LONDON (AP) — Photos look back at 15 years of Larry the cat as Britain's Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, where the former stray has become a familiar presence through years of political change. Adopted in 2011, Larry has served under six prime ministers, earning a reputation for greeting dignitaries, lounging in the spotlight and remaining a constant at the heart of British government.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
It was still a wrecking ball, albeit one wrapped in chocolate and warm fuzzies.
The febrile applauseUS Secretary of State Marco Rubioreceived at the Munich Security Conference whenhe saidthe US was Europe's "child" and their fates would always be "intertwined" belied his stark policy message. These were claps of relief and encouragement from a European audience bracing for a mauling like JD Vance's onslaught last year.
But Vance'sfalse accusations at last year's conference– that Europe is suppressing freedom of speech and democracy, and facing civilizational decline – are now enshrined inUS national security strategy. Rubio did not have to do much to sound friendly.
The United States is prepared to "rebuild" but only according to its values, Rubio said this year, while relentlessly evoking America's historical links to the continent. Those values include embracing Christianity and a shared cultural heritage, closing borders, and dropping climate crisis policies. The US needs to see a reformed Europe, he told decades-long allies – not justdetails of defense budgets, but a sea change in the continent's value system.
Europe and the US "belong together," he also said. But in this couples' therapy stage of an abusive relationship in decline, the message was clear: change or be dumped.
Conference organizers had warned that the world was in an era of "wrecking ball politics" that had left Europe on the sidelines, in a report published right before the conference. Now Rubio was telling liberal centrist foreign leaders that their entire outlook was wrong, echoing the far-right populist opponents who might well unseat them in upcoming elections.
The top US diplomat's speechwriters left no room forearlier arguments from key allieson the same Munich stage. A day prior, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said MAGA's culture wars were not ones Europe needed to fight. Emmanuel Macron equated territorial sovereignty with the rights of the French to police their own misinformation and democracy.
Two hours later, Ukraine's urgent plight – the defining security crisis of Europe's post-WW2 era - was passionately portrayed byPresident Volodymyr Zelensky, evoking the issue that should have been center stage breaking through the MAGA noise. A leader whose fourth appearance at the conference provided a startling reminder of Ukraine's boundless ability to survive and adapt to Russia's brutality, made the most powerful case at the summit for Europe having its own defense strategy.
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Zelensky reminded the audience that everyUkrainian power plant had been hit, and that every kilometer Russia seized cost them 156 lives, by Ukraine's count. He spoke in English, in a tone that suggested he was less bothered about upsetting US President Donald Trump. He bemoaned the spirit of a peace process that seemed to put pressure for concessions on Ukraine – the four-year-long victim of an invasion – rather than on the aggressor Russia. He also mocked what Moscow has dubbed the "Anchorage spirit" – a term designed to suggest Putin and Trump made a secret deal when they met in Alaska last year.
As Zelensky spoke, video footage played on the wall behind him showing new Ukrainian technology taking outRussian drones– harsh reality contrasting with the policy wonkery in the room. He brought a purpose and urgency somewhat lacking in the beleaguered European leaders who preceded him.
It almost served to emphasize Rubio's point: Europe needs to shape up. His audience perhaps would prefer to replicate Ukraine's energy and resolve, rather than Hungary's.
Overall, European leaders' positive reception of Rubio's speech reflected how horrifically damaged the transatlantic relationship has been by the past year of turmoil over Ukraine, and month ofarson over Greenland.
The Danish territory got no mentions in the speech, as negotiations over its fate proceed slowly. Perhaps that sudden ellipsis – the vanishing of a crisis that nearly tore the alliance to shreds weeks earlier – was gift enough.
Rubio did mention Ukraine once in the questions that followed his speech and pandered to his audience's suspicions when he suggested the Trump administration still did not know whether Russia really wanted to make peace. (His boss, US President Donald Trump, has maintained that Putin wants to make a deal, and that Zelensky should cede diplomatic ground).
The Europe on show did not inspire. Rather, it seemed to lack the money to make good on its own ambitions, and be drowned out by internal political scandal, or the ticking clocks of leaderships coming to an end. Each year, Munich meets to hear European promises to do more. Each year, startling rises in defense spending seem nearer, but do not bring change.
At next year's Munich conference,British Prime Minster Keir Starmermay be gone, Macron's France will be facing presidential elections, and Trump will have had to weather the midterms. However these races go, it is likely transatlantic squabbling will soak up much of the oxygen. Ukraine can only hope that by that time, a sustainable and just peace has broken out – but more likely, it will have to argue to be heard over another episode in Europe and America's convoluted, bitter on-off estrangement.
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CAIRO (AP) — Observant Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it's a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity. Socially, it often brings families and friends together in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast.
Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday ofEid al-Fitr.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons.
The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be on or around Feb. 18 or 19. The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent had been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.
This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage.
Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.
It's regarded as an act of worship to attain piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.
The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as "iftar" in Arabic.
Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to religious contemplation and the reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.
Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.
Muslims eat a predawn meal, called "suhoor," to hydrate andnurture their bodiesahead of the daily fast.
There are certain exemptions, such as for those who are unable to because of illness or travel. Those unable to fast due to being temporarily ill or traveling need to make up for the missed days of fasting later.
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Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures.
Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars.
In Egypt, Ramadan is typically a festive time. Colorful lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, dangle from children's hands and adorn homes. Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month.
Ramadan's soundscape in Egypt has traditionally included the predawn banging on drums by a "mesaharati" who roams neighborhoods, calling out to the faithful, sometimes by name, to wake them up for the suhoor meal.
A lineup of new television series is another social fixture of the month in some countries, and advertisers compete for viewers' attention.
In various regions, some Muslims worry that the month is getting commercialized, and say an emphasis on decorations, TV shows, outings or lavish iftar banquets can detract from Ramadan's religious essence. Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month's festive spirit.
In Indonesia, Ramadan rituals vary across regions, reflecting the diversity of cultures. In deeply conservative Aceh province, animals are slaughtered during Meugang festivities, the meat cooked and shared with family, friends, poor people and orphans.
Hundreds of residents in Tangerang, a city outside the capital, Jakarta, flock to the Cisadane River to wash their hair with rice straw shampoo and welcome the fasting month with a symbolic spiritual cleansing.
Across the island of Sumatra, after evening prayers, many boys and girls parade through the streets, carrying torches and playing Islamic songs.
In the United States, where Muslims make up a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers when possible for iftar meals and prayers provides many Muslim families with a sense of community. Some Muslims also organize or attend interfaith iftar meals.
Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP'scollaborationwith The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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COVER STORY: Gisèle Pelicot speaksIn 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became the public face of sexual abuse as the center of a notorious mass rape trial in France, during which her ex-husband was found guilty of drugging her unconscious and inviting dozens of men to abuse her. In her first U.S. interview, Pelicot opens up to Seth Doane about her horrifying story, recounted in her memoir, "A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides"; her brave decision to testify in public rather than anonymously; and about the inspiring turn her life has taken since.
PREVIEW:Gisèle Pelicot recounts her ex-husband's "unthinkable" crimes in first U.S. TV interview since mass rape trial|Watch Video
For more info:
"A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides"by Gisèle Pelicot (Penguin Press), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available viaAmazon,Barnes & NobleandBookshop.org
ALMANAC: February 15"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
THESE UNITED STATES: How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing worldOn the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
For more info:
Alex Robb, Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing, Pa.Jennifer Brady, senior data analyst and research manager, Climate CentralEric Steig, glaciologist, College of the Environment, University of Washington, SeattleThanks toMartin Froger Silva, University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, and theU.S. Ice Drilling Program
HEADLINES: Latest on Nancy Guthrie disappearanceJonathan Vigliotti reports.
MOVIES: "Frankenstein," "Wuthering Heights" star Jacob Elordi: "My dream was to play in the movies"At 28, Australian actor Jacob Elordi has earned his first Academy Award nomination for his haunting portrayal of the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein." He talks with Tracy Smith about his love of acting; his latest film, a remake of the Gothic romance "Wuthering Heights"; and why he has no relationship with social media.
To watch a trailer for "Wuthering Heights" click on the video player below:
Guillermo del Toro on "Frankenstein" and remaking a monster("Sunday Morning")
For more info:
Guillermo del Toro's"Frankenstein"is now playing in theaters and streaming on NetflixEmerald Fennell's"Wuthering Heights"opens in theaters and Imax February 13Thanks to theUnited Theater on Broadway, Los Angeles
PASSAGE: In memoriam"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week.
FOOD: Fettuccine Alfredo: A recipe for La Dolce VitaIn Rome, two restaurants vie for supremacy in preparing Fettuccine Alfredo – egg pasta with butter and parmesan cheese – a dish that has entranced Hollywood and Washington royalty since the earliest days of La Dolce Vita. Chris Livesay visits Alfredo alla Scrofa and Il Vero Alfredo, where rival families prepare one of the most popular Italian recipes.
For more info:
Alfredo alla Scrofa, RomeIl Vero Alfredo, Rome
MUSIC: Paul Anka - Still doing it his waySinger and songwriter Paul Anka has remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven decades, and has just released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love." A youthful 84, he talks with Lee Cowan about his artistic longevity, leaping from teeny bopper to classic crooner, and how his music still crosses generations.
You can stream the Paul Anka album "Inspirations of Life and Love" by clicking on the embed below (Free Spotify registration required to hear the tracks in full):
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For more info:
"Inspirations of Life and Love"by Paul Anka (Green Hill Prod.), on CD, Vinyl and Digitalpaulanka.com (Official site)The documentary"Paul Anka: His Way"is streaming on HBO Max
SUNDAY PROFILE: Stephen A. Smith - Always up for a debateHigh-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author Stephen A. Smith is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show, in which he interviews government leaders, he is gaining notice in Washington, too. Smith talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about his journey and whether he might soon be on a debate stage.
For more info:
Stephen A. Smith onESPNandSiriusXM
MILEPOST: TBD
HARTMAN: Inside the bedrooms of school shooting victimsOver six years, the parents of school shooting victims opened their doors to CBS News' Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp, inviting them to see what it's like to live alongside their children's bedrooms, just as they left them. [Originally broadcast Nov. 17, 2024.]
For more info:
The Academy Award-nominated short film"All the Empty Rooms,"directed by Joshua Seftel, is streaming on Netflix
NATURE: Whooping cranes in Texas
WEB EXCLUSIVES:
MARATHON:Winter Olympics on "Sunday Morning" (YouTube Video)Cheer on these classic "Sunday Morning" stories about the history of the Winter Olympics and some of the Games' most notable star athletes. Featured:
Cross-country Skier Bill Koch prepares for the Lake Placid Games (1980)The post-Olympic career of hockey star Jim Craig, goalie for the "Miracle on Ice" Team USA (1982)Dr. Mike Woods – anesthesiologist and Olympic speed skater (1984)Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, a British ski jumper of little form and great daring (1988)A look back at the 1994 scandal involving figure skaters Tonya Harding and Nancy KerriganBill Geist on events seeking to become Olympic medal sports, from skeleton sledding to snow-shovel racing (1998)A history of the sport of curling (1998)How Salt Lake City prepared for the 2002 Winter Games (2002)Olympian Lindsey Vonn on skiing the comeback trail (2025)
The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison.
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New details from FBI on Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation
Pool maintenance at Nancy Guthrie's home
Investigators search second home in Nancy Guthrie case
Ethan Hawke,Rose ByrneandKeke Palmerare just a few of the actors up for prizes at theFilm Independent Spirit Awardson Sunday in Los Angeles. Comedian and "Saturday Night Live" veteranEgo Nwodimis hosting the celebration of independent film and television, which will be livestreamed on YouTube starting at 5 p.m. ET.
Top nominees going into the 41st edition of the show include Ira Sachs' "Peter Hujar's Day," which recreates an interview with the 1970s photographer, played byBen Whishaw; Clint Bentley's lyrical Denis Johnson adaptation"Train Dreams,"with Joel Edgerton; and Eva Victor's"Sorry, Baby,"about life after an assault.
The show, which serves as a fundraiser for Film Independent's year-round programs, is being held at the Hollywood Palladium for the first time, as its longtime beachside perch in Santa Monica undergoes renovations.
The awards sometimes overlap significantly with major Oscar contenders and winners, as it did with"Anora,"and"Everything Everywhere All At Once,"and sometimes not. Organizers limit eligibility to productions with budgets less than $30 million, meaning more expensive films like "One Battle After Another" are not in the running.
Byrne is one of the few actors nominated for both a Spirit Awardand an Oscar, for her performance as a mother on the edge in Mary Bronstein's"If I Had Legs I'd Kick You."In the lead performance category, she's up against the likes of Edgerton ("Train Dreams"), Dylan O'Brien ("Twinless"), Palmer ("One of Them Days"), Tessa Thompson("Hedda")and Whishaw. The organization switched to gender-neutral acting categories in 2022.
Supporting performance nominees include Naomi Ackie ("Sorry, Baby"), Zoey Deutch("Nouvelle Vague"), Kirsten Dunst ("Roofman"), Nina Hoss ("Hedda") and Archie Madekwe("Lurker").
Films nominated in the international category include"Sirāt,""The Secret Agent"and "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.""Come See Me in the Good Light,""My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow" and "The Perfect Neighbor" are also up for the documentary prize.
Hawke, who is nominated for an Oscar for "Blue Moon," is up for a Spirit Award for his leading performance in the television series "The Lowdown," where other nominees include Seth Rogen for "The Studio," Stephen Graham for "Adolescence" and Noah Wyle for "The Pitt."
Jennifer Lawrencewants a re-do as host onSaturday Night Live,and it's not just because she had walking pneumonia during the show.
Lawrence, who hostedSNLon Jan. 19, 2013, was known for her quirky, relatable attitude during her ascent to the A-list. It was a lot of pressure to keep up with people's expectations, as she was working onThe Hunger Games: Catching Fireand doing press forSilver Linings Playbookat the time. She admitted toAmy Poehlerthat she was "very tired" from all of the activity.
"I would have to like fly, go to a party, shake hands, and then land and, you know, shoot. Like, poor me," she said sarcastically on theGood Hangpodcast.
When she finally got toSNL,she recalled being too nonchalant. At 22, Lawrence said she was a "bad age" for the hosting gig. Now, she's hoping for a second chance to redeem herself on the show.
"You get asked like, 'Can you do any impressions or anything?' And I was like, 'No,'" Lawrence said with an exaggerated affectation of apathy. "Like I don't want to be like, 'And I can do this and I can do that.' I just kind of made everything like everybody else's problem. I was like, 'I don't know how to do that. I can't do that.'
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While Poehler had already left the show by this time, focusing onParks and Recreation,she agreed that it was hard for young people to go onSNL. She asked Lawrence if she would be interested in doing more comedy work now.
TheDie My Loveactress revealed that she has written a screenplay for a comedy that she hopes to direct and star in. Lawrence recently starred in 2023's rom-comNo Hard Feelingsbut has otherwise had few comedic roles.
Check out the full episode ofGood Hangwith Jennifer Lawrence below.
Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
Feb 14 (Reuters) - The Pentagon is considering severing its relationship with Anthropic over theartificial intelligencefirm's insistence on maintaining some limitations on how the U.S. military uses its models, Axios reported on Saturday, citing an administration official.
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Reuters could not immediately verify the Axios report.
(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed)
