‘Illegal orders’ video; Epstein fallout; measles surge

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Amy Langfield February 05, 2026 By Amy Langfield February 05, 2026 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, Sen. Elissa Slotkin rejects a Justice Department request for an interview on Democrats' video about "illegal orders;" the chairman of a prominent law firm resigns after release of emails linking him to Jeffrey Epstein; and a new warning about the rise of measles cases across the Americas.   The Olympics opening ceremony is tomorrow. Sign up for Postcards from Milan Cortina, our free Olympics pop-up newsletter sent directly from the Games. UP FIRST Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., speaks at the Center for American Progress, in June, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) Slotkin rejects Justice Department request for interview on Democrats' video about 'illegal orders' 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. The refusal marks a potential turning point in the standoff, shifting the burden onto the Justice Department. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ A Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democratic demands for ICE How a family's kebab shop became central to immigration debate in New Jersey Minneapolis man is charged with threatening and cyberstalking ICE officers US job openings fall to 6.5 million, fewest since 2020, as labor market remains sluggish Big Tech and dour data on the US job market hit Wall Street as bitcoin tumbles Justice Department steps up pressure on cartels' financial networks as launderers turn to crypto Companies can now claim 'no artificial colors' if they add plant-based color to food Russia says it regrets expiration of last nuclear arms treaty but Trump says he wants a new pact US and Russia agree to reestablish military dialogue after Ukraine talks TOP STORIES Chairman of prominent law firm Paul Weiss resigns after release of emails linking him to Epstein Brad Karp, chairman of one of the country's most prestigious law firms, has resigned from his position after the release of emails revealing his exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein, a high-profile departure in the fallout among those with ties to the late convicted sex offender. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ UK's Starmer didn't know Jeffrey Epstein. But the prime minister's job is under threat WATCH: UK Prime Minister says Mandelson's vetting mentioned relationship with Epstein A timeline of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the fight to make the government's files public Regional health organization issues alert as measles cases surge across the Americas The Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, issued a new epidemiological alert following a surge of measles cases across the Americas, with Mexico reporting the highest numbers. It also called for urgent vaccination campaigns, highlighting that 78% of recent cases involved unvaccinated people. The alert follows Canada's loss of measles-free status in November — a setback the United States and Mexico could soon mirror. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ WHO announces restart of preventive cholera vaccinations after nearly 4-year halt Pandemic disruptions to health care worsened cancer survival, study suggests Trump administration to launch TrumpRx website for discounted drugs You finally got a doctor's appointment. Here's how to get the most out of it ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS This image provided by the Netherlands Ministry of Defense shows Queen Máxima beginning training as a reservist for the Royal Netherlands Army, Wednesday, in Breda, Netherlands. (Phil Nijhuis/Netherlands Ministry of Defense via AP) Fears about peace and security in Europe: Queen Máxima starts training to become a Dutch army reservist No suspects: Savannah Guthrie's missing mother is 'still out there,' sheriff says Toronto: 7 police officers arrested over suspected ties to organized crime Middle East: Iran seizes 2 foreign oil tankers in Persian Gulf, state media says Inside America's carpet capital: An empire and its toxic legacy LaMonte McLemore: Singer and founding member of The 5th Dimension, dies at 90 Nordic combined: An American skier is fighting to open up the last Winter Olympic sport off limits to women WATCH: AP journalists take you around Cortina and Milan for the Winter Olympics TRENDING This  image provided by Hilton Carter shows a plant-centered seating area at his home in Baltimore. (Hilton Carter via AP) How to create a calming 'nature nook' with indoor plants Have you dreamed of creating a calm and cozy spot at home to relax and recharge, but don't think you can spare the space? One corner, warm lighting, a cozy chair and some plants, says interior and plant stylist Hilton Carter, who specializes in "nature nooks" — tiny wellness sanctuaries that calm the mind, body and spirit. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT