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.
——————————
UPCOMING
——————————
US JESSE JACKSON MEMORIAL
DESCRIPTION: Services for the Rev. Jesse Jackson continue in Chicago. Text story on merits.
UPCOMING: By 02/27/2026 12:00 p.m. EST, Video, Photo, Text, LiveVideo
___
US-FREEDMEN-DESCENDANTS SERVICES
DESCRIPTION: Citizens of the Cherokee, Seminole, Muscogee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations once practiced slavery. Following the Civil War each of those tribal nations entered into treaties with the United States that abolished the practice and guaranteed tribal citizenship to those previously held in bondage. Out of those five tribes, today only the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma extends full citizenship to Freedmen descendants. Despite recent gains, many Freedmen have face barriers to accessing healthcare, education, housing assistance and other services earmarked for tribal citizens, according to a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office.
UPCOMING: By 02/27/2026 12:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text, Graphic
___
US-WARNER-BROS
FORMATS: Text
1. WITH: US-WARNER-BROS
2. DESCRIPTION: Spot developments will move on merits.
3. UPCOMING: By 02/27/2026 1:00 p.m. EST
4. WITH: US-WARNER-BROS-MOVIES
5. DESCRIPTION: A look at how movies and theaters may fare if Paramount’s bid for Warner Bros. is successful. By Film Writer Lindsey Bahr. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.
6. UPCOMING: By 02/27/2026 1:00 p.m. EST
7. WITH: US-WARNER-BROS-REACTION
8. DESCRIPTION: A roundup of notable reaction to Paramount’s likely takeover of Warner Bros. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
9. UPCOMING: By 02/27/2026 1:00 p.m. EST
10. WITH: US-WARNER-BROS-CNN
11. DESCRIPTION: CNN wondering what its fate would be with news of its likely acquisition by Paramount -- so much so that its president sent out a memo telling staff members not to jump to conclusions and focus on their jobs.
12. UPCOMING: By 02/27/2026 1:00 p.m. EST
——————————
UNITED STATES
——————————
US--IMMIGRATION-REFUGEES-REVIEW
The Trump administration is detaining and questioning refugees already admitted to the US
SUMMARY: In a break from tradition, refugees admitted to the United States after extensive interviews and vetting are being detained and questioned again. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in November that the Biden administration’s evaluation of roughly 200,000 refugees was inadequate. DHS says it is reviewing cases, starting with about 5,600 refugees who settled in Minnesota. Some have been handcuffed, shackled and flown to Texas for questioning. After being released, they have had to find their own way home. One was asked to sign documents saying that she would voluntarily leave the U.S. She refused as part of a larger legal fight.
WORDS: 1256 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 10:19 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d8d0ed8224056bd4a49160b360e91bd&mediaType=text
___
——————————
WASHINGTON/POLITICS
——————————
US--SCOUTING AMERICA-US MILITARY
Transgender youths are targeted in Scouting America changes pushed by the Pentagon
SUMMARY: Scouting America says it’s keeping its new name and preserving its service to the 200,000 girls who participate in its programs following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement it’s altering several policies at the urging of the Pentagon. One of the policies targets transgender youths. Hegseth made the announcement Friday. Hegseth has criticized Scouting America’s historic rebrand in 2024 from the Boy Scouts and other changes he sees as part of “woke culture.” Scouting America began allowing gay youths in 2013, ended a blanket ban on gay adult leaders in 2015 and announced in 2017 it would accept transgender students. The Texas-based organization didn’t mention the policy change targeting transgender youths in a statement Friday.
WORDS: 1163 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 11:04 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:14a5fc1521fcd1e51103638f6f504214&mediaType=text
___
US--TRUMP-THE LATEST
The Latest: Questions for Bill Clinton about Epstein ties as Trump stumps in Texas
SUMMARY: Former President Bill Clinton is testifying Friday before members of Congress investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door deposition in Chappaqua, New York, marks the first time a former president has been compelled to testify to Congress, setting a precedent Democrats say will apply to President Donald Trump. It comes a day after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sat for her own deposition. Meanwhile Trump is traveling to Texas to talk about energy and the economy. All three candidates in the red-hot Senate Republican primary are expected to join him just days before the election.
WORDS: 2893 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 10:52 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3fc4f2996e2559de4d9b6ab59af93df4&mediaType=text
___
US--EPSTEIN-CONGRESS-CLINTONS
Bill Clinton faces grilling from lawmakers over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein
SUMMARY: Former President Bill Clinton is testifying before members of Congress investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton is expected to tell lawmakers his connections to the disgraced financier ended before his sexual abuse came to light. Friday’s closed-door deposition in Chappaqua, New York, will mark the first time a former president has been compelled to testify to Congress. It comes a day after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sat with lawmakers for her own deposition. Republicans want to press Bill Clinton on a well-documented relationship with Epstein and Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. They interacted in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.
WORDS: 756 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 9:58 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ea23ac5a5ffd1c7b9511e46308e8b21&mediaType=text
___
US--TRUMP-TEXAS
Trump heads to Texas, where 3 supporters are battling it out in the Senate Republican primary
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is heading to Texas, his first trip after his State of the Union address. The Republican president plans to talk Friday about his energy and economic policies. But the red-hot Senate Republican primary race may overshadow Trump’s message. The vote happens on Tuesday, and all three candidates in the competitive race plan to be at Trump’s event. Sen. John Cornyn is fighting for a fifth term. Cornyn is being challenged by state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. All three are highlighting their ties to Trump. But Trump hasn’t endorsed anybody in the race, saying he supports all of them.
WORDS: 878 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 7:57 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd31dbec10c54ce230ae915e51cbccf0&mediaType=text
___
——————————
INTERNATIONAL
——————————
ML--IRAN-US
Rubio plans to visit Israel next week as US-Iran tensions remain high after latest talks
SUMMARY: Secretary of State Marco Rubio will make a quick trip to Israel early next week, according to the State Department. Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high after the latest nuclear talks and U.S. forces are gathering in the region. The U.S. Embassy in Israel had earlier urged staff who want to leave to depart, joining other nations in encouraging people to leave the region and signaling that U.S. military action might be imminent. A confidential report from the U.N. nuclear watchdog meanwhile confirmed that Iran has not offered inspectors access to sensitive nuclear sites since they were heavily bombed during the 12-day war launched by Israel last June.
WORDS: 823 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 11:29 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:436162f886bdaed30c8dd0cdbe1b5aea&mediaType=text
___
EU--IRAN-NUCLEAR
UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment
SUMMARY: A U.N. nuclear watchdog report says Iran has blocked inspectors from reaching key nuclear sites hit during a June war. The IAEA warns it cannot confirm whether uranium enrichment has stopped or where any enriched material is stored. The agency says Iran has four declared enrichment facilities, but it has lost “continuity of knowledge” about stockpiles. The IAEA says Iran still holds a large amount of uranium enriched to 60%, close to weapons grade. Inspectors now rely on satellite images and have seen vehicle activity near storage tunnels. The IAEA chief also attended recent U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva.
WORDS: 723 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 11:02 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ccf574a324504b985f4b158f9d3d6941&mediaType=text
___
AS--PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN
Pakistan is in ‘open war’ with Afghanistan after latest strikes, defense minister says
SUMMARY: Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded attacks in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the countries. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said Friday the two countries are now in “open war.” Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan late Thursday, saying it was in retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes. Pakistan then carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces Friday. Tensions have been high between the neighbors for months. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of harboring militant groups that then stage attacks across the border and also of allying with its archrival India. A ceasefire ended the fighting, although the two sides still occasionally trade fire.
WORDS: 1099 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 10:12 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:98927b79ee9ef5741bf0804956d3c2e6&mediaType=text
___
EU--MANDELSON-EPSTEIN-PROBE
Brussels orders probe of Mandelson’s Epstein ties while EU trade rep
SUMMARY: The European Commission has asked its anti-fraud watchdog to examine Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the EU’s trade chief. A commission spokesperson confirmed the probe on Thursday after many documents become public. The OLAF watchdog agency has a track record of probing fraud and misconduct across EU institutions, but it does not confirm an investigation. Mandelson faces scrutiny in Britain over alleged misconduct in public office tied to Epstein. His past relationship with Epstein also creates political trouble for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
WORDS: 687 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 7:58 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b2fc19f8bb13ea69ce5cac4782fb89e4&mediaType=text
___
ML--IRAN-HOSPITALS CRACKDOWN-ABRIDGED
AP reporter speaks to Iranian doctors who say agents intimidated them and obstructed medical care
SUMMARY: Iranian doctors say that during last month’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, security agents swarmed hospitals in multiple cities, hunting for wounded protesters. The agents intimidated medical staff, prevented treatment and seized protesters from hospitals. Some doctors tried to hide wounded patients, recording false diagnoses in the records so agents wouldn’t find them. Other doctors ran clandestine clinics treating traumatic wounds. This story is based on AP interviews with three doctors in Iran and six Iranian medical professionals living abroad who are in contact with colleagues on the ground, as well as AP’s verification of more than a dozen videos posted on social media.
WORDS: 1223 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 7:51 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0d77d6e732a2c415c9c35ebde2cd2612&mediaType=text
___
ML--IRAN-HOSPITALS CRACKDOWN
AP reporter speaks to Iranian doctors who say agents intimidated them and obstructed medical care
SUMMARY: Iranian doctors say that during last month’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, security agents swarmed hospitals in multiple cities, hunting for wounded protesters. The agents intimidated medical staff, prevented treatment and seized protesters from hospitals. Some doctors tried to hide wounded patients, recording false diagnoses in the records so agents wouldn’t find them. Other doctors ran clandestine clinics treating traumatic wounds. This story is based on AP interviews with three doctors in Iran and six Iranian medical professionals living abroad who are in contact with colleagues on the ground, as well as AP’s verification of more than a dozen videos posted on social media.
WORDS: 1768 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 7:48 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:326f127b5fef610a89f89e5c164b473c&mediaType=text
___
——————————
BUSINESS
——————————
US--PENTAGON-AI-ANTHROPIC-DEADLINE
Anthropic refuses to bend to Pentagon on AI safeguards as dispute nears deadline
SUMMARY: A public showdown between the Trump administration and Anthropic is hitting an impasse as military officials demand the artificial intelligence company bend its ethical policies or risk damaging its business. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei drew a sharp red line 24 hours before the Friday deadline, declaring his company “cannot in good conscience accede” to the Pentagon’s final demands to allow unrestricted use of its technology. Anthropic made the chatbot Claude and can likely afford losing a defense contract. But the ultimatum from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth poses broader risks at the peak of the company’s meteoric rise from a little-known computer science research lab in San Francisco to one of the world’s most valuable startups.
WORDS: 1111 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 11:26 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b72d1894bc842d9acf026df3867bee8a&mediaType=text
___
FINANCIAL MARKETS
US stocks sink and oil prices rise as worries about AI, inflation and possible war hit Wall Street
SUMMARY: U.S. stocks are sinking as Wall Street gets back to hunting companies that could become losers because of the AI revolution. A surprisingly discouraging update on inflation is also hurting the market Friday, while oil prices climb with worries about tensions between the United States and Iran. The S&P 500 fell 0.7% and is staggering toward the finish of what could be just its second losing month in the last 10. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 589 points, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.8%. Block’s stock soared after cutting nearly half its workforce because it said AI tools can replace them.
WORDS: 901 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 10:53 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f248d9463d4dffc7a9ffa6635afda137&mediaType=text
___
——————————
HEALTH/SCIENCE
——————————
US-SCI--NASA-ARTEMIS MOONSHOT
NASA revamps Artemis moon landing program to reduce flight gaps and risk
SUMMARY: NASA is revamping its Artemis moon landing program. NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman announced the shake-up in the flight lineup Friday, days after the space agency’s new moon rocket returned to its Florida hangar for more repairs. Artemis II — a lunar fly-around by four astronauts — is off until at least April. The follow-up mission Artemis III had been targeting a landing near the moon’s south pole by another pair of astronauts. But Isaacman says that mission will now focus on testing a lunar lander in orbit around Earth in 2027. That would be followed by possibly two moon landings by astronauts in 2028.
WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 11:07 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:83132fc4f86c3491984844fc309e25d2&mediaType=text
___
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
US--GIRLS’ SPORTS-ACL INJURIES
Teenage girls are most likely to tear their ACLs. Parents say more must be done to protect them
SUMMARY: The ranks of female high school athletes who tore their anterior cruciate ligament are growing fast and researchers are pressing the sports world to take the devastating injury more seriously and trying to bolster prevention efforts. Despite decades of research on it, parents, researchers and trainers say that information isn’t being used enough by teams, coaches or sports leagues. High school-age female athletes are the most vulnerable, sustaining ACL injuries at higher rates than both adults and their male counterparts. Trainers and researchers say there are effective pre-workout warm ups and strengthening routines that are designed to reduce the risk of an ACL injury.
WORDS: 1342 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 9:04 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7cf544bfec1ac44e975bbd79d67fdfc&mediaType=text
___
OLY--HKO-US-TKACHUK-VIDEO
US hockey player Brady Tkachuk slams White House TikTok as ‘clearly fake’ after anti-Canada slur
SUMMARY: U.S. hockey player Brady Tkachuk says a White House TikTok video falsely paints him as insulting Canadians. Tkachuk calls the clip clearly fake. He says the audio and lip movement do not match. The video uses fabricated audio that includes a bleeped slur about Canadians. Tkachuk says he would never use that language. He also denies shouting “close the northern border” during Team USA’s phone call with President Donald Trump after Sunday’s Olympic gold medal win over Canada. The team has returned from Italy and is resuming the NHL season.
WORDS: 854 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 9:03 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:743d42c4ad45a0eb36e281f70a505661&mediaType=text
___
