

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

A coalition of Wisconsin school districts, teachers’ unions, advocacy groups, parents, students and others has filed a lawsuit against the state Legislature alleging that it’s failing to fund public schools adequately. The lawsuit announced on Tuesday asks the court to adopt a new school finance system that meets the needs of districts unless the Legislature and governor enact one “in a timely fashion.” Lawsuits in several states over school funding have been filed in recent years. But the fight in Wisconsin has historically taken place in the Statehouse. Now it will move to the courthouse, where this challenge will almost certainly end up before the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Bill requiring aircraft locator systems that NTSB recommends to prevent midair collisions fails

February 24, 2026

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

Legislation to require all aircraft flying around busy airports to have key locator systems to prevent midair collisions failed to win approval in the House on Tuesday. The head of the National Transportation Safety Board said the system that her agency has been recommending since 2008 would have prevented last year’s midair collision near Washington D.C. that killed 67 people. The bill passed the Senate and had the backing of the victims’ families and key unions. It would require all aircraft to be equipped with a system that can receive data about the locations of other aircraft. The complementary system that broadcasts an aircraft’s location is already required.

Olympic medal winners Corey and Korey return to Duluth

February 24, 2026

Emmaleah Allen, Jason VanHorn,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth-based Olympic medal-winning curling duo has returned. On Monday, a crowd of cheering fans met Olympians Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse as they got off their flight at the Duluth International Airport Family and friends brought noise makers and created signs of celebration. “We’re just so happy to be home now and be able to sleep…

What to know about UK politician Peter Mandelson’s ties to his ‘best pal,’ the late Jeffrey Epstein

February 24, 2026

By BRIAN MELLEY - Associated Press

Influential British politician Peter Mandelson is under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office linked to his relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Those ties forced Mandelson to resign from the ruling Labour Party, step down from the House of Lords, and have threatened the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The arrest of Mandelson four days after the former Prince Andrew was taken into custody on similar suspicions are some of the most dramatic consequences of the release of U.S. documents in the Epstein scandal.

What to know about the charge that former Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson could face

February 24, 2026

By SYLVIA HUI - Associated Press

The arrests of the former Prince Andrew and Britain’s former ambassador to the U.S. over their links to Jeffrey Epstein are shining a spotlight on an ancient offense known as misconduct in public office. The former prince and Peter Mandelson were arrested within days of each other on suspicion of the same offense. Experts say the law is vague and in need of reform, and that the cases against both men may be difficult to prosecute. U.S. documents suggest Andrew sent confidential trade material to Epstein during his time as a U.K. trade envoy. The same files suggest Mandelson shared internal government details when he served as business secretary. Neither man has been charged.

Utah judge is set to rule on disqualifying prosecutors in the Charlie Kirk case

February 24, 2026

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM - Associated Press

A judge is set to rule on keeping prosecutors on the case of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing in Utah. Kirk was shot onstage while speaking outdoors at a college in Orem in September. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, who is charged with aggravated murder. Robinson has not yet entered a plea and a trial date is not set. Defense attorneys seek to remove from the case a deputy prosecutor whose adult daughter was in the audience where Kirk was shot. The judge in the case has said he will rule on the request Tuesday.

Warner Bros gets a new offer from Paramount in heated fight for the storied Hollywood studio

February 24, 2026

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

Warner Bros. Discovery says it’s reviewing a new takeover offer from Skydance-owned Paramount, but its board is still recommending the company’s deal with Netflix in the meantime. Warner disclosed that it had received a “a revised PSKY proposal” on Tuesday — after a seven-day window to renew talks with Paramount elapsed on Monday night. Paramount also confirmed that it had submitted a revised proposal, but did immediately not provide further details on the latest bid. The company was widely expected to have raised its offer price.

After botulism treatment, babies get a treasured birthday card from California program

February 24, 2026

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

The California program that identifies and treats cases of dangerous infant botulism also comforts families by sending silly cards on their babies’ first birthdays. Staff at the state’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program decorate and mail roughly 200 cards a year to celebrate the recovery of children affected by the rare condition. In recent months, that has included dozens of U.S. babies affected by a botulism outbreak tied to contaminated ByHeart infant formula. Federal health officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak that sickened more than 50 infants.

5 questions heading into Trump’s State of the Union address

February 24, 2026

The Associated Press,

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House before signing an executive order regarding childhood cancer and the use of AI, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he has a lot to talk about tonight. He’s returning to Congress to deliver a State of the Union address at a consequential moment in his…

Robert Carradine, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’ star, dies at 71

February 24, 2026

The Associated Press,

Robert Carradine (CNN) Robert Carradine, the youngest of his prolific Hollywood family and whose biggest hit was the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” has died at 71. In a Tuesday statement, his family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades. His brother told Deadline that Carradine died by suicide. “We want people to know it, and there is…

Savannah Guthrie says her family is offering a $1 million reward for her mother’s return

February 24, 2026

By JOHN SEEWER - Associated Press

“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie says her family is now offering a $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of her mother. It has been three weeks since Nancy Guthrie went missing from her Arizona home. Savannah Guthrie said Tuesday that her family is still holding out for a miracle and hopes her mother will be found alive. But she also acknowledged that they realize it might be too late. She said in the video that her mom may be dancing in heaven. Savannah Guthrie said while announcing the $1 million reward that her family needs to know where Nancy Guthrie is no matter what happened.

5 questions heading into Trump’s State of the Union address

February 24, 2026

By STEVEN SLOAN and STEVE PEOPLES - Associated Press

President Donald Trump will use his State of the Union speech to defend his agenda. On Tuesday, he returns to the House chamber days after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariff policy. Trump has blasted the justices who ruled against him. Some justices may skip the speech to avoid a confrontation. Democrats also plan a quieter approach after last year’s signs and heckling. Some Democrats say they will not attend. Trump also faces voter anxiety about consumer prices and immigration enforcement.

Iranians worry over American military buildup as next, last-chance round of talks with the US nears

February 24, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Many Iranians are worried as the United States assembles its greatest military firepower in decades in the Middle East and the next round of talks in Geneva get closer. There is a belief that the talks on Thursday may give their country’s theocracy its last chance to strike a deal with President Donald Trump. There is also a feeling of hopelessness in a country battered by decades of sanctions, heightened by Trump’s 2018 decision to withdraw from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers. Iranians also last month suffered through the bloodiest crackdown on dissent in the country’s modern history, with security forces killing thousands of people and detaining tens of thousands more.

Facebook owner Meta to buy AI chips from AMD in deal worth up to $100 billion

February 24, 2026

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN - AP Business Writer

Facebook owner Meta Platforms will buy artificial intelligence chips from Advanced Micro Devices in a deal that will also give it the opportunity to buy up to a 10% stake of the chip company. Meta will buy AMD’s latest chips, the MI450, to help power data centers. The 6-gigawatt agreement will see shipments supporting the first gigawatt deployment set to start during the second half of this year. The agreement could potentially be worth more than $100 billion.

Robert Carradine, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’ star, dies at 71

February 24, 2026

By LINDSEY BAHR - AP Film Writer

Actor Robert Carradine has died at 71. His family says he died by suicide. In a statement shared on Tuesday, his family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades. His brother Keith Carradine says there is no shame in mental illness. Carradine works for more than 40 years in film and TV. He appeared in “Bonanza,” “The Cowboys,” and films like “Mean Streets” and “Coming Home.” His biggest hit comes in 1984 as nerd leader Lewis Skolnick in “Revenge of the Nerds.” He also plays Lizzie McGuire’s dad. He leaves three children.

Thai officials say 72 tigers at tourist parks died of canine distemper, allaying bird flu fears

February 24, 2026

By WASAMON AUDJARINT - Associated Press

Officials say the deaths of 72 tigers at two tourist parks in northern Thailand are a result of canine distemper and not bird flu. The Thai health minister said Tuesday that officials haven’t seen any animal-to-human infections and are monitoring humans who had contact with the animals. The tigers in Chiang Mai province got sick and died between Feb. 8 and Feb. 18. Officials say autopsies found canine distemper virus and some bacteria but no bird flu virus. Both parks remain closed.

US military boards third oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean

February 24, 2026

AP

The Pentagon says U.S. military forces have boarded a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea. U.S. Southern Command said Tuesday in a post on X that U.S. forces boarded the Bertha overnight. President Donald Trump had ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers near Venezuela in December to pressure then-President Nicolás Maduro before his capture. Venezuela faced U.S. sanctions on its oil for several years, relying on a shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to smuggle crude into global supply chains. The Treasury Department’s website states the Bertha is under U.S. sanctions related to Iran.

State of the Union offers Trump a chance to make the case for his foreign policy approach

February 24, 2026

By AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

The State of the Union offers President Donald Trump a chance to make the case for his foreign policy efforts to Americans who are increasingly demonstrating uneasiness about his priorities. The Republican president counts brokering a fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza, capturing autocratic leader Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela and pressing fellow NATO members to increase defense spending among his biggest wins. At a moment when polls show the American public increasingly concerned about the economy, Trump’s assignment Tuesday evening is to cut through a thickening skepticism that he’s staying true to his “America First” philosophy after a year in which his focus was often far from home.

2-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton dies at 43 after being in a car crash

February 24, 2026

By DOUG FEINBERG - AP Basketball Writer

Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has died after being in a car crash in Atlanta. She was 43. The athletic department at Georgia, where Braxton played in college, texted The Associated Press confirmation of Braxton’s death and posted on social media. Her son, Jelani Thurman, posted a photo of his younger self in his mother’s jersey on social media and wrote that he we will miss his “queen.” Braxton died on Saturday. She last played in the WNBA in 2014 while finishing up a four-year stint with New York. She won two titles with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2008.

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