AP News Summary at 12:51 a.m. EST

Iran and US set for talks in Oman over nuclear program after Tehran shaken by nationwide protests

MUSCAT, Oman (AP) — Iran and the United States are poised Friday to hold negotiations in Oman at least over Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks follow a chaotic week that initially saw plans for regional countries to take part in talks in Turkey. Previous rounds of meetings turned to ash following Israel’s launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war. Meanwhile, nationwide protests have shaken Iran's theocracy. It responded with a bloody crackdown that killed thousands and reportedly saw tens of thousands arrested. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the country in the time since, spurring the talks.

Savannah Guthrie's family renews plea to mother's kidnapper, while sheriff says they have no suspect

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The family of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie is renewing their plea for their mother’s kidnapper to contact them. Guthrie's brother, Camron, posted a second plea on social media Thursday on behalf of the family. The message came hours after Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators don’t have proof 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is alive but believe “she’s still out there.” Nanos says authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest five days into the desperate search. Investigators say they are taking seriously notes seeking ransom that were sent to some media outlets.

US and Russia agree to reestablish military dialogue after Ukraine talks

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.S. and Russia have agreed to reestablish high-level, military-to-military dialogue for the first time in more than four years. The step is another sign of warming relations between the two countries since President Donald Trump took office and sought to end the war in Ukraine. The agreement emerged from a meeting between senior Russian and American military officials in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. High-level military communication was suspended in 2021, as relations between Moscow and Washington became increasingly strained ahead of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Meanwhile, talks in Abu Dhabi between American, Russian and Ukrainian officials on ending the war entered a second day.

Russia says it regrets expiration of last nuclear arms treaty, but Trump says he wants a new pact

MOSCOW (AP) — The Kremlin says it regrets the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States, while President Donald Trump declared he was against keeping its limits and wants a better deal. The end of the New START treaty left no caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than half a century, fueling fears of a new nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness Thursday to stick to the pact’s limits for another year if Washington agreed. But Trump said he wants a new pact. The treaty was signed in 2010. It was extended in 2021 for five more years.

Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democrats' ICE demands

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Democrats' demands for new restrictions on federal immigration officers are “unrealistic.” And he's warning that the Department of Homeland Security will shut down next week if Democrats don’t work with Republicans and the White House. Democrats are pressing for changes at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies in the wake of the fatal shootings of two protesters in Minneapolis last month. The Democratic congressional leaders have come out with an expanded list of 10 detailed proposals. Short-term funding for DHS lasts through Feb. 13.

Chairman of prominent law firm Paul Weiss resigns after release of emails linking him to Epstein

The chairman of prestigious law firm Paul Weiss has resigned from that position after emails revealed his exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. Brad Karp will remain at the firm where he's practiced for 40 years and has served as chairman since 2008. He said in a statement from the firm that “recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests” of Paul Weiss. Emails recently released by the Department of Justice as part of its Epstein investigation show Karp thanking Epstein for hosting an unforgettable evening in 2015. Karp also sought Epstein's help in 2016 for Karp's son's film career.

A funeral home stashed 189 decaying bodies and handed out fake ashes. His mother was among them

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Derrick Johnson buried his mother’s ashes in 2023 alongside his home on Maui, fulfilling her wish of a final resting place overlooking her grandchildren. The FBI called Johnson a year later. They said his mother’s remains weren’t in the ashes he buried. Instead, his mother was among nearly 200 decomposing bodies found inside a Colorado funeral home. The funeral home owners had given families fake ashes for years, trying to conceal the bodies. Jon and Carie Hallford were arrested in 2023 and charged with abusing nearly 200 corpses. On Friday, Jon Hallford will be sentenced. Johnson will be among the grieving families to speak, advocating for the maximum sentence of 50 years in prison.

Hong Kong ex-media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday after national security conviction

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s pro-democracy former media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday following his conviction in December under a Beijing-imposed national security law. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, could face up to life in prison in the case that has stirred criticism from some foreign governments. The judiciary said Friday on its website that it’s calling for the sentencing session at 10 a.m. Monday. Lai was an outspoken critic of China’s ruling Communist Party and was arrested in 2020 under the national security law that Beijing deemed necessary for the city’s stability following anti-government protests the previous year.

Trump administration launches TrumpRx website for discounted drugs

NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration has launched TrumpRx, a website it says will help patients buy prescription drugs directly at a discounted rate. “You’re going to save a fortune,” President Donald Trump said at the site’s unveiling Thursday night. The government-hosted website is not a platform for buying medications. Instead, it’s set up as a facilitator, pointing Americans to drugmakers’ direct-to-consumer websites, where they can make purchases. It also provides coupons to use at pharmacies. The site launches with over 40 medications, including weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The site is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to show it’s tacking the challenges of high costs.

Matthew Stafford edges Drake Maye for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Matthew Stafford edged Drake Maye for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award on Thursday night in the closest race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were co-winners in 2003. Stafford received 24 of 50 first-place votes while Maye got 23. But Maye has a chance to go home this week with a Vince Lombardi Trophy. He leads the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday.