US & World News Archives - Page 10 of 87

Supreme Court will hear appeal by maker of popular Roundup weedkiller to block thousands of lawsuits

January 16, 2026

By MARK SHERMAN - Associated Press

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from agrochemical manufacturer Bayer to block thousands of state lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people its popular weedkiller could cause cancer. The justices said Friday they’ll consider whether the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of the Roundup weedkiller without a cancer warning should rule out state court claims. The justices will hear a case from Missouri, where a man developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after spraying Roundup on a community garden. The Trump administration has weighed in on Bayer’s behalf, reversing the Biden administration’s position. Some studies associate Roundup’s key ingredient, glyphosate, with cancer. The EPA has said it’s unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed.

Ex-husband indicted by grand jury in slaying of couple found in their Ohio home

January 16, 2026

By PATRICK AFTOORA-ORSAGOS - Associated Press

An Ohio grand jury indicted a man in the double homicide of his ex-wife and her husband who were killed in their home last month. Court records show a Franklin County grand jury charged Michael David McKee on Jan. 16, with aggravated murder and aggravated burglary. McKee, a vascular surgeon who was living in Chicago, is charged in the shooting deaths of 39-year-old Monique Tepe and her 37-year-old husband, dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe, in their Columbus home on Dec. 30. Monique Tepe and McKee were divorced in 2017. Authorities apprehended McKee in Rockford, Illinois, last weekend, where he remains in custody. His next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23.

FACT FOCUS: Former Proud Boys leader falsely identified as an ICE officer

January 16, 2026

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

Social media users are falsely claiming that Enrique Tarrio, a former Proud Boys leader, is working as an officer for the federal agency. But this is false. As protests continue in Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, Tarrio denied working for ICE in a series of social media posts. The federal agency also confirmed that he is not now, nor ever has been, employed there.

Venezuelan opposition leader is confident about return of democracy but says little of her plans

January 16, 2026

By JOSHUA GOODMAN and ISABEL DEBRE - Associated Press

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says she’s confident of her country’s eventual transition to democracy after the U.S. military ousted former President Nicolás Maduro. But when pressed, she took pains to avoid giving details on her plans to return home or any timetable for elections in Venezuela. Her remarks on Friday reflect how President Donald Trump’s endorsement of a Maduro loyalist to lead Venezuela for now has frozen out the nation’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning crusader for democracy. Still, Machado has looked to get closer to Trump, presenting her Nobel medal to him a day earlier at the White House.

ICE says a Cuban man died during a suicide attempt. A witness says a guard fatally choked him

January 16, 2026

By MICHAEL BIESECKER, CEDAR ATTANASIO and RYAN J. FOLEY - Associated Press

A Cuban immigrant who lived in the U.S. for nearly three decades died in a Texas immigration facility during an altercation with guards. While the local medical examiner has indicated his death will likely be classified as a homicide, the federal government has given a different account of Geraldo Lunas Campos’ death, saying he was attempting suicide and staff tried to save him. But a witness tells The Associated Press the man died after being handcuffed, tackled and placed in a chokehold until losing consciousness. The death and different accounts have intensified scrutiny of immigration jails, especially as the government detains more immigrants nationwide.

Canada agrees to cut tariff on Chinese EVs in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products

January 16, 2026

By KEN MORITSUGU and ROB GILLIES - Associated Press

Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement Friday after two days of meetings with Chinese leaders. He says there will be an initial annual cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports to Canada, growing to 70,000 over five years. China will reduce its tariff on the major Canadian export of canola seeds from about 84% to about 15%. Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged earlier Friday to improve relations between their two nations after years of acrimony.

Trump to pardon ex-Puerto Rico governor Vázquez in campaign finance case, official says

January 16, 2026

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE - Associated Press

President Donald Trump plans to pardon former Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez, a White House official said. The official who confirmed the planned pardon on Friday wasn’t authorized to reveal the news by name and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Vázquez pleaded guilty last August to a campaign finance violation in a federal case that authorities say also involved a former FBI agent and a Venezuelan banker. Her sentencing was set for later this month. Federal prosecutors had been seeking one year behind bars. Vázquez was the U.S. territory’s first former governor to plead guilty to a crime, specifically accepting a donation from a foreigner for her 2020 political campaign.

A Liberian man released after his battering-ram arrest in Minneapolis is back in custody again

January 16, 2026

By JACK BROOK - Associated Press

A Liberian man is back in custody in Minnesota, a day after a judge ordered him released because agents broke down his door to arrest him without a judicial warrant. The dramatic arrest of Garrison Gibson last weekend by armed immigration agents using a battering ram was captured on video. Gibson’s lawyer says his client was detained again Friday when he appeared at an immigration office for a routine check-in, even after a judge ruled his arrest unlawful. Gibson’s arrest is one of more than 2,500 in the Twin Cities, according to Department of Homeland Security data.

Indiana lands star-studded group from transfer portal while preparing for national championship game

January 16, 2026

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Indiana and Mississippi had rather busy schedules the last couple of weeks as they competed in the College Football Playoff while the transfer portal window was open. But it apparently didn’t bother their 2026 roster construction efforts too much. Indiana has put together arguably the nation’s best collection of transfers for its 2026 roster as the Hoosiers get ready to face Miami in the national championship game. Ole Miss’ transfer class isn’t that far behind heading into Friday’s closing of the portal window.

Cuba launches mass demonstration to decry US attack on Venezuela and demand Maduro’s release

January 16, 2026

By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ - Associated Press

Tens of thousands of Cubans have gathered in Havana to protest the killing of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela. The demonstration took place Friday at the “José Martí Anti-Imperialist” plaza across from the U.S. Embassy. The crowd demanded the release of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who was arrested by the U.S. on January 3. Cuba’s Foreign Ministry described the protest as a response to threats against peace and sovereignty. President Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the event. The protest follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent demands for Cuba to negotiate with him amid tightened sanctions and economic struggles.

She set a photo afire, lit a cigarette — and became a symbol of resistance for Iran protesters

January 16, 2026

By LAURIE KELLMAN - Associated Press

A woman in Canada has become a global symbol of defiance against Iran’s regime. A viral video shows her lighting a cigarette from a burning photo of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Known as “the cigarette girl,” she defies Iran’s strict laws by not wearing a hijab and mocking the regime. The video has inspired protests worldwide, with people replicating her act. She identifies as a radical feminist and lives in Toronto as a refugee. Her story highlights the ongoing struggle for narrative control in Iran, where social media plays a crucial role in spreading dissent.

Julio Iglesias denies sexual abuse allegations, calling them ‘absolutely untrue’

January 16, 2026

AP

Julio Iglesias has denied allegations of sexual assault made by two former employees. Media reports allege the singer assaulted the women at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas between January and October 2021. Spanish prosecutors are studying the claims. Iglesias denied the accusations on Instagram, calling them false and distressing. A joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias was published on Jan. 13. A Spanish high court received formal allegations against Iglesias on Jan. 5. Iglesias, 82, is one of the world’s most successful musical artists, having sold over 300 million records.

Prayer leader in Iran and the faithful call for executions over protests, a red line for Trump

January 16, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

A cleric leading prayers in Iran’s capital has demanded the death penalty for detained protesters, showing the hard-line rage gripping the Islamic Republic. Cleric Ahmad Khatami’s sermon Friday was carried by Iranian state radio and sparked chants from those gathered for prayers. Executions and the killing of peaceful protesters had been red lines laid down by Trump for possible military action against Iran. Khatami’s remarks also offered the first nationwide counts of damage done during the demonstrations that began Dec. 28 over Iran’s ailing economy. Iran cut off access to the internet Jan. 8 and intensified a bloody crackdown on all dissent.

Photos show Ukraine’s historic center in ruins but children, athletes still train ahead of Olympics

January 16, 2026

By JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON

CHERNIHIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s historic Chernihiv biathlon and cross-country training center, which produced the country’s first Olympic medalist, remains in ruins after Russia’s 2022 invasion. Despite bombed-out buildings and constant air-raid threats, children and Olympic hopefuls continue to train on its damaged ski tracks. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children

January 16, 2026

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY - Associated Press

Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia. This follows the country’s ban on platform use by those under 16. Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the figures on Friday, highlighting the success of the law enacted in December. The ban has sparked debates about technology use, privacy, and child safety. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube and X face hefty fines if they fail to comply. Officials say the measure is encouraging, though some young users have found ways to bypass restrictions. Other countries, such as Denmark, are considering similar bans.

A South Korean court sentences Yoon to 5 years in prison on charges related to martial law decree

January 16, 2026

By HYUNG-JIN KIM - Associated Press

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on some charges related to his imposition of martial law. The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations. The most significant charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in connection with his martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death penalty. The Seoul Central District Court in the case decided Friday sentenced him for other charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him and his alleged fabrication of official documents.

Wembanyama shaves head, shines brightly in leading Spurs past Antetokounmpo, Bucks

January 16, 2026

AP

San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama needed a fresh start after two frustrating losses so he decided to let it all go — his hair, that is. Sporting a freshly shaved head courtesy of a teammate, Wembanyama overcame an injury scare to score 22 points and grab 10 rebounds Thursday night as San Antonio routed Milwaukee 119-101 to snap a two-game skid. Wembanyama exited early in the first quarter after banging knees with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but returned. San Antonio forward Keldon Johnson deserves some credit for the change in fortunes as well as Wembanyama’s new style. The idea for new look began last week when Johnson announced he was planning to shave his head and tried to convince his teammates to join him.

In their words: Greenlanders talk about Trump’s desire to own their Arctic island

January 16, 2026

By EMMA BURROWS - AP European Security Correspondent

U.S. President Donald Trump has turned Greenland into a geopolitical hotspot with his demands to own it. The island is a semiautonomous region of Denmark. Denmark’s foreign minister said Wednesday that a “fundamental disagreement” remains with Trump over the island. Greenlanders are worried. Naaja Nathanielsen, a Greenlandic minister, said people are not sleeping and children are afraid. Trump has dismissed Denmark’s defenses in Greenland, suggesting it’s “two dog sleds.” Greenlanders feel this undermines their culture. Many Greenlanders also dismiss Trump’s claims about Russian and Chinese ships swarming their seas. They believe Trump is interested in Greenland’s critical minerals.

Inside a year of firings that have shaken the Trump Justice Department: ‘A great deal of fear’

January 15, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

As Attorney General Pam Bondi approaches her first anniversary on the job, the firings of career attorneys have defined her turbulent tenure. The terminations and a larger voluntary exodus of lawyers have erased centuries of combined experience. They have also left the department with fewer career employees to act as a bulwark defending the rule of law when President Donald Trump is testing the limits of executive power by demanding prosecutions of his political enemies. Interviews by The Associated Press of more than a half-dozen fired employees offer a snapshot of the toll throughout the department. The Justice Department has disputed the accounts of some of those who have been fired or quit.

Insurrection Act: How it’s been used and what Trump wants to do with it

January 15, 2026

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

Donald Trump would not be the first president to invoke the Insurrection Act, as he has now threatened to do as a way to send U.S. military forces to Minnesota. But he’d be the first to use the 19th century law to send troops to quell protests that started because of federal officers the president already has sent to the area — one of whom shot and killed a U.S. citizen. The law allows presidents to use the military domestically but only on rare occasions. It has been invoked on more than two dozen occasions but not much since 20th Century’s Civil Rights Movement. And some legal experts say nothing in Minneapolis justify using the act again now.

Federal immigration agents filmed dragging a woman from her car in Minneapolis

January 15, 2026

By SAFIYAH RIDDLE, SARAH BRUMFIELD and HALLIE GOLDEN - Associated Press

A U.S. citizen says in a statement that she was dragged from her car and detained by immigration officers in Minneapolis. Video of the arrest has drawn millions of views on social media, highlighting an intensifying immigration crackdown in the city. Aliya Rahman says she was on her way to a medical appointment when federal agents stopped her at an intersection. She says officers smashed her window, cut her seatbelt and dragged her out. A spokesperson for the MacArthur Justice Center says Rahman had no safe options in navigating the situation. Homeland Security officials claim Rahman was obstructing officers conducting arrests in the area. Rahman’s counsel says she was hospitalized for injuries and has since been released.

Proposals on immigration enforcement flood into state legislatures, heightened by Minnesota action

January 15, 2026

By SCOTT BAUER and JONATHAN MATTISE - Associated Press

Democrats across the country are proposing state law changes to rein in federal immigration officers and protect the public following the shooting death of a protester in Minneapolis and the wounding of two people in Portland, Oregon. Many of the measures have been proposed in some form for years in Democratic-led states, but their momentum is growing as legislatures return to work amid President Donald Trump’s national immigration crackdown following the killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Republicans are pushing back, blaming protesters for impeding enforcement of immigration laws. Tennessee Republicans on Thursday announced several proposals with more restrictions aimed at illegal immigration.

Photos show Venezuela caught between Machado’s diplomacy and Rodríguez’s rule

January 15, 2026

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with U.S. President Donald Trump, presenting him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal and praising his support for Venezuelan democracy, even as Trump has signaled a willingness to work with the country’s acting president. As Machado was in Washington, acting President Delcy Rodríguez delivered her first state of the union…

Key facts in the latest NCAA basketball betting investigation

January 15, 2026

By AARON BEARD - AP Basketball Writer

Federal prosecutors have revealed a sprawling scheme to rig college basketball games while yielding big payouts to gamblers. An indictment unsealed Thursday alleges fixers started with two professional games in China before turning their focus to recruiting college players in America. The indictment cites roughly 30 college games impacted by that effort during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Prosecutors say the scheme eventually involved more than 39 players on 17 Division I men’s basketball teams. It comes as the NCAA has spent the past year pursuing its own probes for sports-gambling violations.

Oglala Sioux president walks back claims of DHS pressure, member arrests

January 15, 2026

By SAFIYAH RIDDLE, REBECCA SANTANA and GRAHAM LEE BREWER - Associated Press

The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is walking back claims of pressure and arrests he made earlier this week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says it can’t verify these claims and denies asking for any agreement. Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out has not commented further. The accusations arose amid concerns over immigration enforcement and racial profiling affecting Native Americans. Star Comes Out initially said the arrests occurred in Minneapolis and that federal officials said the tribe could get information if they entered into an immigration agreement with the federal government. Later he said his statement was “misinterpreted” and that no demand was made by federal officials.

Democrats hope a blue wave washes over Wisconsin and gives them total control of battleground state

January 15, 2026

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

Wisconsin Democrats are hoping to flip majority control of the Legislature and retain the governor’s seat this year. That would give them full control of the Statehouse for the first time in 16 years. Democrats think new district boundaries in the Senate and Assembly ordered by the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court will enhance their odds of taking the majority there. The open race for governor and a favorable midterm election cycle this year is also bolstering optimism among Democrats. Liberals also hope to pick up an open state Supreme Court seat in April. But while both Democrats and Republicans say significant Democratic wins are possible, they’re also voicing caution.

What you need to know about Grok and the controversies surrounding it

January 15, 2026

AP

Elon Musk’s AI assistant, Grok, is facing scrutiny from governments worldwide. First launched in 2023, Grok aims to compete with AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It’s part of Musk’s AI startup, xAI, which has merged with his social media platform, X. Grok has been controversial for echoing Musk’s views on race, gender, and politics.

A scheme to rig college basketball games has been uncovered. Here’s what we know

January 15, 2026

By MARC LEVY - Associated Press

A federal investigation into a sprawling betting scheme to fix basketball games stretched from the Chinese Basketball Association to the NCAA and ensnared 26 people, including college basketball players. The charges, in documents unsealed Thursday in federal court in Philadelphia, include bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy. A group of fixers, including gamblers, allegedly recruited players with the promise of a big payment in exchange for purposefully underperforming during a game. Prosecutors say those fixers would then bet against the players’ teams in those games, defrauding sportsbooks and other bettors.

At Detroit auto show, spotlight dims for EVs

January 15, 2026

By ALEXA ST. JOHN - Associated Press

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit once dedicated an entire track on its coveted show floor to getting consumers comfortable with electric vehicles and charging. It’s a different story at this year’s show amid President Donald Trump’s anti-EV agenda as automakers back away from multibillion dollar plans to go electric. Detroit is continuing its pivot from EVs, and industry experts fear that will only add to China’s widening lead in an area seen as the future of cars.

Venezuela’s acting president calls for oil industry reforms to allow more foreign investment

January 15, 2026

By REGINA GARCIA CANO - Associated Press

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez says lawmakers in her country should approve reforms to the oil industry that would open the doors to greater foreign investment. The remarks were made Thursday during her first state of the union speech. She addressed an anxious country as she navigates competing pressures from the United States and a government loyal to former President Nicolás Maduro, who was ousted by U.S. forces less than two weeks ago. The speech to the country’s National Assembly, which wasn’t being broadcast live in Venezuela, comes one day after Rodríguez said her government would continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro in what she described as “a new political moment.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warns of worsening auto industry under Trump’s tariff strategy

January 15, 2026

By ISABELLA VOLMERT - Associated Press

In a tale of two speeches, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has offered a rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s defense of his tariff policies, made just days before by the president in Detroit. While speaking at the Detroit Auto Show, she critiqued his strong-arm strategy with ally countries, saying it has hurt American auto manufacturing. It’s a message she’s repeated over the past year, and one she said she has delivered to Trump directly numerous times. Her remarks come two days after Trump toured the Detroit area and defended the economy of the automobile sector saying, “all U.S. automakers are doing great.”

Court ruling jeopardizes freedom for pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

January 15, 2026

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ and MICHAEL R. SISAK - Associated Press

A federal appeals panel has reversed a lower court decision that released former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil from an immigration jail, bringing the government one step closer to detaining and ultimately deporting the Palestinian activist. A three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia instructed the lower court on Thursday to dismiss Khalil’s habeas petition, a court filing that secured his release. The panel ruled that the federal district court in New Jersey did not have jurisdiction over the matter because immigration challenges are handled differently under the law. Khalil called the decision “deeply disappointing.”

Trump is meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader after cozying up to Maduro’s successor

January 15, 2026

By REGINA GARCIA CANO, MEGAN JANETSKY and WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is heading to the White House for a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump. Machado’s political party is widely considered to have won 2024 elections rejected by then-President Nicolás Maduro before the U.S. captured him in a military raid this month. Trump on Thursday will host the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Machado, and Machado will later have a meeting in the Senate. Trump has already dismissed Machado’s credibility to run Venezuela and raised doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in the country. The meeting comes as Trump and his top advisers have signaled their willingness to work with Venezuela’s acting president.

Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate raises 10 times more than conservative

January 15, 2026

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

The Democratic-backed candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court raised 10 times as much last year as her Republican-endorsed opponent, putting in stark relief the challenge conservatives face in winning the race in the battleground state. The reports filed this week offer the first glimpse at one key measurement of how the race to be decided on April 7 is stacking up. Liberals are optimistic they can win their fourth Supreme Court race in a row dating back to 2020 to solidify their hold on the court. Democratic-backed candidate Judge Chris Taylor faces Republican-endorsed Judge Maria Lazar.

Pope meets families of young Italian victims of the Swiss Alps bar fire

January 15, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV has met with families of Italian teenagers killed or injured in a fire that engulfed a Swiss ski resort bar during a party on New Year’s Eve. The pope met with with about two dozen relatives of the victims on Thursday in the Vatican, acknowledging their anguish and urging them to find hope in their darkest moments. The fire in Crans-Montana killed 40 people and injured 116. Six of the dead and 13 of the injured were Italian citizens. Authorities suspect the fire was caused by sparkling candles igniting soundproofing material. Investigations are ongoing, with Italian officials demanding justice and accountability for the tragedy.

US seizes in Caribbean Sea another sanctioned oil tanker it says has ties to Venezuela

January 15, 2026

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea have seized another sanctioned oil tanker the Trump administration says has ties to Venezuela, part of a broader U.S. effort to take control of the South American country’s oil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday the Motor Tanker Veronica had previously passed through Venezuelan waters and was operating in defiance of President Donald Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. The Veronica is the sixth tanker seized by U.S. forces as part of Trump’s effort. A video Noem posted online shows helicopters hovering over the deck of a merchant vessel while armed troops drop down on the deck by rope.

In a warming world, freshwater production is moving deep beneath the sea

January 15, 2026

By ANNIKA HAMMERSCHLAG - Associated Press

Climate change is driving a global boom in desalination as regions turn to the sea for drinking water. Desalination plants, which remove salt from seawater, are rapidly expanding worldwide. However, scientists warn these plants can harm marine ecosystems. They consume massive amounts of energy, often from fossil fuels, and discharge salty brine back into the ocean, which can alter water chemistry and harm marine life. In Southern California, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant faces criticism for its environmental impact. New technologies like deep-sea desalination promise to reduce these harms by using natural ocean pressure and minimizing energy use.

Another construction crane collapse in Thailand kills 2 people a day after deadly train derailment

January 15, 2026

By JINTAMAS SAKSONCHAI and WASAMON AUDJARINT - Associated Press

A construction crane has collapsed onto an elevated road near Bangkok, a day after another construction accident in northeastern Thailand killed 32 people. The crane collapse on a major road leading from Bangkok killed at least two people Thursday. Meanwhile, the search for survivors ended at the scene of the crane collapse that caused a train derailment Wednesday. The construction project is part of a high-speed rail initiative to link China to Southeast Asia under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Thailand’s prime minister late Thursday announced tough new measures to terminate contracts with the companies involved in the two accidents.

European troops arrive in Greenland as talks with US highlight ‘disagreement’ over island’s future

January 15, 2026

By EMMA BURROWS, CLAUDIA CIOBANU and BEN FINLEY - Associated Press

Troops from NATO countries, including France and Germany, are arriving in Greenland to boost security. This follows talks in Washington on Wednesday between Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. that highlighted disagreements over Greenland’s future. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of French troops, with Germany sending a reconnaissance team on Thursday. Denmark is also increasing its military presence. The talks focused on U.S. intentions to take over Greenland for its mineral resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed concerns over Trump’s intentions. Greenlanders remain uncertain about the future.

Iran closes its airspace to commercial aircraft for hours as tensions with US remain high

January 15, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehran’s crackdown on protests. International carriers diverted flights north and south around Iran, but the closure appeared to expire and several domestic flights were in the air after 7 a.m. Thursday. Iran previously shut its airspace during its June war with Israel and during some exchanges of fire in the Israel-Hamas war. There were no signs of current hostilities. The airspace closure came as some personnel at a U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate. U.S. President Donald Trump has left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran.

Virgin Mary procession draws thousands as Venezuela faces uncertain future

January 14, 2026

By SAMUEL SOTOMAYOR and MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ - Associated Press

Venezuela’s annual Divina Pastora procession returns to the streets of Barquisimeto during widespread unease. The faithful gathered in a major Catholic procession in Barquisimeto, about 170 miles west of Caracas, to honor Divina Pastora, a title for the Virgin Mary. The country is grappling with political uncertainty following the U.S.-ordered detention of President Nicolás Maduro and mounting economic pressures, offering a window into public sentiment at a delicate moment.

Renee Good’s family hires George Floyd law firm to investigate Minneapolis ICE shooting

January 14, 2026

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH - Associated Press

Renee Good’s family hired the law firm that represented George Floyd’s family to seek answers and accountability for the Minneapolis mother’s killing by a federal immigration agent. The family’s decision to hire the law firm came the same week the U.S. Justice Department sees no basis for a federal civil rights investigation. An FBI probe is ongoing. The family on Wednesday said it wants Good remembered as “an agent of peace” and alleged she was killed while trying to follow federal agents’ instructions. The Trump administration has defended the officer’s actions as self-defense. The law firm Romanucci & Blandin said it will release information from its investigation “on a rolling basis” in the coming weeks.

New DHS rule aims to shorten visa wait times abroad for religious workers serving US congregations

January 14, 2026

By TIFFANY STANLEY and GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO - Associated Press

The Department of Homeland Security is making it easier for visa-holding religious workers to serve U.S. congregations with less disruption. DHS announced a change on Wednesday to reduce visa wait times abroad for foreign nationals serving as pastors, priests, nuns, imams and rabbis. These workers face long backlogs for permanent residency but can enter on temporary R-1 visas. The new rule removes the requirement for R-1 workers to leave the U.S. for a year after their visa expires. They can now apply to re-enter immediately. The change aims to support religious organizations and minimize disruptions to faith-based communities.

Japanese and South Korean leaders jam to K-pop hits at a summit

January 14, 2026

By MARI YAMAGUCHI - Associated Press

The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries before they let loose with their own surprise cultural exchange in a surprise jam session drumming to K-pop hits. The musical performance between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung followed Tuesday’s summit in Nara, Japan, Takaichi’s hometown. Wearing personalized athletic jackets, they drummed to hits such as BTS’ “Dynamite” and Kpop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” in a short video posted by Takaichi’s office Wednesday.

What to know about the threats on federal funds flowing to Minnesota

January 14, 2026

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

A large-scale immigration crackdown by an influx of federal law enforcement officers is not the only way President Donald Trump’s administration is putting pressure on Minnesota. It’s also seeking to withhold billions in federal money from state programs and on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the state over its hiring practices. The administration’s actions come as the president criticizes the state’s governor and Somali population — and they go farther than in other Democratic-controlled states. Much of the money the administration says it will withhold funds from services including child care and medical transportation for low-income people. The state has been pushing back in court and through administrative processes.

Trump claims killing of Iran protesters ‘has stopped’ even as Tehran signals executions ahead

January 14, 2026

By MICHELLE L. PRICE and FARNOUSH AMIRI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he’s been told “on good authority” that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran has signaled fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters. The U.S. president’s claims, which were made Wednesday with few details, come as he’s told protesting Iranians in recent days that “help is on the way” and that his administration would “act accordingly” to respond to the Iranian government. But Trump has not offered any details about how the U.S. might respond and it wasn’t clear if his comments Wednesday indicated he would hold off on action.

What to know as New York City nurses strike for a 3rd day

January 14, 2026

By PHILIP MARCELO - Associated Press

New York City nurses are striking for a third day with both sides seemingly digging in for the long haul. Negotiations don’t appear to be on the table Wednesday with any of the three major hospital systems affected by the walkout. Picketing nurses also held a rally at a Bronx hospital in which their leaders took aim at hospital administrators, saying they are “blatantly mischaracterizing” their contract demands. Meanwhile the hospital systems say they’ve committed to keeping on the travel nurses they brought on to fill work gaps at least through next week. The walkout involves about 15,000 nurses at the Mount Sinai, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian hospital systems.

Gaza is entering the second phase of the ceasefire plan Trump helped broker, envoy Witkoff says

January 14, 2026

By MICHELLE L. PRICE - Associated Press

The United States says it’s moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan involving disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs. President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff says on social media the ceasefire deal the Republican president helped broker was entering its second phase following two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Witkoff didn’t offer any details Wednesday about a new transitional Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza. The White House hasn’t offered any details, either. Witkoff says the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final dead hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.

No immediate court decision on a request to stop the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

January 14, 2026

By STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

There has been no decision, yet, on Minnesota’s request to suspend the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The surge is roiling the state’s largest cities. Federal agents have been pulling people from cars and confronting angry bystanders. Federal Judge Katherine Menendez on Wednesday promised to keep the case “on the front burner.” She gave the government until Monday to respond to a request for a restraining order. Plumes of tear gas, the deployment of chemical irritants and the screech of protest whistles have become common on the streets of Minneapolis, where an immigration agent killed Renee Good last week.

Julio Iglesias accused of sexual assault in Caribbean as Spanish prosecutors study the allegations

January 14, 2026

By JOSEPH WILSON and DÁNICA COTO - Associated Press

Spanish prosecutors are studying allegations that Grammy-winning singer Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The Spanish prosecutors’ office told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the allegations were related to media reports from earlier this week that alleged Iglesias had sexually and physically assaulted two women who worked in his Caribbean residences between January and October 2021. Iglesias has yet to speak publicly regarding the allegations. The 82-year-old Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful musical artists. Iglesias could potentially be taken in front of the Spain’s National Court which can try alleged crimes by Spanish citizens while they are abroad.