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January 29, 2026.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, center left, and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) talk after an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)

Cooper Flagg breaks NBA teen record with 49 points in Mavs’ loss to Hornets

January 29, 2026

As Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg set the NBA record for points by a teenager with 49 on Thursday night in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte, he broke the franchise rookie scoring record he shared with Mark Aguirre — whose jersey was retired at halftime. Flagg turned 19 in December. Also special for the No. 1 draft pick last summer from Duke was playing his first NBA game against Kon Knueppel, his roommate as Blue Devils freshmen. Knueppel had a career-high 34 points, hitting the two winning free throws with 4.1 seconds left after being fouled by Flagg. Cliff Robinson set the previous NBA teen record of 45 at age 19 for New Jersey in a game against Detroit on March 9, 1980.

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Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) defends against Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, center left, during an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)

Hornets edge Mavericks 123-121 to spoil Cooper Flagg’s 49-point game

January 29, 2026

Kon Knueppel made two free throws with 4.1 seconds left for a career-high 34 points and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks 123-121 on Thursday night, spoiling Duke roommate Cooper Flagg’s 49-point game. Flagg, who turned 19 in December, broke the NBA record for points in a game by a teen. Cliff Robinson set the previous record of 45 at age 19 for New Jersey in a game against Detroit on March 9, 1980. Knueppel grabbed an errant pass by Flagg near midcourt with seven seconds left and the score tied. He drove to the basket and was fouled by Flagg as the ball lodged between the rim and the backboard. Flagg’s shot at the buzzer hit the back of the rim.

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Detroit Opera orchestra to set George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic hits to classical music

January 29, 2026

The Detroit Opera is showcasing Parliament-Funkadelic in a new way. George Clinton’s and P-Funk’s greatest hits will be performed by an orchestra. The event, titled “Symphonic PFunk-Celebrating the Music of Parliament Funkadelic,” takes place Saturday at the Detroit Opera House. Violins, cellos, horns, and more will bring some of the group’s classics to life. The 84-year-old Clinton says going classical is something he has been expecting to happen at some point with the group’s music. Detroit Opera has assembled 47 players, including a full string section and a harp, to perform these iconic tunes.

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Paperwork to apply for a tribal identification card is displayed Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US

January 29, 2026

Many of the people whose ancestors lived in the U.S. thousands of years before Europeans are carrying tribal identification for protection against the Trump administration’s anti-immigration agenda. Dozens of the 575 federally recognized Native American tribes are making it easier to get tribal IDs by waiving fees, lowering the age of eligibility and printing cards on the spot. Experts say it’s the first time tribal ID cards have been widely used as proof of U.S. citizenship and protection against federal law enforcement. As Native Americans rush to secure the documents, many see a bitter irony in the first people of the land having to prove that they too are U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment.

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The Sundance Film Festival’s big moments and breakout movies

January 29, 2026

The last Sundance Film Festival in Utah is drawing to a close this weekend. The Park City gathering has been a nostalgic farewell, as it moves to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. A Wednesday night screening of “Little Miss Sunshine” was especially emotional, with filmmakers and actors reuniting after 20 years. The festival has focused on discovery, with first-time feature filmmakers making up about 40% of the slate. Highlights included Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite,” which sparked a bidding war, and Adrian Chiarella’s “Leviticus,” acquired by Neon. The festival runs through Sunday.

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Carolina Hurricanes' Jordan Staal (11) is celebrates after his winning goal with teammate Jordan Martinook (48) with Utah Mammoth's Mikhail Sergachev (98) nearby during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

Hurricanes become 3rd NHL team to rally from 2 goals down in final 2 minutes to win in regulation

January 29, 2026

Jordan Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes have put together one of the most improbable comebacks in NHL history. With three late goals against the Utah Mammoth on Thursday night, the Hurricanes became the first team in more than 30 years and third overall to rally from two goals down in the final two minutes to win in regulation. The other teams to score three goals in the last two minutes to win were the Dallas Stars against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 14, 1995, and the Montreal Maroons against the New York Rangers on March 15, 1932.

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New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) has his shot knocked away by Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Devils’ Jack Hughes leaves game with injury 2 weeks before US opens play at the Olympics

January 29, 2026

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes left the team’s game against Nashville in the first period and did not return. Coach Sheldon Keefe said it was a lower-body injury, but does not believe it to be serious. Hughes’ exit comes two weeks before the U.S. is set to play its first game at the Milan Cortina Olympics. He missed five weeks earlier this season after injuring his right thumb at a team dinner and undergoing surgery. He had 14 points in his first 16 games back.

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FILE - A sign is displayed outside the Internal Revenue Service building May 4, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Trump sues IRS and Treasury for $10B over leaked tax info

January 29, 2026

President Donald Trump is suing the IRS and Treasury Department for $10 billion. He accuses them of failing to prevent a leak of his tax information to news outlets. The lawsuit was filed in a Florida federal court on Thursday. In 2024, former IRS contractor Charles Edward Littlejohn was sentenced to five years in prison for leaking tax information about Trump and others. Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury Department cut its contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton, where Littlejohn worked. He was charged and imprisoned for leaking tax information about thousands of wealthy individuals, including Trump.

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FILE - Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham poses for a photo April 28, 2022, in Lake Forest, Ill. (AP Photo, File)

Falcons add final piece to new leadership team by hiring Ian Cunningham as general manager

January 29, 2026

The Atlanta Falcons have added the final piece to their new leadership team by hiring Ian Cunningham as general manager. The decision came after new president of football Matt Ryan led the team’s second interviews with Cunningham and James Liipfert. Cunningham previously interviewed for the president of football position. Ryan was hired for that job and then led the search for new coach Kevin Stefanski. Cunningham and Stefanski will report to Ryan. Cunningham has served as the Chicago Bears’ assistant general manager for the past four years. He spent five seasons in various scouting and player personnel roles with the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane, center, is surround by teammates after recording his 1,375th point to pass Mike Modano and break the NHL record for points by a player born in the United States, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Patrick Kane passes Mike Modano for the most NHL points by a US-born player

January 29, 2026

Patrick Kane is now the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history. Kane passed Mike Modano by recording his 1,375th point on Thursday night in the Detroit Red Wings’ game against the Washington Capitals. Kane reached the milestone a couple of months after turning 37. Modano was 40 when he scored a goal to register point No. 1,374. Kane has been one of the faces of American hockey since getting taken with the first pick in the 2007 draft by Chicago. He helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup three times from 2010-15.

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President Donald Trump arrives for the premiere of first lady Melania Trump's movie "Melania" at The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Trump says he will announce his Federal Reserve chair nominee on Friday morning

January 29, 2026

President Donald Trump said he plans to announce his choice for Federal Reserve chairman on Friday morning. Trump has criticized current Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting interest rates more aggressively. Trump is believed to have four finalists for the position, but did not give details on Thursday. Tensions have been high between Trump and the Fed, with Powell emphasizing the importance of independent judgment and accountability to Congress. Powell’s term ends in May, but he could remain on the board until 2028.

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Justin Rose, of England, waves after finishing on the eighth hole on the North Course at Torrey Pines during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Justin Rose sets Torrey Pines pace with 62. Koepka makes his PGA Tour return with 73

January 29, 2026

Justin Rose is taking advantage of good golf on the easier North course at Torrey Pines. He was only in danger of bogey one time and made 10 birdies for a 62 in the Farmers Insurance Open. That gives him a one-shot lead over Justin Lower. But this day was mostly about the return from LIV Golf of Brooks Koepka. The five-time major champion didn’t make birdie until the last hole. But he had 15 pars on the tough South for a 73. Koepka said he was nervous about the reception he would get and was elated to hear support.

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FILE - United States' Sha'Carri Richardson looks on after winning the gold medal in the women's 4 X 100 meters relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Sept. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

Olympic gold medalist Sha’Carri Richardson charged with speeding in Florida

January 29, 2026

Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has been arrested and charged with speeding in Florida. Authorities say she was driving 104 mph on a parkway near Orlando. A spokesperson for the Orange County sheriff’s department says she was dangerously tailgating and weaving through traffic. The 25-year-old Richardson is a renowned sprinter, having won a silver medal in the 100 meters and gold in the 4×100 relay at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Last year, she apologized to her boyfriend after being arrested for a domestic violence offense at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

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FILE - Signs welcomes voters Nov. 4, 2025, in Del Mar, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

Immigration raids, election office search stir midterm concerns for Democratic election officials

January 29, 2026

Aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which resulted in the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, and this week’s FBI search of an election office in Georgia have Democratic election officials concerned about what could be in store for this fall’s midterm elections. During an annual gathering of state election officials on Thursday, several Democratic secretaries of state said they had begun planning for a range of ways the Trump administration might seek to interfere with voting or how they run elections. That could include putting immigration agents near polling places or attempting to seize voting equipment, they said. The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.

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Brooks Koepka reacts after missing a birdie putt on the fourth hole on the South Course at Torrey Pines during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Brooks Koepka feels the nerves in return to PGA Tour from LIV. He also heard plenty of support

January 29, 2026

Brooks Koepka has rarely felt so relieved after failing to break par. The five-time major champion made his return to the PGA Tour after nearly four years on Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Koepka wasn’t sure what to expect at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. What he heard was mostly a chorus of “Welcome back” from a big gallery. He didn’t make a birdie until the 18th hole and shot a 73 that left him 11 shots out of the lead. Koepka can’t remember the last time he was this nervous or the last time he cared what people thought.

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Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk kicks the ball ahead of Marseille's Timothy Weah, left, during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Marseille and Liverpool in Marseille, France, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Philippe Magoni)

Mauricio Pochettino dismisses criticism of World Cup ticket prices by American winger Tim Weah

January 29, 2026

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino dismisses criticism of World Cup ticket prices by American winger Tim Weah. FIFA is charging up to $8,680 per ticket for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Weah expressed disappointment, saying many real fans will miss matches. On Thursday, Pochettino responded during a Zoom news conference from Coral Gables, Florida. He emphasized that players should focus on playing football, not ticket prices. Pochettino stated that it’s FIFA’s responsibility to explain its decisions, and his job is to prepare the team for the tournament.

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President Donald Trump listens during an event on addiction recovery in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Trump threatens tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba, a move that puts pressure on Mexico

January 29, 2026

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, a move that puts pressure on Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said this week that her government had at least temporarily stopped oil shipments to Cuba, but said it was a “sovereign decision” not made under pressure from the United States. Trump has been squeezing Mexico to distance itself from the Cuban government. In the wake of the U.S. military operation to oust former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump has said the Cuban government is ready to fall.

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Brendan Banfield looks on during the double murder trial for Brendan Banfield in Fairfax County Circuit Court, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner, Pool)

Husband in au pair affair testifies on killings of wife, another man. ‘I did not want to shoot him.’

January 29, 2026

A man charged with killing his wife and another man testified about the day his wife was brutally stabbed to death. Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at his home in northern Virginia. He has pleaded not guilty and could face life in prison if convicted. Juliana Peres Magalhães, the family’s au pair with whom he had a relationship, also testified in the case after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter. His testimony contradicts the au pair’s statements in the case that the two plotted a ruse to kill Ryan and Christine Banfield.

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As pro rodeo considers moving HQ to Wyoming, conservative lawmakers question incentives

January 29, 2026

The biggest organizing body in rodeo, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, has all but decided to move its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Cheyenne, Wyoming. But some conservative lawmakers in Wyoming oppose a state incentive for the move. Last week, the PRCA board voted to “seriously consider” moving to Cheyenne. The deal is contingent on $15 million in state funding and matching local funds. Lawmakers including Republican state Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams say taxpayers shouldn’t be giving “handouts” to “multimillion-dollar corporations.” Williams is among members of the powerful Freedom Caucus who seek significant budget cuts when the Wyoming Legislature meets next month.

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Scientists marvel at a Galapagos seabird that wandered 3,000 miles to California

January 29, 2026

Scientists on a research vessel off the California coast are marveling at a rare find — a waved albatross was spotted soaring over the Pacific. It’s only the second time the species has been recorded north of Central America. The yellow-billed bird with black button eyes can have an 8-foot wingspan and spends much of its life airborne over the ocean. Its recent sighting off California has researchers wondering how and why a bird known to breed in the Galapagos Islands, roughly 3,000 miles away, ventured so far north.

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Georgia General Election 2020 ballots are loaded by the FBI onto trucks at the Fulton County Election HUB, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Union City, Ga., near Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

FBI seizure of Georgia ballots reflects pursuit of Trump’s 2020 election grievance

January 29, 2026

FBI agents have seized hundreds of boxes containing ballots and documents related to the 2020 election from a warehouse in Fulton County, Georgia. The purpose of the search, conducted on Wednesday, remains undisclosed, and the warrant is sealed. Fulton County, a Democratic stronghold, has been a target of former President Trump, who claims without evidence that voter fraud cost him the state in 2020. Reactions are split along party lines, with Democrats condemning it as an attack on democracy and Republicans defending it as a justified action.

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FILE - Fence and towers at the Baker Correctional Institution, Sanderson, Fla., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)

Detainees pepper-sprayed on 2 occasions at Florida ‘Deportation Depot’ immigration detention center

January 29, 2026

Detainees have been pepper-sprayed on at least two occasions at a Florida immigration detention center, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” since opening this past September. Florida officials confirmed that the most recent incident at the former Baker Correctional Institution in northeast Florida occurred on Christmas Eve. Officials say several detainees refused orders to return to their bunks and began advancing on staff. One detainee became violent, striking an officer, so chemical agents were released. The confrontation came nearly two months after an Oct. 29 incident, when when detainees attempted to barricade themselves inside their housing unit while inciting violence and causing significant damage. Officials say guards eventually used pepper spray to regain control.

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The shadow of Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is visible on the court during player introductions prior to an NBA basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and Lakers Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Mavericks put their hope in health as the 1-year anniversary of the Luka Doncic trade approaches

January 29, 2026

The Dallas Mavericks are putting their hope in health as the one-year anniversary of the stunning trade of Luka Doncic approaches. Oft-injured big man Anthony Davis has missed more games than he has played for Dallas since coming from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Doncic deal. The Mavericks also are waiting for Kyrie Irving to come back from a knee injury. Rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg is living up to the promise he brought from a standout year at Duke. But the future is murky at best for the franchise that finally fired general manager Nico Harrison as a way to move on from the ill-fated Doncic deal.

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Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd testifies during a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Trump’s pick to lead the NSA vows to follow the law if confirmed

January 29, 2026

The Army general tapped to lead the NSA is promising to follow the law and the Constitution when it comes to using the NSA’s powerful surveillance tools. Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday that the NSA plays a critical role in the nation’s defense by protecting it against espionage and cyberattacks. If confirmed by the Senate, Rudd would also serve as the commander of the Pentagon’s Cyber Command, which oversees the nation’s defensive and offensive cyber operations. The NSA has been without a permanent director since President Donald Trump fired Gen. Tim Haugh last year.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leaves the field after an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Bills QB Josh Allen says he had surgery for broken bone in right foot

January 29, 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen said on Thursday that he recently had surgery for a broken bone in his right foot, and expects to be fully healthy for the start of spring practices. Allen said he broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot in getting hurt late in the second quarter of a 23-20 win at Cleveland on Dec. 21. Allen finished the game and the season by playing through the injury. Though walking on crutches and wearing a protective boot on Thursday, Allen said he would have been able to play if Buffalo had a game this week.

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Red Panda performs during halftime of an NCAA college basketball game between Miami and Stanford in Coral Gables, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

After a terrifying fall, Red Panda retraces what went wrong and the support that carried her back

January 29, 2026

Rong Niu’s pink sequined dress shimmered under the arena lights at a recent Miami men’s basketball game. The popular halftime performer known as “Red Panda” finished her signature seven-minute set. She looked up at a crowd of fans chanting her name and flashed a smile before dismounting. Niu has grown somewhat accustomed to the fanfare over decades performing at NBA, WNBA and college basketball games. Still, even after sports fans rallied around her following a frightening fall during a WNBA game last July, she can hardly put words to what the support means to her.

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FILE - San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan speaks in Sacramento Calif., March 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

San Jose mayor, a frequent Newsom critic, jumps into the California governor’s race

January 29, 2026

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is jumping into the race to replace Gavin Newsom as governor of California. Mahan announced his bid Thursday. He touts himself as a moderate Democrat who could tackle some of the state’s biggest issues, including homelessness, crime and housing. Mahan was a tech entrepreneur before elected to lead Silicon Valley’s largest city in 2022. He is also a vocal critic of Newsom over the governor’s handling of homelessness and his social media trolling. The mayor joined a large field of candidates just months before the primary election in June. Newsom cannot run for reelection because of term limits.

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Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol speaks during the Starbucks Investor Day event, in New York, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Starbucks sees room to expand with hundreds of new US stores and increased seating

January 29, 2026

Starbucks says it plans to open hundreds of new stores across the U.S. and add seating at thousands of existing locations. The company detailed its plans during an investor presentation in New York on Thursday. Executives say they expect up to 175 new U.S. Starbucks cafes to open this year and around 400 in 2028. The company’s plans include smaller-format stores that are cheaper to build but still offer seating, drive-thru service, and mobile order pickup. CEO Brian Niccol has focused on making Starbucks stores more welcoming even as consumer demand for drive-thru coffee grows. He says Starbucks sees an opportunity to build at least 5,000 new cafes across the U.S.

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FILE - A 1040 tax form printed from the Internal Revenue Service web page is seen, Feb. 13, 2019, in Zelienople, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Here’s when you’ll get your tax refund from the IRS

January 29, 2026

Tax season is underway, and the IRS expects 164 million people will file returns by April 15. If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to receive your refund. If you choose to receive your refund with direct deposit, it should take even less time. When filing a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer. The IRS cautions that taxpayers not rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.

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FILE - Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger participates in an election forum, Sept. 19, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Judge rejects Brad Raffensperger’s bid to loosen spending limits in Georgia governor’s race

January 29, 2026

A federal judge has rejected Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s request to raise unlimited campaign funds. His independent committee, Safe Affordable Georgia, filed a lawsuit seeking permission to bypass fundraising limits. Raffensperger argues the current law violates his First Amendment rights, as his opponent, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, can raise unlimited funds under a 2021 law. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross ruled against Raffensperger, though she acknowledged the law might be unconstitutional. Raffensperger has appealed. The law allows leadership committees to raise money year-round, potentially giving certain candidates an edge.

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FILE - Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, a U.S. Olympic gold medalist, speaks during a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new Olympic museum June 9, 2017, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

New SafeSport CEO Fitzgerald Mosley wants to fix things quickly, saying ‘it’s a calling’

January 29, 2026

Benita Fitzgerald Mosley knows her way around Olympic organizations. Her next stop, though, will be unlike any other. The 1984 Olympic gold medalist starts her new job at the U.S. Center for SafeSport this weekend. She’s in charge of an overhaul of an abuse-fighting agency that has been bombarded by problems since it opened back in 2017. In an interview with The Associated Press, Fitzgerald Mosley says she realizes it’s a tough job but she thinks she’s particularly suited for it. Her plan is to conduct a top-to-bottom assessment of what works and what doesn’t, then go about making changes where they’re needed.

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Bish’s RV to Open Rapid City-Area Dealership

January 29, 2026

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Bish’s RV announced plans to open a new dealership in the Rapid City area this spring, bringing new jobs and expanded RV sales and service options to western South Dakota. The dealership will be located in Piedmont at the former Jack’s Campers site and is expected to open in March. The […]

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FILE - The Altria Group Inc. corporate headquarters are seen in Richmond, Va., April 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

Altria earnings fall short amid lower cigarette sales and competition for nicotine products

January 29, 2026

Shares of Altria dipped Thursday after the tobacco giant reported flat earnings due to declining cigarettes sales and challenging competition for newer products, including flavored nicotine pouches. The Richmond, Virginia-based company said fourth-quarter revenue slid 2% to $5.8 billion, mainly driven by lower cigarette sales. Tobacco companies have long had to manage shrinking sales of their main product category, but Altria executives said cigarettes have been increasingly squeezed by the introduction of unauthorized disposable electronic cigarettes, which are often cheaper and come in fruit and candy flavors.

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House Republicans propose stricter voting requirements as Trump administration eyes the midterms

January 29, 2026

House Republicans are proposing sweeping changes to the nation’s voting laws. The package being released Thursday is a long-shot priority for President Donald Trump that would mean stricter requirements before Americans vote in the midterm elections in fall. The legislation reflects some of the party’s most sought-after election changes. They include requirements for photo IDs before people can vote, as well as proof of citizenship. It also would put prohibitions on universal vote-by-mail and ranked choice voting. The legislation faces a long haul in the narrowly split Congress where Democrats have warned similar proposals would disenfranchise voters.

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Kennedy Center’s head of artistic programming steps down 2 weeks after taking the job

January 29, 2026

The Kennedy Center’s head of artistic programming has stepped down, two weeks after being named to the position. Kevin Couch confirmed his departure Thursday without giving a reason. The Kennedy Center has not commented on the situation. Couch’s exit comes during a wave of artist cancellations at the Washington performing arts venue. These cancellations are in protest of new leadership appointed by President Donald Trump. Recently, composer Philip Glass and soprano Renée Fleming canceled their performances. The Kennedy Center faces challenges as it navigates these changes and protests. Trump and first lady Melania Trump are expected to walk the red carpet at the Kennedy Center for the Thursday premiere of a documentary she produced.

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President Donald Trump, center, holds up a signed Board of Peace charter during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump eyes basing his new Board of Peace at a Washington building in legal limbo

January 29, 2026

The Trump administration is looking at basing the new Board of Peace in the Washington building that formerly housed the U.S. Institute of Peace. That word comes from four administration officials. The Board of Peace’s initial task is to oversee President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, but he seems to have broader ambitions for the initiative. The U.S. Institute of Peace is an independent nongovernmental organization established by Congress. The administration seized the building last year and fired almost all the institute’s staff. The building has since been renamed the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace, but its name and status are in legal limbo.

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FILE - Gervonta Davis, left, punches Lamont Roach during the third round of a WBA lightweight championship boxing bout Saturday, March 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Boxer Gervonta Davis arrested on attempted kidnapping and battery charges

January 29, 2026

Professional boxer Gervonta “Tank” Davis remains in a Miami jail following his arrest on charges of attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment and battery. Miami Gardens police says a fugitive task force took Davis into custody on Wednesday in Miami’s Design District. The charges stem from an incident at a Miami Gardens business on Oct. 27, 2025. Thirty-one-year-old Davis has had other run-ins with law enforcement in South Florida. Last summer, he was arrested on domestic violence charges, which were later dropped. Davis, a top contender in boxing, is known for his knockout power and drawing sellout crowds.

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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)

Trump’s border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota but only after ‘cooperation’

January 29, 2026

President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan says immigration enforcement will reduce the number of officers in Minnesota. Homan suggested during a news conference Thursday that a drawdown would happen only after ‘cooperation’ from state officials. Trump sent Homan to Minnesota in the wake of the Saturday fatal shooting of a protester at the hands of a federal immigration officer. Homan doubled down on the need for local jails to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement to people in their custody who ICE can remove from the country.

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The Sundance Film Festival is now streaming. Here’s how, and what, to watch

January 29, 2026

Many films from the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, are available to stream online starting Thursday through the weekend. This includes the Channing Tatum drama “Josephine.” Streaming became popular during COVID-19 and remains a beloved option. You can watch on your computer or TV through the Sundance Film Festival website. All feature films in the main competitions are available, including “Josephine,” “Carousel,” and “The Musical.” Some films, like “The Moment” and “The AI Doc,” won’t be streaming due to existing distribution deals. Streaming costs $35 per film, benefiting the Sundance Institute’s programs.

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Hiring sign is displayed at a office in Schaumburg, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

US applications for jobless benefits, a proxy for layoffs, tick down to 209,000 last week.

January 29, 2026

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits inched down modestly last week, remaining at historically healthy levels despite recent high-profile layoff announcements. Applications for jobless aid for the week ending Jan. 24 fell by 1,000 to 209,000 from the previous week’s number which was revised upward by 10,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet were expecting 205,000 new applications. Applications for unemployment benefits are seen as representative of U.S. layoffs. The total number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the previous week ending Jan. 17 fell by 38,000 to 1.83 million.

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Ari Emanuel’s ‘fiery, furious’ memoir to be released this fall

January 29, 2026

Ari Emanuel, the Hollywood super-agent, has a memoir coming out this fall. “Roll the Calls” will be published on September 22, according to Alfred A. Knopf. Emanuel’s clients have included Martin Scorsese, Oprah Winfrey, and Donald Trump. He inspired the character Ari Gold on HBO’s “Entourage.” Emanuel will collaborate with J.R. Moehringer, known for working on memoirs by Prince Harry and Andre Agassi. The book promises a fiery, insider account of Emanuel’s successes and setbacks. Emanuel shares lessons from his rise in entertainment and politics, emphasizing persistence and defying doubters.

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This combination of photos shows Tina Knowles, from left, Cher, and Reese Witherspoon. (AP Photo)

Cher, Tina Knowles and the late Rob Reiner are among Audie Awards finalists

January 29, 2026

Cher, Tina Knowles and the late Rob Reiner are among the finalists for the Audie Awards. These awards honor audio editions of fiction and nonfiction books. Cher’s narration of “Cher: Part One” earned her a nomination for best biography/autobiography. The Audio Publishers Association announced the nominees Thursday. Other finalists include Knowles for “Matriarch,” narrated with daughters Beyoncé and Solange, and the late Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, “Nobody’s Girl.” Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a nominee for audiobook of the year. Winners in 27 categories will be announced March 2.

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Metropolitan Police Department diver Robert Varga poses for a portrait, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Responders recall a mission of recovery and grief a year after the midair collision near DC

January 29, 2026

Families and emergency responders are marking the one-year anniversary of the deadly plane collision over the Potomac River. American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft. The plane crash on Jan. 29, 2025, was the deadliest on U.S. soil since a 2001 crash that killed 265 people. Emergency crews faced challenging conditions as they searched for victims, their personal belongings and pieces of the wreckage. Emergency response officials said the priority was recovering bodies and returning them to families. The recovery of personal items provided some closure for grieving families.

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FILE - Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, on July 24, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Sen. Susan Collins announces end to ICE large-scale operations in Maine after talks with Noem

January 29, 2026

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says immigration officials have stopped their enhanced operations in the state. Collins, a Republican, announced this Thursday after speaking with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. She says there are no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations in Maine. Collins has urged the administration to reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement. Her statement follows an ICE operation called “Catch of the Day,” which led to more than 100 arrests in the state. Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who could face Collins a high-profile Senate race this fall, has challenged immigration officials to provide more transparency. Collins has advocated for body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE personnel.

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FILE - Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee for Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's choice to be director of the FBI, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

Escape from Washington? Senators look to start new chapters as governors

January 29, 2026

U.S. senators are increasingly looking to leave Washington for leadership roles in their home states. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota joins Michael Bennet of Colorado, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama in running for governor. This trend highlights a shift in political ambition away from the Senate, which has become mired in dysfunction. Governorships offer the chance to govern effectively and build a national profile. The Senate is seeing the highest rate of turnover in more than a decade. Political historian Matt Dallek notes state-level governance is seen as more effective and appealing.

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Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn, speaks during a field hearing on immigration Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Democratic Sen. Klobuchar says she’s running for Minnesota governor after Gov. Walz dropped out

January 29, 2026

Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she’s running for governor of Minnesota. Klobuchar announced her candidacy in a video Thursday. Klobuchar promises to take on President Donald Trump’s administration and unify Minnesota after a series of challenges. Klobuchar’s decision gives Democrats a high-profile candidate as they try to keep the office held by Tim Walz, their 2024 vice presidential nominee. Walz recently dropped out amid criticism over mismanagement of taxpayer funding for child care programs. Klobuchar has been a vocal critic of Trump, especially regarding his Republican administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The Minnesota contest is expected to test Trump’s law-and-order approach against Democrats’ criticisms of his administration’s tactics.

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Erin Jackson competes in the women's 500 meters at the U.S. Olympic trials for long track speed skating at the Pettit National Ice Center Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Erin Jackson does not want to be the only Black woman to win Winter Olympics individual gold

January 29, 2026

American speedskater Erin Jackson is the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympics gold medal in any sport. She wants to make sure she is not the last. Jackson will be at the Milan Cortina Games in February to defend the title she won in the 500 meters at Beijing four years ago. She also will be racing in the 1,000 meters. She has made it a goal to increase the number of minority women in her sport and wants to start a foundation after she retires from competition.

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Scotty's Castle is seen Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Death Valley National Park, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Death Valley landmark Scotty’s Castle is reopening for limited tours after years of flood repairs

January 29, 2026

Scotty’s Castle, built in the 1920s, is tucked away in the desert in Death Valley National Park and was one of the park’s biggest attractions. It has been closed for 10 years after a flash flood damaged nearby roads and utilities, but the castle grounds is reopening for limited tours this year. Full reopening is anticipated a few years from now. The castle tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a con man and a millionaire. The effects of both the roaring 1920s and the Great Depression can be seen around the landmark with its detailed decor and unfinished pool.

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