Slotkin rejects Justice Department interview over video about 'illegal orders'

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan is refusing to voluntarily comply with a Justice Department investigation into a video she organized urging U.S. military members to resist “illegal orders” – escalating a dispute that President Donald Trump has publicly pushed.

TSMC to make advanced AI semiconductors in Japan in boost for its chipmaking ambitions

TOKYO (AP) – Taiwan’s chipmaker TSMC said Thursday it will be manufacturing some of the world’s most cutting-edge semiconductors in Japan to meet booming artificial intelligence-related demand, in a boost for the country’s chipmaking ambitions.

The Gaza ceasefire began months ago. Here's why the fighting persists

JERUSALEM (AP) – As the bodies of two dozen Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes arrived at hospitals in Gaza on Wednesday, the director of one asked a question that has echoed across the war-ravaged territory for months.

US Olympic leaders set goals to be respectful guests and good team players

MILAN (AP) – Show respect. Be humble and a good Olympic partner. Keep Team USA athletes safe.  United States Olympic leaders set out goals Thursday for the Milan Cortina Winter Games that arrive during what they acknowledged is “a period of geopolitical turmoil.” The days before the opening ceremony Friday saw street protests in Milan.

Israeli security service chief's brother is accused of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza

JERUSALEM (AP) – An Israeli court on Thursday indicted a brother of the chief of Israel’s security service for smuggling tens of thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes into war-ravaged Gaza Strip at a time when getting aid into the territory was difficult and many Palestinians were going hungry.

UN human rights chief warns of impunity for perpetrators as he seeks extra funds

GENEVA (AP) – The U.N. human rights chief said Thursday that his office is in “survival mode” as he presented an appeal for $400 million to meet its estimated needs this year, after funding cuts last year hurt its work in 17 countries including Colombia, Myanmar and Chad.

Malaysia bans e-waste imports, vows to end illegal dumping

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – Malaysia has announced an immediate and full ban on the importation of electronic waste, as the government vowed the country would not be a “dumping ground” for the world’s waste.

Storm Leonardo slams Spain and Portugal, leaving 1 dead and a girl missing

MADRID (AP) – A man died from rising floodwaters in Portugal, while a girl remained missing after she was swept away by a swollen river in Spain as Storm Leonardo brought more heavy rain and winds Thursday to the Iberian Peninsula.

Bank of England stands pat on interest rates, but cuts expected ahead

LONDON (AP) – The Bank of England kept its main interest rate unchanged at 3.75% on Thursday with U.K. inflation remaining above target and economic growth is showing signs of picking up.