US & World News Archives - Page 21 of 91

Videos show deadly Minneapolis shooting and political leaders reach different conclusions

January 24, 2026

By HANNAH FINGERHUT - Associated Press

A second fatal shooting in Minneapolis again led tensions to boil over as local, state and national leaders weighed in with conflicting accounts of how the situation unfolded. On the frigid Saturday morning, a Border Patrol agent shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti after a scuffle. The shooting occurred amid daily protests in the Twin Cities. Numerous videos posted online offered different perspectives, and political leaders reached different conclusions from the footage. Democratic leaders say it showed the deadly encounter was the result of untrained federal officers overreacting, and the Trump administration saying the man provoked the violence.

From frigid quiet to outraged sorrow, a few hours on Minneapolis street where agents killed man

January 24, 2026

By JACK BROOK and MARK VANCLEAVE - Associated Press

The morning started frigid and quiet on Minneapolis’ “Eat Street,” a stretch of road south of downtown famous for its small coffee shops and restaurants ranging from New American to Vietnamese. But around 9 a.m. Saturday, a federal immigration officer shot and killed a man there, about 1.5 miles from the scene of another fatal shooting of a local woman observing immigration operations earlier this month that sparked outrage and daily protests. And in just over an hour, anger exploded again in the city already on edge, where even before the current immigration enforcement surge networks of thousands of residents had organized to monitor and denounce it.

NBA postpones Timberwolves-Warriors game in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by federal officer

January 24, 2026

AP

The NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors has been postponed following another fatal shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis. The league announced the decision was made Saturday to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after 37-year-old Alex Pretti was killed in a confrontation with officers on a street in a commercial district less than two miles from Target Center, the downtown arena where the Timberwolves play. The game was rescheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Timberwolves and Warriors are also scheduled to play on Monday night.

The man killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis was an ICU nurse, family says

January 24, 2026

By MICHAEL BIESECKER, TIM SULLIVAN and JIM MUSTIAN - Associated Press

Family members say the man who was killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis was an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration who cared deeply about people and was upset by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in his city. Thirty-seven-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti was an avid outdoorsman who loved getting in adventures with his dog. He had participated in protests following the killing of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Law Enforcement officer earlier this month. Court records showed he had no criminal record. His family said he had never had any interactions with law enforcement beyond a could traffic tickets.

Governor: A person has been shot, killed by federal officers in Minnesota amid immigration crackdown

January 24, 2026

By The Associated Press

Federal officers shot and killed a 51-year-old man in Minneapolis amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, according to a hospital record obtained by the Associated Press.Minneapolis Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, said in a social media post that he had been in contact with the White House after the shooting. He called on President Donald Trump to end the crackdown in his state. The details surrounding the shooting weren’t immediately clear.

At 21, Laila Edwards is considered the future of the US women’s hockey team

January 24, 2026

By JOHN WAWROW - AP Hockey Writer

Laila Edwards is set to make history as the first Black female to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey. Before heading to Milan, Italy, next month, the 21-year-old Edwards enjoyed a memorable homecoming in Cleveland. In November, the forward-turned-defender played in a Rivalry Series game against Canada, while having a chance to reconnect with her family. U.S. captain Hilary Knight refers to Edwards as the future of the sport. Her journey included leaving Cleveland at 11 to develop her skills in Pittsburgh and Rochester, New York. Now completing her senior college season at Wisconsin, Edwards has overcome numerous challenges, including being a Black player in a predominantly White sport.

Federal officers shot another person in Minneapolis amid immigration crackdown, governor says

January 24, 2026

By JACK BROOK - Associated Press

Minnesota’s governor says federal officers have shot another person in Minneapolis amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said in a social media post that he had been in contact with the White House after the shooting. He called on the President Donald Trump to end the crackdown in his state. The details surrounding the shooting weren’t immediately clear.On Friday, thousands of demonstrators protesting the crackdown on immigrants crowded the city’s streets in frigid weather, calling for federal law enforcement to leave.

US envoys meet with Netanyahu and urge Israel to move into the second phase of Gaza ceasefire

January 24, 2026

By SAMY MAGDY, WAFAA SHURAFA, and MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

American officials have met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israel to advance the ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu met with President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The U.S. is eager to keep the Trump-brokered deal moving, but Netanyahu faces pressure not to progress until Hamas returns the body of the last hostage. Meanwhile, Egypt’s foreign minister is pushing for the Rafah border crossing to open. On Saturday, an Israeli strike killed two Palestinian children in Gaza. The children were searching for firewood. The Israeli military said it targeted militants, not children.

Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker arrested on gun possession charge at LaGuardia Airport

January 24, 2026

AP

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker has been arrested after police say he presented a firearm for inspection without proper credentials at LaGuardia Airport. Port Authority police said Walker was arrested Friday morning after they responded to a request for a firearms check at LaGuardia’s Terminal C. Arthur Aidala is the lawyer representing Walker. Aidala said his client voluntarily disclosed an unloaded, secured firearm upon his arrival at the airport. Aidala said Walker was arrested because his license wasn’t valid in New York. Aidala said that “we are confident the matter will eventually be dismissed.”

Crockett and Talarico ready for Senate debate as Democrats hope for breakthrough in GOP-heavy Texas

January 24, 2026

By THOMAS BEAUMONT - Associated Press

There’s a debate set in Republican-heavy Texas where two Democratic politicians are competing to be their party’s Senate nominee. Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are facing off Saturday afternoon during the Texas AFL-CIO’s political convention. Crockett is a 44-year-old Dallas civil rights lawyer and former public defender who’s in her second term in Congress. Talarico is a state representative and former teacher. The primary is March 3. They’re running for the seat held by John Cornyn. The four-term Republican senator is facing two challengers in the GOP primary. Democrats are trying to regain a Senate majority, but Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office in 30-plus year.

Toyota recalls 162,000 trucks over faulty screens

January 24, 2026

AP

Toyota announced Friday it would recall about 162,000 pickup trucks in the United States after it was discovered that the vehicles’ multimedia displays could compromise driver safety. The recall affects the company’s model year 2024-2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid line of trucks. Affected customers are currently being notified, according to a statement from Toyota.

Minneapolis residents shelter immigrant children separated from parents and sought by federal agents

January 24, 2026

By JACK BROOK - Associated Press/Report for America

As more than 2,000 federal agents surge in Minneapolis in an immigration crackdown and clash with protesters on the streets, countless residents are also quietly resisting the operation through grassroots networks sheltering and supporting immigrants. Former Trump supporter Feliza Martinez is rallying volunteers to support immigrant children with food, financial support and shelter. Earlier this month, Martinez relocated a family of 10 to a safe house in south Minneapolis after their Ecuadorian mother was detained for illegally entering the country in 2022. Federal agents have pursued her children, and the older siblings fear they will be separated from their 5-month-old U.S. citizen brother.

Trump housing finance chief OKs more mortgage spending and adds risk for government-backed lenders

January 24, 2026

By BRIAN SLODYSKO - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s federal housing finance director, Bill Pulte, quietly granted government-backed lenders the authority to nearly double a $200 billion bond purchase that Trump ordered to try to lower mortgage rates. That’s according to an email obtained by The Associated Press. The move could introduce a new level of risk for the companies. The purchasing rule changes would reverse nearly two decades of bipartisan consensus that limits should be imposed after the government bailed out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2008-09. That crisis led to to them being placed into a government conservatorship.

How the old and new U.S. defense strategies differ on traditional priorities

January 24, 2026

By The Associated Press

The new U.S. National Defense Strategy released by President Donald Trump’s administration is the first since 2022 and contrasts with its predecessor, issued under former President Joe Biden. Here’s a look at how the two Pentagon strategies address some of the traditional concerns of U.S. security policy: the Western Hemisphere, Russia and European security, China and the Indo-Pacific, North Korea and the Middle East.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander warns the US, says his force has its ‘finger on the trigger’

January 24, 2026

By ELENA BECATOROS - Associated Press

The commander of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, a force which was key in putting down recent nationwide protests in a crackdown that left thousands dead, says the force is “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger.” The warning on Saturday comes as U.S. warships head toward the Middle East. Nournews, a news outlet close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported on its Telegram channel that the Revolutionary Guard’s commander warned the United States and Israel “to avoid any miscalculation.” Tension remains high between Iran and the United States in the wake of a bloody crackdown on the protests.

After accepting US deportees, South Sudan wanted sanctions relief for top official, documents show

January 24, 2026

By JOSEPH FALZETTA - Associated Press

After agreeing to accept deportees from the United States last year, South Sudan sent a list of requests to Washington that included American support for the prosecution of an opposition leader and sanctions relief for a senior official accused of diverting over a billion dollars in public funds. The requests are contained in a pair of diplomatic communications made public by the State Department last month. In the documents, the U.S. expresses “appreciation” to South Sudan for accepting the deportees and details the names, nationalities and crimes for which each individual was convicted. In July, South Sudan became the first African country to receive migrants deported from the U.S. Rwanda, Eswatini, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea have since received deportees.

Russian attacks on Ukraine kill 1 and wound 18 ahead of second day of peace talks

January 24, 2026

AP

Russian attacks on Ukraine killed one person and wounded 18 overnight, as negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were set to met in Abu Dhabi for a second day of talks aimed at ending Moscow’s nearly four-year invasion. One person died and four were wounded in Kyiv, while 14 were wounded in Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials said Saturday. The UAE-hosted talks mark the first known instance of Trump administration officials meeting with both countries. The White House called the first day productive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a peace deal was “nearly ready,” though territorial disputes remain unresolved.

Scale of Iran’s nationwide protests and bloody crackdown come into focus even as internet is out

January 24, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

The scale of nationwide protests in Iran and the bloody crackdown that has followed is slowly coming into focus, even though authorities have cut off the country from the internet. Activists warn it shows Iran is engaging in the same tactics it has used for decades, just at an unprecedented scale. That includes firing down from rooftops on demonstrators, shooting birdshot into crowds and sending motorcycle-riding volunteer members of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in to beat and detain those who can’t escape. Meanwhile, a crackdown targeting protesters continues, with state media reporting dozens to hundreds of people detained daily.

Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde and Charli xcx premiere movies at Sundance Film Festival

January 24, 2026

By LINDSEY BAHR - AP Film Writer

The Sundance Film Festival is buzzing with excitement as Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde, and Charli xcx movies premiere back-to-back at the Eccles Theater in Park City, Utah. Friday afternoon brought the premiere of “Josephine,” a drama by Beth De Araújo about an 8-year-old girl who witnesses a crime. Tatum and Gemma Chan play her parents. Next was Gregg Araki’s “I Want Your Sex,” starring Cooper Hoffman and Olivia Wilde. It’s a colorful, sexy story about a young man’s life turned upside down by his provocative boss. Charli xcx also stars and has a double feature with her mockumentary “The Moment.”

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo expects to miss extended time after injuring his calf again

January 24, 2026

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo thinks he will be out for an extended period after hurting his right calf again after a similar injury already caused him to miss eight games earlier this season. Antetokounmpo had his right calf wrapped in the first half of a 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Antetokounmpo didn’t appear comfortable the rest of the night and left for good with 34 seconds remaining. The two-time MVP said he expected to undergo an MRI on Saturday. Denver’s Aaron Gordon scored 13 points in the first half before sitting out the second half with a right hamstring strain.

Freezing and in the dark, Kyiv residents are stranded in tower blocks as Russia targets power system

January 23, 2026

By DEREK GATOPOULOS, VASILISA STEPANENKO, and VOLODYMYR YURCHUK - Associated Press

Kyiv is facing prolonged winter power outages as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to damage Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. With temperatures well below freezing, electricity cuts lasting up to 17 hours a day have left many residential buildings without heating, running water or functioning elevators. Rolling blackouts are used to prevent a total grid collapse while prioritizing hospitals and critical services. Much of the capital’s housing consists of Soviet-era high rises with poor insulation, creating challenges for elderly residents and people with disabilities. Authorities are investing in decentralized energy solutions as repairs continue under intensified strikes.

Trump administration’s defense strategy tells allies to handle their own security

January 23, 2026

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and COURTNEY BONNELL - Associated Press

The Pentagon has released a National Defense Strategy that chastises U.S. allies to take control of their own security and reasserts the Trump administration’s focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere over a longtime goal of countering China. The document released late Friday is highly political for a military blueprint, criticizing partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous U.S. administrations to subsidize their defense. It calls for “a sharp shift — in approach, focus, and tone.” That translates to a blunt assessment that allies must take on more of the burden countering nations from Russia to North Korea. It caps off a week of animosity between President Donald Trump’s administration and traditional allies like Europe.

Trump stirs talk of ‘new world order’ as leaders signal shifting global alliances

January 23, 2026

By STEVEN SLOAN - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has revoked an invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his Board of Peace. This decision follows Carney’s critical remarks about U.S. foreign policy. Trump also threatened tariffs on Switzerland and pressed Denmark to support U.S. control of Greenland. Critics say Trump’s actions are undermining the rules-based order that has governed U.S. foreign policy since World War II. Carney and other leaders are pushing back, advocating for a united front against Trump’s tactics. Concerns are growing that Trump’s approach could damage U.S. standing globally and strengthen ties between other countries and China.

The Latest: Global leaders say world economy shows resilience

January 23, 2026

By The Associated Press

Leaders at the World Economic Forum urged countries and businesses to filter out the turmoil from a week of clashes with the Trump administration and focus on boosting growth and fighting inequality. The global economy is showing unexpected resilience despite the noise. But while growth is holding up, troubles like worrisome levels of government debt and inequality loom. That resilience is holding up despite disruptions from U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump and his threats to impose tariffs on countries supporting Greenland against a U.S. takeover bid, then withdrew the tariff proposal.

US carries out first known strike on alleged drug boat since Maduro’s capture

January 23, 2026

AP

The U.S. military says it’s carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the first since the raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. U.S. Southern Command said Friday on social media that the boat was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” and that the strike killed two people and left one survivor. It said it notified the Coast Guard to launch search and rescue operations. The U.S. military has focused lately on seizing sanctioned oil tankers with connections to Venezuela since the Trump administration launched an audacious raid to capture Maduro. The last boat strikes occurred in late December.

Minnesota activist releases video of arrest after manipulated White House version

January 23, 2026

By JACK BROOK and SARAH RAZA - Associated Press

A Minnesota activist who was charged for her role in an anti-immigration enforcement protest at a church has released her own video of her arrest, after the White House posted a manipulated image online. The video, shot by civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong’s husband and released by her organization, shows her being approached by federal agents. At no point does she appear to cry, contradicting the White House’s portrayal. In the video, she asks agents not to record and they say the video will not end up on Twitter, now called X.

No. 17 Alabama plans to play 7-footer Charles Bediako, who turned pro in 2023, against Tennessee

January 23, 2026

By KENNINGTON SMITH III - Associated Press

Alabama coach Nate Oats says 7-foot center Charles Bediako, who gave up his college eligibility in 2023 to enter the NBA draft, will play against Tennessee on Saturday. Although Oats called the NCAA system that is allowing professional players to return to college “broken,” he is taking advantage of the loophole. The 23-year-old Bediako practiced with the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide a day after a judge in Tuscaloosa temporarily reinstated the player’s college eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return. Bediako has signed several NBA developmental contracts since 2023, including playing for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League as recently as last week. He spent two seasons at Alabama before turning pro.

Police arrest protesters at airport as Minnesota gears up for anti-immigration enforcement protest

January 23, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Police arrested anti-immigration enforcement demonstrators at Minnesota’s largest airport Friday after they overstepped their permit, officials said, as a mass mobilization to protest the Trump administration’s crackdown began across Minnesota despite Arctic temperatures seizing the state. A network of labor unions, progressive organizations and clergy had urged Minnesotans to stay away from work, school and even shops…

Vance touts the Trump administration’s record against abortion at a Washington rally

January 23, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

Vice President JD Vance is encouraging anti-abortion activists to celebrate progress in limiting abortion. Vance highlights the Trump administration’s achievements, including expanding a ban on U.S. foreign aid for groups that support abortion services. Vance spoke Friday at the annual March for Life in Washington, emphasizing the importance of increasing birth rates in the U.S. The Republican vice president also praises the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and President Donald Trump’s leadership in appointing conservative jurists. The March for Life has become more celebratory since that Supreme Court ruling.

Judge rules Trump administration must keep funding child care subsidies in 5 states for now

January 23, 2026

The Associated Press,

A federal judge ruled Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must keep federal funds flowing to child care subsidies and other social service programs in five Democratic-controlled states — at least for now. The ruling Friday from U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick extends by two weeks a temporary one issued earlier this month that blocked the federal government from holding…

Judge rules Trump administration must keep funding child care subsidies in 5 states for now

January 23, 2026

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

A federal judge says the Trump administration must keep the money flowing for now for programs aimed at helping low-income families with children in five states. The ruling extends by two weeks an earlier one in which a judge ordered the money to continue to flow to California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York. Judge Vernon Broderick says he’ll decide later whether to order the money be kept moving as the challenge to the action is decided. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said on Jan. 6 that it was withholding money because it had “reason to believe” there was fraud in those states, although it didn’t present details or evidence.

The next Eric Heiden? US speedskater Jordan Stolz draws comparisons ahead of Milan Cortina Olympics

January 23, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

Jordan Stolz appreciates that people liken what he’ll be trying to do at the Milan Cortina Winter Games to Eric Heiden’s record five speedskating gold medals at Lake Placid in 1980. Stolz calls it a cool comparison. But the 21-year-old from Wisconsin also acknowledges what he will try to do at the Olympics in February is not quite the same as Heiden. Still, Stolz is a favorite in the men’s 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meters and a contender for gold in the mass start, too. There is even a chance he could enter a fifth event.

The coming winter storm: There’s an app for that. But how reliable is it and what’s inside?

January 23, 2026

By SETH BORENSTEIN and TAMMY WEBBER - Associated Press

That snowflake icon on your smartphone app might be quick and handy — it just might not be as accurate as a human when the weather gets rough. Experts say that’s especially important during winter storms like the one forecasted to smack the eastern U.S. with a mix of heavy snow, treacherous ice and subzero temperatures. The popular Weather Channel app, for example, uses artificial intelligence to analyze everything from computer models to citizen weather reports. But humans always have the last word. Most experts say the best place to get the most accurate forecast is still probably local television meteorologists.

An ancient forest in Ecuador is the last stand for a tiny hummingbird facing extinction

January 23, 2026

By CESAR OLMOS and GONZALO SOLANO - Associated Press

The Yanacocha Reserve in the Ecuadorian Andes is the last refuge for a tiny hummingbird facing extinction. The Black-breasted puffleg, emblematic of Quito, measures just 3.5 inches and is among the most threatened species globally. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says its population has dwindled to between 150 and 200 birds. Founded 25 years ago, the reserve protects Andean biodiversity. Conservationists are racing to restore the high-altitude forests crucial for the puffleg’s survival, as these areas face pressure from agriculture and grazing.

To clear ice and snow, there are rock salt alternatives that are safer for your pets and yard

January 23, 2026

By ALEXA ST. JOHN and CALEIGH WELLS - Associated Press

Winter has its fans, but even those who enjoy playing in the snow probably dislike the chore of clearing up after a big storm that dumps several inches or even feet of snow and ice. Many people run straight to the closest hardware store for a bag of salt to clear driveways, sidewalks and stoops. But there are some environmental factors to consider when tackling snow and ice. The salt comes in different formulations that perform differently in different conditions, with blends and coatings that makers say can make it work better and reduce some of the harmful effects. And there are alternatives to salt, too.

Network shutdown leaves Wisconsin lawmakers meeting outside of public view

January 23, 2026

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

The shutdown of Wisconsin’s version of C-SPAN amid a shortfall of fundraising has left the state as perhaps the only one in the country where its legislative floor debates are not being broadcast. The absence of WisconsinEye has led to complaints from open government advocates and pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal to revive the network. A bipartisan proposal to bring the network back was introduced on Thursday, but it is unclear if it has enough support to pass. WisconsinEye had broadcast every floor session of the state Senate and Assembly since 2007 for free before it went dark in mid-December.

Toll in Iran’s protest crackdown reaches at least 5,002 dead as Trump says US ‘armada’ approaching

January 23, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Activists report that Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests has killed at least 5,002 people. Many more are feared dead, but information is scarce in part because Iran has imposed the most comprehensive internet blackout in its history. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency provided the latest death toll Friday and noted more than 26,800 people have been detained. Iran’s government says 3,117 have died, but it has a history of giving lower tolls for political reasons. The Associated Press has been unable to verify these numbers due to the two-week internet shutdown. Meanwhile, the U.S. has moved an aircraft carrier group closer to the Middle East, and President Donald Trump is warning of potential action against Iran.

Japan’s Takaichi dissolves parliament after only 3 months in office, setting up snap election

January 23, 2026

By MARI YAMAGUCHI - Associated Press

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the lower house of Parliament, paving the way for a Feb. 8 snap election. The move Friday is an attempt to capitalize on her popularity to help governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years, but will delay a vote on a budget that aims at boosting a struggling economy and addressing soaring prices. Takaichi was elected in October as Japan’s first female leader.

Canada’s Carney fires back at Trump after Davos speech

January 23, 2026

By ROB GILLIES - Associated Press

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to U.S. President Donald Trump comment that “Canada lives because of the United States” on Thursday by saying Canada thrives because of Canadian values. Carney says Canada can show the world that the future doesn’t have to be autocratic after returning from Davos where he gave a speech that garnered widespread attention. In Davos at the World Economic Forum, Carney condemned coercion by great powers on smaller countries without mentioning Trump. Upon returning home to Canada, Carney says his country “can show that another way is possible, that the arc of history isn’t destined to be warped toward authoritarianism and exclusion; it can still bend toward progress and justice.”

Minnesota gears up for anti-immigration enforcement protest Friday despite dangerous cold

January 23, 2026

By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO - Associated Press

A vast network of labor unions, progressive organizations and clergy has been asking Minnesotans to stay away from work, school and stores Friday to protest against immigration enforcement in the state. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have seen daily protests since Renee Good was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer during an operation on Jan. 7. Federal law enforcement officers have surged in the area for weeks and have repeatedly squared off with community members and activists who track their movements online and in the streets. But Friday’s mobilization was planned as the largest action to date, including a march in downtown Minneapolis despite dangerously cold temperatures.

Immigrants often don’t open the door to ICE, but that may no longer stop officers

January 23, 2026

By JULIE WATSON and AMY TAXIN - Associated Press

It has become common knowledge in immigrant communities across the U.S. to not open the door for federal immigration agents unless they show a warrant signed by a judge. But an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press states immigration officers can forcibly enter people’s homes without a judge’s warrant. That marks a dramatic shift that could upend the legal advice given to immigrants for decades. Law enforcement and legal experts warn if more agents barge into homes, everyone could be put at greater risk.

In the case of the Federal Reserve, Supreme Court appears to carve out a murky exception

January 22, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

The Supreme Court for the past year has repeatedly allowed President Donald Trump to fire heads of independent agencies, but it appears to be drawing a line with the Federal Reserve. The court has signaled for months that it sees the Fed in a different light. It has said that the president can fire directors of other agencies for any reason, but can remove Fed governors only “for cause.” That is now being put to the test in a case involving Trump’s attempt to remove Fed governor Lisa Cook. On Wednesday during oral arguments, the Supreme Court seemed inclined to keep Cook in her job. But it largely skirted a key issue: What, exactly, is the legal principle that protects the Fed, but not the other agencies?

Across the forgotten walls of a Hong Kong island, a flock of bird murals rises

January 22, 2026

By MAY JAMES - Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — They perch gently on concrete ledges. They nestle into peeling stucco. Occasionally, they soar across a stone house’s rooftop. A flock has landed in Wang Tong Village, a peaceful corner of Lantau Island on Hong Kong’s southwestern edge. But this flock is unlike others: Its birds are made of paint. They exist on murals designed for…

Putin meets Trump’s envoys as Kremlin says Ukraine settlement hinges on territory

January 22, 2026

By KAMILA HRABCHUK and KOSTYA MANENKOV - Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the settlement in Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys during marathon overnight talks, and the Kremlin insisted that the territorial issue needs to be resolved to make peace. The Kremlin meeting, which lasted past 3 a.m. Friday, came hours after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized his European allies Thursday for what he cast as their slow and fragmented response to Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion. Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, who took part in Putin’s meeting with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, said it would be impossible to reach a peace deal “without solving the territorial issue.”

TikTok finalizes deal to form new American entity

January 22, 2026

By KAITLYN HUAMANI - AP Technology Reporter

TikTok has finalized a deal to create a new American entity, avoiding the looming threat of a ban in the U.S. that has been in discussion for years. The social video platform company signed agreements with major investors including Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX to form the joint venture. The new version will operate under “defined safeguards” with an emphasis on data protections and software assurances for U.S. users, the company said in a statement Thursday. The establishment of a U.S. unit marks the end of years of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the United States.

People in Gaza dig through garbage for things to burn to keep warm — a far cry from Trump’s vision

January 22, 2026

By TOQA EZZIDIN and JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press

Desperate Palestinians at a garbage dump in a Gaza neighborhood are digging with their bare hands for plastic items to burn to keep warm in the cold and damp winter in the enclave, battered by two years of the Israel-Hamas war. The scene in the Muwasi area of the city of Khan Younis contrasted starkly with the vision of the territory projected by world leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland, where they inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace that will oversee Gaza on Thursday. Trump claimed in Davos this week that “record levels” of humanitarian aid had entered Gaza since the October start of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. His envoys touted the enclave’s development potential.

Lawyer for ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore wants charges dismissed, says woman is seeking windfall

January 22, 2026

By LARRY LAGE and ED WHITE - Associated Press

A lawyer for fired University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore says a criminal case against him should be dismissed based on false information given to police. Ellen Michaels claims the allegations against Moore are part of an effort to get a big windfall from the school for a woman who was in a relationship with Moore. He was fired in December for a relationship with a staff member. Moore was then charged with home invasion and other crimes after authorities said she appeared at the woman’s apartment and blamed her for his firing.

Takeaways from Jack Smith on his case against Trump, ‘so many witnesses’ and the threats ahead

January 22, 2026

By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified publicly for the first time on Capitol Hill about his investigation of President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Over five hours, he detailed how the defeated president “sought to prey” on supporters and “stay in power,” culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The House Judiciary Committee delved into far-flung details — from a former White House aide’s earlier blockbuster testimony to Smith’s subpoena of certain lawmakers’ phone records. Trump was live-posting his rage against Smith, suggesting the former career prosecutor should himself be prosecuted. Smith said he would “not be intimidated.”

House Republicans barely defeat Venezuela war powers resolution to check Trump’s military actions

January 22, 2026

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

The House has barely rejected a Democratic-backed resolution that would have prevented President Donald Trump from sending U.S. military forces to Venezuela. A tied vote on the legislation fell just short of the majority needed for passage. Democrats forced the vote on the war powers resolution to direct the president to remove U.S. troops from the South American nation. It brought up a debate in the Republican-controlled Congress on Trump’s aggressions in the Western Hemisphere. The Trump administration told senators last week that there are no U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela and committed to getting congressional approval before launching major military operations there.

FACT FOCUS: White House shares altered image showing arrest of civil rights attorney in Minnesota

January 22, 2026

By MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

The Trump administration is misrepresenting the arrest of civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong for her role in an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church. The White House on Thursday shared an image that made it appear like she was crying. The original image, posted on X by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, shows Levy Armstrong with a neutral expression. An attorney for Levy Armstrong said any videos or photos that show her crying were manipulated.