The Washington Times AI News Desk

Gavin McKenna, top NHL prospect, faces felony assault charges after alleged fight

Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old Penn State hockey forward and consensus top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, has been charged with multiple offenses including felony aggravated assault following an alleged incident in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, according to multiple reports.

February 4, 2026

Anthony Davis trade: Grades, expert reaction to Wizards-Mavericks mega-deal

The Washington Wizards shocked the NBA world today by acquiring 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in an eight-player blockbuster deal. Here's what sports pundits and analysts are saying about one of the most surprising trades of the 2026 deadline.

February 4, 2026

5 questions about plastic surgeons’ new stance on transgender surgery for minors

The nation's largest professional organization for plastic surgeons recommended Tuesday that transgender surgeries be delayed until patients turn 19, citing "insufficient evidence" that the benefits of chest, genital and facial surgeries on minors experiencing gender dysphoria outweigh the risks.

February 4, 2026

Who is Ryan Routh, the man convicted after attempting to assassinate Donald Trump?

Ryan Routh, 59, was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus seven years on Wednesday after being convicted of attempting to assassinate President Trump -- who at the time was a former president and a presidential candidate -- at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, 2024.

February 4, 2026

What happens if Mitch McConnell can’t finish his term?

Sen. Mitch McConnell's hospitalization this week with flu-like symptoms has renewed attention not just to the 83-year-old's health, but to a question with significant political ramifications: What happens if Kentucky's senior senator cannot complete his term?

February 4, 2026

Trump scolds CNN’s Kaitlan Collins over Epstein question

President Trump criticized CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins during an Oval Office exchange Tuesday, calling her "the worst reporter" and chiding her for not smiling as she pressed him about newly released files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

February 4, 2026

Things to do in Washington, D.C. this weekend: Feb. 6-8

From Tony Award-winning theater to world-class symphony performances, Washington's cultural calendar is packed this weekend.

February 4, 2026

Shocking Texas upset puts Trump in the middle of brutal Senate fight

President Trump faces mounting pressure to intervene in Texas's chaotic Republican Senate primary after a shocking special election loss has party elites worried the GOP could lose its first statewide race in three decades.

February 4, 2026

Former Washington Post employees react to major newsroom restructuring and layoffs

The Washington Post laid off roughly one-third of its staff across newsroom and other departments on Wednesday in what leadership characterized as a strategic restructuring, prompting affected journalists to share their reactions publicly on social media.

February 4, 2026

Why European Jews fear there may be no safer haven amid growing antisemitism

European Jewish communities face rising antisemitism with a troubling difference from past crises: the U.S., Israel, and other traditional havens are not definitively safer refuge options.

February 4, 2026

Spain ranks third in global tourism earnings behind the U.K. and France

Spain achieved a new tourism milestone in 2025, welcoming 96.8 million foreign visitors and generating record revenue despite growing concerns about housing pressures from mass tourism.

February 4, 2026

Bill Gates denies allegations in Epstein docs, as ex-wife says he must answer questions

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has strongly denied allegations contained in recently released documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while his ex-wife Melinda French Gates said her former husband needs to address the claims himself.

February 3, 2026

From garages to war zones: Startups crash Pentagon’s drone party

The Pentagon on Tuesday named 25 defense manufacturers competing for its $1 billion Drone Dominance Initiative.

February 3, 2026

Waymo robotaxis prepare for global expansion with $16 billion in new funding

Robotaxi pioneer Waymo has raised $16 billion in new funding at a $126 billion valuation as it expands its self-driving car service globally while facing competition from Tesla and Amazon-backed rivals.

February 3, 2026

5 questions about ICE’s record deportation numbers

ICE is now deporting more than 1,450 people per day and booking in migrants at a rate exceeding 1,500 per day, both record-breaking paces according to agency data covering Jan. 8-25.

February 3, 2026

Super Bowl turns into partisan battleground over Bad Bunny and immigration enforcement

America's biggest sporting event has become the latest political battleground, with Republicans launching a counter-Super Bowl and liberals demanding immigration enforcement stay away from the stadium.

February 3, 2026

Palantir stock jumps after blowout earnings beat Wall Street estimates

Palantir Technologies shares jumped Tuesday after the defense and data analytics firm reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by accelerating demand from government customers and continued strength in its U.S. commercial business.

February 3, 2026

Cracker Barrel orders traveling employees to eat at company restaurants

Cracker Barrel has implemented a strict new travel policy requiring employees on business trips to dine at the chain's own restaurants for most or all of their meals, according to an internal memo obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

February 3, 2026

Panama court voids Chinese company’s control of critical canal ports in major win for Trump admin

Panama's Supreme Court has voided contracts allowing Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings to operate two critical port facilities at the Panama Canal, marking a significant victory for Trump administration efforts to secure the waterway against Chinese influence.

February 2, 2026

Deep-sea rare earth discovery could reshape Japan’s reliance on Chinese minerals

Japan has achieved a world-first milestone by successfully drilling and retrieving rare earth-containing sediment from nearly 6,000 meters below the sea surface near Minamitorishima island, marking a significant step toward reducing its dependence on China for critical minerals.

February 2, 2026