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AP Top Stories Digest

Posted 2/4/26

Here are the AP's top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan.

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AP Top Stories Digest

Posted

Here are the AP's top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan.

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NATIONAL

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AP-US-Immigration-Enforcement-Minnesota, 5th Ld-Writethru

Trump's border czar pulling 700 immigration officers out of Minnesota immediately

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump's border czar says the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota is being cut after state and local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants. Tom Homan says about 700 federal agents will be immediately withdrawn from the operation in Minnesota. That's about a quarter of the federal officers currently deployed in the state. But he says the immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota isn't ending. Homan didn't give a timeline of when that might happen following weeks of confrontations in Minnesota's Twin Cities and two deadly shootings by federal officers.

WORDS: 621 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 2:18 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSImmigrationEnforcementMinnesotathLdWritethru/963adf341325d7f6eb5673e1c00d3c2a/text

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AP-US-Georgia-Elections-Investigation, 5th Ld-Writethru

Georgia's Fulton County seeks the return of 2020 election documents seized by the FBI

SUMMARY: Georgia’s Fulton County has gone to federal court seeking the return of all ballots and other documents from the 2020 election that were seized by the FBI last week from a warehouse near Atlanta. A motion filed Wednesday also requests the unsealing of a law enforcement agent's sworn statement. That statement was presented to the judge who approved the search warrant. The filing isn't being released because the case is under seal. The search took place on Jan. 28 at Fulton County’s main election facility. Fulton County votes overwhelmingly Democratic. It's been a target of Donald Trump and his allies since the Republican narrowly lost the state to Joe Biden in 2020.

WORDS: 487 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 2:44 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSGeorgiaElectionsInvestigationthLdWritethru/532b6daf318c79c471cd7f145c9f2215/text

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AP-US-Trump-Shooting-Attempt, 3rd Ld-Writethru

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

SUMMARY: 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.

WORDS: 610 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 5:02 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpShootingAttemptrdLdWritethru/4bcddb2544bc127d6acf59b8311c458b/text

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AP-US-Westminster-Dog-Show, 11th Ld-Writethru

Penny the Doberman pinscher wins the 150th Westminster dog show

SUMMARY: A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Penny bested six other finalists Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The award is considered the most prestigious prize in the U.S. dog show world. Each dog is judged according to how closely it matches the ideal for its breed. The winner gets a trophy, ribbons, bragging rights and, this year, the distinction of winning the milestone 150th annual Westminster show.

WORDS: 785 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 10:26 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSWestminsterDogShowthLdWritethru/6ec7cec14b26143d2e527338c2e54f0b/text

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AP-US-Trump-Hush-Money, 1st Ld-Writethru

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

SUMMARY: 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.

WORDS: 486 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 5:03 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpHushMoneystLdWritethru/9525210cca36aa9338523de1d23cf651/text

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AP-US-Charlie-Kirk-Shot, 7th Ld-Writethru

Defense objects to showing videos of Charlie Kirk's killing in murder case, claims bias

SUMMARY: Graphic videos showing the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus have gone viral, drawing millions of views. Screenshots from such videos were offered Tuesday as evidence in the murder case against Tyler Robinson, the man charged in Kirk’s killing. But the full videos were not aired after defense attorneys objected out of concerns that the footage would undermine Robinson’s right to a fair trial. The defense also wants to remove cameras from the courtroom, arguing that biased news outlets could taint the case. Prosecutors and Kirk’s widow urged the judge to keep proceedings open. Legal experts say media coverage in high-profile cases can bias potential jurors.

WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 5:02 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSCharlieKirkShotthLdWritethru/40d48c3427590c45c8b5e67517a117ef/text

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AP-US-Savannah-Guthrie-Mom-Missing, 13th Ld-Writethru

Signs of forced entry found at Arizona home of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie's mother

SUMMARY: Investigators have found signs of forced entry at the Arizona home of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother. That's according to a person familiar with the investigation who spoke Tuesday to The Associated Press. Meanwhile, the host asked for prayers to help bring back the missing 84-year-old. Authorities believe she was taken against her will. The sheriff said Nancy Guthrie must be found soon because she could die without her medication. Investigators also found evidence showing there was a nighttime kidnapping. Several of Guthrie’s personal items were still at home, including her cellphone, wallet and car.

WORDS: 836 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:20 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSSavannahGuthrieMomMissingthLdWritethru/74d845b070fefe2d94cb92d655308e91/text

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AP-US-Immigration-Enforcement-Minnesota, 9th Ld-Writethru

Immigration agents draw guns and arrest activists following them in Minneapolis

SUMMARY: Immigration officers with guns drawn arrested some activists who were trailing their vehicles Tuesday in Minneapolis. It is 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.

WORDS: 1111 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 6:16 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSImmigrationEnforcementMinnesotathLdWritethru/29ab636ca0f7db5389418463ca8b67c7/text

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AP-US-UCLA-Gynecologist, 1st Ld-Writethru

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

SUMMARY: 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.

WORDS: 934 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 10:31 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSUCLAGynecologiststLdWritethru/8c3ad424cba4b8f3697a12273a72adc8/text

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AP-US-Justice-Department-Jeffrey-Epstein

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

SUMMARY: 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.

WORDS: 454 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 11:48 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSJusticeDepartmentJeffreyEpstein/883e1bf23b913d43337dc6dacb46393c/text

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AP-US-Jill-Biden-Ex-Husband, 9th Ld-Writethru

Jill Biden's first husband charged with killing wife in domestic dispute at their Delaware home

SUMMARY: The first husband of former first lady Jill Biden has been charged with killing his wife at their Delaware home in late December. William Stevenson was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975. The 77-year-old remains in jail after failing to post $500,000 bail after his arrest Monday on first-degree murder charges. He is charged with killing 64-year-old Linda Stevenson on Dec. 28.  Police were called to the home for a reported domestic dispute incident after 11 p.m. and found the victim unresponsive in the living room, according to a prior news release. It is not clear if William Stevenson has a lawyer.

WORDS: 287 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 6:56 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSJillBidenExHusbandthLdWritethru/523e98ae72c7df4ff1fbb65369dc2e15/text

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AP-US-Savannah-Guthrie-Mom-Missing-What-to-Know, 10th Ld-Writethru

What to know about the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' show's Savannah Guthrie

SUMMARY: Authorities are looking for the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie after they said she was taken from her Arizona home against her will last weekend. The Pima County sheriff says it’s imperative that Nancy Guthrie is found soon because she could die without her medication. The sheriff’s department said in a statement Wednesday morning that investigators still do not have a suspect or person of interest. A person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press there were signs of forced entry at the home and Guthrie’s cellphone, wallet and car, were not taken.

WORDS: 755 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 7:01 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSSavannahGuthrieMomMissingWhattoKnowthLdWritethru/0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2/text

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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AP-US-United-States-China, 9th Ld-Writethru

Trump and Xi discuss Iran in wide-ranging call as US presses China and others to break from Tehran

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump says he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation in Iran in a wide-ranging call that comes as the U.S. administration pushes Beijing and others to isolate Tehran. Trump said Wednesday the two leaders also discussed Taiwan and his plans to visit Beijing. The Chinese government says the two leaders discussed major summits that both nations will host in the coming year and opportunities for the two leaders to meet. The Chinese statement made no mention of Trump’s expected April visit to Beijing. China also makes clear it has no intention of stepping away from it’s long-term plans of reunification with Taiwan.

WORDS: 693 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 3:53 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSUnitedStatesChinathLdWritethru/441425004d3d695df87f3f7c0b62492e/text

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AP-US-Trump-Rare-Earths, 7th Ld-Writethru

Vance says US seeks to create a critical minerals trading bloc with its allies to counter China

SUMMARY: The Trump administration wants to create a critical minerals trading bloc with its allies that will use tariffs to maintain price floors and defend against China’s tactic of flooding the market to undermine any potential competitors. Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the trade war over the past year exposed how dependent most countries are on the critical minerals that China has a stranglehold on. Critical minerals are needed for everything from jet engines to smartphones. China dominates the market for those ingredients crucial to high-tech products. Also Wednesday, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone.

WORDS: 1084 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 5:06 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpRareEarthsthLdWritethru/aa82fd4c065c9b62300ff7834b660cfb/text

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AP-US-Congress-Homeland-Security

What Democrats are demanding in the fight over Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding

SUMMARY: A bipartisan agreement on new restrictions for federal immigration operations in the next two weeks will be exceedingly difficult despite rare negotiations between Democrats and President Donald Trump. Congress is discussing potential new rules for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other officers who are conducting immigration arrests after the deaths of two Minneapolis protesters in January. The negotiations come during some bipartisan sentiment that Congress should step in to de-escalate tensions that have rocked Minnesota and other states. But it’s unclear if the president or enough congressional Republicans will agree to any of the Democrats’ larger demands.

WORDS: 1203 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 12:06 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSCongressHomelandSecurity/bcde78c38605732106fb77e46373dc9a/text

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AP-US-Trump-Washington-Arch

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

SUMMARY: 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.

WORDS: 1152 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 5:02 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSTrumpWashingtonArch/c4d271fde7bc90f1a1045ee7c21f4adb/text

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AP-US-Epstein-Congress-Clintons, 7th Ld-Writethru

Clintons finalize agreement to testify in House Epstein probe, bowing to threat of contempt vote

SUMMARY: Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have finalized an agreement with House Republicans to testify this month in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. They bowed to the threat of a contempt of Congress vote against them. Hillary Clinton will testify before the House Oversight Committee on Feb. 26. Bill Clinton will appear on Feb. 27. It will mark the first time that lawmakers have compelled a former president to testify. The arrangement comes after months of negotiating between the two sides as Republicans sought to make the Clintons a focal point in a House committee’s investigation into Epstein.

WORDS: 914 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 5:52 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSEpsteinCongressClintonsthLdWritethru/716148204e58a42153c5ab20a97c3011/text

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AP-US-United-States-Colombia, 10th Ld-Writethru

Trump calls Colombia's Petro 'terrific' after White House meeting while downplaying past insults

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump met on Tuesday with Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House for two hours. Trump said afterward that he'd previously clashed with Petro because he didn't know him, but during the talks “I thought he was terrific.” Petro said the pair emerged “with a positive and optimistic view.” The mutual good feelings were an abrupt change from mere weeks ago, when Trump had accused the Colombian leader of pumping cocaine into the U.S. and threatened military action after a U.S. operation that captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. The leaders said they discussed drug trafficking, and Petro invited his U.S. counterpart to visit Colombia.

WORDS: 1085 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 5:08 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSUnitedStatesColombiathLdWritethru/36bc47d628886ea20c471a63156ec550/text

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AP-US-Pentagon-Kelly

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

SUMMARY: 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.

WORDS: 511 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 11:02 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSPentagonKelly/57e0ff8794f09c27029695226ca0572d/text

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AP-US-Congress-Shutdown, 11th Ld-Writethru

Trump signs bill to end partial government shutdown, setting stage for next fight

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has signed a government funding bill that ends the partial federal shutdown that began over the weekend and sets the stage for an intense debate in Congress over Homeland Security funding. The vote wraps up congressional work on 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, funding the vast majority of the government until Sept. 30. But there's one more funding fight to come. The last bill still to be worked out covers the Department of Homeland Security, where Democrats are demanding more restrictions on enforcement operations. Speaker Mike Johnson says he expects the two sides will be able to reach an agreement on Homeland Security by the deadline.

WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 5:12 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSCongressShutdownthLdWritethru/471e55ba4c3247051739ee1b50b2857a/text

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AP-US-United-States-Iran, 12th Ld-Writethru

US shoots down Iranian drone that 'aggressively' approached an aircraft carrier, military says

SUMMARY: The White House says talks between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials are still planned after a Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that was approaching a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. U.S. Central Command said Tuesday the drone “aggressively approached” the aircraft carrier and kept flying toward it “despite de-escalatory measures taken by U.S. forces.” The U.S. military says the shootdown occurred within hours of another incident in which Iranian forces harassed a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s president says he's instructed his foreign minister to pursue fair negotiations with the U.S. The White House says President Donald Trump wants to ”pursue diplomacy first."

WORDS: 848 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 5:45 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSUnitedStatesIranthLdWritethru/634f406a5bb416b7a1a8bec8cc72b4b8/text

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AP-US-Congress-Budget-What-to-Know, 4th Ld-Writethru

What to know about the partial government shutdown

SUMMARY: The partial government shutdown is a lot different from the record-long shutdown in the fall. That’s mostly because the shutdown that began Saturday doesn't include the whole of government and because it may not last long, even as it drags into the new week. The House had hoped to pass legislation to end the shutdown when lawmakers return Monday evening. But House Speaker Mike Johnson now says it’ll be more like a Tuesday vote as he scrambles to find support. Funding is lapsing, at least temporarily, for the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security and others. Essential functions will continue, but workers could go without pay.

WORDS: 952 - MOVED: 01/31/2026 1:14 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSCongressBudgetWhattoKnowthLdWritethru/2dd3464f56295ff79f136c1c5c24a532/text

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INTERNATIONAL

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AP-EU-Russia-Ukraine-War, 7th Ld-Writethru

Russia and Ukraine envoys meet in Abu Dhabi for 2 days of US-brokered talks

SUMMARY: Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv have met in Abu Dhabi for U.S.-brokered talks to end the nearly four-year war. The discussions on Wednesday came as Russian cluster munitions killed seven people at a market in Ukraine. The talks include U.S. officials and aim to address key issues. But previous negotiations last month yielded no breakthroughs. The meeting also coincides with the expiry of the last nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States. Moscow has continued to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure that has caused widespread damage. Ukrainian officials have expressed outrage. And repair crews are working to restore power amid freezing temperatures.

WORDS: 895 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 10:57 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURussiaUkraineWarthLdWritethru/e9307c98b7ec337a3364ed9de28e6eca/text

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AP-EU-Russia-US-Nuclear-Treaty, 2nd Ld-Writethru

The last US-Russian nuclear pact is about to expire, ending a half-century of arms control

SUMMARY: The last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States is set to expire this week, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century. The end of the New START Treaty sets the stage for what many fear could be an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared his readiness to stick to the treaty’s limits for one more year if Washington follows suit, but U.S. President Donald Trump has been noncommittal about extending it. Arms control advocates have warned that the treaty's termination would fuel a renewed arms race.

WORDS: 1335 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 7:40 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEURussiaUSNuclearTreatyndLdWritethru/5b1af24b0b3e65a8acb6ca7153018beb/text

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AP-EU-Justice-Department-Jeffrey-Epstein-Andrew, 4th Ld-Writethru

The former Prince Andrew moves to King Charles III's private estate after Epstein document uproar

SUMMARY: The former Prince Andrew has moved out of his longtime home on crown-owned land near Windsor Castle earlier than expected, after the latest release of documents from the U.S. investigation of Jeffrey Epstein revived questions about his friendship with the convicted sex offender. The 65-year-old brother of King Charles III is now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He left the Royal Lodge in Windsor on Monday and now lives on the king’s Sandringham estate. That's according to a person familiar with the matter. The move to Sandringham was announced in October when Charles stripped him of his royal titles amid revelations about links to Epstein.

WORDS: 638 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 10:59 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUJusticeDepartmentJeffreyEpsteinAndrewthLdWritethru/1443dd1cac502d230cf446a32c2a0c59/text

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AP-ML-Iran, 4th Ld-Writethru

Talks between Iran and US will be held Friday in Oman, Iranian media say

SUMMARY: Talks between Iran and the United States will be held on Friday in Oman. That's according to Iranian media reports. The semiofficial ISNA and Tasnim news agencies, as well as the Student News Network, all reported on Wednesday that the talks would take place in Oman, though the sultanate did not immediately acknowledge it would host the talks. Oman hosted multiple rounds of earlier nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. The U.S. has not acknowledge the talks would take place in Oman, though the White House said it anticipated the negotiations would take place even after the U.S. shot down an Iranian drone on Tuesday and Iran attempted to stop a U.S.-flagged ship.

WORDS: 580 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 1:48 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLIranthLdWritethru/2556ffcb5731de2753ffa044a6e2175b/text

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AP-AS-China-Russia, 2nd Ld-Writethru

China's Xi and Russia's Putin discuss their growing links, ties with US and global crises

SUMMARY: Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the burgeoning economic cooperation between Moscow and Beijing and their relations with the United States in a video call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Putin accepted Xi’s invitation to visit China twice this year. Wednesday's call came amid a series of meetings between Xi and Western leaders who have sought to boost ties with China despite differences over the conflict in Ukraine. European leaders have pressed China for years to end its support for Russia even as Beijing has become the No. 1 trading partner for Moscow, which seeks relief from Western economic sanctions.

WORDS: 887 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 10:02 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APASChinaRussiandLdWritethru/051064d85fa6eda9ee52e489937a4b2c/text

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AP-EU-Migration-Greece-Collision, 4th Ld-Writethru

Greek doctors work to identify parents of injured migrant children after deadly collision

SUMMARY: Emotional medical staff on the Greek island of Chios have spoken of frantic efforts to identify the parents of injured children after an overnight collision between a coast guard patrol boat and a speedboat carrying migrants. The crash killed at least 15 people and injured more than two dozen others. Coast guard vessels and a helicopter are still scouring the sea near Chios on Wednesday as it was unclear how many people had been on board the speedboat. Initial information indicated the vast majority of passengers were Afghans while one person was identified as a Moroccan national. Twenty-four people including 11 children are hospitalized.

WORDS: 835 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 7:44 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUMigrationGreeceCollisionthLdWritethru/e363fa975e843a483c679d406445a0c9/text

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AP-ML-Mideast-Wars, 3rd Ld-Writethru

Israeli fire in Gaza kills 17, while militant gunfire wounds Israeli soldier

SUMMARY: Israeli fire in Gaza killed at least 17 Palestinians, most of them women and children, hospital officials said Wednesday, while Israel said militant gunfire had injured an Israeli soldier. They were the latest Palestinian deaths since a ceasefire, which has been punctuated by deadly Israeli strikes, came into effect on Oct. 10, 2025. More than 530 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the deal took effect, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

WORDS: 401 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 8:43 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLMideastWarsrdLdWritethru/a3726ab659321430bf3ca73cae50936e/text

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AP-EU-Italy-Accessible-Art, 5th Ld-Writethru

Italy gets creative as it works to make art accessible for blind people

SUMMARY: Italy is making its artistic treasures more accessible to people with disabilities. Michela Marcato, who has been blind since birth, recently toured Rome's Colosseum, using touch to understand its architecture. Italy accelerated accessibility initiatives in 2021, improving tourist sites like Pompeii with braille signs and tactile models. Florence has also enhanced accessibility at its museums. The Radici Association in Rome offers tours for people with disabilities, focusing on sensory experiences. The Museo Omero in Ancona, founded by blind art collectors, features tactile art. This inclusive approach both honors human rights and makes economic sense.

WORDS: 1123 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 5:03 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUItalyAccessibleArtthLdWritethru/8366360a2aa7c0f75411eb791de675ac/text

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AP-AF-Libya-Gadhafi-Son, 6th Ld-Writethru

Son of late dictator Gadhafi is killed in Libya

SUMMARY: Libyan officials say that Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son and one-time heir apparent of Libya’s late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, has been killed in the northern African country. The 53-year-old was killed in the town Zintan, 136 kilometers southwest of the capital, Tripoli. The country's chief prosecutor's office said he was shot to death in the town of Zintan and that an investigation is ongoing. Khaled al-Zaidi, a lawyer for Seif al-Islam, confirmed the death on Facebook, without providing details.

WORDS: 431 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 7:58 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APAFLibyaGadhafiSonthLdWritethru/85f6d2b4cdd7a5067df4c790363f5f30/text

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AP-ML-Mideast-Wars-Gaza-Returnees, 2nd Ld-Writethru

Women returning to Gaza say Israeli troops bound and interrogated them after Rafah crossing

SUMMARY: Three women from the first group of Palestinians to enter Gaza through the newly reopened Rafah crossing told The Associated Press that Israeli troops blindfolded, handcuffed and interrogated them for hours after they crossed. They said the treatment occurred at a screening station in Israeli-controlled territory. Asked about the allegations, the Israeli military said it wasn't aware of any inappropriate conduct or mistreatment. Confusion over luggage rules and tight vetting further marred the reopening, which allowed fewer people to cross than expected.

WORDS: 1162 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 5:46 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLMideastWarsGazaReturneesndLdWritethru/cfe0bc79343e2701c7a339f2259770a0/text

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AP-AS-India-US-Tariffs-What-to-Know, 3rd Ld-Writethru

India's Modi praised for US trade deal as opposition questions impact on agriculture

SUMMARY: Indian lawmakers from the ruling coalition praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for striking a deal with the U.S. to reduce tariffs on Indian goods. The opposition questions the impact on sensitive sectors like agriculture. President Donald Trump announced plans to reduce import tariffs on India, six months after imposing steep taxes. Trump claims Modi has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil, though the Indian government remains silent on this. The deal includes reducing tariffs from 25% to 18% and India buying $500 billion worth of American products. Analysts urge caution, highlighting the need for clarity on the deal's specifics.

WORDS: 728 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 11:43 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APASIndiaUSTariffsWhattoKnowrdLdWritethru/3ce866a869dae9fd10449a6f70c2a4ed/text

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AP-EU-Justice-Department-Jeffrey-Epstein-Mandelson, 10th Ld-Writethru

UK police open criminal investigation into politician Peter Mandelson over alleged leaks to Epstein

SUMMARY: British police have opened a criminal investigation into politician Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office related to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The British government says newly released Epstein files include documents that suggest Mandelson may have shared market-sensitive information with the convicted sex offender while Mandelson was a member of the British government a decade and a half ago. The Metropolitan Police force said detectives had reviewed reports of misconduct and decided they met the threshold for a full investigation. Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 10:40 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUJusticeDepartmentJeffreyEpsteinMandelsonthLdWritethru/bd7d7f9831ad1eeaee4e5c7a951f2aeb/text

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AP-EU-France-X-Investigation, 7th Ld-Writethru

Paris prosecutors raid X offices as part of investigation into child abuse images and deepfakes

SUMMARY: French prosecutors have raided the offices of social media platform X as part of a preliminary investigation into allegations that include spreading child sexual abuse images and deepfakes. They have also summoned owner Elon Musk for questioning. The investigation, which began in January last year, is looking into alleged complicity in possessing and spreading pornographic images of minors, among other charges. X and Musk's AI company xAI face scrutiny from Britain's data privacy regulator over their handling of personal data. The chatbot Grok, developed by xAI, sparked outrage after generating sexualized deepfake images. The investigation continues with support from Europol.

WORDS: 789 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 10:50 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUFranceXInvestigationthLdWritethru/1116be84d84201011219086ecfd4e0bc/text

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AP-ML-Mideast-Wars, 4th Ld-Writethru

Palestinians wait at border between Gaza and Egypt as uncertainty clouds reopening of Rafah crossing

SUMMARY: Palestinians have gathered at Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt, hoping to pass through after it reopened. Delays, interrogations and uncertainty have marred the process. On the Egyptian side, Palestinians who fled earlier in the Israel-Hamas war await return. On the Gaza side, those needing medical treatment unavailable in Gaza hope to cross. An unknown number of patients were allowed to enter Egypt Tuesday, according to the office of the North Sinai governor. The reopening is seen as a step forward in the fragile ceasefire, but only a small number have crossed so far. Health officials emphasize the urgent need for medical supplies and evacuations.

WORDS: 1104 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 10:57 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APMLMideastWarsthLdWritethru/fb4fb8edf3ffd227a576cf01f8ce9b64/text

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AP-EU-Norway-Royals, 12th Ld-Writethru

Son of Norway’s crown princess denies rape charges as trial begins

SUMMARY: The son of Norway’s crown princess has pleaded not guilty to rape charges as he goes on trial for multiple alleged offenses, opening weeks of proceedings in a case that has cast a shadow on the royal family’s image. Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon. He has no royal title or official duties. Høiby stood Tuesday as the prosecutor read out the 38 counts against him at the Oslo district court, asking him if he pleaded guilty. He replied “no” to each of the most serious charges, including the four counts of rape.

WORDS: 977 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 6:07 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUNorwayRoyalsthLdWritethru/fd0b2d641e84e1ec7577a82f7e857b65/text

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AP-EU-France-Le-Pen-Trial, 1st Ld-Writethru

French prosecutors request 5-year ban Marine Le Pen from office, jeopardizing 2027 presidential bid

SUMMARY: French prosecutors have requested a five-year ban on holding an elected office against far-right leader Marine Le Pen at a key appeals trial in Paris, an outcome that may prevent her from running in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen, 57, is seeking to overturn a March 2025 ruling that found her guilty of misusing European Parliament funds in the hiring of aides from 2004 to 2016. Prosecutors accused Le Pen of being at the head of a “system” meant to “siphon off” EU public funds to the benefit of her party. The appeals court’s verdict is expected at a later date.

WORDS: 489 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:29 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APEUFranceLePenTrialstLdWritethru/726408584ad5126901fd101f6ccf47d9/text

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BUSINESS

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AP-Financial-Markets, 8th Ld-Writethru

Wall Street drifts as tech stocks sink again

SUMMARY: Wall Street is drifting through mixed trading, as technology stocks sink again. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% Wednesday, coming off its fourth modest drop in the last five days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 389 points, and the Nasdaq composite fell 1%. Most stocks within the S&P 500 rose, but the index sank under the weight of losses for Advanced Micro Devices and other tech stocks. AMD dropped even though the chip company reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Gold and silver prices pared gains from earlier in the day, while Treasury yields held relatively steady.

WORDS: 743 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 4:09 AM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APFinancialMarketsthLdWritethru/696988a330fd224f3364709eaee6cf2a/text

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AP-US-Media-Washington-Post, 10th Ld-Writethru

Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments is being laid off

SUMMARY: The Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off. Changes were announced in a Zoom meeting with staff on Wednesday by executive editor Matt Murray. Staff members in the newsroom were told they’d get emails with one of two subject lines, announcing the person’s role has or hasn’t been eliminated. A total number of layoffs wasn’t announced. The Post won’t say how big its current staff is. The newspaper’s books department will be closed. Its Washington-area news department and editing staff will be restructured. The Post says these steps are designed to sharpen its focus on delivering distinctive journalism.

WORDS: 501 - MOVED: 02/04/2026 2:27 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSMediaWashingtonPostthLdWritethru/923f87d4bd319c8a64b278165d0a6e27/text

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AP-US-Disney-CEO, 7th Ld-Writethru

Disney parks chief Josh D’Amaro will take over for Bob Iger as CEO

SUMMARY: Disney is naming parks chief Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO, succeeding Bob Iger. D’Amaro has served as Disney Experiences Chairman, spearheading efforts for the company’s theme parks, cruises and resorts.  The decision on the next chief executive at Disney comes almost four years after the company’s choice to replace Iger went badly, forcing Iger back into the job. Only two years after stepping down as CEO, Iger returned to Disney in 2022 after a period of clashes, missteps and a weakening financial performance under his hand-picked successor, Bob Chapek.

WORDS: 783 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:53 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSDisneyCEOthLdWritethru/f1b32ea8c49226f0fbb266c1e6761285/text

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EDUCATION

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AP-US-Education-Trump-Harvard, 1st Ld-Writethru

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

SUMMARY: 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.

WORDS: 542 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 4:36 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APUSEducationTrumpHarvardstLdWritethru/1f0653854c0e6b7e387626d891820033/text

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SPORTS

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AP-OLY-SKI-Vonn-Injured, 6th Ld-Writethru

Lindsey Vonn is 'confident' she can race at Olympics despite ruptured ACL in left knee

SUMMARY: Lindsey Vonn is “confident” she can compete at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics despite the left knee injury she sustained in a crash four days ago. Vonn says she “completely ruptured” her ACL, has bone bruising “plus meniscal damage.” She's had three days of physical therapy and consultations with doctors. Vonn has been skiing with a brace on her knee. She says, "It feels stable, it feels strong.” She is “confident” to race. Vonn crashed in a downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on Friday and ended up in the safety nets.

WORDS: 990 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 3:07 PM PST

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/APOLYSKIVonnInjuredthLdWritethru/bdb3be60608cc894af5f2c0c5a54dea1/text

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