US & World News Archives - Page 7 of 91

Europeans push back at US over claim they face ‘civilizational erasure’

February 15, 2026

By EMMA BURROWS and GEIR MOULSON - Associated Press

A top European Union official has rejected the notion that Europe faces “civilizational erasure,” pushing back at criticism of the continent by the Trump administration. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas addressed the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a somewhat reassuring message to European allies. He struck a less aggressive tone than Vice President JD Vance last year but maintained a firm tone on Washington’s intent to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance and push its policy priorities.

Ukrainian drone strike sparks fires at Russian Black Sea port ahead of US-brokered peace talks

February 15, 2026

By The Associated Press

A Ukrainian drone attack hit a Russian Black Sea port as diplomats prepare for fresh U.S.-brokered peace talks. The Russian regional governor says the strike Sunday set fires at the port of Taman, wounding two people and damaging an oil tank, a warehouse and terminals. Ukrainian officials says Russian drone debris damaged infrastructure in the Odesa region. Ukraine targets Russian energy sites to cut oil export revenue while Russia targets Ukraine’s power grid to deny civilians access to heat and electricity. Zelenskyy says U.S. security guarantees still remain unclear. European officials warn peace needs Russian concessions.

‘First feline’ Larry marks 15 years as Britain’s political top cat

February 14, 2026

By JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press

Larry the cat is marking 15 years as Britain’s Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, a symbol of stability in turbulent political times. He reaches the milestone on Sunday, having served under six prime ministers. Larry is a former stray who was adopted in 2011 by then-Prime Minister David Cameron from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Over the years Larry has turned greeting guests and napping into his public brand. Photographers say he loves to steal the spotlight during visits by foreign leaders. Reports of his mouse hunting skills are mixed but he has become a much-loved fixture that no leader dares remove.

Larry the cat, Britain’s Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street for 15 years, in photos

February 14, 2026

AP

LONDON (AP) — Photos look back at 15 years of Larry the cat as Britain’s Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, where the former stray has become a familiar presence through years of political change. Adopted in 2011, Larry has served under six prime ministers, earning a reputation for greeting dignitaries, lounging in the spotlight and remaining a constant at…

When Olympic dreams hit the ice: Photos of falls, flips and hard landings

February 14, 2026

By The Associated Press

Ilia Malinin fell in the men’s free skate program, ending his medal hopes. Lindsey Vonn crashed and broke her left leg during a women’s downhill race while Liu Jiayu was injured in a crash in the women’s snowboarding halfpipe qualifications. This photo gallery highlights some of the most dramatic falls at the Milan Winter Olympics. AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics Categories:…

Four new astronauts arrive at the International Space Station to replace NASA’s evacuated crew

February 14, 2026

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

The International Space Station is back to full strength with the arrival of four new astronauts. SpaceX delivered the U.S., French and Russian astronauts to the orbiting lab on Saturday, a day after launching them. They are replacing a crew that bailed early last month because of health concerns. It was NASA’s first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight. The orbiting lab is now back to seven residents, allowing spacewalks to proceed and research to pick back up. They are expected to remain on board for eight to nine months.

US, Iran to hold new round of nuclear talks in Geneva this week, Swiss government says

February 14, 2026

AP

The Swiss Foreign Ministry says Iran and the United States will hold a second round of talks over Tehran’s nuclear program this week. Oman — which welcomed a first round of indirect talks on Feb. 6 — will host the talks in Geneva. The ministry did not specify which days. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against any failure to reach an agreement, and has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Tehran to agree to limit its nuclear program. Iran has insisted the program is for peaceful purposes. However, its officials increasingly threaten to pursue a weapon.

Jordan Stolz joins Eric Heiden with a 500-1,000 speedskating double gold at the Olympics

February 14, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

Jordan Stolz has won his second speedskating gold medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics by finishing first in the 500 meters in an Olympic-record time. Saturday’s race was the American’s second of the Winter Games. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin was coming off a victory in Wednesday’s 1,000, the first of his four individual events in Milan. He came to these Games as someone considered a contender for gold in all four. The men’s record for most speedskating titles at one Olympics is the five for Eric Heiden at Lake Placid in 1980. Stolz beat 500 world champion Jenning de Boo of the Netherlands, who got the silver.

How Jeffrey Epstein used the glamour of the Nobel Peace Prize to entice his global network of elites

February 14, 2026

By MARK LEWIS - Associated Press

Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly played up hosting the head of the Nobel Peace Prize committee in invitations to and chats with elites like Richard Branson, Larry Summers and Steve Bannon, the Epstein files show. Thorbjørn Jagland turns up dozens of times in the millions of documents about the former U.S. financier and convicted sex offender that were released by the U.S. Justice Department last month. Jagland, 75, has been charged in Norway for “aggravated corruption” in connection with the case. His lawyers say he denies the charges.

In battleground Michigan, 3 Democrats test vision of affordability in the Senate primary

February 14, 2026

By ISABELLA VOLMERT - Associated Press

Voters say they’re worried about the cost of living, and affordability is a leading issue in 2026 campaigns. The three Senate candidates competing in Michigan for the Democratic nomination are making different pitches about how to address rising costs. Their success or failure will help determine the party’s fortunes in the November midterms, when control of Congress is at stake. Democrat Gary Peters is retiring and the party’s chances of regaining Senate control will be harder if that seat is lost. Running in the August primary are Haley Stevens, who’s a congresswoman, as well as state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and physician Abdul El-Sayed. The likely Republican nominee is Mike Rogers, a former congressman.

MSF suspends some hospital operations in Gaza due to presence of armed men

February 14, 2026

By SAM MEDNICK and SAMY MAGDY - Associated Press

Doctors Without Borders says it has suspended some operations at one of the largest functioning hospitals in Gaza after patients and its staff said they witnessed armed, masked men in parts of the compound. The aid group, known by its acronym MSF, said it had suspended all non-critical medical operations at Nasser Hospital due to “security breaches” which posed “serious security threats to our teams and patients.” While the suspension happened in January, MSF’s comments earlier this week were the first to announce and explain its decision. Throughout the war Israel has struck hospitals on repeated occasions, including Nasser, accusing Hamas of operating in or around them.

Mandatory driver impairment sensors clear a funding hurdle, but are they ready?

February 14, 2026

By JEFF McMURRAY - Associated Press

A federal law requires new cars to include technology that detects drunk or impaired driving, but regulators still have not cleared it. Last month, the U.S. House rejected a Republican effort to strip the law’s funding. The law is named after five members of a Michigan family who were struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2019 in Kentucky. Supporters say passive detection can stop cars from starting when a driver is impaired. Opponents warn about false positives and call it a “kill switch.” Regulators are still assessing the tech and say they plan to report to Congress soon. Some backers expect the rules won’t be finalized until at least 2027.

Iranian security use dragnet spanning the entire country to arrest protesters

February 14, 2026

By AMIR-HUSSEIN RADJY - Associated Press

A month after Iran launched a crackdown on nationwide protests, widespread arrests are roiling the country. Reports of raids on homes and workplaces have come from major cities and rural towns alike, revealing a dragnet that has touched large swaths of Iranian society. University students, doctors, lawyers, teachers, actors, athletes and filmmakers have been swept up. Activists say those who are arrested are often held incommunicado for days or weeks and prevented from contacting family members or lawyers. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has put the number of arrests at more than 50,000 and the number of the deaths at more than 7,000.

TSA agents are working without pay at US airports due to another shutdown

February 13, 2026

By RIO YAMAT - AP Airlines and Travel Writer

A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has gone into effect. That includes the Transportation Security Administration, whose officers are responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports. Experts say mass flight cancellations like those seen during the 2025 shutdown are less likely this time because air traffic controllers are still getting paid. But TSA officers are required to stay on the job without pay during the Homeland Security shutdown that started on Saturday. Experts warn of long security lines if the shutdown drags on and more officers take unscheduled absences. Travel and airline industry groups warn the shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel as the busy spring break travel period approaches.

Minneapolis left to decide future of streetside memorials to 2 people killed by federal officers

February 13, 2026

By JACK BROOK - Associated Press/Report for America

The Trump administration announced this week that its immigration crackdown in Minnesota is ending. Minneapolis will now need to decide how to manage the makeshift memorial sites for two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents. Flowers, handwritten signs and artwork have amassed around the sites where Renee Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot last month. A spokesperson for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says it was “too early” for the city to comment on the future of the memorial sites. It took the city five years to determine plans for a permanent memorial site for George Floyd after he was murdered by a police officer in 2020.

Prime Minister Carney and Canada’s main opposition leader hold hands during school shooting vigil

February 13, 2026

By JIM MORRIS and ROB GILLIES - Associated Press

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the country’s opposition leaders paid tribute to the victims of one of the worst mass shootings in the country’s history at a vigil in the devastated northern British Columbia town. Carney and Conservative Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre joined hands during the community vigil. Carney named each of the six people killed at the school and said the mother and brother of the shooter who were killed also “deserve to be mourned.” British Columbia Premier David Eby said the students of the school won’t ever have to return to the building if they don’t want to. School shootings are rare in Canada, which has strict gun-control laws.

US military strikes another alleged drug boat in Caribbean, killing 3

February 13, 2026

AP

The U.S. military says it has carried out another deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. Southern Command said Friday on social media that the boat “was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” It said the strike killed three people. A video linked to the post shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames. Friday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug boats to 133 people in at least 38 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

4 indicted after Minneapolis clashes, including a woman accused of biting off an officer’s fingertip

February 13, 2026

By STEVE KARNOWSKI and REBECCA BOONE - Associated Press

Four people have been indicted on federal charges stemming from clashes with federal officers in Minneapolis. That includes one woman who was charged with assaulting a federal officer after authorities allege she bit off the tip of an immigration officer’s finger. The altercation took place during a protest after immigration officers shot and killed Alex Pretti. Court documents also say FBI employees received threatening text or voice messages after documents containing their personal information was stolen from a government car left at a protest site.

Memo says White House was ‘excellently preserved’ during East Wing demolition for Trump’s ballroom

February 13, 2026

By JONATHAN J. COOPER - Associated Press

A White House memo says demolition crews “excellently preserved” the White House residence when they tore down the East Wing for President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom. The administration released details Friday after the National Capital Planning Commission asked for more transparency. The memo says contractors kept heavy equipment at a safe distance and workers removed some parts by hand. Crews stabilized sections of the building and monitored vibrations and cracks. Curators also preserved historic items, like columns, doors, windows and chandeliers. The memo says the new ballroom will include a larger visitor screening center and reduce road closures.

Surprise! US women’s curling team beats Canada for first time at an Olympic Games

February 13, 2026

By JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press

The U.S. women’s curling team was surprised to learn that their defeat of Canada marked an Olympic first. Taylor Anderson-Heide, a curler from Minneapolis, said that if that was true, the team played a really good game. This year’s American curling team is exceedingly approachable yet ambitious and competitive. Alongside Anderson-Heide and Peterson, the team includes skip Tabitha Peterson, who’s Tara’s older sister, as well as cool-as-a-cucumber Cory Thiesse, who has already won the silver medal in the mixed doubles event.

A judge says she’ll rule that the US still cannot force states to provide data on SNAP recipients

February 13, 2026

By GEOFF MULVIHILL - Associated Press

A judge says she plans to rule that President Donald Trump’s administration still cannot force states to hand over detailed information on people who have applied for or received SNAP food aid. U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney last year blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture from requiring states to provide the data, including on immigration status, after 22 states sued over the policy. The department kept pushing for it, telling states in December that it would stop paying state administrative costs for the program if they didn’t comply. The judge said during a hearing Friday that she plans to issue an order siding with the states.

Journalist Don Lemon pleads not guilty to civil rights charges in Minnesota church protest

February 13, 2026

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Former CNN host turned independent journalist Don Lemon pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges Friday, following a protest at a Minnesota church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor. Four others also pleaded not guilty in the case. Lemon did not comment to reporters as he entered the courthouse accompanied by his attorney, Joe Thompson. Roughly…

Photos of scenes of everyday life surrounding the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

February 13, 2026

By The Associated Press

From performers to locals watching the opening ceremony and tourists taking in the atmosphere, this gallery shows scenes of daily life around the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics Categories: US & World News

Feds investigating whether 2 ICE officers lied about the shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis

February 13, 2026

The Associated Press,

Courtesy: Associated Press (file) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal authorities have opened a criminal probe into whether two immigration officers lied under oath about the shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis last month. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons said Friday that his agency had opened a joint probe with the Justice Department after video evidence revealed “sworn testimony…

Gifts and soup from ‘Uncle Jeffrey’: The Epstein ties that ended Kathy Ruemmler’s run at Goldman

February 13, 2026

By KEN SWEET - AP Business Writer

Kathy Ruemmler’s resignation as Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer comes after emails show she stayed close with Jeffrey Epstein long after his conviction on sex crimes. Emails between her and Epstein show thousands of pages of correspondence, warm exchanges and expensive presents that go beyond a standard lawyer-client relationship. Emails show she received spa treatments, luxury items, and chicken soup when she felt sick. In some instances, she advised Epstein on how he might go about trying to repair his image and defend himself publicly against new claims of misconduct. The fallout raised questions inside Goldman about her judgment and conflicts.

Chilling images from Nancy Guthrie’s porch could hold valuable clues about the masked suspect

February 13, 2026

By JOHN SEEWER - Associated Press

Those frightening images of a masked man on Nancy Guthrie’s porch could provide valuable clues to investigators. The FBI already has analyzed the videos from Guthrie’s doorbell camera to identify the suspect’s backpack. Former criminal investigators say it’s almost certain that authorities now are using the footage to build a physical and psychological profile of the suspect in Guthrie’s disappearance. The footage released to the public this week totals less than a minute in length. It shows not only the suspect’s clothes and shoes, but also the way he moves. Investigators who have worked on high-profile cases say that’s all valuable information.

Journalist Don Lemon is set to be arraigned in Minnesota church protest case

February 13, 2026

By STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press

Former CNN host Don Lemon and four other people are set to be arraigned on federal civil rights charges in Minnesota, accused in a protest at a church in St. Paul where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor. Civil rights attorney and prominent local activist Nekima Levy Armstrong is also being arraigned in the case Friday. Lemon says he was reporting on the protesters as an independent journalist at Cities Church on Jan. 18, while prosecutors accuse him of joining a “mob.” Lemon did not comment to reporters as he entered the courthouse. Nine people have been indicted in the case.

Chris Paul, the ‘Point God,’ retires as NBA’s All-Star weekend begins, ending a 21-season NBA run

February 13, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

Chris Paul has announced he is retiring from the NBA after a 21-season career that stacks up as Hall of Fame worthy. He shared the news Friday during All-Star weekend at the Clippers’ arena in Inglewood. Paul finished the year in a strange way. The Clippers sent him home in December. They traded him to Toronto earlier this month, even though he never planned to play there. Paul said he wants to “show up for others.” He leaves as a 12-time All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. He also ranks near the top in assists and steals.

Minnesotans welcome the immigration surge drawdown but remain vigilant

February 13, 2026

By MARK VANCLEAVE and HANNAH FINGERHUT - Associated Press

The Trump administration is scaling back its immigration enforcement surge in and around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, but state officials and residents say its effects on Minnesota’s economy and immigrant communities will linger. Border czar Tom Homan says better coordination with state and local officials has allowed the operation to wind down. The surge was increasingly scrutinized after federal officers killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Homan says targeted enforcement will continue with fewer agents. People who attended a vigil Thursday at the site of Good’s killing expressed continued distrust in the federal government, and some said they fear the crackdown will simply move elsewhere.

Journalist Don Lemon is set to be arraigned in Minnesota church protest case

February 13, 2026

The Associated Press,

Don Lemon (CNN) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Former CNN host turned independent journalist Don Lemon and four other people are set to be arraigned on federal civil rights charges Friday, accused in a protest at a Minnesota church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor. Also scheduled for arraignment Friday is civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong. The prominent local activist was the subject…

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty to assault allegation

February 13, 2026

By LEAH WILLINGHAM - Associated Press

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from an alleged dispute with his former private chef. According to a police report, the woman told officers Diggs struck her and attempted to choke her during an argument about unpaid wages in early December. Diggs’ attorney has denied the allegations, calling them unsubstantiated and tied to a financial dispute. The Patriots have said they support Diggs. Friday’s arraignment comes days after the team’s 29-13 loss to Seattle in Super Bowl LX.

54-year-old Minnesota lawyer, who played with his teammate’s dad, becomes oldest US Winter Olympian

February 13, 2026

The Associated Press,

United States’ Rich Ruohonen watches the men’s curling round robin session against Canada, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — The stakes were low — and the time ripe — for a 54-year old personal injury lawyer and six-time winner of “Minnesota Attorney of the Year”…

54-year-old Minnesota lawyer, who played with his teammate’s dad, becomes oldest US Winter Olympian

February 13, 2026

By JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press

U.S. curler Rich Ruohonen made Olympic history after joining the team as an alternate at the end of the game. On Thursday, the U.S. men trailed Switzerland 8-2 in their opening round-robin match when they subbed him in. Ruohonen stepped onto the ice and delivered a solid shot as teammates cheered. At 54, he became the oldest American to compete at the Winter Olympics. Ruohonen also balances the role with a full-time law practice. He trains before dawn, works all day, and handles Zoom hearings on the road. His younger teammates treat him like family.

What to know about the Homeland Security shutdown starting this weekend

February 13, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

Another shutdown for parts of the federal government is expected this weekend. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire Saturday as lawmakers debate new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. The White House has been negotiating with the Democrats, but the two sides failed to reach a deal by the deadline. Unlike the record 43-day shutdown last fall, the closures will be narrowly confined, as only agencies that are part of Homeland Security will be affected. Still some federal workers could begin to miss paychecks and services like airport screening could be affected if the shutdown drags on for weeks.

The Latest: AP learns that the US is sending its largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East

February 13, 2026

By The Associated Press

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity. It comes as U.S. President Donald Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran. The move, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region as Trump increases pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program.

Inflation measure falls to nearly five-year low as gas prices fall and housing costs cool

February 13, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writer

A key measure of inflation fell to nearly a five-year low last month as apartment rental price growth slowed and gas prices fell, offering some relief to Americans still grappling with the sharp increase in costs of the past five years. Friday’s report suggests inflation could be cooling, but it comes after the cost of food, gas, and apartment rents have soared since the pandemic, with consumer prices about 25% higher than they were five years ago. The increase in such a broad range of costs has become a high-profile political issue under the rubric of “affordability.”

Trump’s push for Greenland reveals a political weak spot, new AP-NORC poll finds

February 13, 2026

By STEVE PEOPLES and LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds that Trump’s recent push to seize control of Greenland is divisive even within his own party. The survey finds that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the issue of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. That’s higher than the share who dislike how he’s handling foreign policy generally, suggesting that Trump’s Greenland approach has created a particular weak spot for the administration. Even Republicans aren’t thrilled. About half don’t like his attempt to turn the icebound landmass into American territory, something that Trump has insisted is critical for national security in the Arctic.

New astronauts launch to the International Space Station after medical evacuation

February 13, 2026

By MARCIA DUNN - AP Aerospace Writer

The replacements for the astronauts involved in NASA’s first medical evacuation are on their way to the International Space Station. SpaceX launched the fresh crew on Friday from Florida. The four astronauts — representing the U.S., France and Russia — should reach the orbiting lab on Saturday. They will fill the vacancies left by their evacuated colleagues. NASA had to put spacewalks on hold and defer other duties after an unidentified astronaut experienced a serious medical issue in January. The entire crew returned to Earth more than a month early, leaving three astronauts in orbit.

All-Star reliever Elroy Face, who saved 3 games for Pirates in 1960 World Series, dies at 97

February 13, 2026

AP

Elroy Face, an All-Star reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates who saved three games in the 1960 World Series to help them upset the New York Yankees, has died. He was 97. In a news release, the Pirates announced they confirmed Face’s death. Team historian Jim Trdinich said the club was contacted by Face’s son, Elroy Jr., and informed the former pitcher died Thursday at an independent senior living facility in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. No cause of death was provided. Selected to six All-Star teams, Face went 104-95 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 major league seasons with Pittsburgh, Detroit and Montreal. He compiled 191 career saves — although saves didn’t become an official statistic until 1969.

Indonesia readies up to 8,000 troops in first firm commitment to Gaza peacekeeping force

February 13, 2026

By DAVID RISING and NINIEK KARMINI - Associated Press

Indonesia is training troops for a new peacekeeping force in Gaza, backing a key part of President Donald Trump’s postwar plan. Earlier this week, the army chief said training has started even though Indonesia has no clear guidance yet. Officials now talk about sending 5,000 to 8,000 troops, focusing on engineering and medical units. Indonesia has long U.N. peacekeeping experience and has backed Gaza aid. But many at home doubt the plan, wondering who will pay the troops and how they will be used. An online petition also calls for Indonesia to reverse its decision to join Trump’s Board of Peace, questioning its legitimacy.

During the Winter Games, some Milan churches are teaching Olympic values to thousands of kids

February 13, 2026

By MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ - Associated Press

A Milan church uses the buzz around the 2026 Winter Olympics to teach kids that sports values matter in everyday life. On Sunday, dozens of children receive snowflake-shaped medals at the Church of Sant’Antonio. Organizers say the goal is not elite performance. They say sport helps young people grow through friendship and respect. The Catholic Archdiocese of Milan leads the Tour of Sports Values. It brings workshops, exhibits, and sports into parish youth spaces called oratories. Basketball player Giordano Bortolani joined the kickoff. He told kids that sport and faith can shape character.

Trans-Atlantic tensions in focus as annual Munich security gathering opens

February 13, 2026

AP

An annual gathering of top international security figures that last year set the tone for a growing rift between the United States and Europe is opening. It brings together many top European officials with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others. The Munich Security Conference opens Friday with a speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, one of 15 heads of state or government from European Union countries expected to attend. The many other expected guests at the conference that runs until Sunday include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In keeping with the conference’s tradition, there will also be a large delegation of members of the U.S. Congress.

Second US aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East, AP source says, as Iran tensions high

February 12, 2026

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity. It comes as U.S. President Donald Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran. The move, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region as Trump increases pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program.

Prosecutors move to dismiss charges against men accused of hitting ICE officer with broom and shovel

February 12, 2026

By MICHAEL BIESECKER and JACK BROOK - Associated Press

Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have moved to drop felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, including one shot in the leg by a immigration officer, after new evidence emerged undercutting the government’s version of events. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota said in a filing Thursday that newly discovered evidence in the case against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis is materially inconsistent with the allegations against them. The government’s motion asked the judge for dismissal with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be resubmitted. The pending dismissal comes after a string of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents have seen claims made by federal officers called into question.

Vatican offers dialogue with breakaway Latin Mass traditionalist group, but with a catch

February 12, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

The Vatican has warned a breakaway traditionalist Catholic group that it risked renewed schism if it goes ahead with plans to consecrate new bishops without papal consent. Vatican doctrine office head Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández issued the warning during a meeting Thursday with superior general of the Society of St. Pius X the Rev. Davide Pagliarani. The meeting was scheduled after the Swiss-based society which celebrates the traditional Latin Mass announced plans to consecrate new bishops July 1 without papal consent. The Vatican said Fernández offered a new round of theological talks to regularize the SSPX’s status but only if it calls off the planned ceremony.

Trump heads to Fort Bragg to cheer special forces members who ousted Venezuela’s Maduro

February 12, 2026

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is visiting Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Friday to praise special forces involved in the capture of Venezuela’s former leader, Nicolás Maduro. First lady Melania Trump is joining the president on Friday’s trip, and they plan to meet with military families. The base is one of the largest in the world by population. Trump was last there in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by Trump’s partisan remarks at the time. Since Maduro’s ouster, Trump has pushed for broad oversight of the South American country’s oil industry.

Trump boasts of over $1.5B in political funds. How he chooses to spend it could rock the midterms

February 12, 2026

By WILL WEISSERT and BRIAN SLODYSKO - Associated Press

President Donald Trump says he’s amassed a collection of campaign funds exceeding $1.5 billion, an unprecedented sum for a lame-duck president. He claims to have raked in that much just between Election Day 2024 and last August, though details on the exact figure are unclear. The funds could play a huge role in influencing this November’s midterms and even the 2028 race to succeed Trump. But it’s also possible the mountain of cash could benefit Trump’s own business interests. In the past, Trump has spent little to support political causes beyond his own — raising questions about the political funds’ true purpose and potential impact on future races.

Experts say screening tips in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is ‘tremendous’ and critical work

February 12, 2026

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

More than 4,000 calls came into an Arizona sheriff’s department within 24 hours after the release of videos of a masked person on Nancy Guthrie’s porch. Many will be worthless. Others could have merit. Experts say one thing’s certain: The tips can’t be ignored. Images of a mysterious person have been the most significant clues shared with the public during Guthrie’s disappearance in the Tucson area. She is the mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Roberto Villaseñor, a former Tucson police chief, says processing tips is a tremendous amount of work. The FBI says it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1., and the sheriff’s office says it’s received at least 18,000.

As electricity costs rise, everyone wants data centers to pick up their tab. But how?

February 12, 2026

By MARC LEVY - Associated Press

Politicians from President Donald Trump to local lawmakers agree that tech companies should cover the power costs of artificial intelligence data centers. But they still fight over what “fair share” means. The debate ties directly to cost-of-living pressure ahead of the midterm elections. Data centers keep spreading fast, and some use as much electricity as a small city. Utilities often spread new power plant and grid costs across all customers. States have started writing rules that require long-term contracts and big upfront payments. Consumer advocates warn the short-term squeeze still pushes up bills.

Palestinians look to salvage Gaza’s history from the ruins of Israel’s military offensive

February 12, 2026

By MARIAM FAM and WAFAA SHURAFA - Associated Press

The Great Omari Mosque in Gaza City was hit by an Israeli strike during the war with Hamas. It is one of dozens of heritage sites that were damaged or destroyed during the war. With major military operations halted by a shaky ceasefire, Palestinians are gaining a clearer picture of the war’s devastation, including the loss of buildings and artifacts testifying to the territory’s rich history. Some repairs are underway, but full-scale restoration, and broader reconstruction of the war-ravaged territory, face major obstacles. Israel says it takes the sensitivity of heritage sites into careful account and accuses Hamas of positioning military assets beneath or near them and other civilian buildings.

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