US & World News Archives - Page 12 of 91

Timberwolves acquire Ayo Dosunmu for scoring depth in trade-deadline deal with Bulls

February 5, 2026

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writer

The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls. The move adds a proven scorer to bolster their depth for the stretch run in the stacked Western Conference playoffs race. Minnesota agreed to send 2024 first-round draft pick Rob Dillingham, deep reserve Leonard Miller and four second-round draft picks to Chicago for Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips. The rebuilding Bulls made seven trades this week. Dosunmu was a second-round pick by his hometown Bulls in the 2021 draft. He is averaging a career-high 15 points per game and shooting a career-best 45.1% from 3-point range this season.

FACT FOCUS: Trump says tariffs have created an economic miracle. The facts tell a different story

February 5, 2026

By PAUL WISEMAN and CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writers

President Donald Trump claims his tariffs have revived the U.S. economy, calling it an “American economic miracle.” He argues that tariffs have boosted growth and reduced inflation. However, the facts tell a different story. The U.S. economy was already growing before his second term. During the first three quarters of the year, Trump’s tariffs — or the threat of them — delivered mixed results for the American economy. Inflation figures are skewed by data disruptions, and tariffs have actually increased core goods prices. Trump also claims foreign producers bear most tariff costs, but studies show U.S. consumers and firms are affected.

Savannah Guthrie’s demand for mom’s ‘proof of life’ is complicated in this era of AI and deepfakes

February 5, 2026

By BARBARA ORTUTAY and ED WHITE - Associated Press

Savannah Guthrie made a heart-wrenching plea for “proof of life” of her 84-year-old mother. And in this digital age, the NBC “Today” co-anchor says she knows that voices and images can be manipulated. At least three news organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes about Nancy Guthrie that they handed over to investigators. As technology has advanced, some have grown savvy and used it to their benefit, confusing police and the public and masking their identities. A former FBI agent says “it just adds to the other shoe-leather work” of solving crimes.

In Minnesota, sending a child to school is an act of faith for immigrant families

February 5, 2026

By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS - AP Education Writer

For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won’t detain them. Thousands of children are staying home, often for lack of door-to-door transportation — or simply trust that they’ll make it to school. For some families, the fear has turned into reality. Many parents and at least some children have been detained. Schools, parents and community groups have mobilized to help students get to class so they can learn, socialize and have consistent access to two meals.

Analilia Mejia, Tom Malinowski race in New Jersey’s special Democratic primary too early to call

February 5, 2026

By MIKE CATALINI - Associated Press

The New Jersey U.S. House Democratic primary between a onetime political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders and an ex-congressman is too early to call. Former U.S. Rep Tom Malinowski started election night with a significant lead over Analilia Mejia. That was based largely on early results from mail-in ballots. The margin narrowed as results from votes cast Thursday were tallied. The winner will face Republican Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, who was unopposed in the GOP primary. That election takes place April 16. The special election for the seat resulted from Democrat Mikie Sherill vacating it after being elected governor last year

Iran and US set for talks in Oman over nuclear program after Tehran shaken by nationwide protests

February 5, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran and the United States are poised Friday to hold negotiations in Oman at least over Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks follow a chaotic week that initially saw plans for regional countries to take part in talks in Turkey. Previous rounds of meetings turned to ash following Israel’s launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war. Meanwhile, nationwide protests have shaken Iran’s theocracy. It responded with a bloody crackdown that killed thousands and reportedly saw tens of thousands arrested. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the country in the time since, spurring the talks.

Epstein emails show he helped arrange White House visit for Woody Allen

February 5, 2026

By HILLEL ITALIE - AP National Writer

Woody Allen’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein has been known for years, but emails in the huge trove of records released by the Justice Department illustrate that relationship in new depth. The filmmaker, his wife and Epstein were neighbors in New York City. Records show the three dined together often. They also commiserated with each other about being accused of sexual misconduct. One year, Epstein used his connections to a former member of President Barack Obama’s administration to help Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, get a White House tour. A message sent to an assistant for Allen and Previn via email seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.

Hong Kong ex-media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday after national security conviction

February 5, 2026

AP

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy former media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday following his conviction in December under a Beijing-imposed national security law. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, could face up to life in prison in the case that has stirred criticism from some foreign governments. The judiciary said Friday on its website that it’s calling for the sentencing session at 10 a.m. Monday. Lai was an outspoken critic of China’s ruling Communist Party and was arrested in 2020 under the national security law that Beijing deemed necessary for the city’s stability following anti-government protests the previous year.

Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter crash kills 2 while responding to shootout

February 5, 2026

By CHEYANNE MUMPHREY and MATTHEW BROWN - Associated Press

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter responding to a shootout between police and a suspect has crashed in an accident that killed the pilot and a trooper on board. The helicopter was assisting law enforcement officers Wednesday night as they exchanged gunfire with a suspect in a domestic violence incident. The gunfire lasted almost two hours before the suspect was wounded and taken into custody around the same time of the helicopter crash. The cause of the crash was under investigation. No one else was injured.

Can apes play pretend? Scientists use an imaginary tea party to find out

February 5, 2026

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

A new experiment hints that an ape may be able to play pretend like humans do. Scientists studied a bonobo named Kanzi who was raised in captivity and became a whiz at communicating with humans using graphic symbols. They found he was able to track the locations of imaginary juice poured into separate cups and could also tell the difference between real and imagined juice. But not all scientists are convinced that Kanzi is maintaining false pretenses like humans do. They say his abilities may be because of his special upbringing. The study was published Thursday in the journal Science.

Pizza Hut closing 250 US stores as parent company considers selling the brand

February 5, 2026

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

Pizza Hut plans to close 250 U.S. restaurants in the first half of this year as its parent company considers a sale of the chain. Yum Brands said Wednesday it’s targeting underperforming Pizza Hut restaurants in its system. Pizza Hut has more than 6,000 U.S. locations. Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum Brands said in November it was conducting a formal review of options for Pizza Hut, which has struggled with outdated stores and growing competition. The chain’s U.S. same-store sales fell 5% last year. Growth has been stronger internationally, where Pizza Hut’s same-store sales rose 1%. China is Pizza Hut’s second-largest market after the U.S.

A Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democratic demands for ICE

February 5, 2026

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and LISA MASCARO - Associated Press

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Democrats’ demands for new restrictions on federal immigration officers are “unrealistic.” And he’s warning that the Department of Homeland Security will shut down next week if Democrats don’t work with Republicans and the White House. Democrats are pressing for changes at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies in the wake of the fatal shootings of two protesters in Minneapolis last month. The Democratic congressional leaders have come out with an expanded list of 10 detailed proposals. Short-term funding for DHS lasts through Feb. 13.

Chairman of prominent law firm Paul Weiss resigns after release of emails linking him to Epstein

February 5, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

The chairman of prestigious law firm Paul Weiss has resigned from that position after emails revealed his exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. Brad Karp will remain at the firm where he’s practiced for 40 years and has served as chairman since 2008. He said in a statement from the firm that “recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests” of Paul Weiss. Emails recently released by the Department of Justice as part of its Epstein investigation show Karp thanking Epstein for hosting an unforgettable evening in 2015. Karp also sought Epstein’s help in 2016 for Karp’s son’s film career.

Trump administration to launch TrumpRx website for discounted drugs

February 5, 2026

By ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

The Trump administration is set to launch TrumpRx, a website to help patients buy prescription drugs directly from manufacturers at discounted rates. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday’s expected unveiling in a social media post. The website is not a purchasing platform but directs users to drugmakers’ own sites. President Trump first mentioned TrumpRx in September, highlighting deals with pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices. The website’s release faced delays, but it now showcases efforts to reduce costs through agreements with major companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca. However, the actual savings for consumers remain unclear.

Top NHL prospect and Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna charged with felony assault

February 5, 2026

AP

Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna has been charged with felony assault for allegedly breaking a man’s jaw and knocking out a tooth in an altercation last weekend. Police say McKenna twice punched the 21-year-old man in the face, requiring him to undergo surgery. The 18-year-old McKenna is the presumptive top pick in this summer’s NHL draft. He was arraigned and released on $20,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11. The incident happened in the hours after Penn State lost to No. 2 Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium.

A timeline of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the fight to make the government’s files public

February 5, 2026

By The Associated Press

Two decades after Jeffrey Epstein was first reported to police, the Justice Department has started to publicly release investigative files on the late sex offender and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. The Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law by President Donald Trump required the Justice Department, the FBI and federal prosecutors to disclose all unclassified documents and investigative materials by Friday. The release is the culmination of a yearslong fight over the records underpinning one of the Justice Department’s most high-profile and highly debated cases. Epstein killed himself in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Pandemic disruptions to health care worsened cancer survival, study suggests

February 5, 2026

By MIKE STOBBE - AP Medical Writer

A new study reveals that cancer patients diagnosed during the early COVID-19 pandemic had worse short-term survival rates than a similar group before the pandemic. Published by the medical journal JAMA Oncology, the study shows that people diagnosed in 2020 and 2021 had lower survival rates than those diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. Researchers found this trend across various cancers, regardless of the stage at diagnosis. The study suggests that disruptions to the health care system likely contributed to these outcomes. COVID-19 forced many to postpone cancer screenings, impacting early detection and treatment. One expert says the study highlights the importance of understanding COVID-19’s impact to prepare for future pandemics.

Boar’s Head reopens Virginia deli meat plant tied to deadly listeria outbreak

February 5, 2026

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

Company and federal officials said the Boar’s Head deli meat plant tied to a deadly 2024 listeria food poisoning outbreak is back in business. The company’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia, resumed limited operations on Feb. 2. The site was shut down more than a year ago after the outbreak tied to contaminated liverwurst killed 10 people and sickened dozens. The reopening comes even as inspections of another Boar’s Head plant documented sanitation problems similar to those that may have contributed to the outbreak. Dozens of violations between July and December 2025 were documented at the Petersburg, Virginia, Boar’s Head plant.

NFL MVP and other top awards to be announced at NFL Honors

February 5, 2026

By ROB MAADDI - Pro Football Writer

The league MVP and the other seven AP NFL awards will be announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night, days before Super Bowl 60. Christian McCaffrey is a finalist for three awards, including the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player. He joins Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford in the MVP race. Maye, who is leading the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, and McCaffrey are also finalists for Offensive Player of the Year. A panel of 50 media members completed voting before the playoffs. The awards ceremony will be held in San Francisco.

US job openings fall to 6.5 million, fewest since 2020, as labor market remains sluggish

February 5, 2026

By PAUL WISEMAN - AP Economics Writer

U.S. job openings fell to the lowest level in more than five years, another sign that the American labor market remains sluggish. The Labor Department reported Thursday that vacancies fell to 6.5 million in December — from 6.9 million in November and the lowest since September 2020. Layoffs rose slightly. The number of people quitting their jobs — which shows confidence in their prospects — was basically unchanged at 3.2 million.

Savannah Guthrie makes emotional plea for mom's safe return

No public sign of a response to Savannah Guthrie’s message to her mother’s kidnapper

February 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — There was no public sign early Thursday of a response to NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s message to her 84-year-old mother’s kidnapper. Guthrie said her family is ready to talk but wants proof that Nancy Guthrie, who authorities believe was taken from her home in Arizona against her will, is still alive. Guthrie said in a heart-wrenching video…

Antetokounmpo, Morant head the list of names to watch heading into NBA trade deadline

February 5, 2026

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant are waiting to learn whether they’ll be changing addresses after a former MVP and plenty of other big-name players already have switched teams ahead of the Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Antetokounmpo has been the center of attention heading into the trade deadline amid reports that the Milwaukee Bucks have started listening to offers for the two-time MVP and nine-time all-NBA selection. The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. Eastern. Antetokounmpo repeatedly has said that he loves playing in Milwaukee, but he also has emphasized that he wants to continue playing for teams committed to competing for championships.

Inside the toxic legacy of America’s multibillion-dollar carpet empire

February 5, 2026

By DYLAN JACKSON/THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, JASON DEAREN/AP and JUSTIN PRICE/THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Associated Press

A new investigation shows how chemicals used for decades to make carpets stain resistant have contaminated swaths of the South. As carpet executives in northwest Georgia grappled with the health and environmental risks of PFAS, known widely as forever chemicals, they coordinated privately with the local public water utility, effectively shielding their companies from oversight. Carpet makers kept using PFAS even after scientists linked it to human health threats, including certain cancers. Major carpet companies point out their chemical suppliers hid the risks for years, and say they’ve complied with all regulations and have stopped using PFAS.

Slotkin rejects Justice Department request for interview on Democrats’ video about ‘illegal orders’

February 5, 2026

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI - Associated Press

Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan says she won’t sit for an interview with the Justice Department regarding a probe into a video she organized urging U.S. military members to resist “illegal orders.” The Justice Department’s inquiry came after President Donald Trump accused Slotkin and five other Democratic lawmakers of sedition. The FBI and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro contacted the lawmakers in the video to ask for interviews as they investigated. In letters first obtained by The Associated Press, Slotkin’s lawyer wrote she would not sit for the interviews and requested the investigation be terminated. Slotkin says she’s considering litigation.

Finland women’s Olympic hockey game vs. Canada postponed after stomach virus depletes roster

February 5, 2026

By JOHN WAWROW - AP Hockey Writer

Finland women’s hockey team’s preliminary round-opening game against Canada on Thursday has been postponed due to a stomach virus depleting Finland’s roster. The game was rescheduled to Feb. 12. The decision to postpone the game was announced shortly after Finland completed its early afternoon practice with just eight skaters and two goalies. The remaining 13 players are either in quarantine or isolation due to a norovirus that began affecting the team on Tuesday night.

A pink backpack and an odd phone case are US Speedskating’s fantasy football punishments

February 5, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

Fun and goofy off-ice bonding is no guarantee of Olympic success. Still, the U.S. Speedskating team that will be competing at the Milan Cortina Olympics does see value in the odd-as-can-be plastic foot attached to a phone case and the schoolkid’s heart-festooned backpack that Casey Dawson is schlepping around the world as punishment for losing at fantasy football. Dawson’s first event at the Winter Games is the men’s 5,000 meters in long track on Sunday. And the TV cameras capturing every athlete’s every move at the Speed Skating Stadium are sure to zoom in on Dawson’s accessories at some point.

UK leader Starmer apologizes to victims of Epstein for giving Mandelson an ambassador job

February 5, 2026

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the U.K.’s ambassador to Washington. On Thursday, he expressed regret for believing Mandelson’s lies and appointing him. Starmer fired Mandelson in September after emails showed Mandelson maintained a friendship with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor. The prime minister now faces fresh pressure over the appointment after newly released documents revealed more details of Mandelson’s close relationship with Epstein. British police are investigating Mandelson over potential misconduct in public office. He is not accused of any sexual offenses.

Justice Department steps up pressure on cartels’ financial networks as launderers turn to crypto

February 5, 2026

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

The Justice Department is intensifying efforts to choke off cartels’ financial networks, targeting the money launderers who are increasingly relying on cryptocurrency to move drug proceeds from the U.S. to Mexico. The cases of four defendants recently sent from Mexico to the U.S. for prosecution provide a glimpse into shadowy money laundering networks that keep the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and other violent groups in business pumping drugs into American communities. Indictments have been filed in Kentucky’s federal court. The prosecutions underscore the Justice Department’s efforts to turn up the pressure on cartels and stay ahead of their evolving and sophisticated tactics to launder massive drug proceeds across the border without detection.

Russia and Ukraine hold a second day of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

February 5, 2026

By KAMILA HRABCHUK - Associated Press

Negotiators from Moscow and Kyiv are holding a second day of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi to end their war. The discussions come amid increased Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid and after a rise in civilian casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging allies to pressure Moscow to end the invasion, which began in 2022. He emphasizes the need for security guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks. Fighting continues alongside the talks, with Russia targeting Ukraine’s electricity network. Human Rights Watch reports a 31% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties last year. Almost 15,000 civilians have been killed since the war began.

US wants to create a critical minerals trading bloc with its allies to counter China

February 5, 2026

By DIDI TANG, JOSH FUNK and MATTHEW LEE - Associated Press

The Trump administration says it wants to create a critical minerals trading bloc with its allies and partners. It would use tariffs to maintain minimum prices and defend against China’s stranglehold. Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday the U.S.-China trade war over the past year exposed how dependent most countries are on the critical minerals that Beijing dominates. Critical minerals are needed for everything from jet engines to smartphones. The Republican administration is making bold moves to shore up supplies of critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, missiles and other high-tech products after China choked off their flow in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs last year.

The last US-Russia nuclear pact expires, prompting fears of a new arms race

February 5, 2026

AP

The last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States has expired, removing caps on their atomic arsenals for the first time in over 50 years. The end of the New START Treaty could lead to an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to stick to the treaty’s limits for another year if the U.S. agreed, but U.S. President Donald Trump has been noncommittal. On Wednesday, Putin discussed the expiration with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that both countries are now free to choose their next steps. The treaty, signed in 2010, was extended in 2021 but inspections stopped in 2020.

What to know about the attacks in Nigeria that killed over 160 people

February 5, 2026

By DYEPKAZAH SHYBAYAN and MARK BANCHEREAU - Associated Press

Gunmen have killed at least 162 people in attacks on two villages in Western Nigeria, according to a lawmaker. The assaults on Tuesday evening targeted the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kwara state. Amnesty International reported over 170 deaths, criticizing a “stunning security failure.” Nigeria faces a complex security crisis with Islamic militants and criminal gangs, known locally as “bandits,” expanding their reach. No group has claimed responsibility, but local officials suspect extremist groups. The attacks coincide with increased U.S. military support to Nigeria, aimed at addressing the country’s escalating security challenges.

Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss’ NCAA appeal denied, but legal fight continues

February 5, 2026

AP

Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ appeal to the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility so he can play for the Rebels next season has been denied, the university said on Wednesday, but the fight is not over. The NCAA originally denied Chambliss’ request for a sixth year of college football eligibility on Jan. 9, so an appeal was made to the NCAA’s Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee, which was also denied. Ole Miss issued a statement that said the NCAA’s decision was “indefensible in light of the undisputed facts.” Chambliss has also taken his fight to state court, where the case is pending.

Tigers and pitcher Framber Valdez agree to $115 million, 3-year deal, AP source says

February 4, 2026

By LARRY LAGE - AP Sports Writer

Free agent pitcher Framber Valdez and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $115 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Valdez became one of baseball’s most durable starters with the Houston Astros. Now, the left-hander is set to join a Tigers rotation anchored by two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Valdez is a two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion. He was Houston’s ace last season with a 13-11 record and 3.66 ERA, and became a free agent for the first time.

ICE agents can’t make warrantless arrests in Oregon unless there’s a risk of escape, US judge rules

February 4, 2026

By CLAIRE RUSH - Associated Press

A judge says U.S. immigration agents in Oregon must stop arresting people without warrants unless they are likely to escape. U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai issued the preliminary injunction Wednesday. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit law firm representing a man who was detained by immigration officers without a warrant despite having a valid work permit. In a memo last week, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement emphasized that agents should not make arrests without an administrative arrest warrant issued by a supervisor unless they develop probable cause to believe the person is likely to escape from the scene.

Epstein files rife with uncensored nudes and victims’ names, despite redaction efforts

February 4, 2026

By PHILIP MARCELO - Associated Press

Nude photos. The names and faces of sexual abuse victims. Bank account and Social Security numbers in full view. All of these things appeared in the mountain of documents released publicly by the U.S. Justice Department as part of its effort to comply with a law requiring it to open its investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein. A review by The Associated Press and other news organizations has found countless examples of sloppy, inconsistent or nonexistent redactions that have revealed sensitive private information. Lawyers for some of the accusers have called on the Justice Department to temporarily take down the information. The Justice Department says it is taking down all inadvertently disclosed private information it’s been made aware of.

On Capitol Hill, Treasury Secretary Bessent’s testimony descends into insults and shouting matches

February 4, 2026

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

A hearing with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent turned chaotic Wednesday as Democratic lawmakers clashed with him over fiscal policy and Trump family conflicts. The hearing of the House Financial Services Committee featured fiery exchanges and insults from Bessent. Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia snapped at Bessent for demeaning comments, while Massachusetts Rep. Stephen Lynch expressed frustration with his interruptions. California Rep. Maxine Waters asked if someone could “shut him up.” Experts say it was an unusual level of combativeness for a treasury secretary, whose role typically avoids political theater. Bessent is set to appear before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.

Mickey Lolich, hero of the 1968 World Series for the Detroit Tigers, dies at 85

February 4, 2026

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

Mickey Lolich, who earned three complete-game wins for the Detroit Tigers in the 1968 World Series, has died. Lolich was the last Major League Baseball pitcher to achieve that feat in a single World Series. Denny McLain was the star of Detroit’s pitching staff in ’68, but Lolich was the Most Valuable Player of the Series, with a 1.67 ERA and a Game 7 victory on the road over Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals. Lolich jumping into catcher Bill Freehan’s arms after Freehan caught a foul popup by Tim McCarver for the final out became an iconic image of Detroit’s championship season. The Tigers say Lolich’s wife told them he died Wednesday in hospice care. Mickey Lolich was 85.

An angel resembling Italy’s Meloni is painted over after an outcry from church and state

February 4, 2026

By SILVIA STELLACCI, NICOLE WINFIELD and TRISHA THOMAS - Associated Press

The Angel Meloni is no more. A painting of a cherub resembling Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has been painted over at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina. The face, which drew crowds to the church in Rome and sparked scandal, was erased by Wednesday. La Repubblica reported that restorer Bruno Valentinetti covered it at the church’s request. Valentinetti said he had styled the painting on Meloni, but didn’t say why. The diocese of Rome and the Italian Culture Ministry launched investigations. The original painting, dating from 2000, wasn’t historic, but the church insisted political figures have no place in art. Meloni joked about the resemblance on social media.

Here’s what international law says about striking energy facilities in war

February 4, 2026

By MIKE CORDER - Associated Press

Russian missiles and drones have pounded Ukraine’s energy grid in recent weeks. That has plunged people into frozen darkness in one of the country’s coldest winters on record. Ukraine has accused Russia of illegally targeting power infrastructure during the war to deny civilians light, heating and running water. Russia says its attacks are a legitimate part of its military campaign against its neighbor. Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine itself is widely regarded as an illegal act of aggression. An expert on international law says combatants can legally target a power grid if the attack “directly affects a valid military target.” But they cannot cause excessive civilian casualties.

After 80 years, Minute Maid’s frozen canned juices are getting put on ice

February 4, 2026

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

Minute Maid helped make orange juice a year-round morning staple in 1946, when it started shipping cans of frozen juice around the U.S. But 80 years later, the brand’s parent company is halting sales of frozen juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada, saying it wants to focus on the fresh juices that customers now prefer. The Coca-Cola Company says Minute Maid’s frozen juices, including its lemonade and limeade, will be discontinued by April. For generations, Americans who wanted orange juice without the work of squeezing fresh fruit cracked open a can and slid a cylinder of frozen juice into a pitcher. The concentrated juice was mixed with water to make it ready for drinking.

Tarik Skubal goes to arbitration with Tigers, asking for record $32 million instead of $19 million

February 4, 2026

AP

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is in a record-setting salary arbitration hearing. The left-hander is asking for $32 million, while the Detroit Tigers are offering $19 million. A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Skubal is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six major league seasons. A decision is expected Thursday. Skubal will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. He was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA last year. Players have won both decisions so far, Kyle Bradish and Yainer Diaz. Seven more players are scheduled for hearings through Feb. 13.

Government lawyer yanked from immigration detail in Minnesota after telling judge ‘this job sucks’

February 4, 2026

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

A government lawyer who told a judge that her job “sucks” during a court hearing stemming from the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota has been removed from her Justice Department post. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. The person said Julie Le had been working for the Justice Department on a detail from another government agency, but the U.S. attorney in Minnesota ended her detail after her comments in court on Tuesday. A hearing transcript says Le told U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell that she wishes he could hold her in contempt of court so she could get “a full 24 hours of sleep.”

Winter Olympics kicked off in Cortina with curling, but took a brief pause due to a power outage

February 4, 2026

By JENNIFER McDERMOTT - Associated Press

The Winter Olympics got underway Wednesday with the first curling matches in Cortina, but came to a halt only moments later because of a power outage. Officials briefly paused the matches at the historic curling stadium when the lights dimmed and flickered. Curlers kept sliding on the ice to stay ready. Fans cheered when the bright lights came back shortly after and competition resumed. Curling in Cortina — eight teams in mixed doubles — began two full days before the opening ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. American curler Korey Dropkin says he has been waiting a long time for this moment. Fans have arrived in Cortina, and they are excited for the first matches.

Man who tried to shoot Trump at a Florida golf course gets life in prison

February 4, 2026

The Associated Press,

Ryan Routh (CNN) FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon pronounced Ryan Routh’s fate in the same Fort Pierce courtroom that erupted into chaos in September when he tried to stab himself shortly after jurors found…

Liberia’s largest gold miner repeatedly spilled dangerous chemicals, records show

February 4, 2026

By ED DAVEY and ALON AVIRAM - Associated Press

A joint investigation by The Associated Press and The Gecko Project has found that cyanide, arsenic and copper repeatedly leaked from a facility run by the largest gold miner in Liberia in recent years. The leakage occurred at levels that Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency described as above legal limits. That’s according to EPA reports that were taken down from its site but later retrieved, as well as interviews with government officials, experts and former company employees. Liberia’s recently dismissed minister of mines says he is “appalled by the harm being done to our country.” The gold enters international supply chains.

How Super Bowl halftime moments became flashpoints from the ‘wardrobe malfunction’ to caged kids

February 4, 2026

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. - AP Entertainment Writer

The Super Bowl halftime show, lasting about 13 minutes, has sparked decades of conversation. Iconic moments include Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s “wardrobe malfunction” and Beyoncé’s “Formation” performance, which highlighted Black history and identity. These moments aren’t just flashpoints; they amplify visibility and invite interpretation. As Bad Bunny prepares to perform, the focus is on Latin identity and potential social commentary. Past shows have tested NFL boundaries, like Jennifer Lopez’s immigration critique and Eminem’s tribute to Colin Kaepernick.

Georgia’s Fulton County seeks return of 2020 election documents seized by FBI

February 4, 2026

By KATE BRUMBACK - Associated Press

Fulton County has filed a motion in federal court to retrieve documents from the 2020 election. The FBI seized these documents last week from a warehouse near Atlanta. The motion filed Wednesday also requests the unsealing of a law enforcement agent’s sworn statement. That statement was presented to the judge who approved the search warrant. A county spokesperson says the motion isn’t being released because the case is under seal. The search took place on Jan. 28 at Fulton County’s main election facility in Union City. Fulton County votes overwhelmingly Democratic. It’s been a target of Donald Trump and his allies since the Republican narrowly lost the state to Joe Biden in 2024.

Backyard vegetable gardens are healthy for people and the planet. Here’s how to start yours

February 4, 2026

By CALEIGH WELLS - Associated Press

The healthiest and most climate-conscious food is local, and organic, and in-season. A vegetable garden in the backyard ticks all of those boxes. For many, it sounds like a cool idea, but without a green thumb it can feel intimidating to start. It’s not hard start a garden from scratch or decide what to plant to maximize yield. It’s a good idea for the planet and for your body. It might seem early, but the experts say the planning starts now if you want to be ready to plant after the last frost.

What Democrats are demanding in the fight over Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding

February 4, 2026

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and JOEY CAPPELLETTI - Associated Press

A bipartisan agreement on new restrictions for federal immigration operations in the next two weeks will be exceedingly difficult despite rare negotiations between Democrats and President Donald Trump. Congress is discussing potential new rules for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other officers who are conducting immigration arrests after the deaths of two Minneapolis protesters in January. The negotiations come during some bipartisan sentiment that Congress should step in to de-escalate tensions that have rocked Minnesota and other states. But it’s unclear if the president or enough congressional Republicans will agree to any of the Democrats’ larger demands.