loader-image
weather icon 40°F
Subscribe
loader-image
weather icon 40°F

February 3, 2026.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, shakes hands with India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Trump administration presses efforts to ensure supply of critical minerals outside of China

February 3, 2026

The Trump administration is expected to unveil its grandest yet plan to rebuild the supply chains of critical minerals for everything from jet engines to smartphones. That’s likely to be done through purchase agreements with partners on top of creating a $12 billion U.S. strategic reserve meant to counter China’s dominance. Vice President JD Vance will speak Wednesday at a meeting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is hosting with officials from several dozen European, Asian and African nations. The U.S. government is expected to sign agreements on supply chain logistics. The moves come after China, the top rare earths miner and processor, choked off the flow of the elements in response to Trump’s tariff war.

Read More »
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a spending bill that ends a partial shutdown of the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Judge set to hear arguments as court gives Trump another shot at nixing hush money conviction

February 3, 2026

A federal judge is set to hear arguments as he again weighs a legal maneuver that could lead to President Donald Trump having his hush money conviction erased. Wednesday’s hearing comes after the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in November ordered U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to reconsider his decision to keep the case in state court instead of moving it to federal court. A three-judge panel ruled that Hellerstein erred by failing to consider “important issues relevant” to Trump’s request to move the New York case to federal court, where he can seek to have it thrown out on presidential immunity grounds. They said they expressed “no view” on how Hellerstein should rule. Trump is not expected to attend.

Read More »
FILE - In this image released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff's Office, law enforcement officers arrest Ryan Wesley Routh, a man suspected in an apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump, Sept. 15, 2024. (Martin County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

Prosecutors seek life sentence for man who tried to shoot Trump at a Florida golf course

February 3, 2026

Federal prosecutors are asking that a man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump be sentenced to life in prison. Ryan Routh is scheduled to appear Wednesday in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida. He aimed a rifle through shrubbery as Trump played golf at his West Palm Beach country club in 2024. Routh’s sentencing had initially been scheduled for December. The judge agreed to move the date back after Routh decided to use an attorney instead of representing himself as he did for most of the trial. The attorney says a just punishment would allow Routh to experience freedom again as opposed to dying in prison.

Read More »
Memorial Circle, the proposed plot of land near Memorial Bridge where the Independence Arch could be built is seen in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Trump says Washington has waited 200 years for the arch he wants to build. Not quite

February 3, 2026

President Donald Trump wants to build a massive arch near the Lincoln Memorial. He says the idea dates back around 200 years but was interrupted by the Civil War — despite history suggesting that wasn’t what happened. Trump nonetheless envisions the arch as reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. He plans to unveil it as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. Trump has similarly argued that his new ballroom is justified since officials throughout history clamored for one, another dubious claim.

Read More »
Luke Ganger, left, and Brent Ganger, right, brothers of Renee Good, appear during a Bicameral Public Forum on the Disproportionate Use of Force by DHS Agents, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Brothers of Renee Good, woman killed by immigration officer, call for action in Congress

February 3, 2026

The brothers of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, are urging Congress to take action. Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot Jan. 7. Her death and that of another protester, Alex Pretti, have sparked national outrage. Speaking at a congressional hearing on Tuesday, brothers Luke and Brett Ganger shared their grief and called for change. They described their sister as a beautiful person. The forum, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Robert Garcia, highlighted Use-of-force complaints against Homeland Security officers.

Read More »
FILE - Flags fly at the Utah State Capitol, Jan. 18, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Sydney Schaefer, File)

Utah Congress members sue to try to block new House districts that boost Democrats’ chances

February 3, 2026

Two Utah Republican Congress members are asking a federal court to block new U.S. House districts that could help Democrats win a Salt Lake City seat. A lawsuit filed Monday by U.S. Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens claims a state judge violated the Constitution by rejecting districts drawn by the Republican-led Legislature. The lawsuit argues that courts have no authority to draw congressional maps. Utah is among several states in legal battles over House voting districts. Redistricting has gained urgency after President Donald Trump urged Republicans to reconfigure districts to gain an advantage in midterm elections.

Read More »
Former Miami Heat players Dwyane Wade, right and Shaquille O'Neal talk about their experience winning the NBA finals 20 years ago during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Shaquille O’Neal calls 2006 Miami Heat title his favorite, as team celebrates 20th anniversary

February 3, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal says his favorite NBA championship is the one he won with the Miami Heat in 2006. The team celebrated their 20th anniversary this week with events on Monday and Tuesday. O’Neal explains that the pressure to win without Kobe Bryant made this title special. The Heat were seen as underdogs that season, and O’Neal recalls the team as a group of “misfits” who found a way to succeed. Dwyane Wade also calls it his favorite title, as it was his first major win. The celebration included most of the 2006 team and highlighted the lasting impact of that championship.

Read More »
FILE - Stephen Miran, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, walks at the White House, June 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Federal Reserve governor Miran steps down from White House post

February 3, 2026

Federal Reserve governor Stephen Miran has stepped down from his position as chair of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, ending a controversial arrangement where he held positions at both institutions. His resignation was confirmed by White House spokesman Kush Desai late Tuesday. The move underscores the intrigue around the Fed and its upcoming personnel changes. President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh, a former Fed official, to replace current Fed chair Jerome Powell, whose term atop the central bank ends May 15.

Read More »
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, left, and FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey, enter a command vehicle as the FBI takes Fulton County 2020 Election ballots, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Union City, Ga., near Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Complaint accuses Gabbard of playing politics with intelligence, which spy agency rejects

February 3, 2026

A complaint made about Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard months ago relates to an allegation that she withheld access to classified information for political reasons. That’s according to documents sent to lawmakers by the inspector general’s office. The former watchdog that initially reviewed the complaint in May found that the allegation did not appear credible. Critics accuse Gabbard of withholding information from lawmakers tasked with oversight of the intelligence services. Top lawmakers from each party and the House and Senate intelligence committees will be able to view the complaint this week. Gabbard’s office has denied the allegations.

Read More »
A document with an email chain from Jeffrey Epstein illustrates the amount of redactions of personally identifiable information that the U.S. Department of Justice was required to do before release of Epstein documents, is photographed Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Judge: Deal reached to protect identities of Epstein victims in documents release

February 3, 2026

A federal judge who presided over the sex trafficking case against Jeffrey Epstein says a Wednesday conference to address harm done to the financier’s victims by a massive release of records isn’t needed after a deal was struck to protect their identities. Judge Richard M. Berman cancelled the hearing late Tuesday after he was notified by Florida attorney Brittany Henderson that “extensive and constructive discussions” with the Justice Department had resulted in an agreement to protect victims’ identities. On Sunday, Henderson and attorney Brad Edwards had sought judicial intervention, saying nearly 100 victims had been harmed by sloppy redactions to a massive release of Epstein documents that began Friday.

Read More »
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold speaks during the NFL Super Bowl Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. ahead of the Super Bowl 60 football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Sam Darnold’s season as a backup with the 49ers helped him reach the Super Bowl

February 3, 2026

San Darnold’s NFL career had hit rock bottom when he arrived in San Francisco in 2023 after failing at two spots to live up to his high draft billing. Less than three years later, he’s ready to step on football’s biggest stage as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Darnold’s journey from draft bust to Super Bowl quarterback is a remarkable one and it began during his one year with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, when he started only one game and threw only 46 passes.

Read More »

Lawyers for patients of UCLA doctor say clients shaken by court overturning his sex abuse conviction

February 3, 2026

A California appeals court’s decision to overturn the sex abuse conviction of former University of California, Los Angeles, gynecologist James Heaps has left his victims devastated and legal experts puzzled by the type of judicial error that transpired. The panel’s ruling Monday hinged on a note sent by the foreperson to the judge expressing concern that one of the jurors did not have sufficient English to carry out his duties that was never shared with the defense. Some legal experts say this kind of error is unheard of. Lawyers representing Heaps’ victims say their clients are devastated by the ruling.

Read More »

Federal agents must limit tear gas for now at protests outside Portland ICE building, judge says

February 3, 2026

A judge in Oregon has temporarily restricted federal officers from using tear gas at protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland. U.S. District Judge Michael issued the temporary restraining order Tuesday. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Oregon on behalf of protesters and freelance journalists. The suit against the Department of Homeland Security argues that federal officers’ use of chemical munitions and excessive force is a retaliation against protesters that chills their First Amendment rights. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read More »
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.,speaks to reporters outside of federal court in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Judge seems skeptical of legal justification for Pentagon’s punishment of Sen. Mark Kelly

February 3, 2026

A federal judge says he knows of no U.S. Supreme Court precedent to justify the Pentagon’s censuring of a sitting U.S. senator who joined a videotaped plea for troops to resist unlawful orders from the Trump administration. Sen. Mark Kelly had a front-row seat in a courtroom on Tuesday as his attorneys urged U.S. District Judge Richard Leon to block the Pentagon from punishing the Arizona Democrat, a retired U.S. Navy pilot. Leon didn’t immediately rule from the bench on Kelly’s claims that Pentagon officials violated his First Amendment free speech rights. But the judge appeared to be skeptical of a government attorney’s defense of Kelly’s Jan. 5 censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Read More »
A handler with a dog treat in his mouth adjusts his Ibizan hound's stance at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

7 dogs competing for Westminster’s show big prize Tuesday night

February 3, 2026

The Westminster Kennel Club is getting ready to crown its top dog. After two days, 2,500 dogs and more than 200 breeds, it will come down to seven canines vying Tuesday night for U.S. show dogs’ most coveted prize. Four finalists already have been chosen. There’s an Afghan hound named Zaida, a Lhasa apso called JJ, a Maltese named Cookie, and an old English sheepdog dubbed Graham. Three more rivals will be selected Tuesday night before they all face off at Madison Square Garden for the best in show prize.

Read More »

NFL players’ union interim boss David White says players have ‘no appetite’ for an 18-game season

February 3, 2026

Don’t add to the regular season as well as provide well-maintained natural grass surfaces for NFL players. That was a main message from the NFL Players Association to the league. NFLPA interim executive director David White pointed out that several teams had significant injuries in mid-December: Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons tore ACLs in Week 15. Last week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft made it seem inevitable that the league would eventually expand the regular season from 17 to 18 games. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pulled that back on Monday, saying it’s “not a given.” The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players’ union expires in 2030.

Read More »
Rappers Too Short, left, and E-40 speak during a Bay Area Host Committee news conference for the NFL Super Bowl football game in San Francisco, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

E-40 and Too $hort to bring Bay Area hip-hop to NFL Honors stage

February 3, 2026

E-40 and Too $hort will bring Bay Area hip-hop to the NFL Honors stage. The rap legends perform live Thursday night during the league’s annual awards show in San Francisco. The event takes place at the Palace of Fine Arts and airs at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and NFL Network, with streaming on Peacock. Actor Jon Hamm hosts the ceremony, celebrating the top performances from the 2025 season. Presenters include Tiffany Haddish, Tracy Morgan and current and former NFL players. The performance adds a hometown hip-hop flavor to Super Bowl week festivities.

Read More »

Florida congresswoman accused of stealing COVID-19 funds pleads not guilty 3 months after indictment

February 3, 2026

A Florida congresswoman charged with conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds has formally pleaded not guilty nearly three months after her indictment. U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was not present for Tuesday’s arraignment in Miami federal court, but her attorney, William Barzee, entered the plea on her behalf. He explained that she was in Washington, D.C., where Congress has been debating funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Cherfilus-McCormick is facing 15 federal counts that accuse her of stealing funds that had been overpaid to her family’s health care company, Trinity Healthcare Services, in 2021, before she was elected to Congress. The company had a contract to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Read More »

 At Unique Auto Grooming, Danielle Muellenberg Goes Far Beyond the Details

February 3, 2026

By: Kory LanphearPhotos: Bailey Sadowsky In high school, Danielle Muellenberg wanted to be a court reporter. But after she didsome schooling for it, she didn’t think it was her calling.She found a job at Black Hills Works as manager of Unique Auto Grooming and hasspent the last 14 years supporting her employees’ independence, confidence, andquality […]

Read More »

Maine plane crash victims worked for luxury travel startup led by Texas lawyer

February 3, 2026

The six people killed when a private jet crashed in Maine were going to see a property for a luxury travel business led by a Houston lawyer. They include a chef and a sommelier from Hawaii, a Texas event planner and two pilots flying from Houston to the Champagne region of France. Lawyer Tara Arnold ran the business offering properties and staff for wealthy clients. She and her team died during a refueling stop in Maine when their jet flipped over during takeoff as a snowstorm moved in. Police identified four of the six victims on Tuesday and family members or others have identified the other two.

Read More »
FILE – Plumes of steam drift from the cooling tower of FirstEnergy Corp.'s Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Oak Harbor, Ohio, April 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)

Trial of ex-FirstEnergy executives charged in $60M Ohio bribery scheme begins

February 3, 2026

The $4.3 million that Akron-based FirstEnergy paid veteran utility lawyer Sam Randazzo in 2019 is at the center of another criminal trial tied to Ohio’s sweeping $60 million bribery scandal. Prosecutors allege then-FirstEnergy Corp. CEO Chuck Jones and then-lobbyist Michael Dowling played roles in orchestrating the hefty payout to Randazzo in exchange for regulatory favors he would later deliver to the energy company as Ohio’s top utility regulator. Both men have pleaded not guilty to felony corruption charges. They deny any wrongdoing and say the money constituted fees due to Randazzo as part of a long-running consulting arrangement. Opening statements began on Tuesday.

Read More »
FILE - New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference, Dec. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

New York attorney general to deploy legal observers to monitor federal immigration agents

February 3, 2026

New York’s attorney general has announced plans to deploy legal observers to monitor federal immigration enforcement actions in the state. Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday said the initiative will send observers in purple safety vests to areas of reported immigration enforcement activity to collect information “that may inform future legal action.” Tensions remain high nationwide over President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown, particularly following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota. Videos of agents conducting immigration arrests throughout the country have drawn criticism over heavy-handed tactics, often going viral online.

Read More »
FILE - Lucinda Anderson, of the United States, competes in the women's 7.5 km sprint competition at the Biathlon World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austria, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

Minnesota athletes head into the Winter Olympics with concerns about turmoil back home

February 3, 2026

Many Minnesota-based athletes at the Winter Olympics this week have more on their minds than sports. Turmoil in the state from the immigration crackdown has created angst and added motivation. The U.S. Olympic contingent in Italy counts 26 athletes who are native to Minnesota. That trails only Colorado for the most by state. About a dozen others either call Minnesota home now or compete and train there in sports like curling or hockey. Biathlon team member Luci Anderson is from the Twin Cities area. She followed from afar when her family members joined a recent protest march in Minneapolis.

Read More »
Activists are approached by federal agents for following agent vehicles, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)

Trump administration’s tongue-in-cheek names for immigration operations praised and slammed

February 3, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security’s approach to naming immigrant enforcement operations elicits polarizing opinions: Are the names funny or offensive? Reactions depend on political affiliation and support for the operations that largely target Black and brown communities. California congressman Jimmy Gomez says names such as Operation Dirtbag and Operation Catch of the Day send a message that immigrants are “sub-human.” But Texas congressman Brandon Gill says the names show President Donald Trump is serious about reining in illegal immigration and securing the border.

Read More »

Agave or bust! Mexican long-nosed bats head farther north in search of sweet nectar

February 3, 2026

Mexican long-nosed bats have a taste for agave nectar, fueling their migration from Mexico to the U.S. each summer. Big Bend National Park in Texas and Hidalgo County in New Mexico are key destinations. Bat Conservation International announced on Tuesday that DNA evidence shows the bats are now traveling farther north than ever before. Researchers say drought in New Mexico’s Bootheel region is pushing them to healthier agave sources. The bats, added to the endangered species list in 1988, are slow breeders. Restoration efforts are crucial to their survival and the genetic diversity of agaves.

Read More »
FILE - Small Business Administration administrator Kelly Loeffler listens during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Capitol Hill, May 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

SBA says legal permanent residents will be ineligible for its loan program, effective March 1.

February 3, 2026

The Small Business Administration said in a policy note that green card holders won’t be allowed to apply for SBA loans, effective March 1. The move is the latest by the SBA as it works to tighten loan restrictions and restructure. Last year, it tightened a requirement that businesses applying for loans must be 100% owned by U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents, up from a 51% standard. In December, it issued a notice that said up to 5% of a business could be non-citizen owned. But the current policy rescinds that, as well as making lawful permanent residents ineligible.

Read More »
Activists are approached by a federal agent brandishing a firearm, for following agent vehicles, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)

Immigration agents draw guns, arrest activists following them in Minneapolis

February 3, 2026

Immigration officers with guns drawn arrested some activists who were trailing their vehicles Tuesday in Minneapolis. It’s a sign tensions have not eased since the departure of a high-profile commander. At least one person wearing an anti-ICE message was handcuffed while face-down on the ground. An Associated Press photographer witnessed the arrests. There was no immediate response from the Department of Homeland Security. A federal judge ordered officers not to arrest motorists who are following but not obstructing their operations, but an appeals court set the order aside. Meanwhile, a man charged with squirting apple cider vinegar on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar will remain in jail.

Read More »
Dr. Marty Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration speaks at an event on addiction recovery in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Washington, as Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum listen. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

House lawmaker raises new concerns over FDA’s ultra-fast drug review program

February 3, 2026

A Democratic lawmaker is raising new concerns about a Food and Drug Administration program designed to drastically shorten the review of certain drugs. The initiative by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary promises ultra-fast reviews for drugs that align with “national priorities.” But the effort has become a flashpoint for controversy outside and inside the agency. Rep. Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts sent a letter Tuesday questioning the legal underpinning of the program and asserting that the agency isn’t following federal disclosure requirements. Specifically, Auchincloss says the agency has failed to file financial disclosure forms for eight senior FDA officials involved in the program.

Read More »
FILE - A memorial for Eric Duprey is seen in the Bronx borough of New York, Aug. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Jake Offenhartz, File)

New York police officer charged in cooler throw death says he was trying to protect colleagues

February 3, 2026

A New York City police sergeant who hurled a plastic cooler at a man fleeing officers on a motorized scooter, causing a crash that killed the driver, says he was trying to protect other officers from being injured. Testifying Monday at his manslaughter trial, Erik Duran said he wasn’t trying to injure Eric Duprey, when he threw the cooler full of ice, water and sodas in August 2023. Authorities have said Duprey had just sold drugs to an undercover officer when he tried to drive off. Duprey, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, lost control of his scooter and crashed into a tree before falling to the pavement. He suffered fatal head injuries and died almost instantaneously.

Read More »
FILE - People take photos near a John Harvard statue, left, on the Harvard University campus, Jan. 2, 2024, in Cambridge, Mass. r. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Trump demands $1 billion from Harvard as a prolonged standoff appears to deepen

February 3, 2026

President Donald Trump is demanding a $1 billion payment from Harvard University to end his prolonged standoff with the Ivy League campus, doubling the amount he sought previously as both sides appear to move further from reaching a deal. The president raised the stakes on social media Monday night, saying Harvard has been “behaving very badly.” He said the university must pay the government directly as part of any deal — something Harvard has opposed. Trump’s comments on Truth Social came in response to a New York Times report saying the president had dropped his demand for a financial payment, lowering the bar for a deal.

Read More »
Eddie Mae Ellison, Jackie Bradford, Mary Bradford and Lois Harris hold signs urging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to grant clemency for their family member Charles “Sonny” Burton, Jan. 28, 2026 in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)

Alabama man faces execution despite not pulling the trigger in auto store customer’s death

February 3, 2026

Charles “Sonny” Burton faces execution in Alabama for his role in a 1991 robbery in which a man was fatally shot, even though Burton did not fire the gun or witness the killing. The man who pulled the trigger, Derrick DeBruce, was also sentenced to death but later was resentenced to life in prison. Burton’s attorneys, the victim’s daughter and several jurors now urge Gov. Kay Ivey to grant clemency. They say the case raises serious questions of fairness. Matt Schulz, Burton’s attorney, said the case “represents an extreme outlier” among capital cases. Prosecutors argued Burton was a leader of the robbery and culpable for the death.

Read More »
A woman uses an ATM outside a U.S. Bank on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

The wealthy ramp up spending while other Americans tread water, new study finds

February 3, 2026

Higher-income Americans and those with college degrees have ramped up their spending more quickly in the past three years than lower-income households and those without college diplomas, according to new data released Tuesday, evidence of worsening inequality amid overall growth that may explain some of the negative sentiment around the economy. The figures add support to the notion of a “K-shaped” economy, in which upper-income Americans are fueling a disproportionate share of the consumption that is the primary driver of the economy, while lower-income households see fewer gains.

Read More »
An activist is detained by federal agents on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)

More departures at the US attorney’s office in Minnesota, AP sources say

February 3, 2026

More prosecutors are leaving the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota during a time of continued turmoil over the Trump administration’s stepped-up immigration enforcement in the state and recent shootings of civilians by federal agents. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter. The latest departures are on top of a half-dozen attorneys who resigned from the office last month amid frustration over the Justice Department’s response to the shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. At least one supervisory agent in the FBI’s Minneapolis office is known to have resigned last month as well.

Read More »

Sid Fairbanks

February 3, 2026

Sid Fairbanks, age 71, of White River, South Dakota, died on Friday, January 30, 2026 in Sioux Falls. Visitation will

Read More »

Dagan Burns

February 3, 2026

Dagan Burns, age 21 of Belle Fourche, died Saturday, January 31, 2026 as the result of a truck accident near

Read More »
FILE - Denny Hamlin smiles prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

Denny Hamlin’s rollercoaster offseason: Lawsuit win, father’s death, and a return to racing

February 3, 2026

Denny Hamlin is gearing up for the upcoming NASCAR season, which unofficially begins with The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina. Hamlin’s offseason has been tumultuous. He lost the Cup Series championship in November and faced a federal antitrust trial in December. The trial involved his team, 23XI Racing, and resulted in a settlement with NASCAR. Tragically, Hamlin’s father passed away in a house fire in late December. Despite these challenges, Hamlin, the oldest full-time driver in the Cup Series, is committed to racing. The season officially starts with the Daytona 500 on February 15.

Read More »
Faith leaders and members of the World House Choir sing at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, during an event in support of Haitian migrants fearing the end of their Temporary Protected Status in the U.S. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao)

US-based Haitians are buoyed but wary after a judge stops Trump from ending their protections

February 3, 2026

Haitians living in the U.S. were buoyed but wary after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary immigration protections. The judge in Washington paused termination of temporary protected status, or TPS, for Haitians on Monday, a day before it was scheduled to end. The designation allows roughly 350,000 Haitians to live and work in the United States. The Homeland Security secretary may grant the designation if home country conditions are deemed unsafe for return due to natural disaster, political instability or other dangers. President Donald Trump has targeted such protections for migrants from many countries.

Read More »
Brooks Koepka tees off on the second 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 gets a warm reception in PGA Tour return. It might have been about more than him

February 3, 2026

Brooks Koepka was grateful and relieved to get such a warm reception in his return to the PGA Tour after four years chasing Saudi riches on LIV Golf. Strange about that vibe at Torrey Pines is that Koepka was never this beloved even before he left for LIV. He was more admired for his five majors than he was adored. Perhaps it was summed up by a voice in the stands during the opening round. The spectator welcomed him back and said the PGA Tour was better with him. More than a major champion, Koepka perhaps was viewed as a symbol of moving past the disruption.

Read More »
Texas Congressional Candidate Christian Menefee speaks to supporters during his watch party at The Post Houston on Election Day, in Houston, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/ Karen Warren)

3 elections in 4 months and new US House map lead to confusion and voter fatigue in Texas district

February 3, 2026

Voters in Texas’ 18th District have had little break in a series of elections as the result of the Republican-controlled state Legislature’s redrawing of congressional districts last year. Neither have Democrat Christian Menefee, who won Saturday’s runoff election to fill the unfinished term of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, and the candidate he beat, former Houston Councilwoman Amanda Edwards. The two quickly pivoted toward the March 3 primary in the new 18th District, where they will face veteran Democratic Rep. Al Green, who has decided to run in the more Democratic-leaning district than where he lives now.

Read More »
FILE - Erin Jackson of the United States hoists an American flag after winning the gold medal in the speedskating women's 500-meter race at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, file)

Speedskater Erin Jackson, bobsledder Frank Del Duca picked as US flagbearers for Winter Olympics

February 3, 2026

Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been chosen as the U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.Jackson is the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics. Del Duca, a sergeant in the Army, is the first bobsledder in 70 years to carry the flag.The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced the names on Tuesday.Del Duca, with deep Italian roots, finds the opportunity especially meaningful as the games are in Italy. The opening ceremony will be unique, with events spread across several Italian cities.

Read More »
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins celebrates during the first the half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Garrett W. Ellwood)

Unheralded players who could make a big impact in the Super Bowl

February 3, 2026

The Super Bowl often highlights star players, but lesser-known athletes can make a big impact. Milton Williams helped the Eagles win last year, leading to a contract with New England. Kansas City relied on unsung heroes in previous victories. This Sunday, New England’s Mack Hollins and Seattle’s Drake Thomas could shine. Hollins has been a reliable receiver, while Thomas is a key defensive player. New England’s Craig Woodson and Seattle’s Michael Dickson also have potential to influence the game. New England’s Khyiris Tonga and Seattle’s George Holani might play crucial roles as well.

Read More »
President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Seeking shelter from Trump’s fury, U.S. trade partners reach deals with each other

February 3, 2026

Bullied and buffeted by President Donald Trump’s tariffs for the past year, America’s longstanding allies are desperately seeking ways to shield themselves from the president’s impulsive wrath. U.S. trade partners are cutting deals among themselves —- sometimes discarding old differences to do so — to diversify their economies away from a newly protectionist United States. And central banks and global investors are dumping dollars and buying gold. Together, their actions could diminish U.S. influence and mean higher interest rates and prices for Americans already angry about the high cost of living.

Read More »