Astronauts say space station's ultrasound machine was critical during medical crisis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The astronauts evacuated last week from the International Space Station say a portable ultrasound machine came in “super handy" during the medical crisis. During their first public appearance since returning to Earth, the four astronauts refused Wednesday to say which one of them had been ailing or why. But NASA's Mike Fincke told reporters that the crew used the onboard ultrasound machine when the medical problem arose January 7, the day before a planned spacewalk. The portable ultrasound was so useful that he says there should be one on all future spaceflights.
Army orders military police to get ready for a possible Minneapolis deployment, AP source says
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army has ordered several dozen additional active-duty soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to Minneapolis if needed amid protests over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown. That's according to a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday. Members of an Army military police brigade stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina have been given prepare-to-deploy orders. But the official says such standby orders are issued regularly and they don't necessarily mean the troops would end up going. About 1,500 active-duty soldiers from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division based in Alaska also received similar standby orders. President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act before walking that back.
Autopsy finds Cuban immigrant in ICE custody died of homicide due to asphyxia
WASHINGTON (AP) — A medical examiner has determined that an Cuban migrant held in solitary confinement at an immigration detention facility in Texas died as a result of homicide. Geraldo Lunas Campos died Jan. 3 following an altercation with guards. ICE claims the 55-year-old father of four was attempting suicide and staff tried to save him. But a witness told The Associated Press last week that Lunas Campos was handcuffed as at least five guards held him down and at least one put an arm around his neck and squeezed until he was unconscious. The autopsy report released Wednesday by the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.
Iran offers first government-issued death toll from protest crackdown, one far lower than activists
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has reported its first government-issued death toll from the recent protests, saying 3,117 people were killed. This figure is much lower than the 4,902 reported by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which warns the toll may still go far higher as communications remain disrupted to Iran. Other activists offer far-higher figures as well and Iran's theocracy has downplayed casualty figures in the past. The protests, which began in December, have led to nearly 26,500 arrests. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meanwhile issued a strong warning to the U.S., stating Iran will retaliate if attacked.
Millions of Americans brace for potentially catastrophic ice storm. What to know, by the numbers
ATLANTA (AP) — Millions of Americans are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm from New Mexico to the Carolinas. Forecasters say it could crush trees, power lines, and cause power outages for days. Northern states up to New England might see enough snow to make travel nearly impossible. The National Weather Service says about 100 million people were under some type of winter weather watch, warning, or advisory on Wednesday. The storm is expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, as an atmospheric river of moisture could pull precipitation across Texas and other Gulf Coast states.
Oscar nominations are this morning. 'Sinners' could make history
Horror films have traditionally been left out of the Oscars, but when nominations are announced for the 98th Academy Awards, Ryan Coogler’s vampire tale “Sinners” could make history. Nominations will read at 8:30 a.m. Eastern on Thursday. Viewers can tune in live on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, the academy’s digital platforms and on ABC's “Good Morning America.” No movie has ever landed more than 14 nominations. But “Sinners” could top that mark with a heap of nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another" is also poised to score more than a dozen nominations. It could be a very good day for Warner Bros.
Trump's European threats could make it harder for future US leaders to repair ties
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden promised Europe that "America is back" early in his presidency, aiming to mend ties after Donald Trump's tenure. However, nearly five years later, Trump's influence over Europe has grown. Recently, Trump demanded Denmark cede Greenland to the U.S., causing turmoil within NATO. European leaders are responding by exploring alliances that exclude the U.S. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted a global shift, calling the rules-based order an "illusion." European leaders criticized Trump's approach, while some Republicans supported him. Democrats urged stronger responses, stressing the need for a lasting shift in U.S. politics to rebuild trust.
Trump is rolling out his Board of Peace at Davos at a time when US leadership is being questioned
DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to unveil his proposed Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum. It's an idea that was initially envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing the Gaza ceasefire. But it has morphed into something far more ambitious. The rollout of the board has been overshadowed by Trump’s pressure campaign over acquiring Greenland. Some European leaders have said they'll take a pass on the new panel that Trump has suggested could eventually make the United Nations obsolete. Trump wants to spotlight the proposed board on Thursday.
Sundance kicks off in Utah with powerful premieres and emotional tributes to Robert Redford
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival kicks off Thursday morning in Utah, marking the first year without founder Robert Redford. His daughter, Amy Redford, shared in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press that her father believed everyone has a story, a principle guiding this year's festival. Over a dozen films will premiere on the opening day. They will include Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary on mountain climbing, Rachel Lambert’s drama “Carousel,” and Judd Apatow’s film about comedian Maria Bamford. Other highlights include a look at playwright Luis Valdez's legacy and a midnight movie by Casper Kelly. The festival runs through Feb. 1.
Rescue efforts underway after landslides hit New Zealand campground and house
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Landslides have hit a campground and a house in New Zealand and emergency crews are trying to rescue people buried in rubble. The campgound was hit at the base of Mount Maunganui on New Zealand’s North Island on Thursday. The initial crew on the scene heard voices from the rubble, but no survivor has been found. Authorities said the number of people missing was in the single figures. A house was hit by a slide before dawn at nearby Welcome Bay, leaving two people missing. A man was washed away by floodwater Wednesday further north near Warkworth.
