US & World News Archives - Page 3 of 78

Aston Martin’s car risks giving drivers ‘nerve damage’ and is unlikely to finish F1 season-opener

March 5, 2026

By STEWART BELL - Associated Press

Aston Martin has predicted it is unlikely to finish Formula 1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix without its drivers risking permanent nerve damage. Adrian Newey is the F1 car design great who’s heading into his first race as Aston Martin’s team principal. He says on Thursday the team’s Honda power unit causes vibrations which could damage the hands of drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Newey adds neither can tolerate even half of the 58-lap race distance. Aston Martin had a poor preseason and was often slower even than new team Cadillac. Aston Martin logged the fewest laps of all 11 teams.

Iran’s barrage of attacks across the Persian Gulf shows regional chaos is key to its strategy

March 5, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL and JAMEY KEATEN - Associated Press

For years, Iran’s theocratic government warned it would blanket the Middle East with missile and drone fire if it felt its existence was threatened. Now, it’s doing just that. Since the U.S. and Israel launched the war Saturday, Iran has unleashed thousands of missiles and drones at Israel, American military bases and embassies, and energy facilities across the Gulf. It’s basic strategy is to instill fear about the dangers of a widening war in hopes that allies of the U.S. and Israel will apply enough pressure to halt their campaign. There is a risk, though, that the barrage-thy-neighbors strategy could backfire.

‘Christ is king’ becomes a loaded phrase in US political debates, especially on the right

March 5, 2026

By PETER SMITH - Associated Press

On its own, the phrase “Christ is king” sums up a core tenet of the Christian faith, that Jesus is the divine ruler of the universe. Many churches celebrate a Christ the King Sunday each year. But the ancient proclamation can morph into something political, controversial or even sinister, depending on the context. In recent years, “Christ is king” and similar phrases have been chanted at political rallies, posted on social media and proclaimed in speeches by voices on the right. At times the phrase is used to support the notion of America as a Christian nation. At other times, activists have paired the phrase with anti-Zionist or negative Jewish stereotypes.

Photos show global reaction to attack on Iran and death of Supreme Leader Khamenei

March 5, 2026

By The Associated Press

Demonstrators took to the streets in cities around the world after the United States and Israel launched a major strike on Iran. Many rallies voiced strong support for the military action, while opposing protests condemned the attacks and warned of wider regional consequences. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

US and Mideast countries seek Kyiv’s drone expertise as Russia-Ukraine talks put on ice

March 5, 2026

By ILLIA NOVIKOV and HANNA ARHIROVA - Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the United States and its allies in the Middle East are seeking Ukraine’s expertise in countering Iran’s Shahed drones. Zelenskyy says various countries, including the United States, have approached Ukraine for help in defending against the Iranian drones. He said he has spoken in recent days with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait about possible cooperation. Russia has fired tens of thousands of Shaheds at Ukraine since it invaded its neighbor just over four years ago. Iran has responded with the same type of drones to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Knitting for healing, one stitch at a time

March 5, 2026

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI - Associated Press

A Kenyan woman who survived breast cancer is knitting prostheses and training others to make them in a country where silicone ones are expensive. Women say the affordable prostheses are a relief and a source of dignity. One woman recalled staying indoors after her mastectomy “because I didn’t want people to label me as the ‘woman with one breast’.” Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women in Kenya, where 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Reconstructive surgery is out of reach for many and is not covered by the national health insurance system.

Millions left without power after major blackout hits Cuba’s western region

March 5, 2026

By MILEXSY DURÁN and DÁNICA COTO - Associated Press

A blackout has left millions of people without power in Havana and the rest of western Cuba in the latest outage on an island struggling with dwindling oil reserves and a crumbling electric grid. Government radio station Radio Rebelde quoted an energy official as saying that it could take at least 72 hours to restore operations at one of Cuba’s largest thermoelectric power plants, where a shutdown sparked the outage. The government’s electric utility said the outage affected people from the western town of Pinar del Rio to the central town of Camaguey. It is the second such outage to affect western Cuba in three months.

Canada and Australia leaders urge war de-escalation, but agree Iran can’t get nuclear weapons

March 5, 2026

By ROD McGUIRK - Associated Press

Canadian and Australian prime ministers have called for a de-escalation of the Iran war but added the Iranians must never gain a nuclear weapon. Canada’s Mark Carney and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese discussed the spreading conflict Thursday in Canberra. The meeting came after news that a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean and Turkey said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkey’s air space. Carney is in Australia after earlier visiting India. He will later visit Japan.

Republicans take another crack at Homeland Security funding, citing Iran war

March 4, 2026

By KEVIN FREKING - Associated Press

Republicans are invoking the war in Iran and the prospect of retaliatory terrorist attacks as they tee up votes on a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The House already approved a DHS spending bill in January, but it faltered in the Senate as Democrats insisted on changes to immigration enforcement operations following the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. As a result, funding for the department lapsed on Feb. 14. Republicans are calling on Democrats to reconsider in the wake of the conflict in Iran. But Democrats argue that it’s a cynical effort that will fail without changes to immigration enforcement operations.

An Arkansas man accused of killing his daughter’s alleged abuser wins GOP sheriff’s nomination

March 4, 2026

By SEAN MURPHY - Associated Press

An Arkansas man awaiting trial for murder has won the Republican nomination in a sheriff’s race in central Arkansas. According to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas secretary of state, Aaron Spencer defeated Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley in Tuesday’s primary. Spencer now advances to face Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in November’s general election. Spencer would not be able to serve if he is convicted of killing 67-year-old Michael Fosler. Fosler was out on bond after being charged with numerous sexual offenses against Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter. Spencer’s attorneys do not deny that he shot and killed Fosler but maintain he acted within the law to protect his child from a predator.

Polls open in Nepal’s first election after last year’s youth-led protests toppled the government

March 4, 2026

By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA - Associated Press

Polls are open in Nepal’s first nationwide election since last year’s violent, youth-led uprising forced the government from power. Security forces are patrolling streets and guarding polling stations Thursday across the Himalayan nation of about 30 million people as voters line up to cast their ballots. The counting of votes will begin later Thursday, with results expected over the weekend. The election is widely viewed as a three-way contest, with the National Independent Party, founded in 2022, considered the front-runner.

China sets a lower economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026 as challenges loom

March 4, 2026

By KEN MORITSUGU and CHAN HO-HIM - Associated Press

China has set an economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, a slight decrease in the face of a prolonged property slump and other headwinds and global uncertainty. The target was announced Thursday in an annual report presented by Premier Li Qiang at the opening session of this year’s meeting of the National People’s Congress. The report set the goal and added “while striving for better in practice.” The target was lowered from about 5% in each of the last three years. The economy grew at that same pace in 2025. Setting a range of 4.5% to 5% gives the government more leeway to adjust policies this year.

War with Iran chokes flows of oil and natural gas, highlighting energy security risks for Asia

March 4, 2026

By ANTON L. DELGADO and ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL - Associated Press

The war with Iran is disrupting oil and LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy trade, sending prices higher and threatening global growth. The risks are highest for countries in Asia. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan depend heavily on the Middle East for their fuel, while India and China face inflation and supply risks if the conflict drags on. National stockpiles will help but provide only short-term relief. Fast growing Southeast Asian economies are especially vulnerable to price spikes and bidding wars for scarce cargoes. Analysts warn prolonged disruption could slow economic activity worldwide, hitting transport, industry and household budgets across Asia hardest.

Fight over Trump’s Iran war powers comes after a long stretch of Congress yielding to presidents

March 4, 2026

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

The House and Senate fight over war powers and Congress’ role in Iran is just the latest wrangling in a constitutional tug of war. Through World War II, Congress declared war 11 times across five wars. But they haven’t done so since. Instead, Congress has used authorizations of force and presidents have asserted their authority as commander in chief. Most recently, both chambers declined to attempt to limit Donald Trump’s war-making powers in Venezuela. Some experts — and plenty of lawmakers — say the balance of power has long been tilted away from what the Constitution requires.

US Homeland Security investigates whether Bovino made disparaging comments about Jewish faith

March 4, 2026

The Associated Press

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has opened an internal investigation into whether the one-time architect of President Donald Trump’s large-scale immigration crackdown made disparaging comments about the Jewish faith while criticizing the U.S. attorney for Minnesota. The investigation comes after The New York Times and CBS News reported on remarks Gregory Bovino allegedly made during a Jan. 12 phone call. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in an emailed statement Tuesday that Customs and Border Protection opened an internal inquiry after it received a letter from a congressman inquiring about reporting on anonymous allegations. The spokesperson said this didn’t indicate any confirmation of wrongdoing.

The victory lap for America’s Olympic hockey champions quietly shed politics from the celebration

March 4, 2026

By STEPHEN WHYNO - AP Hockey Writer

A joke from Hilary Knight on “Saturday Night Live” and a couple of fist-bumps with Jack and Quinn Hughes on “The Tonight Show” capped a whirlwind victory lap celebrating the twin Olympic golds won by the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams. The good humor helped reset the national narrative around the teams that had gone sideways into politics and sexism after a comment by President Donald Trump. Dozens of people at multiple agencies, leagues and networks spent time coordinating a series of television appearances that put the focus back on their accomplishments in Milan.

What to know about how GLP-1 medications might fight addiction

March 4, 2026

By JONEL ALECCIA - AP Health Writer

A new study finds that popular GLP-1 drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity show new promise in fighting multiple substance use disorders. An analysis of electronic health records of more than 600,000 U.S. veterans with diabetes found that users of drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro were less likely to develop addictions to substances like alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and opioids than those treated with another class of drugs. And they prevented serious harms like overdose and deaths. Researchers say the results must be confirmed in future randomized controlled trials.

Noem defends Homeland Security Department in post-shooting appearances before Congress

March 4, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA - Associated Press

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrapped up two days of scrutiny in Congress, appearing for the first time in front of lawmakers since the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of immigration enforcement officers. Noem came under blistering criticism from Democrats — and a few Republicans — over allegations that under her authority, immigration officers have abused the rights of immigrants and American citizens and used excessive force. She was also slammed over how her department is spending the billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress and accused of dodging accountability. Noem, the secretary leading President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, argues she has strengthened the nation’s security.

‘Brady Bunch’ house, used in exterior shots for the popular sitcom, gets LA landmark status

March 4, 2026

AP

The LA city council has voted unanimously to designate the the so-called “Brady Bunch” house in the San Fernando Valley as a historic-cultural monument. The vote grants landmark protections to the house on Dilling Avenue that was used for exterior shots of the TV sitcom that ran from 1969 to 1974. Interior scenes were shot on a soundstage, with sets that bore no resemblance to the property that become a photo-op magnet for “Brady Bunch” fans. The landmark status protects the home, built in 1959, from demolition or major renovations — but doesn’t prohibit them.

What to know about the investigation into Catholic priests in Rhode Island and sexual abuse charges

March 4, 2026

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI - Associated Press

A new investigation into the Catholic Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island shows that an estimated 75 priests abused more than 300 children since 1950. On Wednesday, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released findings from a multiyear investigation. Investigators say the diocese often moved accused priests to minimize scandal and largely avoided contacting law enforcement. Diocesan leaders dispute the report’s conclusions and say the abuse is not ongoing. Neronha’s office has charged four current and former priests with sexual abuse for allegations stemming from 2020 to 2022. Three of them are still awaiting trial. The fourth priest died after being deemed incompetent to stand trial in 2022.

Judge rules companies are entitled to refunds for Trump tariffs overturned by the Supreme Court

March 4, 2026

By PAUL WISEMAN and MAE ANDERSON - AP Business Writers

In a defeat for the Trump administration, a federal judge in New York ruled Wednesday that companies that paid tariffs struck down last month by Supreme Court are due refunds. Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade wrote that “all importers of record’’ are “entitled to benefit’’ from the Supreme Court ruling that struck down sweeping double-digit import taxes President Donald Trump imposed last year under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Eaton also wrote that he alone “will hear cases pertaining to the refund of IEEPA duties.’’ The ruling offers some clarity about the tariff refund process, something the Supreme Court did not even mention in its Feb. 20 decision.

Lou Holtz, college football staple who coached Notre Dame to 1988 national title, dies at 89

March 4, 2026

By ERIC OLSON and TOM COYNE - Associated Press

Lou Holtz, the College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to a national championship and won 249 games over 33 seasons at six schools, has died. He was 89. Notre Dame announced on Wednesday that Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his family. Spokeswoman Katy Lonergan said a cause of death was not provided by the family. Holtz became the first and so far only coach to lead six different teams to bowl games during a career in which he compiled a record of 249-132-7. At Notre Dame, he went 100-30-2 in 11 seasons.

House committee votes to subpoena Attorney General Bondi to answer questions over the Epstein files

March 4, 2026

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

The House Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi to answer questions over the Justice Department’s handling of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation. Five Republicans joined Democrats on Wednesday support the subpoena proposed by GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina in a sign of continued frustration with the department’s review and release of a tranche of documents regarding the wealthy financier. The Justice Department had no immediate comment on the subpoena.

Camp Mystic victim’s family asks a Texas judge to prevent the facility from reopening

March 4, 2026

By JIM VERTUNO and SEAN MURPHY - Associated Press

A Texas judge is hearing evidence on whether Camp Mystic, where 25 girls and two counselors were killed in catastrophic floods last year, should remain closed. One victim’s family also is asking a Travis County judge to halt any construction at the camp while their lawsuit is pending. Eight-year-old Cile Steward was swept away during the flooding and her body still has not been recovered. She’s one of two victims never accounted for after last July 4’s flood. Cile’s parents have sued the owners of Camp Mystic, the all-girls camp along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country that flooded last summer.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says at consumer protection trial that he resisted censoring platforms

March 4, 2026

By MORGAN LEE - Associated Press

Jurors in a bellwether trial about the impacts of social media on teenagers and children on Wednesday watched a deposition of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg that explores what the architects of Facebook and Instagram knew from internal research about negative experiences by young users and how the company responded since its early years. The deposition was filmed last year and shown to a New Mexico jury on Wednesday. Prosecutors have accused Meta of failing to disclose what it knows about the harmful effects of its platforms, in violation of state consumer protection laws. Depositions from Zuckerberg and Instagram leader Adam Mosseri are centerpieces of the case.

Aaron Judge and a loaded US roster hope to dethrone Ohtani’s Japan at the World Baseball Classic

March 4, 2026

By RONALD BLUM - AP Baseball Writer

Aaron Judge will captain a loaded U.S. roster at the World Baseball Classic. The Americans are chasing their first title since 2017. The tournament opens Thursday at the Tokyo Dome, then moves into games in Houston, Miami, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The U.S. plans to lean on stronger pitching, with Logan Webb, Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Nolan McLean lined up to start. Japan, led by Shohei Ohtani. enters as defending champion with Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting Friday. The Dominican Republic brings a star-heavy lineup. Australia debuts top amateur draft pick Travis Bazzana.

Claims of ‘rediscovered’ Michelangelos unsettle Renaissance experts

March 4, 2026

By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

An independent researcher has asserted that a marble bust of Christ in a Roman church is by Michelangelo. It’s the latest purported attribution to the Renaissance genius who is one of the most imitated artists in the world. The unverified claim by Valentina Salerno on Wednesday has unsettled Renaissance scholars, especially since a recent sketch of a foot, attributed to Michelangelo but disputed by some as a copy, recently fetched $27.2 million at auction. Salerno has published her initial claims online.

The sea is higher than we thought and millions more are at risk, study finds

March 4, 2026

By SETH BORENSTEIN and ANNIKA HAMMERSCHLAG - Associated Press

A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot or about 30 centimeters. The discrepancy stems from widespread reliance on gravitational models that account for Earth’s gravity and rotation but overlook local drivers of sea level including tides, currents and wind. Correcting this suggests a 1-meter or 3-foot rise could inundate up to 37% more land and threaten as many as 132 million more people. And that has major implications for climate adaption planning and finance. The findings come as a new UNESCO report warns that major gaps in understanding how much carbon the ocean absorbs are also skewing global climate projections.

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…

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

March 4, 2026

By SCOTT BAUER - Associated Press

Minnesota’s governor and attorney general are defending their efforts to combat fraud. They told a U.S. House committee Wednesday that their efforts have been hampered by the Trump administration’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, putting politics ahead of rooting out abuse instead of pausing payments. Walz said the influx of federal immigration officers in his state has not helped to fight fraud and instead is “political retribution at an unparalleled scale.”

Target’s new CEO says fresh eyes and respecting core values will help him regain customer trust

March 4, 2026

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO - AP Retail Writer

Target plans to spend billions of dollars this year to end a persistent sales slump and to regain its image as a fun place to shop for stylish clothing, housewares, beauty products and packaged food at affordable prices. The CEO guiding the turnaround plan is Michael Fiddelke, who stepped into the chief executive role last month but has worked at Target for more than 20 years. Fiddelke has his work cut out for him. On Tuesday, the mass-market retailer turned in another quarter of declining sales. During an interview with The Associated Press at the company’s Minneapolis headquarters, Fiddelke talked about how he is trying to regain the trust of customers.

Top FDA drug official is trying to hire a friend who’s seeking a bold new warning on antidepressants

March 4, 2026

By MATTHEW PERRONE - AP Health Writer

The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing a request for new warnings on antidepressant drugs, and that’s presenting an unusual conflict of interest at the agency. The researcher asking for the warning is a close friend of the FDA’s top drug official. The Associated Press has learned that Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg is overseeing the FDA’s review of the petition by Dr. Adam Urato while also seeking to hire Urato at the agency. Under normal FDA standards, Hoeg would step aside from any work on the petition. But instead she’s told FDA workers that they need to speed up their review of Urato’s request.

Atlanta Braves’ Jurickson Profar suspended for 2026 season following second positive drug test

March 4, 2026

By RONALD BLUM - AP Baseball Writer

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the 2026 season by Major League Baseball following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, the commissioner’s office said, which means testosterone that was not produced by his body. Because it was a second offense, the length of Profar’s suspension was 162 games. An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance.”

Hegseth says US ‘can’t stop everything’ that Iran fires even as he asserts air dominance

March 4, 2026

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and DAVID KLEPPER - Associated Press

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. is quickly gaining air superiority over Iran but the U.S. can’t stop all air attacks. He told reporters Wednesday that some drones or missiles may still get through air defenses to strike military or civilian targets in the region. He also has signaled a longer time frame for the U.S. war in Iran, saying it will depend on military progress but the campaign could last four, six or eight weeks or less. President Donald Trump said earlier in the week that the war could last four to five weeks but that he was prepared to “go far longer than that” if necessary.

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…

Republicans brace for an ugly fight in the Texas Senate runoff between Cornyn and Paxton

March 4, 2026

By STEVE PEOPLES and THOMAS BEAUMONT - Associated Press

Texas Republicans are headed for a brutal Senate runoff that’s already draining money and trust. Sen. John Cornyn narrowly leads Attorney General Ken Paxton in the first round, with some votes still being counted Wednesday. Cornyn and Paxton advance to a May 26 runoff. Cornyn and his allies have spent nearly $70 million. Paxton has brushed off attacks tied to corruption and infidelity claims and sells himself as a Trump-style fighter. Paxton says he won’t let Cornyn “buy the seat.” Cornyn says Paxton would be “a dead weight” for Republicans in November. President Donald Trump has stayed neutral. Republicans worry the fight helps Democrats, who picked state Rep. James Talarico in their Tuesday primary.

Jasmine Crockett concedes to James Talarico in Texas Democratic Senate primary

March 4, 2026

By BILL BARROW - Associated Press

Jasmine Crockett has conceded the Democratic primary in Texas’s Senate race. And the congresswoman is urging Democrats to unite behind state Rep. James Talarico. Crockett says Texas can turn blue if the party stays together. Crockett’s campaign had signaled it might file a lawsuit over voting challenges in Tuesday’s primary. A spokesperson hasn’t immediately responded to questions Wednesday about whether that plan moves ahead. Talarico will face the winner of the Republican runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Edmunds: These are the new EVs we’re most excited about in 2026

March 4, 2026

By JOSH JACQUOT - Edmunds

Electric vehicles are changing — in range, cost and practicality. This guide highlights five of the most important electric vehicles arriving in 2026. From the long-range luxury BMW iX3 and affordable Chevrolet Bolt to the versatile Rivian R2, compact Slate electric pickup, and adventure-ready Subaru Trailseeker, these EVs represent a maturing market with better range, charging access and real-world usability.

Shohei Ohtani is the show again in Japan for the World Baseball Classic

March 4, 2026

By STEPHEN WADE - AP Sports Writer

It’s officially named the World Baseball Classic. But for the Group C games in Japan, simply call it the world according to Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s life-size image is all over the Tokyo Dome, and racks of Ohtani jerseys — about $125 each — dominate the adjacent merchandise center. Japan begins play on Friday against Taiwan with South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic also in the group. Japan is the defending champion and is expected to claim one of the two spots for the quarterfinals in the United States.

Photos of a blood-red moon and total lunar eclipse

March 4, 2026

By The Associated Press

The full moon in March, sometimes called the worm moon, coincides with a lunar eclipse that brings a blood-red color in many parts of the world. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

A son of Iran’s late supreme leader is a possible candidate to replace his father as war rages

March 4, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, long has been considered a contender to the post of the country’s next paramount ruler — even before his father’s death though he’s never being elected nor appointed to a government position. Khamenei, long a secretive figure within the Islamic Republic, hasn’t been seen publicly since Saturday. That’s when an Israeli airstrike targeting the supreme leader’s offices killed his 86-year-old father and sparked the current war raging across the Middle East. That attack also killed his wife, Zahra Haddad Adel, who came from a family long associated with the country’s theocracy.

Change in primary voting rules leads to confusion in 2 Texas counties as voters are turned away

March 4, 2026

By SARA CLINE, ALI SWENSON and NICHOLAS RICCARDI - Associated Press

A rule change for primary voting in two Texas counties led to mass voter confusion that eventually led to a state supreme court ruling, threats of more legal action and the potential that an untold number of voters could find themselves disenfranchised. An unknown number of voters in the counties were turned away Tuesday and directed to different precincts after the recent change in how the primary is conducted. Voters had been allowed to cast their ballot anywhere in their county since 2019. But for Tuesday’s primary, the Republican parties in Dallas and Williamson counties opted against countywide voting. That meant voters could cast ballots only at their assigned precinct, but many weren’t aware of the change.

The Latest: Texas GOP Senate race heads to runoff. Democrats too early to call

March 4, 2026

By The Associated Press

Longtime Sen. John Cornyn and MAGA favorite Ken Paxton are heading to a May runoff in Texas’ Republican Senate primary, while Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico are in a close race for the Democratic nomination. It was unclear how many eligible ballots remained to be counted in Dallas County, Crockett’s home base, after confusion about polling places and a flurry of court filings. Voters across North Carolina, Arkansas and Texas took to the polls in primary elections Tuesday that marked the official beginning of the midterm elections.

Congress taking first votes on Iran war as debate rages about US goals

March 3, 2026

By STEPHEN GROVES, LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press

The U.S. Senate is headed towards a vote on President Donald Trump’s decision to embark on a war against Iran. It’s an extraordinary test in Congress for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East with no clear U.S. exit strategy. The legislation is known as a war powers resolution. It gives lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The votes marked a weighty moment for lawmakers. Their decisions on the five-day-old war — which Trump entered without congressional approval — could determine the fates of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.

Lock step no more: Iran war shows cracks in Trump’s conservative media support

March 3, 2026

By DAVID BAUDER, MEG KINNARD and ALI SWENSON - Associated Press Writers

Some of the sharpest criticism that President Donald Trump has faced in the early days of the Iran war has come from once-loyal media figures more accustomed to singing his praises. The conservative media infrastructure has grown so influential and valuable to the president when everything runs smoothly that it’s noticeable when there is discontent. Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly and Matt Walsh are among the notable figures to express some dismay, much of it centered around the influence of Israel. Walsh has also said the messaging around the war was muddled. Trump says that he knows MAGA best, and these objections do not reflect the views of his supporters.

‘It’s too warm’: Greenland’s fishermen are under threat from climate change

March 3, 2026

By EMMA BURROWS, KWIYEON HA and EVGENIY MALOLETKA - Associated Press

Greenland’s fishermen are struggling as warming weather from climate change makes the sea ice unreliable and the fish harder to predict. One fisherman near Nuuk says his trips now swing between big paydays and empty nets. Experts say sea ice started disappearing in the late 1990s. Fishing accounts for up to 95% of exports, and the territory’s biggest employer warns the ice could disappear within decades. That shift threatens traditional and small communities. Scientists warn of overfishing as more fish might come to the more exposed and nutrient-rich waters. But others fear certain fish will leave for colder waters.

Target to invest another $2 billion in its business this year to reverse its sales malaise

March 3, 2026

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO - AP Retail Writer

Target is investing another $2 billion in its business this year to spruce up the store experience, remodel stores and invest in its workers as it tries to turn around a persistent sales malaise and reclaim its authority on style. The investment, announced Tuesday at its annual investor meeting at its headquarters in Minneapolis, comes as the discounter reported another quarter of declining sales and profits amid its struggles to regain its footing with customers who are going elsewhere for fashion, home and other needs. Tuesday’s report offered some hope for the business. The company delivered a better-than-expected annual profit outlook. It also said it believes net sales will grow every quarter this year. Target said comparable-store sales rose to start the current quarter.

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…

Detroit man whose confession to 1999 murder was coerced by rogue cop released from prison

March 3, 2026

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

A Detroit-area judge has erased a 1999 murder conviction after prosecutors acknowledged that a confession was coerced by a rogue police officer. George Calicut Jr. is out of a Michigan prison after more than 25 years in custody. He was serving a life sentence. The 56-year-old Calicut has long professed his innocence in the death of a Detroit woman and said he never saw his purported confession until trial. There were no eyewitnesses or physical evidence against him.

Georgia dad is the latest parent to be convicted when a child is accused of gun violence

March 3, 2026

By ED WHITE - Associated Press

A jury in Georgia quickly convicted a man who gave his son a gun linked to the fatal shooting of two students and two teachers. Colin Gray is the latest U.S. parent taken to court for when a child is accused of gun violence. Prosecutors in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Virginia have extended responsibility beyond the shooters if they believe there’s evidence that a parent contributed to the violence. Prosecutors in Georgia say Gray knew his son had mental health problems.

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