The Washington Times AI News Desk

U.S. Army’s new strategy: Robots, not American troops, face enemy first

The U.S. Army is fundamentally transforming how it fights wars by investing heavily in autonomous drones and robotic systems designed to replace soldiers in the most dangerous battlefield situations, according to Army Chief Technology Officer Alex Miller in an exclusive interview with the "Threat Status" podcast.

February 16, 2026

DHS shutdown continues as Democrats demand ICE agents remove masks, obtain warrants

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said the shutdown will continue until Republicans accept "common-sense" changes, including requiring ICE agents to remove their masks and obtain judicial warrants before entering private property.

February 16, 2026

New Orleans tests biodegradable Mardi Gras beads to combat 46 tons of drain-clogging plastic

Louisiana State University researchers have developed biodegradable, plantable Mardi Gras beads to address New Orleans' massive plastic pollution problem, as the city works to reduce the 2.5 million pounds of trash generated during Carnival season.

February 16, 2026

What is curling, and what is the controversy surrounding it at the Winter Olympics?

Curling, often described as "chess on ice," is a Winter Olympic team sport that blends strategy, precision and etiquette.

February 15, 2026

Navy relieves USS Mason commander during critical pre-deployment training

The Navy removed the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason on Friday, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to command during a critical phase of the ship's pre-deployment preparation.

February 14, 2026

The $31 million question: Are Trump’s settlements actually changing journalism?

Two major media outlets have paid President Trump tens of millions to settle defamation lawsuits, but the expensive capitulations have produced only minimal changes to newsroom practices--raising questions about whether the legal pressure is reforming journalism or merely forcing corporate surrender.

February 14, 2026

Washington Times Culture Wire: Rep. Randy Fine demands FCC probe of Bad Bunny halftime show

Florida Rep. Randy Fine has formally requested an FCC investigation into the NFL and NBC over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime performance, calling it "pornographic" and "vulgar."

February 14, 2026

‘GOAT’ review roundup: Critics split on Steph Curry’s animated basketball underdog tale

Sony Pictures Animation's "GOAT," a basketball-themed underdog story produced in part by NBA star Stephen Curry, opened in theaters Friday to a mixed critical response.

February 13, 2026

‘Wuthering Heights’ reviews: Critics divided on Emerald Fennell’s gothic romance

Emerald Fennell's new take on Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights arrived in theaters Friday, Feb. 13, just ahead of Valentine's Day weekend, with Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in an R-rated romance set on the Yorkshire moors.

February 13, 2026

It’s U.S. versus the ‘world’: Will NBA All-Star weekend’s new format be a slam dunk?

The NBA's 75th All-Star Game returns to Los Angeles this weekend with a revamped format at the Clippers' new Intuit Dome. The festivities run from Friday through Sunday, featuring three nights of events across Los Angeles and Inglewood. The main event Sunday at 5 p.m. ET will air on NBC and Peacock.

February 13, 2026

Study: Couples who savor the good times fight less, even during difficult stretches

Individuals who regularly take time with their romantic partners to appreciate and focus on positive moments they share are more likely to report stronger relationships, less conflict and greater confidence their partnerships will last.

February 13, 2026

Louvre museum ticket fraud scheme costs Paris landmark over $11 million in decade-long scam

Nine people have been detained in Paris in connection with a suspected decade-long ticket fraud scheme at the Louvre museum that allegedly defrauded the institution of more than 10 million euros ($11.8 million).

February 13, 2026

What is Harvard hiding from federal investigators?

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit Friday accusing Harvard University of hiding admissions data and obstructing a federal civil rights investigation.

February 13, 2026

FridaBaby faces online backlash over alleged sexualized marketing

Baby care brand FridaBaby is facing criticism online after social media users circulated screenshots they say show the company using sexual innuendo in marketing for infant products.

February 13, 2026

Rubio-Wang Yi meeting in Munich draws limited detail despite high stakes

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Friday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, but few details were publicly released about what the two diplomats discussed.

February 13, 2026

Wellsley Farms frozen salmon sold at BJ’s stores in 7 states recalled over listeria risk

Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. is recalling one lot of farm-raised Atlantic salmon sold at BJ's Wholesale Club stores across seven states after FDA sampling detected potential listeria contamination, according to a company announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

February 13, 2026

Timeline: Wayne Gretzky’s relationship with Donald Trump

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky's friendship with President Trump has transformed "The Great One" from national hero to polarizing figure in Canada.

February 13, 2026

Culture Wire: Steph Curry’s animated movie releases, ‘John Wick’ game confirmed and more

Prime Video has pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated live-action series "Spider-Noir," giving fans their first look at Nicolas Cage as a Depression-era detective operating in the shadows of 1930s New York.

February 13, 2026

Nearly 23,000 pounds of ground beef recalled over possible E. coli contamination

Idaho meat processor CS Beef Packers is recalling approximately 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli, federal food safety officials announced Wednesday.

February 12, 2026

Mercedes-Benz recalls nearly 12,000 EQB electric SUVs over battery fire risk

Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling nearly 12,000 EQB electric SUVs over a defect that could cause the high-voltage battery to catch fire while parked or driving, federal safety regulators announced.

February 12, 2026