US & World News Archives - Page 8 of 91

Judge temporarily blocks Trump officials from rescinding health grants to some Democratic-led states

February 12, 2026

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM - Associated Press

A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot pull back $600 million in public health grants allocated to four Democratic-led states, for now. The states — California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota — sued Wednesday to try to block the planned funding cuts to programs that track disease outbreaks and study health outcomes of LGBTQ+ people and communities of color. U.S. District Judge Manish Shah stopped the cuts from taking effect for 14 days while the legal challenge proceeds. He said in his order that the states “have shown that they would suffer irreparable harm from the agency action.”

Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler to resign after emails show close ties to Jeffrey Epstein

February 12, 2026

By KEN SWEET - AP Business Writer

Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler is resigning after emails revealed she had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. She described Epstein as “another older brother” and downplayed his sex crimes. Ruemmler had previously tried to distance herself from these emails. In a statement before her resignation, a Goldman Sachs spokesperson said Ruemmler “regrets ever knowing him.” Before joining Goldman in 2020, Ruemmler was White House counsel for President Barack Obama. During her private practice, she received expensive gifts from Epstein. Despite CEO David Solomon’s support in December, the controversy led to her resignation.

Judge grants Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction for extra eligibility

February 12, 2026

AP

A Mississippi judge granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction that gives him another year of eligibility after a fight with the NCAA. On Thursday, the judge said the NCAA ignores its own rules and failed to weigh Chambliss’ medical history. The NCAA denied his waiver on Jan. 9. The NCAA also rejected his appeal on Feb. 4. Chambliss has spent five years in college but played only three healthy seasons. He started at Ferris State and then transferred to Ole Miss. Ole Miss finishes 13-2 and loses to Miami in the playoff semifinals.

A judge orders DHS to give Minnesota detainees swift access to lawyers before transfers

February 12, 2026

By STEVE KARNOWSKI and REBECCA BOONE - Associated Press

A federal judge has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to give detained immigrants in Minnesota quick, private access to lawyers. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel issued the emergency restraining order Thursday. She said detainees held at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building face major barriers to contacting counsel and may be pressured to sign deportation papers without legal advice. The temporary restraining order expires in two weeks. It comes in a lawsuit filed by the Advocates for Human Rights and a detainee late last month.

A timeline of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota

February 12, 2026

By REBECCA BOONE - Associated Press

The Trump administration is ending Operation Metro Surge, a sweeping immigration crackdown in Minnesota that sparked weeks of protests and left two U.S. citizens dead. On Wednesday, border czar Tom Homan announced the operation is over. Here is a look at some of the key moments during the surge.

A look at false claims made by the Trump administration as it revokes a key scientific finding

February 12, 2026

BY MELISSA GOLDIN - Associated Press

While announcing that he was rolling back the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 endangerment finding, President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made false claims regarding the government declaration, climate change and energy. For example, he said the finding has no basis in fact, but it followed a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that greenhouse gases are air pollutants that can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Trump also made false claims about the effects of climate change, the cost of wind energy and the idea of an electric vehicle mandate.

Trump immigration officials shown video of Alex Pretti’s death in tense Senate hearing

February 12, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA - Associated Press

Sen. Rand Paul has challenged federal immigration officers over the shooting death of Alex Pretti and said the public has lost trust. On Thursday, Paul played a video from the Minnesota operation and said Pretti was retreating while officers pepper-sprayed him. Paul urged ICE and Border Patrol to admit mistakes. Other Republicans avoided criticizing the officers and focused instead on threats against agents. Democrats condemned the shooting and broader use of force by immigration enforcement officers. CBP chief Rodney Scott defended his officers, saying Pretti wasn’t complying with orders. ICE’s Todd Lyons also said his officers are held accountable, saying that 37 cases have been opened looking into excessive use of force by officers.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred optimistic major leaguers will play in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

February 12, 2026

By ALANIS THAMES - AP Sports Writer

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic that major leaguers will be able to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Manfred spoke to reporters at the league’s owners meetings Thursday in Palm Beach, Florida. He said there are still issues to resolve with the Major League Baseball Player’s Association before but is confident MLB players will participate. Manfred also addressed salary cap questions amid the Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest veteran pickup, World Baseball Classic insurance and prediction markets.

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults. Here’s who is most at risk and symptoms to watch for

February 12, 2026

By LAURAN NEERGAARD - AP Medical Writer

The death of “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek highlights a rising trend in colorectal cancer among young adults. While overall colorectal cancer rates have inched down in recent years, rates for those under 50 have risen. It is now the top cancer killer of Americans under 50. Van Der Beek died this week at 48 from colon cancer. Doctors say people should reduce their risk by eating a healthy diet, get screened starting at age 45 and don’t wait to have worrisome symptoms examined.

EPA ends credits for automatic start-stop vehicle ignition, a feature Zeldin says ‘everyone hates’

February 12, 2026

By ALEXA ST. JOHN - Associated Press

The Environmental Protection Agency says it is ending credits to automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles. The devices are intended to reduce emissions but EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said “everyone hates” them. It marks the latest Trump administration move to cut automotive industry efforts to clean up their cars and reduce transportation-driven emissions. Start-stop automatically shuts down a vehicle’s engine when a driver comes to a complete stop, and then automatically restarts the engine when the driver takes their foot off the brake pedal. The feature was intended to cut vehicle idling, fuel consumption and emissions. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel for transportation is a major contributor to planet-warming gases.

In photos: Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych out of Winter Olympics over banned helmet tribute

February 12, 2026

By The Associated Press

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych is out of the Milan Cortina Games after he refused to stop wearing a banned tribute helmet. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Virginia Supreme Court rules US Marine’s adoption of an Afghan war orphan will stand

February 12, 2026

By JULIET LINDERMAN and CLAIRE GALOFARO

The Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that a U.S. Marine and his wife will keep an Afghan orphan they brought home in defiance of the U.S. government’s decision to reunite her with her Afghan family. The ruling likely ends a bitter, yearslong legal battle over the girl’s fate. Four justices on the Virginia Supreme Court on Thursday signed onto an opinion reversing two lower courts’ rulings that found the adoption was so flawed it was void from the moment it was issued. The justices wrote that a Virginia law that cements adoption orders after six months bars the child’s Afghan relatives from challenging the court, no matter how flawed its orders and even if the adoption was obtained by fraud.

Homeland Security shutdown seems certain as funding talks between White House and Democrats stall

February 12, 2026

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

A shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security appears certain. Lawmakers in the House and Senate are set to leave Washington for a 10-day break, while negotiations with the White House over Democrats’ demands for new restrictions have stalled. The White House and Democrats have traded offers in recent days. Democrats have said they want curbs on President Donald Trump’s broad campaign of immigration enforcement. They’ve demanded better identification for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement officers, a new code of conduct for those agencies and more use of judicial warrants, among their requests.

Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change

February 12, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the most aggressive move by the president to roll back climate regulations. The rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency rescinds a 2009 government declaration known as the…

Scientists say genetic analysis could greatly speed restoration of iconic American chestnut

February 12, 2026

By MICHAEL PHILLIS - Associated Press

A new study says genetic testing can speed the return of the American chestnut tree that once dominated Eastern U.S. forests. The tree was functionally extinct by the 1950s because of a fungal blight and root rot. Researchers want the height and character of the American chestnut with the disease resistance of the shorter, Chinese chestnut. Their work found that resistance involves many genes, not one. Genetic screening helps pick the best seedlings, and faster. Some experts say gene editing would make the process even faster, while others worry that hybrids will never fully replace a true American chestnut.

Winter Olympics recap: Brignone completes dramatic comeback and Ukrainian athlete excluded

February 12, 2026

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH - AP Sports Writer

It’s a day marked by a comeback and controversy at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Federica Brignone won a gold medal in the women’s super-G to complete one of skiing’s all-time great recoveries after badly breaking her leg a year ago. Vladyslav Heraskevych of Ukraine has been excluded from the Olympics after refusing to give up his plan to race in a helmet commemorating athletes who have been killed since Russia invaded his country. The International Olympic Committee says it breaks rules against making statements on the field of play. Later Thursday, Chloe Kim seeks a halfpipe three-peat for the United States.

Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change

February 12, 2026

By MATTHEW DALY - Associated Press

The Environmental Protection Agency has revoked a key scientific finding that supported U.S. regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. This decision rescinds a 2009 declaration that carbon dioxide and other gases endanger public health. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the move Thursday, calling it a major deregulatory action. Critics argue it undermines efforts to combat climate change and could lead to more pollution. Environmental groups are certain to challenge the action in court. The EPA also proposes delaying a Biden-era rule on vehicle emissions, which could impact the push for electric vehicles.

Ukrainian athlete tests the Olympic rules on free speech — and gets disqualified

February 12, 2026

The Associated Press,

Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych starts a men’s skeleton training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. MILAN (AP) — Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych pushed at the limits of the International Olympic Committee’s rules on freedom of expression, and the global sports body pushed back. That created an emotional and historic moment of Winter Games lore….

Judge temporarily blocks Pentagon from punishing Sen. Mark Kelly for call to resist unlawful orders

February 12, 2026

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN - Associated Press

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former U.S. Navy pilot, for participating in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled Thursday that Pentagon officials have violated Kelly’s First Amendment free speech rights. Kelly, who represents Arizona, sued in federal court to block his Jan. 5 censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In November, Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration.

Oklahoma carries out its first execution of 2026 on a man convicted of double killing

February 12, 2026

By SEAN MURPHY - Associated Press

Oklahoma has carried out its first execution of the year on a man convicted of killing two men in a drive-by shooting. Prison officials say 45-year-old Kendrick Simpson received a three-drug injection Thursday morning at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Simpson’s execution was the first this year in Oklahoma and the second in the U.S. after a lethal injection carried out Tuesday in Florida. Simpson admitted last month that he shot and killed 19-year-old Anthony Jones and 20-year-old Glen Palmer following an altercation at an Oklahoma City nightclub. The state’s five-member Pardon and Parole Board narrowly denied recommending clemency for Simpson.

Key Democrat accuses the Justice Department of ‘spying’ on lawmakers reviewing Epstein files

February 12, 2026

By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER - Associated Press

A top Democrat is calling for a watchdog investigation after photographs emerged suggesting that the Justice Department has been tracking the search history of lawmakers who are reviewing files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, asked the Justice Department’s inspector general to investigate what he characterized as “spying” on members of Congress who this week have reviewed less-redacted versions of the Epstein files at a department annex and on department-owned computers. Spokespeople for the Justice Department did not immediately return a request seeking comment Thursday. Representatives for the inspector general’s office also did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

RFK Jr. promised to restore trust in US health agencies. One year later, it’s eroding

February 12, 2026

By MIKE STOBBE and ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reshaping U.S. health policy as HHS secretary, and doctors say his changes are eroding trust. Survey results show Americans’ confidence keeps sliding, not rising. Kennedy has cut vaccine guidance, dismissed advisers and pushed claims medical groups call unverified. Doctors warn this confusion leads people to skip shots. They say that raises the risk of outbreaks. Polls from KFF and Gallup show trust in the CDC falling across groups. HHS says Kennedy is adding transparency and accountability. Critics say he is doing the opposite.

2 Mexican Navy ships laden with humanitarian aid dock in Cuba as US blockade sparks energy crisis

February 12, 2026

By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ - Associated Press

Mexico is sending two Navy ships with humanitarian aid to Cuba as tighter U.S. pressure worsens the island’s energy crisis. On Thursday, the ships carry large loads of food, hygiene supplies, and powdered milk. Mexico says one ship brings about 536 tons of items like rice, beans, canned fish, and oil. Mexico says the second ship carries over 277 tons of powdered milk. President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico ships aid while talks continue on oil supplies. U.S. President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. Cuba reports blackouts and broad disruption from sanctions.

Federal authorities announce an end to the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

February 12, 2026

The Associated Press,

White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal building on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to mass detentions, protests and two deaths is coming to an end, border czar Tom Homan said Thursday. “As a result of our…

Actor takes legal action to stop Albania’s government from using her image for ‘AI minister’

February 12, 2026

By ZANA CIMILI - Associated Press

An Albanian actor is asking the government to stop using her face and voice for its “AI minister” without clear consent. On Thursday, Anila Bisha tells The Associated Press she never agreed to appear as the virtual minister Diella. This week, she filed a request in an administrative court asking for an injunction that stops the government from using her image and voice. She says the deal she signed only covered the e-Albania services platform. She says officials have ignored her messages for months. Her lawyer calls it a first legal step. The government has not commented.

Grieving families press Congress on aviation safety reforms after midair collision near DC

February 12, 2026

By JOSH FUNK - AP Transportation Writer

Key senators and the families of the 67 people who died when an airliner and Army helicopter collided near Washington, D.C., are convinced advanced aircraft locator systems that experts have been recommending for decades would have prevented the crash. But it’s unclear if legislation to require them around busy airports will pass Congress. The Senate Commerce Committee is planning a hearing Thursday to highlight a longstanding recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board that all aircraft be equipped with systems that both broadcast their locations and receive the locations of other aircraft. Everyone aboard the American Airlines jet and the helicopter died in the January 2025 collision.

Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych out of Winter Olympics over banned helmet honoring war dead

February 12, 2026

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Sports Writer

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych is out of the Milan Cortina Games after he refused to stop wearing a banned tribute helmet. IOC President Kirsty Coventry met him at the track before the men’s race for a private talk to make a last-minute plea but Heraskevych refused to change his stance. His helmet shows the faces of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia. The IOC says the helmet breaks rules against political statements in competition. Coventry wept as she discussed the decision with reporters.

Republicans’ edge on immigration shrinks as independents balk at Trump’s tactics, AP-NORC poll shows

February 12, 2026

By STEVE PEOPLES and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX - Associated Press

A new AP-NORC poll finds that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe that President Donald Trump has “gone too far” in sending federal immigration agents into U.S. cities. The survey also shows that the Republican Party’s political advantage on Trump’s signature domestic issue has shrunk since October. The new polling comes as the nation watches the human impact of Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, where thousands of heavily armed masked agents have descended upon the capital city. About 9 in 10 Democrats and about 7 in 10 independents say Trump has “gone too far” in sending federal immigration agents into U.S. cities, compared to only about one-quarter of Republicans.

U.S. allies at NATO focus on Europe as the Trump administration steps back

February 12, 2026

By LORNE COOK - Associated Press

European allies at NATO are putting on a brave face as the United States steps back from its leadership role at the alliance. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend Thursday’s gathering of defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels. His no show came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the last meeting of foreign ministers. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says he’s not disappointed, saying that it’s Hegseth’s “decision and his duties he has to fulfill.” But the Trump administration has also pulled back from Ukraine, stopping deliveries of money and guns. It’s unclear what role, if any, U.S. forces will play in Arctic Sentry, a military effort meant to ease tensions over Greenland.

Hall of Fame driver Tony Stewart and UFC boss Dana White are leading Ram back into NASCAR

February 12, 2026

By DAN GELSTON - AP Sports Writer

Ram returns to NASCAR’s Truck Series with a marketing-heavy push that includes Tony Stewart driving at Daytona and UFC boss Dana White helping promote it. On Friday night, the season opens at Daytona International Speedway. Ram has not raced in NASCAR since 2012. Ram partners with Kaulig Racing and becomes NASCAR’s first new national-level manufacturer since 2007. Ram and Kaulig also create a YouTube reality show called “Race for the Seat.” Fifteen drivers compete for a ride. Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell wins and joins Ram’s lineup. New rules also give Ram a short-term qualifying safety net.

Russia fires another barrage at Ukrainian cities as next round of US-brokered talks is unclear

February 12, 2026

By SUSIE BLANN and ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Russia has attacked Ukrainian cities again overnight as Ukraine accuses Russia of dragging its feet on new U.S.-brokered peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Washington is proposing talks next week in Miami or in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. He says Ukraine confirms it can attend but Russia is hesitating. Zelenskyy says major disputes still block a deal, including issues of occupied land and security guarantees. He also says Russia is ignoring a proposed ceasefire that impacts the energy sector. Ukraine’s air force said on Thursday that Russia fired drones and missiles at Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Officials report injuries, damaged homes, and major heating outages in the Ukrainian capital.

South Korea’s spy agency says Kim Jong Un’s daughter is close to be designated as future leader

February 12, 2026

By KIM TONG-HYUNG - Associated Press

South Korea’s spy agency says it believes the teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is close to being designated as the country’s future leader. The assessment comes as Kim moves to extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. The assessment by the National Intelligence Service was delivered to lawmakers in a closed-door meeting on Thursday. It comes as North Korea is preparing to hold its biggest political conference later this month, where Kim is expected to outline his major policy goals for the next five years and take steps to tighten his authoritarian grip.

Israeli president ends a fraught Australia visit to comfort Jews as Gaza war protests follow

February 12, 2026

By ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is close to ending a four-day visit to Australia that brought comfort to Sydney’s Jewish community following a recent antisemitic mass shooting. Herzog visited Sydney, the national capital Canberra and Melbourne in the first Australian visit by an Israeli head of state in six years. He is due to leave Australia on Thursday. Herzog’s visit has attracted large-scale demonstrations protesting the civilian toll of the Gaza war. He has been dogged by protesters who label him a war criminal. Herzog was invited to support a community reeling from an attack on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach in December that left 15 people dead.

Bangladesh votes in its first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted Hasina

February 12, 2026

By JULHAS ALAM, SHEIKH SAALIQ and SHONAL GANGULY - Associated Press

Bangladesh is holding its first election since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed in 2024 following mass protests. The voting started slow but crowds were gathering at polling stations in the capital, Dhaka, and elsewhere by midmorning Thursday. Balloting will continue through the day with results expected Friday. More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in the election to choose members of parliament. Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is a contender to form the next government. Strong support is also expected for an 11-party alliance led by the country’s largest Islamist party.

EU leaders meet to counter pressure from Russia, China and Trump

February 11, 2026

By SAM McNEIL - Associated Press

European Union leaders are gathering in Belgium as the bloc argues over how to stand up to pressure from the United States, China and Russia. They are meeting Thursday in a session meant to shape another summit in late March. German and Italian leaders are pushing deregulation, rebooted ties with Washington and more trade deals. France is pushing “European preference” to protect key industries and to steer defense spending toward EU arms makers. Leaders will also debate new finance tools to shield trade and investment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says economic strength drives global influence.

Europe warily awaits Rubio at Munich Security Conference as Trump roils transatlantic ties

February 11, 2026

By MATTHEW LEE - AP Diplomatic Writer

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a large U.S. delegation to the Munich Security Conference this week. Increasingly nervous European leaders are hoping for at least a brief reprieve from President Donald Trump’s often inconsistent policies and threats that have roiled transatlantic relations and the post-World War II international order. A year after Vice President JD Vance stunned assembled dignitaries at the same venue with a verbal assault on many of America’s closest allies in Europe, Rubio plans to take a less contentious but philosophically similar approach when he addresses the annual conference on Saturday. That’s according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Taiwan’s AI-powered economy soars in the shadow of bubble fears and China threats

February 11, 2026

By CHAN HO-HIM - AP Business Writer

Taiwan’s economy is thriving thanks to the boom in artificial intelligence, driven by strong demand for computer chips and other products made by companies like TSMC and Foxconn. The island’s economy grew at an 8.6% annual pace last year and a recent trade deal with Washington may give it a further boost. But Taiwan’s heavy reliance on computer chip makers and other technology companies also carries the risk of the AI craze turning out to be a bubble. Beijing claims the self-governed island as its own territory, a persisting threat for Taiwan despite its vital role in Chinese and global supply chains.

Member of Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission ousted in dispute over antisemitism

February 11, 2026

By PETER SMITH - Associated Press

The chairman of the federal Religious Liberty Commission ousted a member after a hearing that featured tense exchanges on the definition of antisemitism. The ousted member, Carrie Prejean Boller, had defended prominent commentator Candace Owens, who routinely shares antisemitic conspiracy theories. Prejean Boller, a model turned conservative activist, quoted a Bible verse that attributed the death of Jesus to Jews and pushed back on the idea that some people mask antisemitism in their criticism of Israel. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, chair of the commission, says, “No member of the commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue.”

Protesters in multiple states press Target to oppose the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

February 11, 2026

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO - AP Retail Writer

Activists have planned protests at more than two dozen Target stores around the United States to pressure the discount retailer into taking a public stand against the 5-week-old immigration crackdown in its home state of Minnesota. A coalition of community groups, religious leaders, labor unions and other critics of the federal operation, called for coordinated demonstrations to start on Wednesday and to continue for a full week. Target’s headquarters are located in Minneapolis, where federal officers last month killed two residents who had participated in anti-ICE protests, and its name adorns the city’s major league baseball stadium and an arena where its basketball teams plays.

House votes to slap back Trump’s tariffs on Canada in rare bipartisan rebuke

February 11, 2026

By LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

The House has voted to slap back President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The tally offered a rare rebuke of the White House agenda, though it wouldn’t actually undo the tariffs without support from Trump himself, which is highly unlikely. Almost instantly, Trump issued his own rebuke with a political warning to those who would dare cross him. He believes in the power of tariffs to force U.S. trade partners to the negotiating table. But lawmakers are facing unrest back home from businesses caught in the trade wars and constituents navigating high prices. House Speaker Mike Johnson tried to prevent a vote, but his strategy collapsed. Several Republicans joined with Democrats in favor of the resolution. It next goes to the Senate.

Stewart suspended 7 games and 3 other players are penalized for fighting in Pistons-Hornets game

February 11, 2026

By STEVE REED - AP Sports Writer

Detroit center Isaiah Stewart was suspended seven games by the NBA on Wednesday, while three other players were also penalized for their roles in a fight during a game between the Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté were each suspended four games for fighting and escalating the altercation, while Pistons center Jalen Duren got two games for initiating the altercation and fighting, the league announced. But the heaviest penalty went to Stewart, with the league saying it was based in part on his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.” The league said he left the bench area, aggressively entered an on-court altercation, and fought during Monday night’s game.

A privacy breach at the IRS: Taxpayer data wrongly shared with DHS, court filing says

February 11, 2026

By FATIMA HUSSEIN - Associated Press

The IRS has erroneously shared the taxpayer information of thousands of people with the Department of Homeland Security, according to a new court filing. It was part of the agencies’ controversial agreement to share information on immigrants for the purpose of identifying and deporting people illegally in the U.S. A declaration filed Wednesday by IRS Chief Risk and Control Officer Dottie Romo stated that the IRS was only able to verify roughly 47,000 of the 1.28 million names requested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. For less than 5% of those individuals, the IRS gave ICE additional address information, potentially violating privacy rules created to protect taxpayer data.

Kraft Heinz pauses plans to split into 2 companies, says its problems are ‘fixable’

February 11, 2026

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

Kraft Heinz said Wednesday it’s pausing its plans to split into two companies. Steve Cahillane, a former Kellogg Co. chief who became CEO of Kraft Heinz on Jan. 1, said he wants to ensure that all of the company’s resources are focused on profitable growth. Cahillane said he thinks many of Kraft Heinz’s challenges are “fixable and within our control.” Kraft Heinz announced in September it was splitting into two companies a decade after a merger of the brands created one of the biggest food manufacturers on the planet. The transaction was expected to occur in the second half of this year.

Few leads in Guthrie investigation after 11 days, yet cases often break unexpectedly

February 11, 2026

By JESSE BEDAYN - Associated Press

Investigators are still searching for Nancy Guthrie as the case reaches it’s 11th day. Police briefly detained a man for questioning but released him Tuesday. Investigators say the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie was taken against her will from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The FBI released porch video of a masked person with a backpack, but they haven’t identified a suspect as pressure and questions mount. Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole says it’s not uncommon for investigations to move slowly. She says public tips can break cases open.

James Van Der Beek, the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star who later mocked his own hunky persona, has died at 48

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

James Van Der Beek, (CNN) NEW YORK (AP) — James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, shooting to fame playing the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek” and in later years mocking his own hunky persona, has died. He was 48. A statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page Wednesday said…

House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters ahead of midterm elections

February 11, 2026

By LISA MASCARO - AP Congressional Correspondent

House Republicans are rushing ahead with legislation that would impose strict new voter ID requirements ahead of the midterm elections. The bill, coming to a vote on Wednesday, is a Trump administration priority aimed at scrutinizing ballot access. But it faces blowback in the Senate. Called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, the legislation requires Americans to present proof of citizenship when they register to vote and to show a valid photo identification before they cast ballots. Republicans say it’s needed to prevent voter fraud. Democrats warn it will make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Experts say voter fraud is extremely rare.

Winter Olympics recap: Franjo von Allmen wins his 3rd gold, Chloe Kim and NHL stars get rolling

February 11, 2026

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH - AP Sports Writer

Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland looks like a breakout star of the Milan Cortina Olympics after winning his third gold medal. Jordan Stolz has one gold and is targeting three more. And Chloe Kim and a bunch of NHL stars are just getting started. Von Allmen won the super-G in Bormio on Wednesday to become the third man with three victories in Alpine skiing at one Winter Games. It hadn’t been done since 1968. Stolz won the men’s 1,000-meter speedskating and has three events to go. Kim’s attempt at a three-peat in the halfpipe began promisingly when she finished first in qualifying.

Target Drone During High Energy Laser Engagement (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin/DVIDS) WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NEW MEXICO

Pentagon-FAA dispute over lasers to thwart cartel drones led to airspace closure, AP sources say

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

Target Drone During High Energy Laser Engagement (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin/DVIDS) WASHINGTON (AP) — The sudden and surprising airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, stemmed from the Pentagon’s plans to test a laser for use in shooting down drones used by Mexican drug cartels, according to three people familiar with the situation who were granted anonymity to share…

US speedskater Jordan Stolz closes in on 1,000 meters gold medal in an Olympic-record time

February 11, 2026

By HOWARD FENDRICH - AP National Writer

U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz has finished the men’s 1,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Olympics with the fastest time, pending a re-skate for one entrant who was bumped during an earlier heat. If Stolz’s time stood up Wednesday, he would earn the first gold of what he hopes will be a four-medal appearance at these Winter Games. Skating in the next-to-last pairing at Milano Speed Skating Stadium, a temporary facility constructed for these Olympics that has been producing fast times so far, Stolz finished in 1 minute, 6.28 seconds. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin didn’t threaten his world record of 1:05.37 but did establish an Olympic record.

Studies test whether gene-editing can fix high cholesterol. For now, take your medicine

February 11, 2026

By LAURAN NEERGAARD - AP Medical Writer

Scientists are testing an entirely new way to fight heart disease: whether gene editing might offer a one-time fix for high cholesterol. It’s very early-stage research that has been tried in only a few dozen people so far. But gene-editing approaches being developed by two companies show hints that switching off certain genes could dramatically reduce artery-clogging cholesterol. It will take far longer and larger studies to prove. Still, researchers say it raises hope of one day being able to prevent heart attacks without having to take pills.