US & World News Archives - Page 3 of 91

Trump wants his Board of Peace to solve world conflicts. It still has a lot of work to do in Gaza

February 18, 2026

By SAM METZ and SAMY MAGDY - Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is set to meet for the first time on Thursday in Washington. It’s an early test of whether one of his marquee foreign policy initiatives can gain broad support or advance the shaky ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Trump’s ballooning ambitions for the board extend from governing and rebuilding Gaza as a futuristic metropolis to challenging the United Nations Security Council’s role in solving conflicts. But they could be tempered by the realities in Gaza, where there has so far been limited progress in achieving the narrower aims of the ceasefire.

Thailand uses a birth control vaccine to curb its elephant population near expanding farms

February 18, 2026

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI - Associated Press

Thailand has begun using a birth control vaccine on elephants in the wild to try curb a growing problem where human and animal populations encroach on each other. They say the problem has increased as farms spread into forests and elephants, squeezed in their natural habitat, come into contact and clash with humans while searching for food. Official figures say wild elephants killed 30 people last year and injured 29. Thai veterinarians tested the vaccine on seven domesticated elephants over two years before giving shots to three wild elephants in Trat province in late January. The vaccine blocks pregnancy for about seven years.

Why Trump’s comment on discussing Taiwan arms sales with China has raised concerns

February 18, 2026

By SIMINA MISTREANU - Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump says he is discussing potential arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and that has raised concerns. The island democracy relies on U.S. backing in the face of China’s territorial claims. Trump’s comment over the weekend prompted some experts to say it might violate decades-old foreign policy principles defining the U.S. relationship with self-ruled Taiwan. Experts say Trump’s comments may be creating a “dangerous precedent” allowing for Beijing to make demands regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Trump says he plans to visit China in April.

Following Trump’s lead, some GOP states seek to limit environmental regulations

February 18, 2026

By KIM CHANDLER - Associated Press

Some Republican legislators are pushing to limit state environmental regulations. Alabama lawmakers approved legislation Tuesday limiting state agencies from adopting pollution rules stricter than federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. It follows efforts by the Trump administration to roll back rules at the agency. The Alabama measure would allow new state pollution limits only if there is a direct link between exposure and bodily harm. Supporters say the bill reduces regulatory burdens and aligns with President Donald Trump’s deregulatory agenda. Environmental groups and Democrats say the bill prioritizes industry over public health. The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey.

‘Ridiculous’ plan developed at Florida zoo saves wild rhino’s eyesight in Africa

February 18, 2026

By CODY JACKSON and DAVID FISCHER - Associated Press

Animal behaviorists partnering with the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society in Florida traveled to Africa in August to help an endangered white rhino with a life-threatening, parasitic eye infection. Zoo CEO and President Margo McKnight was visiting the area last year when Imvelo Safari Lodges managing director Mark Butcher told her a health scare with a male rhino named Thuza could jeopardize the future of the program. Thad and Angi Lacinak, founders of Precision Behavior, traveled to Zimbabwe to work up a plan to administer eyedrops to the rhino. They developed a plan based on lessons learned at Palm Beach Zoo, where animals are taught to voluntarily participate in their own care.

Many Democrats are still down on the Democratic Party, a new AP-NORC poll finds

February 18, 2026

By LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

Democratic candidates have notched a series of wins in recent special elections — but a new AP-NORC poll finds views of the Democratic Party among rank-and-file Democrats have not bounced back since President Donald Trump’s victory in 2024. Democrats’ favorability among the party’s rank-and-file plummeted after the 2024 election. The latest measure of how Democrats view their party hasn’t improved since then. The midterm elections are still many months away, and lackluster favorability doesn’t spell electoral doom. Other factors could benefit Democrats this year, including broadly negative views of Trump and other Republicans. But the lack of enthusiasm could be a longer-term problem for the party.

Public health, green groups sue EPA over repeal of rule supporting climate protections

February 18, 2026

By MATTHEW DALY - Associated Press

A coalition of health and environmental groups is suing the Environmental Protection Agency, challenging its determination last week that revoked a scientific finding that has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. A rule finalized by the EPA on Thursday rescinds a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding that determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. The Obama-era finding is the legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet. The lawsuit calls the EPA’s action unlawful and says the 2009 finding supported common sense safeguards to cut climate pollution.

US star Mikaela Shiffrin wins slalom to break 8-year Olympic drought

February 18, 2026

By STEVE DOUGLAS - AP Sports Writer

Mikaela Shiffrin’s eight-year Olympic medal drought is over. The American skiing standout has put in two dominant runs to win the women’s slalom by 1.50 seconds. The race isn’t officially over yet with dozens of lower-tier racers still to take the course. But Shiffrin is the leader after the fastest 30 skiers from the first run. World champion Camille Rast was in silver medal position and Anna Swenn Larsson in third.

Late-night host Stephen Colbert isn’t backing down from public dispute with CBS bosses

February 18, 2026

By DAVID BAUDER - AP Media Writer

Late-night host Stephen Colbert isn’t backing down from his public dispute with CBS bosses over what he can air on his show. He said Tuesday night that he was surprised by a network statement that denied Colbert had been told he couldn’t air an interview with a Texas Senate candidate for fear of triggering a little-known “equal time” rule by the FCC. CBS said its lawyers had only advised him that he couldn’t broadcast the interview, which aired on YouTube instead. Colbert said that he was surprised that CBS parent company Paramount “would not stand up to these bullies” in the Trump administration.

Paris prosecutors open 2 Epstein-linked probes and call on victims to come forward

February 18, 2026

By SYLVIE CORBET - Associated Press

Paris prosecutors have opened two new investigations tied to Jeffrey Epstein, and they call on possible victims in France to come forward. Prosecutor Laurence Beccuau says one case covers sex abuse crimes and the other covers financial wrongdoing. She says investigators want to use newly released U.S. files, media reports, and fresh complaints to build a broader picture. She called on Wednesday on people who may never have spoken up before to file formal complaints or give witness accounts. She also says older French files will get reviewed.

Former army chief seen as Zelenskyy’s top rival reveals to AP a rift between them

February 18, 2026

By SAMYA KULLAB and SUSIE BLANN - Associated Press

The former Ukrainian army general widely seen as the top political rival to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken publicly for the first time about a deep rift between the two men. The comments made by Valerii Zaluzhnyi during an interview with the AP signal his possible desire to run for the presidency after the war is over. Zelenskyy ousted Zaluzhnyi as head of the army in 2024 and later appointed him as the country’s ambassador to Britain. Zaluzhnyi told AP that their strained relationship reached a boiling point in 2022, when domestic intelligence agents raided his office, a previously unreported incident he alleges was an act of intimidation. Zelenskyy’s office and the country’s security service declined to comment. The AP could not confirm Zaluzhnyi’s account of the raid.

Ukrainian and Russian envoys hold a second day of US-brokered talks in Geneva

February 18, 2026

By JAMEY KEATEN and ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

U.S.-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys are continuing in Geneva, with both sides apparently still far apart on peace terms. Ukrainian delegate Rustem Umerov said working groups on Wednesday are reviewing political and military issues. The talks mark a third round of direct meetings organized by the U.S., after earlier sessions in Abu Dhabi. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said U.S. efforts have made meaningful progress, but gave no details. Fighting continues along the long front line. Ukraine reports Russia launched a ballistic missile and more than 100 drones overnight. A drone strike in Zaporizhzhia killed a woman and injured seven.

Somalia renews its US-backed fight against al-Shabab militant group. Here is why it matters

February 18, 2026

By OMAR FARUK - Associated Press

Somalia’s government says U.S.-backed airstrikes and expanded ground operations have shifted momentum in its long-running war against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group. Authorities say they have reclaimed territory and targeted the group’s leadership and bomb-making network in recent airstrikes. The offensive comes as the African Union peacekeeping forces are gradually drawing down. Somalia is also assuming greater responsibility for its own security nearly two decades after al-Shabab emerged as a dominant militant group in Africa. And despite the reported gains in the fight, the government will now have to secure and govern reclaimed territory as international African Union peacekeepers scale back their role.

Takaichi reelected as Japan’s prime minister with a goal of pushing to the right

February 18, 2026

By MARI YAMAGUCHI - Associated Press

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been reappointed by Parliament after last week’s landslide election win that gave her a strong public mandate. She will form her second Cabinet, with all previous ministers expected to be retained. Takaichi is now gearing up to work on policies she says are needed to make Japan stronger and more prosperous, using her governing Liberal Democratic Party’s two-thirds supermajority in the lower house. She hopes to bolster Japan’s military power, government spending, U.S. alliance and social conservatism.

New Orleans closes out Mardi Gras with color and style in photos

February 18, 2026

By AMY HARRIS and MATTHEW HINTON - Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans celebrates with revelry and parades as the city bids farewell to the Mardi Gras season. Carnival events are popular for their spectacular and enormous floats, as well as the crafted outfits worn, such as Black masking Indians, whose beaded and bejeweled costumes are topped with feathered headdresses, or paradegoers walking the French Quarter in…

Sierra Leone officials facilitated illegal mansion-building in a key national park

February 18, 2026

By ED DAVEY - Associated Press

An investigation shows that illegal luxury mansions have been built in a Sierra Leone national park that serves as an environmental buffer for its capital. The Associated Press and The Gecko Project exclusively obtained the government investigation’s unpublished findings that say senior officials issued land ownership documents. A visit by journalists found that construction continues over two years after the country’s president received the findings. The illegal construction in the Western Area Peninsula National Park threatens deforestation that the findings call “an environmental time bomb.” A door-to-door survey found owners include officials reportedly working in the president’s office, land ministry and Environment Protection Agency.

Fallout from Epstein and Mandelson puts Britain’s House of Lords under scrutiny

February 17, 2026

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

Britain’s House of Lords is facing scrutiny as an indirect result of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Peter Mandelson quit the Lords over his friendship with Epstein. The episode has emboldened critics who say the unelected house is antiquated, undemocratic and far too slow at punishing bad behavior by its members. Supporters say it plays a vital role by reviewing and amending bills approved by the elected House of Commons. Successive governments have pledged reform but struggled to deliver. The Labour government is in the process of ejecting the final hereditary aristocrats from the chamber and is facing calls to go further and tighten up scrutiny of appointees.

Billionaire Les Wexner to be deposed in congressional probe of Epstein files

February 17, 2026

By JULIE CARR SMYTH - Associated Press

Les Wexner’s long-time friendship with the late sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein will be the subject of a closed-door congressional deposition in Ohio. The billionaire retail magnate on Wednesday is expected to face questions about new revelations contained in Epstein-related documents released by the Justice Department. The 88-year-old Wexner is the retired founder of L Brands. He says he intends to cooperate with House Oversight Committee members’ inquiry. As one of Epstein’s most prominent former friends, Wexner has already spent years answering for their association. He denies any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes. Wexner’s name appears more than 1,000 times.

Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled James Talarico interview as early voting begins in Texas

February 17, 2026

By MEG KINNARD, JIM VERTUNO and JOHN HANNA - Associated Press

Stephen Colbert says his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico was pulled from Monday’s broadcast over fears it would violate “equal time” guidance from the Federal Communications Commission under the Trump administration. The situation came hours before the start of early voting in Texas. Colbert says the network also told him not to mention the change but discussed it on air and pointed viewers to the full interview posted on YouTube. CBS said it only provided legal guidance. Talarico also posted a clip, calling it the “interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.” The FCC guidance warns talk shows to treat candidates like other broadcast programs. Colbert says the rule does not apply to streaming.

Authorities say 6 backcountry skiers found alive, 10 are missing after Northern California avalanche

February 17, 2026

By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ and JULIE WATSON - Associated Press

Authorities say six backcountry skiers were found alive and 10 others were still missing Tuesday in an avalanche in Northern California during a powerful winter storm moving through the state. Search and rescue crews were dispatched to the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe, after someone called 911 to report an avalanche with people buried. Authorities combed the area of Castle Peak, which is northwest of Lake Tahoe.

Judge grants hearing, expresses concerns ex-Michigan coach Moore may have had rights violated

February 17, 2026

By LARRY LAGE - Associated Press

A judge on Tuesday granted a request for a hearing to learn more about the investigation that led to charges against former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, who was arrested soon after he was fired due to his relationship with his executive assistant. Judge J. Cedric Simpson expressed concerns a detective didn’t disclose Moore had a employer-employee relationship with the woman when a magistrate authorized a warrant for his arrest. Moore was charged with felony home invasion, stalking and illegal entry. His lawyer is trying to get the case dismissed.

Police arrest man who ran toward the US Capitol building holding a shotgun

February 17, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday after he ran from his vehicle toward the west side of the Capitol Building armed with a shotgun. Capital Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the unidentified man parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, got out and ran “several hundred yards” toward the building before…

Ramadan arrives in Gaza under shaky ceasefire deal, but the festive spirit eludes many Palestinians

February 17, 2026

By WAFAA SHURAFA - Associated Press

Muslim Palestinians in Gaza are preparing for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan under a fragile ceasefire deal. Many say the losses of the Israel-Hamas war and the hardships of daily lives are dampening the month’s spirit. Some lament the absence of loved ones. Others say they struggle financially. In normal circumstances, Ramadan usually sees families gather to break their daily fast. Israel’s offensive has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed large parts of Gaza. It was sparked by the deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, there has been almost daily Israeli fire in Gaza.

Police arrest man who ran toward the US Capitol building holding a shotgun

February 17, 2026

By GARY FIELDS - Associated Press

U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., have arrested an 18-year-old man after he ran toward the west side of the Capitol Building armed with a shotgun. Capital Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the unidentified man parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol on Tuesday, got out and ran “several hundred yards” toward the building before officers intercepted him and ordered him to the ground. Sullivan says the gunman was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the vehicle. The shotgun was loaded and the man had additional rounds on him, the chief says. Congress is not in session.

What to know about the ‘equal time’ rule Stephen Colbert says led CBS to pull his Talarico interview

February 17, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

Stephen Colbert’s comments that network executives pulled his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico over fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration has prompted a conversation about how media outlets treat political coverage. The concern about the interview, which the late-night host referenced in his show and later posted in full online, stems from a requirement that broadcast stations give equal time to political candidates when they appear on-air. Although there are multiple exemptions to the provision, the Trump administration through the Federal Communications Commission has been moving to clamp down specifically on programs like Colbert’s, which the agency has suggested may be “motivated by partisan purposes.”

Twins right-hander Pablo López has a major elbow injury that likely will need season-ending surgery

February 17, 2026

AP

Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López has a “significant tear” in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow that is expected to require season-ending surgery. Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters Tuesday that López will seek a second opinion but likely is headed for a Tommy John procedure. López ended a bullpen session early on Monday after experiencing soreness. He was the team’s opening day starter in each of the last three seasons and scheduled to pitch for his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic next month. López is making $21.75 million this season and signed through next year.

Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band to launch ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ US tour next month

February 17, 2026

AP

Bruce Springsteen brings his political message back to U.S. arenas with a new run of shows. The “Land of Hope and Dreams” American tour mixes big rock concerts with themes of democracy and freedom. The tour starts March 31 in Minneapolis and runs for 20 dates. It ends May 27 with an outdoor show at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. In his announcement, Springsteen calls this a dark and dangerous time. He urges fans not to despair. Last month, Springsteen dedicated the song “Streets of Minneapolis” to immigrants in the city. He also criticizes President Donald Trump’s enforcement actions.

Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested after alleged fight during Mardi Gras in New Orleans

February 17, 2026

By JUAN A. LOZANO - Associated Press

Police say actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested after being accused of hitting two men during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. New Orleans police say in a statement that LaBeouf has been charged with two counts of simple battery. Police say LaBeouf “was causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive” inside a business around the French Quarter on Tuesday. Police allege LaBeouf hit two men outside the business and he was held down until police arrived. Court and jail records did not list an attorney who could speak on behalf of LaBeouf. Emails to LaBeouf’s publicists were not immediately returned. LaBeouf has had several run-ins with the law during his career.

New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, the indulgent conclusion of Carnival season

February 17, 2026

By SARA CLINE - Associated Press

As the sun rose in New Orleans, rows of parade-goers already lined the street. People set up chairs, coolers, grills and ladders — offering a higher vantage point to catch the eye of float riders throwing glimmery plastic beads to revelers. Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday. It falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. The big bash marks the end of Carnival season and a final chance for indulgence and revelry before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection. New Orleans has the nation’s largest and best-known celebration. Parade-goers will line the streets hoping to catch beads, toys and trinkets unique to each parade.

Georgia students recall horror of being shot as father of accused school shooter goes on trial

February 17, 2026

By JEFF MARTIN and JOHN RABY - Associated Press

Students in Georgia describe the terror of a school shooting as prosecutors try to convict the suspect’s father for giving him the gun. On Tuesday, ninth-graders testified that they saw a classmate bleeding in their algebra class. One student said she saw a hole in her wrist and feared she would die. Investigators say then 14-year-old Colt Gray planned the Sept. 4, 2024 attack that killed two teachers and two students and wounded several more. Prosecutors said his father ignored warnings and bought the rifle and ammunition used in the shooting. The defense says Colt hid his plans from his father.

Photos of Londoners in costume sprinting with frying pans on Pancake Day

February 17, 2026

By KIN CHEUNG - Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Racers dressed in costumes including a number two pencil, a penguin and a strawberry ran with a frying pan in hand through a central London square to compete in the annual pancake flipping competition. The celebration of Pancake Day takes place each year on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, the final day before the 40-day…

The Latest: The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s death prompts vows to ‘keep hope alive’

February 17, 2026

By The Associated Press

Many people who knew and worked with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. are vowing to ‘keep hope alive’ in honor of his legacy. Jackson led the U.S. Civil Rights Movement for decades. The protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate died Tuesday morning at the age of 84. In the United States and abroad, he advocated for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society.

Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano will end their MMA retirements and fight each other in May

February 17, 2026

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to fight each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll fight at 145 pounds for five five-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic fighters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA.

A Nexo retorna aos EUA

February 17, 2026

Business Wire

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–fev 17, 2026–A Nexo anunciou hoje seu retorno formal ao mercado dos Estados Unidos em 2026. O relançamento oficial da empresa nos EUA está sendo executado em parceria com entidades regulamentadas, fornecendo uma estrutura compatível com as leis americanas para os produtos de investimento e crédito da empresa. A infraestrutura de negociação de ativos digitais é fornecida pela Bakkt,…

New subpoenas issued in inquiry on response to 2016 Russian election interference, AP sources say

February 17, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press

The Justice Department has issued new subpoenas in an investigation into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump and the U.S. government response to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. That’s according to multiple people familiar with the matter. An initial wave of subpoenas in November asked recipients for documents related to the preparation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that detailed a sweeping, multi-prong effort by Moscow to help Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Though the first subpoenas requested documents from a monthslong time frame surrounding the January 2017 publication of the Obama administration intelligence assessment, the latest subpoenas issued in recent weeks ask for any records through the present.

ProAmpac Pushes the Limits of Fiber Packaging with New High Barrier Packaging Innovation Platform

February 17, 2026

Business Wire

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, announces the expansion of its ProActive Recyclable® RP-2000 High Barrier Series. This curbside recyclable, fiber-based packaging platform is designed to help brands transition away from traditional non-recyclable high-barrier multilayer structures, such as paper/foil, paper/metalized polyethylene terephthalate (METPET), and certain film laminations. The RP-2000 platform provides strong barriers…

Align Named to CRN’s MSP 500 List For 2026

February 17, 2026

Business Wire

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Align, the premier global provider of technology infrastructure solutions and Managed IT Services today announced that it has been named by CRN ®, a brand of The Channel Company, to the Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category for 2026.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217811293/en/Align has been…

Warner Bros reopens takeover talks with Paramount after receiving a waiver from Netflix

February 17, 2026

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS - AP Business Writer

Warner Bros. Discovery is briefly reopening takeover talks with Skydance-owned Paramount to hear the company’s “best and final” offer, while the Hollywood giant continues to back the studio and streaming deal it struck with Netflix. In a Tuesday regulatory filing, Warner said that Netflix had granted it a waiver to open discussions with Paramount for seven days. Paramount now has until Feb. 23 to negotiate a possible transaction. But in the meantime, Warner’s board is still recommending shareholders support of its proposed merger with Netflix. A special meeting is now scheduled for Friday, March 20 to hold a vote on that deal.

Wall Street swings with worries about tech stocks and discouraged US shoppers

February 17, 2026

By STAN CHOE - AP Business Writer

U.S. stocks are swinging as companies talk about how discouraged their customers are feeling and some tech stocks continue to feel the downside of AI. The S&P 500 was flat Tuesday after flipping between a modest gain and a loss of nearly 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 28 points, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.1%. General Mills dropped after cutting its profit forecast for the year amid weak consumer sentiment. Nvidia swung between being one of the heaviest weights on the market and one of its biggest strengths. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market.

Italy pulls off a stunner in Olympic men’s speedskating team pursuit, earns first gold since 2006

February 17, 2026

By The Associated Press

The Italian men’s speedskating team pulled off a stunner in team pursuit, surging past the United States to gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The group of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini, and Michele Malfatti pulled away over the final laps and win by 4.5 seconds. The Canadian women’s team defended their Olympic gold in the same event. Elsewhere at the Games, organizers scrubbed the women’s snowboard slopestyle final after heavy snow hit the facility in Livigno. France rallied past favored Norway to win gold in the men’s biathlon relay. Norway’s Jens Luraas Oftebro takes another Nordic combined title, this time on the large hill.

The Latest: Partial government shutdown over DHS oversight seems poised to drag on

February 17, 2026

By The Associated Press

Lawmakers and the White House offered no signs of compromise over the holiday weekend in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers that has led to a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers last month. Unlike the 43-day shutdown last fall, the closures are narrowly confined, affecting only agencies under the DHS umbrella.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84

February 17, 2026

By SOPHIA TAREEN - Associated Press

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson has died. He was 84. Jackson was a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King and became a leader of the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King was assassinated in 1968. A two-time presidential candidate, Jackson led a lifetime of political crusades. He advocated for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders and channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms. He used his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition to pressure executives to make America a more open and equitable society. His family confirmed he died Tuesday.

Police credit a good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink

February 17, 2026

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI - Associated Press

A gunman who opened fire at a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two adults and injuring three others, was stopped after a fellow spectator intervened. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Goncalves says investigators think the shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon was targeted and may have involved a family dispute. Video online shows players and fans scrambling for cover and rushing to exits. Gov. Dan McKee says the state is grieving again after another recent mass shooting.

Elevate Prize winners gain more than $300K in funding. They learn to better tell their own stories

February 17, 2026

By GLENN GAMBOA - AP Business Writer

The Elevate Prize Foundation named its 10 winners for 2026 on Tuesday, including Monica Ramirez of Justice for Migrant Women and Mara Fleishman of the Chef Ann Foundation. Each group gets $300,000 in unrestricted funding. Winners also get training to grow and raise their profile. CEO Carolina Garcia Jayaram tells The Associated Press that increasing a group’s visibility not only can increase fundraising and finding partners. It also helps protects leaders under pressure. The foundation also launched its “Good Is Trending” initiative Tuesday, taking over NASDAQ’s Times Square billboards to promote the stories of this year’s winners.

Huge floats, wild costumes and nonstop street parties: Brazil Carnival in photos

February 17, 2026

By SILVIA IZQUIERDO, ANDRE PENNER and BRUNA PRADO - Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The world’s biggest party is back as Carnival celebrations return to Brazil with glittery, outrageous costumes, samba rhythms ringing out until dawn and hundreds of raucous roaming parties flooding the streets. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Alex Samoylovich Featured on CRE Daily’s No Cap Podcast Discussing Adaptive Reuse, Historic Redevelopment, and Executing Complex Development Deals

February 17, 2026

ACCESS Newswire

Alex Samoylovich joins CRE Daily’s No Cap Podcast to discuss adaptive reuse, historic redevelopment, and real-world execution strategy.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Alex Samoylovich, Co-founder of CEDARst Companies, is featured on CRE Daily’s No Cap Podcast in a new episode focused on adaptive reuse, historic redevelopment, and the execution discipline required to deliver projects many…

There was ‘a bridge called Jesse Jackson’ across decades of civil rights advocacy

February 17, 2026

By AARON MORRISON and SOPHIA TAREEN - Associated Press

The Rev. Jesse Jackson kept up his more than half-century-long fight for civil and human rights through his final years despite challenges over his health, the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice and political divisions. Whether appearing at the funerals of Black people killed by police or participating in COVID-19 vaccination drives to address hesitancy in communities of color, Jackson built on a life in public advocacy that included running for president, international diplomacy and influencing the lexicon of racial identity in America. Jackson, a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., died on Tuesday. He was 84.

Detroit’s stunning surge: Pistons enter post-All-Star play with the NBA’s best record

February 17, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

The Detroit Pistons have surged from years of misery to the NBA’s best record as play resumes after the All-Star break. Detroit sits at 40-13 and barely leads Oklahoma City when games resume Thursday. The Pistons avoid long skids and rarely lose big. They also beat strong teams more than anyone. Cade Cunningham says the team stays focused and keeps building. History suggests the title picture centers on Detroit, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Boston, Denver and New York. Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the scoring race. Injuries and the 65-game rule shake up awards.

Professional Women’s Hockey League Teams Up With Oak View Group for Sponsorship Sales to Power Next Era of Growth

February 17, 2026

ACCESS Newswire

Global Industrial Joins as Official Industrial Supplies Partner, Becoming The First League Partner Under OVG’s New Commercial ProgramPWHL Becomes Global Industrial’s First-Ever Sports League PartnerTORONTO, ON AND DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has named Oak View Group’s Global Partnerships division to be its exclusive sponsorship sales partner, responsible for…

World’s Oldest Axe Maker Introduces Four New Axes

February 17, 2026

PR Newswire

MEQUON, Wis., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hults Bruk, which traces its beginnings to 1697 in Norrköping, Sweden, has introduced four new axes – Jakobsdal and Kvillinge (splitting axes), Jursla (felling axe) and Arvika 5 Star (racing axe). The new axes, along with the brand’s entire line of legendary axes and high-quality leather accessories, can now be purchased online on…

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