US & World News Archives - Page 7 of 87

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.

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift’s texts exposed in lawsuit against Justin Baldoni

January 22, 2026

By SAFIYAH RIDDLE, SARAH BRUMFIELD and REBECCA BOONE - Associated Press

A trove of Blake Lively’s text messages and emails has been released in her legal battle against Justin Baldoni, including exchanges with her longtime friend Taylor Swift. Lively sued Baldoni and his crisis communications expert alleging harassment and a campaign to damage her reputation while he directed her in the movie “It Ends With Us.” A federal judge is now considering whether to end their acrimonious, yearlong litigation. Baldoni’s lawyer argued Thursday that Lively’s claims are trivial. Lively’s lawyer countered with allegations of unwanted physical contact.

DiCaprio to AP on Oscar nomination: ‘It’s about trying to be in films that are memorable’

January 22, 2026

By LINDSEY BAHR - AP Film Writer

Leonardo DiCaprio has picked up his sixth lead actor Oscar nomination for his role in “One Battle After Another.” Ten years after winning for “The Revenant,” he joins a select group of actors with this many nominations. Including his supporting nomination for “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” he now has eight nominations overall. DiCaprio says the most important thing is being part of a timeless film. The film received 13 nominations, but co-star Chase Infiniti was notably snubbed. DiCaprio tells The Associated Press he spoke to her and that she had an amazing attitude. DiCaprio also emphasized the importance of original filmmaking and the theatrical experience.

Federal officers detain a 5-year-old boy who a school official says was used as ‘bait’

January 22, 2026

By HALLIE GOLDEN and SARAH RAZA - Associated Press

Federal agents have detained a 5-year-old boy and his father in Minnesota, taking them to a detention facility in Texas. School officials and the family’s lawyer say this is part of the ongoing immigration enforcement surge in the Twin Cities. Zena Stenvik, the school superintendent in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, says the boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was “essentially” used “as bait” to apprehend his father, who is pursuing an asylum claim in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security says the operation targeted the father, not the child. It’s not clear if the father asked for his son to be taken into custody with him. Liam is the district’s fourth student who has been detained recently.

Uvalde officer’s acquittal shifts focus to the next case over police response to attack

January 22, 2026

By JIM VERTUNO - Associated Press

An acquittal in the first Texas trial over the hesitant police response to the Robb Elementary school mass shooting leaves prosecutors facing decisions about the case against Uvalde’s former schools police chief. Legal experts say that prosecutors will likely consider changes to how they present evidence and witness testimony. And they will have to decide whether to take the next case to trial. They will likely face pressure from victims’ families to press ahead. Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell declined immediate comment Thursday.

Trump administration halts use of human fetal tissue in NIH-funded research

January 22, 2026

By The Associated Press

The Trump administration is ending the use of abortion-derived fetal tissue in research funded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has funded research involving fetal tissue for decades, under both Republicans and Democrats. The tissue has been critical for research involving HIV, cancer and other diseases. Opponents say there are alternatives, although scientists say there aren’t always adequate substitutes. The policy announced Thursday expands restrictions issued in the first Trump administration to cover all NIH-funded research. In 2024, the $47 billion agency counted just 77 funded projects that included fetal tissue.

Rhode Island may ditch Mr. Potato Head license plates after Hasbro moves to Boston

January 22, 2026

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI - Associated Press

Rhode Islanders have long been able to choose Mr. Potato Head for their specialty license plates. However, Hasbro’s decision to move its headquarters to Boston has motivated two lawmakers to propose ending the option of Mr. Potato Head plates. The proposal was introduced earlier this month. Currently, the plate costs $40, with half supporting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Mr. Potato Head plates were first issued in 2002 to mark the toy’s 50th anniversary. The toy, which debuted in 1952, originally required kids to use a real potato before Hasbro added a plastic version.

Trump administration tells agencies to compile data on money sent to Democratic states

January 22, 2026

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s budget office is telling government agencies to compile data on federal money sent to a group of 14 mostly Democratic-controlled states and the District of Columbia. The administration says in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that the purpose is to “facilitate efforts to reduce the improper and fraudulent use of those funds.” The memo to the agencies does not explain why it’s focusing on those states. The order comes the week after Trump threatened to deny federal funding to states that are home to local governments that resist his immigration policies.

Photos from the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland

January 22, 2026

AP

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — The World Economic Forum think tank opened its annual meeting in the Swiss town of Davos on Tuesday where political leaders and business leaders will discuss issues ranging from economic disparity to climate change to world conflicts. This year’s geopolitical context — with the recent U.S. military strike in Venezuela,protests in Iran and U.S. President Donald…

Trump sues JPMorgan for $5 billion, alleges bank closed his accounts for political reasons

January 22, 2026

AP

President Donald Trump is suing JPMorgan Chase and its CEO Jamie Dimon for $5 billion. He alleges the bank closed his accounts for political reasons after he left office in January 2021. The lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade County court, claims JPMorgan abruptly closed multiple accounts in February 2021, giving 60 days’ notice without explanation. Trump says this cut him off from millions and disrupted his businesses. JPMorgan, in a statement, expressed regret over the lawsuit but denied political motives. A spokesperson said the suit lacks merit, emphasizing accounts are closed for legal or regulatory risks, not political reasons.

Trump appointees ask about White House ballroom’s design and scale–and want to see models

January 22, 2026

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

Some of Donald Trump’s handpicked appointees who have a say in his White House ballroom project are asking questions about design and scale, even as they broadly endorsed the president’s vision for a massive expansion. Members of the Commission on Fine Arts asked the project’s lead architect on Thursday to come back to them with 3D scale models of the White House complex including the proposed addition, and to include the Treasury Department and Eisenhower office buildings that flank the White House. Separately, historic preservationists are challenging the project in federal court.

Harry Styles announces 2026 global tour: See the dates

January 22, 2026

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

Harry Styles is getting back out on the road. The English musician announced a 50-date global tour made up of international residencies. Styles will hit Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney from May through December. The news arrives a week after Styles revealed his fourth studio album will arrive March 6. Titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” the album is Styles’ first full-length project in four years. It follows the 2022, critically acclaimed synth pop record “Harry’s House.” That one which earned the former One Direction star the top prize of album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

Mets acquire ace pitcher Freddy Peralta from Brewers in trade

January 22, 2026

By MIKE FITZPATRICK - AP Baseball Writer

The active New York Mets have acquired ace pitcher Freddy Peralta and right-hander Tobias Myers from Milwaukee in a trade that sent two top prospects to the Brewers: pitcher Brandon Sproat and minor league infielder/outfielder Jett Williams. Peralta gives the new-look Mets a frontline starter after their rotation faltered in the second half of a hugely disappointing 2025 season. Peralta went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA last year, when he led the National League in wins and finished fifth in Cy Young Award voting. He also earned his second All-Star selection. The 29-year-old right-hander is set to make $8 million this year and can become a free agent following the World Series.

Vance heads to Minneapolis and says ‘far left’ should stop resisting immigration enforcement

January 22, 2026

By MICHELLE L. PRICE and JULIE CARR SMYTH - Associated Press

Vice President JD Vance is blaming what he calls the “far left” for turmoil surrounding the White House’s deportation campaign. Vance is set to visit Minnesota later Thursday. But first he stopped in Ohio, his home state, where he criticized opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement. The vice president will meet in Minneapolis with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Protests have erupted in the city after an agent fatally shot Renee Good this month. Vance has defended that agent and said Good’s death was a “tragedy of her own making.” Vance also is praising the arrest of protesters who disrupted a weekend church service in Minnesota.

Study shows how earthquake monitors can track space junk through sonic booms

January 22, 2026

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

A new study shows how earthquake monitors can better track space junk by tuning into their sonic booms. Scientists reported Thursday that they collected seismic readings from the sonic booms generated when a discarded module from a Chinese crew capsule reentered in 2024. The data allowed them to place the object’s path nearly 20 miles farther south than radar had predicted from orbit. The study in the journal Science focused on one debris event. But the researchers already have used publicly available data from seismic networks to track a few dozen other reentries, including those from three failed SpaceX Starship test flights.

Complete list of 2026 Oscar nominees

January 22, 2026

AP

This year’s class of Oscar nominees has been announced. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” led all films Thursday with 16 nominations to the 98th Academy Awards, setting a record for the most in Oscar history. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was second in the tally with 13 nominations.

Jack Smith testifies at a public hearing about his Trump investigations

January 22, 2026

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

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith’s congressional hearing is underway. Thursday’s hearing is expected to focus fresh attention on Smith’s two criminal investigations that shadowed Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign. Smith testified behind closed doors last month but returns to the House Judiciary Committee for a public hearing. The hearing is likely to divide along partisan lines between Republican lawmakers looking to undermine Smith and Democrats hoping to elicit new and damaging testimony about Trump’s conduct in the Washington, D.C., and Florida cases. The hearing unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing Trump administration retribution campaign targeting the investigators who scrutinized the Republican president.

Prices ticked up in November as Americans keep spending a key inflation measure shows

January 22, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge ticked up in November in the latest sign that price increases remain stubbornly elevated. Consumer prices rose 2.8% in November from a year earlier, the Commerce Department said Thursday, up from a 2.7% annual pace in October. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices also increased 2.8% in November from a year ago, slightly higher than October’s 2.7%. Inflation has fallen sharply from a four-decade high in 2022 but has mostly leveled off in the past two years.

What to know about FDA’s review of new Zyn advertising proposal

January 22, 2026

By MATTHEW PERRONE - AP Health Writer

The Food and Drug Administration is weighing whether to allow new advertising messages about Zyn, a type of nicotine pouch that’s growing in popularity. Agency advisers are holding an all-day meeting Thursday to consider a request from Philip Morris to begin promoting Zyn as a less-harmful alternative for adult smokers. Studies submitted by the company suggest that switching to Zyn can lower the risks of lung cancer, stroke and other smoking-related ailments. But the FDA and its advisers must weigh those benefits against other potential risks, including use by underage teenagers.

A woman who led a protest at a Minnesota church service has been arrested, Bondi says

January 22, 2026

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO - Associated Press

Attorney General Pam Bondi says a woman who led an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church has been arrested. Bondi announced the arrest of Nekima Levy Armstrong in a post on X on Thursday. On Sunday, protesters entered the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor. The group interrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month. Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and prominent local activist, had called for the pastor affiliated with ICE to resign.

Former Uvalde officer acquitted in trial over police response to Robb Elementary attack

January 22, 2026

The Associated Press,

A family pays their respects next to crosses bearing the names of Tuesday’s shooting victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — A former Uvalde schools police officer was acquitted Wednesday of charges that he failed in his duties to confront the gunman at Robb Elementary during the critical…

The AP NFL MVP finalists are Allen, Lawrence, Maye, McCaffrey and Stafford

January 22, 2026

By ROB MAADDI - AP Pro Football Writer

Christian McCaffrey is the first player to be a finalist for three AP NFL awards, joining Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford in the running for The Associated Press 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player award. McCaffrey and Maye are also finalists for Offensive Player of the Year. McCaffrey and Lawrence are among the finalists for Comeback Player of the Year. The winners will be announced at “NFL Honors” on Feb. 5. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the playoffs began. Votes were tabulated by the accounting firm of Lutz and Carr.

Consumer spending pushes US economy up 4.4% in third quarter, fastest in two years

January 22, 2026

By PAUL WISEMAN - AP Economics Writer

Powered by strong consumer spending, the U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in two years from July through September, the government said Thursday in a slight upgrade rom its first estimate. The Commerce Department reported that America’s gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — rose at a 4,4% annual pace in the third quarter, up from 3.8% in the April-June quarter and from the 4.3% growth the department initially estimated. The economy hasn’t grown faster since third-quarter 2023. Consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of U.S. GDP, grew at a healthy 3.5% pace.

Crews spread salt on roads and people stock up on batteries as a winter storm threatens the US

January 22, 2026

By EMILIE MEGNIEN and SEAN MURPHY - Associated Press

Crews spread salt on roads and readied snowplows as a storm threatened to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to a broad section of the U.S. in the coming days. Meteorologists say ice may linger on roads and sidewalks because temperatures will be slow to warm in many areas. Ice could also weigh down trees and power lines, triggering widespread outages. Forecasters say the storm will hit much of the nation’s midsection starting Friday and then head toward the East Coast through Sunday. The National Weather Service said the coldest windchills may fall below minus 50 Fahrenheit across the Northern Plains.

House moves to finish government funding as Democrats decry Homeland Security bill

January 22, 2026

By KEVIN FREKING and LISA MASCARO - Associated Press

The House is looking to pass this year’s final batch of spending bills. The effort on Thursday is being complicated by Democratic lawmakers’ concerns the measure funding the Department of Homeland Security inadequately addresses President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts. House Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar announced in a closed-door meeting they would oppose the Homeland Security bill. With Republicans in charge of both chambers of Congress and the White House, Democrats have few good options to express their opposition. Speaker Mike Johnson voices confidence the funding bills will pass, including the Homeland Security measure.

Danish leader says kingdom can’t negotiate sovereignty after Trump’s Greenland about-turn

January 22, 2026

AP

Denmark’s prime minister is saying after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he agreed a “framework of a future deal” on Arctic security with the head of NATO that her country can’t negotiate on its sovereignty and she has been “informed that this has not been the case.” Trump on Wednesday abruptly scrapped the tariffs he had threatened to impose on eight European nations to press for U.S. control over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. Trump offered few details, saying they were still being worked out. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Thursday that she had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte “on an ongoing basis,” including before and after he met Trump in Davos.

Antetokounmpo says lack of chemistry has contributed to Bucks’ recent blowout losses

January 22, 2026

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Giannis Antetokounmpo says chemistry issues may be contributing to the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent penchant for lopsided losses. The Bucks fell 122-102 on Wednesday night to an Oklahoma City team that was missing a handful of rotation players due to injuries. The Bucks have lost four of their last five. Each of their last three losses was decided by at least 18 points. Milwaukee’s string of nine straight playoff appearances is in jeopardy midway through the season. The Bucks are 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They haven’t won more than two straight games at any point this season.

Sundance kicks off in Utah with powerful premieres and emotional tributes to Robert Redford

January 22, 2026

By LINDSEY BAHR and HANNAH SCHOENBAUM - Associated Press

The Sundance Film Festival kicks off Thursday morning in Utah, marking the first year without founder Robert Redford. His daughter, Amy Redford, shared in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press that her father believed everyone has a story, a principle guiding this year’s festival. Over a dozen films will premiere on the opening day. They will include Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary on mountain climbing, Rachel Lambert’s drama “Carousel,” and Judd Apatow’s film about comedian Maria Bamford. Other highlights include a look at playwright Luis Valdez’s legacy and a midnight movie by Casper Kelly. The festival runs through Feb. 1.

Trump is rolling out his Board of Peace at Davos at a time when US leadership is being questioned

January 21, 2026

By JOSH BOAK and AAMER MADHANI - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is set to unveil his proposed Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum. It’s an idea that was initially envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing the Gaza ceasefire. But it has morphed into something far more ambitious. The rollout of the board has been overshadowed by Trump’s pressure campaign over acquiring Greenland. Some European leaders have said they’ll take a pass on the new panel that Trump has suggested could eventually make the United Nations obsolete. Trump wants to spotlight the proposed board on Thursday.

Trump’s European threats could make it harder for future US leaders to repair ties

January 21, 2026

By STEVEN SLOAN and MATT BROWN - Associated Press

Joe Biden promised Europe that “America is back” early in his presidency, aiming to mend ties after Donald Trump’s tenure. However, nearly five years later, Trump’s influence over Europe has grown. Recently, Trump demanded Denmark cede Greenland to the U.S., causing turmoil within NATO. European leaders are responding by exploring alliances that exclude the U.S. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted a global shift, calling the rules-based order an “illusion.” European leaders criticized Trump’s approach, while some Republicans supported him. Democrats urged stronger responses, stressing the need for a lasting shift in U.S. politics to rebuild trust.

Oscar nominations are this morning. ‘Sinners’ could make history

January 21, 2026

By JAKE COYLE - AP Film Writer

Horror films have traditionally been left out of the Oscars, but when nominations are announced for the 98th Academy Awards, Ryan Coogler’s vampire tale “Sinners” could make history. Nominations will read at 8:30 a.m. Eastern on Thursday. Viewers can tune in live on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, the academy’s digital platforms and on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” No movie has ever landed more than 14 nominations. But “Sinners” could top that mark with a heap of nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is also poised to score more than a dozen nominations. It could be a very good day for Warner Bros.

Millions of Americans brace for potentially catastrophic ice storm. What to know, by the numbers

January 21, 2026

By JEFF MARTIN - Associated Press

Millions of Americans are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm from New Mexico to the Carolinas. Forecasters say it could crush trees, power lines, and cause power outages for days. Northern states up to New England might see enough snow to make travel nearly impossible. The National Weather Service says about 100 million people were under some type of winter weather watch, warning, or advisory on Wednesday. The storm is expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, as an atmospheric river of moisture could pull precipitation across Texas and other Gulf Coast states.

Army orders military police to get ready for a possible Minneapolis deployment, AP source says

January 21, 2026

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN - Associated Press

The U.S. Army has ordered several dozen additional active-duty soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to Minneapolis if needed amid protests over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown. That’s according to a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday. Members of an Army military police brigade stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina have been given prepare-to-deploy orders. But the official says such standby orders are issued regularly and they don’t necessarily mean the troops would end up going. About 1,500 active-duty soldiers from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division based in Alaska also received similar standby orders. President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act before walking that back.

Astronauts say space station’s ultrasound machine was critical during medical crisis

January 21, 2026

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

The astronauts evacuated last week from the International Space Station say a portable ultrasound machine came in “super handy” during the medical crisis. During their first public appearance since returning to Earth, the four astronauts refused Wednesday to say which one of them had been ailing or why. But NASA’s Mike Fincke told reporters that the crew used the onboard ultrasound machine when the medical problem arose January 7, the day before a planned spacewalk. The portable ultrasound was so useful that he says there should be one on all future spaceflights.

Former DEA agent sentenced to 5 years in prison for using badge to protect drug trafficking friends

January 21, 2026

By JIM MUSTIAN - Associated Press

A former DEA agent has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for corruption. A jury convicted Joseph Bongiovanni of using his badge to protect childhood friends involved in drug trafficking in Buffalo, New York. On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo issued the sentence, which was less than the 15 years prosecutors sought. Bongiovanni was convicted of obstruction of justice and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors said his actions caused significant damage over 11 years. The case also highlighted corruption within the DEA, with at least 17 agents facing federal charges in the past decade.

After 4 NFC title game losses with Packers, Davante Adams resumes chase of ‘mythical thing’ for Rams

January 21, 2026

By GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Davante Adams reached the NFC championship game four times during his eight seasons with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Every single time, Green Bay came up just short of the Super Bowl. Adams still feels the pain, and he feels like the Super Bowl has become a “mythical thing” that he just can’t quite reach. After an ensuing three years spent nowhere near a Super Bowl, Adams is back for his fifth shot when his Los Angeles Rams visit the Seattle Seahawks for another NFC title game. Adams clearly means it when he says team success is the only thing that still matters to him.

Minneapolis businesses struggle during Trump’s immigration enforcement surge

January 21, 2026

By SAFIYAH RIDDLE - Associated Press

Business in Minnesota has taken a hit as President Donald Trump’s administration carries out an immigration sweep that has spurred protests. Some staff and customers are staying home out of fear of immigration enforcement officers. And protesters are targeting businesses they see as aiding federal immigration enforcement. Countless stores have temporarily closed, canceled events or reduced hours. Some hotels that housed federal immigration officers and saw protests have stopped accepting reservations altogether. Minneapolis-based Target Corp. also has seen protests. The state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities cited devastating economic impacts in a lawsuit imploring a federal judge to halt the immigration operations.

Iconic Coney Island hot dog hawker Nathan’s Famous is sold for $450 million

January 21, 2026

By MATT OTT - AP Business Writer

Nathan’s Famous, which opened as a 5-cent hot dog stand in Coney Island more than a century ago, has been sold to packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods in a $450 million all-cash deal. Smithfield, which has held rights to produce and sell Nathan’s products in the U.S., Canada and at Sam’s Clubs in Mexico since 2014, will acquire all of Nathan’s outstanding shares for $102 each. Like almost every food company, Nathan’s has been under significant inflationary pressure. Nathan’s sales costs of branded products rose 27% compared with last year in its most recent quarter and there was a 20% increase in the average cost per pound of hot dogs.

Israeli fire strikes journalists and children on one of Gaza’s deadliest days since ceasefire

January 21, 2026

By SAMY MAGDY - Associated Press

Hospitals in Gaza say Israeli forces have killed at least 11 Palestinians on one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect in October. Among the dead are three Palestinian journalists who were killed while filming near a displacement camp in central Gaza. The Israeli military says it spotted suspects who were operating a drone posing a threat to its troops. Also killed in separate incidents were two 13-year-old boys. The strikes came as the United States is trying to push the ceasefire forward and implement its challenging second phase.

An emotional Prince Harry tells court how publisher made Meghan’s life ‘a misery’

January 21, 2026

By BRIAN MELLEY - Associated Press

An emotional Prince Harry struck a defensive tone at the start of his testimony against the Daily Mail’s publisher. Close to tears, he disputed that his friends leaked information and provided an emotional glimpse into the toll his battle against the British tabloids had taken. He testified Wednesday that the press continues to target him and have made his wife’s life a misery. Harry and others, including Elton John, allege that Associated Newspapers Ltd. invaded their privacy through unlawful information gathering. The publisher denies the allegations. Harry claims the intrusion made him paranoid and blames the media for his mother’s death and attacks on his wife, Meghan.

Immigration officers assert sweeping power to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, memo says

January 21, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA - Associated Press

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press reveals that the agency allows immigration officers to forcibly enter homes to make arrests without a judicial warrant. This change reverses previous guidance and raises concerns about constitutional protections against illegal searches. The memo, signed by ICE’s acting director, states that administrative warrants are sufficient for forced entry if there’s a final order of removal. This policy could face legal challenges and criticism from advocacy groups. Whistleblower Aid, representing two government officials, describes the directive as seemingly unconstitutional and a significant shift in arrest powers. The Associated Press obtained the memo and whistleblower complaint from an official in Congress.

Trump to meet with Zelenskyy as Ukraine endures a bitter winter after Russian attacks

January 21, 2026

By KAMILA HRABCHUK - Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says about 4,000 buildings in Kyiv remain without heating, and nearly 60% of the city is without power following days of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid. With temperatures dropping to minus 20 C, the cold winter has worsened the hardship for Ukrainians. U.S. President Donald Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that he would meet Thursday with Zelenskyy, while U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff plans to discuss peace proposals with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian air force reports Russia launched 97 drones and a ballistic missile overnight.

Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who played in NBA G League, gets temporary college eligibility

January 21, 2026

AP

Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who has spent the past 2 1/2 years competing in the NBA Summer League and G League, had his college eligibility temporarily reinstated by a judge who blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return to the 17th-ranked Tide. Bediako had signed several NBA developmental contracts since going undrafted in 2023. He played two seasons at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice. James H. Roberts Jr. of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court granted Bediako a temporary restraining order.

ICE activity increases in Maine as anxiety grows in immigrant communities

January 21, 2026

By PATRICK WHITTLE and RODRIQUE NGOWI - Associated Press

Maine is seeing an increase in immigration enforcement activity this week. The state’s secretary of state has responded by declining to issue more undercover license plates for federal immigration officers. ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde told FOX News that it had made 50 arrests by Tuesday as part of “Operation Catch of the Day” and has more than 1,000 targets in the state. The actions have centered on Portland and Lewiston, the two largest cities in the state. The cities have thousands of residents of African descent, including many from Somalia.