Weekly US jobless claims up, but remain historically low
Applications for U.S. unemployment benefits rose last week but remain near historically low levels, reflecting relatively few layoffs across the economy.
Brazil mudslide death toll reaches 105, with dozens missing
Rio de Janeiro state’s government has confirmed 105 deaths from floods and mudslides that swept away homes and cars in the city of Petropolis.
Entangled humpback whale cleared of marine debris off Maui
A female humpback whale traveling with a male and a calf has been freed after it was found entangled in a line with a large bundle of marine debris attached.
Testimony to resume in Ahmaud Arbery death hate crimes case
Prosecution witnesses were to retake the stand Wednesday in the federal hate crimes trial of three white men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery. (more…)
Sandy Hook families settle for $73M with gun maker Remington
The families of nine victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School have agreed to a $73 million settlement of a lawsuit against the maker of the rifle used to kill 20 first graders and six educators in 2012.
Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know on hopes of averting war
BERLIN (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Germany's chancellor on Tuesday after the Kremlin signaled that it was still possible for diplomacy to head off what Western officials have said…
'Power of the Dog' tops Oscar noms with 12; 'Dune' nabs 10
By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) — After a pandemic year that hobbled movie theaters and saw streaming services make new inroads into Hollywood, the Academy Awards put its strongest support Tuesday behind two films made with…
Biden task force releases report to strengthen labor unions
A Biden administration task force on organized labor on Monday issued a set of recommendations that could make it easier for federal workers and contractors to unionize. (more…)
IS leader killed during US raid in Syria
The leader of the violent Islamic State group was killed during an overnight raid carried out by U.S. special forces in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, President Joe Biden said Thursday.
Putin heads to China to bolster ties amid Ukraine tensions
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to Beijing amid the soaring tensions over Ukraine on a trip intended to help strengthen Moscow's ties with China…
US sending more troops to Europe amid Ukraine tension
The U.S. is sending about 2,000 U.S.-based troops to Poland and Germany and shifting 1,000 soldiers from Germany to Romania as demonstrations of American commitments to allies
Biden aims to reduce cancer deaths by 50% over next 25 years
President Joe Biden is committing to reduce the cancer death rate by 50% — a new goal for the “moonshot” initiative against the disease that was announced in 2016 when he was vice president.
Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter
There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow Wednesday to perform his Groundhog Day duties.
Washington's NFL team unveils new name as Commanders
Washington’s NFL team is now known as the Commanders. The new name unveiled Wednesday comes 18 months after the once-storied franchise dropped its old moniker following decades of criticism that it was offensive to Native Americans
As Russia tensions boil, US farmer remains jailed in Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — When Kurt Groszhans set out from North Dakota for Ukraine in 2017, he was eager to connect…
AP source: US urges Pfizer to apply for under-5 COVID shots
U.S. regulators are urging drugmaker Pfizer to apply for emergency authorization for a two-dose regimen of its COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old.
Tesla recall: 'Full Self-Driving' software runs stop signs
Tesla is recalling nearly 54,000 cars and SUVs because their “Full Self-Driving” software lets them roll through stop signs without coming to a complete halt.
Thousands flee homes near N. Carolina fertilizer plant fire
An uncontrolled fire burning at a North Carolina fertilizer plant forced the evacuations of thousands of people as firefighters warned Tuesday that chemicals at the site could cause a large explosion.
Tom Brady has retired after 22 seasons, 7 Super Bowl titles
Tom Brady is retiring from the NFL after winning seven Super Bowls and setting numerous passing records in his 22-year-career. He made the announcement on Instagram.
Russia, US, Ukraine to square off at UN Security Council
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to meet Monday for the first time on Russia’s troop buildup and threatening actions…
Here, kitty: Bidens welcome cat named Willow to White House
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden have finally added the long-promised cat to their pet family. Her name is Willow, and she's a 2-year-old, green-eyed, gray and white farm cat from Pennsylvania. “Willow…
Fake poop helps evicted owls settle into new neighborhood
Settling into a new home can be tough for anyone. So scientists have come up with some tricks to make transplanted burrowing owls feel like they are not alone in their new digs, playing owl sounds and scattering fake poop.
Roethlisberger retires at 39: Time to 'hang up my cleats'
The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback announced his retirement on Thursday, saying it was “time to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats” after 18 years, two Super Bowls, countless team records.
US response on Ukraine offers little optimism, Russia says
MOSCOW (AP) — The U.S. rejection of Russia’s main demands to resolve the crisis over Ukraine leaves little ground for optimism, the Kremlin spokesman said Thursday, while adding that…