The Washington Times AI News Desk

FBI warns of ‘764’ predators using extortion, live-streamed self-harm to control child victims

The FBI is investigating more than 350 individuals nationwide tied to violent online networks dubbed "764" that target children and vulnerable people across the United States and New England. Victims are allegedly pressured into self-harm, sexual exploitation and other degrading acts, the bureau's Boston division warned Thursday.

February 19, 2026

Snow or just cold rain? What forecasters say D.C. should expect this weekend

Forecasters are sounding a cautious alarm about a coastal storm expected to develop late this weekend, warning that the Washington region is perched on a sharp rain-snow line that could mean anything from a chilly, mostly wet Sunday to several inches of heavy, wet snow in parts of the metro area.

February 19, 2026

Trump bars two Democratic governors from White House meeting, sparking bipartisan backlash

The National Governors Association's annual White House meeting is a decades-old bipartisan tradition that brings together governors from both parties -- representing all 55 governors from U.S. states and territories -- to discuss shared policy priorities and advocate for their interests in Washington.

February 19, 2026

Washington Times Culture Wire: Actor Peter Greene’s cause of death revealed, Toy Story 5 and more

Official reports cleared up the mystery surrounding the death of the "Pulp Fiction" and "The Mask" actor.

February 19, 2026

FCC’s equal-time push rattles broadcast TV from ‘The View’ to Colbert

A quiet regulatory shift at the Federal Communications Commission is rewriting the rules for what political content America's talk shows can put on the air -- and the fallout is already rattling some of the biggest names in broadcast television.

February 19, 2026

‘Toy Story 5’ trailer pits Woody and Buzz against the digital age

Pixar has released the official trailer for "Toy Story 5," bringing Woody and Buzz Lightyear back to theaters for a new adventure that tackles a timely theme: the rise of technology in childhood.

February 19, 2026

Nissan recalls nearly 643,000 Rogue SUVs over engine fire, power loss risks

Nissan is recalling nearly 643,000 Rogue SUVs in the United States over two separate safety issues that regulators say could cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Thursday.

February 19, 2026

U.S. goods trade deficit hits record $1.24 trillion despite Trump’s tariff push

President Donald Trump's tariff policies in 2025 produced a mixed economic picture -- narrowing the overall trade deficit only modestly while the goods trade deficit hit a record high and import taxes increased costs for U.S. businesses, according to Commerce Department data reported by The Associated Press.

February 19, 2026

Tucker Carlson claims detention at Israeli airport; officials deny it

Tucker Carlson claimed Wednesday that Israeli airport security detained him and members of his team at Ben Gurion International Airport following an interview with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee -- a claim flatly denied by Israeli authorities, the U.S. Embassy and Huckabee himself.

February 19, 2026

Carrie Underwood says she gets booed during ‘American Idol’ Hollywood Week, sparks political debate

Carrie Underwood is giving fans a preview of the drama ahead in "American Idol" Season 23 -- and it's not just from the contestants.

February 19, 2026

Study: Unborn babies exposed to far more ‘forever chemicals’ than previously known

Babies in the womb are exposed to a far broader range of toxic "forever chemicals" than scientists previously understood, according to a new study that used advanced screening methods to measure prenatal chemical exposure more comprehensively.

February 19, 2026

What happens next for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after his arrest?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday morning and has been in custody for hours. But the arrest -- as dramatic as it is -- is only the beginning of what could be a lengthy legal process. Here's what comes next.

February 19, 2026

John Travolta marks 72nd birthday with new pilot’s license

John Travolta celebrated his 72nd birthday Wednesday by adding yet another credential to his aviation resume, announcing that he earned his pilot's license for the Bombardier Global Express.

February 19, 2026

At a glance: Social media trials could reshape legal shield protecting tech companies

Meta is facing two separate jury trials -- one in Los Angeles County Superior Court and another in Santa Fe, New Mexico -- that test whether the company misled the public about youth safety and whether features of its platforms contributed to harm involving children.

February 18, 2026

Culture Wire: Kristen Bell joins next ‘Sonic’ movie and an altercation involving UFC’s Tiki Ghosn

Former UFC fighter Tiki Ghosn is trending after a video surfaced of him knocking out streamer DeenTheGreat with a sharp elbow at a house party hosted by Rampage Jackson.

February 18, 2026

How six people survived California’s deadliest avalanche

Wednesday morning, eight of the nine skiers who went missing in the avalanche's wake had been found dead.

February 18, 2026

The Texas GOP Senate primary at a glance: Republicans fear Paxton nomination could endanger seat

Texas Republicans are heading into a bruising GOP Senate primary with significant implications not just for the Lone Star State but for the party's hold on Congress.

February 18, 2026

Tom Noonan, character actor known for ‘Manhunter’ and ‘Heat,’ dead at 74

Tom Noonan, the towering character actor, playwright and filmmaker whose chilling portrayals of outsiders and villains made him one of Hollywood's most distinctive presences, died on Saturday. He was 74. No cause of death was immediately available.

February 18, 2026

Japan’s Takaichi sets March summit with Trump to strengthen economic and military ties

Japan's newly reappointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is setting an ambitious agenda as she prepares for a March summit with President Trump, pursuing stronger U.S.-Japan economic and military ties while taking a hawkish stance toward China and advancing conservative domestic policies.

February 18, 2026

From 250 to 600 arrests a day: Inside ICE’s dramatic expansion

ICE agents used force more than four times as often in the early weeks of the Trump administration compared to before, according to newly released government documents that offer a raw look at the friction accompanying the White House's mass deportation push.

February 18, 2026