US & World News Archives

Iran names Khamenei’s son to succeed him, signaling no letup in war as oil prices surge

March 9, 2026

The Associated Press,

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei(CNN) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran named the hard-line Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his late father as supreme leader on Monday, signaling no letup in the war launched by the United States and Israel. Oil prices surged as Iran attacked regional energy infrastructure and the U.S. and Israel bombed targets across Iran. The secretive 56-year-old…

Evidence suggests the deadly blast at an Iranian school was likely a US airstrike

March 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) JERUSALEM (AP) — Satellite images, expert analysis, a U.S. official and public information released by the U.S. and Israeli militaries suggest an explosion that killed scores of Iranian students at a school was likely caused by U.S. airstrikes that also hit an adjacent compound associated with the regime’s Revolutionary Guard. The Feb. 28 strike, which had the highest reported civilian death…

Gas prices reach their highest point under President Donald Trump.

Oil surges to its highest price since 2023, and stocks drop after data shows a weaker US job market

March 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) NEW YORK (AP) — Oil shot to its highest price since 2023 after surging again because of the Iran war, and a weak update on the U.S. job market knocked stocks lower to cap Wall Street’s worst week since October. The S&P 500 dropped 1.3% Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged as many as 945 points before finishing…

Russia has provided Iran with information that can help Tehran strike US military, AP sources say

March 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

(Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike American warships, aircraft and other assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. The people, who were not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition…

Trump appears to rule out talks with Iran absent its ‘unconditional surrender’

March 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

A group of men inspect the ruins of a police station struck Monday amid the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut and Tehran on Friday as Iran launched another wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf countries. There was no sign of…

Federal trade court lays the groundwork to force the government to start refunding more than $130 billion worth of tariffs.

More than 20 states sue over new global tariffs Trump imposed after his stinging Supreme Court loss

March 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — Some two dozen states challenged President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs on Thursday, filing a lawsuit over import taxes he imposed after a stinging loss at the Supreme Court. The Democratic attorneys general and governors in the lawsuit argue that Trump is overstepping his power with planned 15% tariffs on much of the world. Trump has said the…

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after building criticism over immigration

March 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appears for an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s replacing his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Trump made the announcement on…

Iran launches new attacks and calls for ‘Trump’s blood’ while Israel strikes Iranian infrastructure

March 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

An Iranian flag is placed among the ruins of a police station struck Monday during the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran launched a new wave of attacks Thursday at Israel, American bases and countries around the region, threatening that the United States would “bitterly regret”…

Gov. Tim Walz tells a House panel the Trump immigration crackdown hampered Minnesota’s fraud fight

March 4, 2026

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Minnesota’s governor and attorney general on Wednesday defended their efforts to combat fraud and told a U.S. House committee that their efforts have been hampered by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in the state. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee accused Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison of stalling to fight fraud in government programs, saying they put politics ahead of…

Hegseth says a torpedo from a US submarine sank an Iranian warship

March 4, 2026

The Associated Press,

An Iranian flag is placed among the ruins of a police station struck Monday during the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says a torpedo from a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. In a Pentagon briefing on Wednesday, Hegseth said that the…

Noem defends her portrayal of killed Minneapolis protesters as agitators, in her Senate hearing

March 3, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her department’s immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year. It was Noem’s first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how…

Iran strikes the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia as war expands yet again

March 3, 2026

The Associated Press,

An Iranian flag is placed among the ruins of a police station struck Monday during the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran expanded its targets Tuesday, striking the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia as Washington began to pull many staff out of the Middle East. The U.S. and…

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Noem testifies in the Senate in her first appearance since 2 Minneapolis protesters’ deaths

March 3, 2026

The Associated Press,

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee.(CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified in the Senate on Tuesday in her first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration was executing its mass deportation agenda. Noem’s appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also…

Satellite image from Airbus shows smoke billowing from the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (2/28/26)

Trump says Iran operations are likely to last 4 to 5 weeks but could go longer

March 2, 2026

The Associated Press,

Satellite image from Airbus shows smoke billowing from the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran operations are likely to last 4 to 5 weeks but that he’s prepared “to go far longer than that.” Trump spoke Monday at a White House ceremony. THIS IS A BREAKING…

War widens as Israeli and US planes pound Iran and Tehran and its proxies hit back

March 2, 2026

The Associated Press,

A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohsen Ganji) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran and allied armed groups fired missiles at Israel, Arab states and U.S. military targets around the region on Monday, while Israel and the United States pounded Iran as the war expanded to several fronts. Kuwait…

Neil Sedaka, the singer-songwriter behind dozens of hits of the 1960s and ’70s, dies at age 86

February 27, 2026

Matt McConico,

FILE – Neil Sedaka poses for a portrait in New York, Monday, April 30, 2012. NEW YORK (AP) — Neil Sedaka, the million-selling singer and songwriter, has died. His many hits included “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl” and “Oh! Carol,” a lament for his high school sweetheart, Carole King. Among those covering his work were Elvis Presley,…

Attorney general announces indictments against 30 more people who protested at a Minnesota church

February 27, 2026

The Associated Press,

Cities Church is seen in St. Paul, Minn. where activists shut down a service claiming the pastor was also working as an ICE agent, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that 30 more people have been indicted for allegedly taking part in an anti-immigration…

Bill Clinton tells lawmakers he ‘did nothing wrong’ and saw no signs of Epstein’s abuse

February 27, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – Former President Bill Clinton speaks in the Cash Room of the Treasury Department during an event for the anniversary of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund,, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton started his deposition before members of Congress investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday by telling them he “did…

Scouting America will alter its policies to maintain support from the US military, Pentagon says

February 27, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Scouting America will alter several policies at the urging of the Pentagon, including a requirement that members use “biological sex at birth and not gender identity,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday. Some of the changes mirror what the organization suggested to the Defense Department in January, which included discontinuing its Citizenship in Society merit badge and introducing a…

Judge rejects request to block Trump White House from building its $400 million ballroom project

February 26, 2026

The Associated Press,

Work continues on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday rejected a preservationist group’s request to block the Trump administration from continuing construction of a $400 million ballroom where it demolished…

Hillary Clinton testifies she has no information on Epstein’s crimes and doesn’t recall meeting him

February 26, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative, Sept. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told U.S. House lawmakers on Thursday that she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes at the start of two days of depositions…

Cuba says it killed 4 people aboard Florida-registered speedboat that opened fire on soldiers

February 25, 2026

The Associated Press,

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban soldiers killed four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speed boat that had entered Cuban waters and opened fire first on soldiers, the Cuban government said Wednesday. Cuba’s Interior Ministry issued a statement that provided few details about the shooting, but noted that the boat was roughly 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) northeast of Cayo…

US men’s hockey team feted at State of the Union; Trump says women’s team will be honored ‘soon’

February 25, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon and later received about a two-minute bipartisan standing ovation during his State of the Union address that night. Trump also announced that the women’s hockey team, which also defeated Canada to win gold, will “soon” visit the White House. The women’s team had declined…

Takeaways from Trump’s address: Sales mode on economy, heavy on patriotism, dark turn on Democrats

February 25, 2026

The Associated Press,

State of the Union Address (CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump started in sales mode, using his State of the Union address to deliver an upbeat vision of the U.S. economy. But that portrayal collides with the sentiment of Americans who remain anxious about their finances and feel they haven’t benefited from Trump’s policies. He took the high road to honor the gold…

Olympic medal winners Corey and Korey return to Duluth

February 24, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth-based Olympic medal-winning curling duo has returned. On Monday, a crowd of cheering fans met Olympians Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse as they got off their flight at the Duluth International Airport Family and friends brought noise makers and created signs of celebration. “We’re just so happy to be home now and be able to sleep…

5 questions heading into Trump’s State of the Union address

February 24, 2026

The Associated Press,

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House before signing an executive order regarding childhood cancer and the use of AI, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he has a lot to talk about tonight. He’s returning to Congress to deliver a State of the Union address at a consequential moment in his…

Robert Carradine, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’ star, dies at 71

February 24, 2026

The Associated Press,

Robert Carradine (CNN) Robert Carradine, the youngest of his prolific Hollywood family and whose biggest hit was the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” has died at 71. In a Tuesday statement, his family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades. His brother told Deadline that Carradine died by suicide. “We want people to know it, and there is…

Police in Britain arrest Peter Mandelson, a former ambassador, in probe into Epstein ties

February 23, 2026

The Associated Press,

Peter Mandelson (CNN) LONDON (AP) — British police on Monday arrested Peter Mandelson, a former U.K. ambassador to the United States, in a misconduct probe stemming from his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. London’s Metropolitan Police force said “officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office” at an address in north London. He has been taken…

VIOLENCE ERUPTS AFTER DEATH OF 'EL MENCHO'

25 Mexican National Guard troops killed in Jalisco after cartel leader’s capture, official says

February 23, 2026

The Associated Press,

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Mexico Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said Monday 25 members of the National Guard were killed in Jalisco in six separate attacks following the capture of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. Oseguera Cervantes died after his capture. Also killed were a prison guard, an agent from the state prosecutor’s office and a woman…

US beats Canada in OT for women’s hockey gold medal

February 19, 2026

The Associated Press,

United States’ players celebrate after a women’s ice hockey gold medal game between the United States and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) MILAN (AP) — The U.S. women’s hockey team delivered an Olympic comeback for the ages by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal…

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor Formerly Known As Prince Andrew

Police say the former Prince Andrew has been released after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office

February 19, 2026

The Associated Press,

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew(CNN) LONDON (AP) — The former Prince Andrew has been released after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The Thames Valley Police force said the former prince was released Thursday evening. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed in a car leaving the station near his home in eastern England about 11 hours after…

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over ties to Epstein

February 19, 2026

The Associated Press,

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew(CNN) LONDON (AP) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince who was stripped of his royal titles because of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with Epstein, concerns about Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to…

Transportation Department says more than 550 driving schools should close over safety failures

February 18, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – Freight trucks travel northbound on Interstate 5 Highway, Sept. 3, 2025, in Tracy, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File) More than 550 commercial driving schools in the U.S. that train truckers and bus drivers must close after investigators found they employed unqualified instructors, failed to adequately test students and had other safety issues, the federal Transportation Department planned…

Eight backcountry skiers found dead and 1 still missing after California avalanche

February 18, 2026

The Associated Press,

(credit: Nevada County Sheriff’s Office) TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — Eight backcountry skiers have been found dead and 1 remains missing after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California, officials said, making it the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. in more than four decades. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon announced the deaths at a news conference Wednesday. Search and rescue crews…

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

February 17, 2026

The Associated Press,

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

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

February 17, 2026

The Associated Press,

Jesse Jackson (CNN) CHICAGO (AP) — The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader’s assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84. As a young organizer in Chicago, Jackson was called to meet with King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, shortly…

Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and ‘Godfather’ mainstay, dead at 95

February 16, 2026

The Associated Press,

Robert Duvall (CNN) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the first two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95. Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his…

Presidents Day 2026: Here’s what’s open and closed on the holiday

February 16, 2026

The Associated Press,

Government offices, the stock market and schools are closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day, but most big retailers are open. When in doubt, call ahead or look up more specific schedules online for stores in your neighborhood. Here’s a rundown of what’s open and closed on Presidents Day 2026: Government offices Federal and state government offices are closed. Courts and…

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…

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…

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…

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”…

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…

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….

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…

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…

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…

Trump administration official says El Paso airspace closure was tied to Mexican cartel drones

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration reopened the airspace around El Paso International Airport in Texas on Wednesday morning, just hours after it announced a 10-day closure that would have grounded all flights to and from the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a social media post that it has lifted the temporary closure of the airspace over…

Attorney General Bondi will face questions from Congress on Epstein and investigation of lawmakers

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

Attorney General Pam Bondi listens as President Donald Trump speaks at an event on addiction recovery in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert) WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi will face questions from lawmakers Wednesday over the Justice Department’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein that have exposed sensitive private…

Shooter in Canada kills 9 people and injures 25 others at a school and home

February 11, 2026

The Associated Press,

Premier David Eby of British Columbia speaks on shooting (CNN) VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A shooting at a school in remote northern British Columbia left seven people dead, while two more were found dead at a nearby home, Canadian authorities said Tuesday. A woman believed by police to be the shooter was also found dead, apparently from a self-inflicted…

US & World News

Severe Weather