nation
As COVID-19 cases wane, vaccine-lagging areas still see risk
New COVID-19 cases are declining across most of the country, even in some states with vaccine-hesitant populations. But almost all states bucking that trend have lower-than-average vaccination rates, and experts warn that relief from the pandemic could be fleeting in regions where few people get inoculated.
Judge tosses hospital workers' vaccine challenge
A federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by employees of a Houston hospital system over its requirement that all of its staff be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Schools across U.S. brace for surge of kindergartners in fall
School districts across the United States are hiring additional teachers in anticipation of what will be one of the largest kindergarten classes ever as enrollment rebounds following the coronavirus pandemic.
'It's always exciting': Top dogs vie for Westminster title
Wasabi could be the flavor of the year at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Or it might have a taste for Bourbon.
Ned Beatty, titanic character actor of 'Network,' dies at 83
Ned Beatty, the Oscar-nominated character actor who in half a century of American movies, including "Deliverance," "Network" and "Superman," was a booming, indelible presence in even the smallest parts, has died. He was 83.
George Floyd's friends seek to build a living legacy in his hometown
In Houston's Third Ward, his presence is everywhere.
Man, 25, dies after downtown Austin shooting that wounded 14
A man has died from his injuries following a mass shooting on a crowded downtown Austin street that left more than a dozen people injured, police said Sunday.
Odds of settling US-EU trade rifts? Hope may outrun progress
President Joe Biden has vowed to mend America's trade relations with its European allies, which were stretched to the breaking point by President Donald Trump's mercurial behavior, combative policies and aversion to multinational alliances.
The Latest: Netherlands beats Ukraine 3-2 at Euro 2020
The Latest on soccer's European Championship:
Shop owner's plea as California reopens: 'I need customers'
During the darkest days of the coronavirus pandemic, Martha Medina would occasionally slip into her shuttered store on Los Angeles' oldest street to ensure everything was secure.
Florida zoo announces birth of southern white rhino
A Florida zoo announced the birth of a southern white rhino, the eighth to be born in Tampa as part of a plan to help the species.
Chicago man jumps into Lake Michigan for 365th straight day
A Chicago bus driver looking for a way to relieve stress during the coronavirus pandemic jumped into Lake Michigan for a 365th straight day on Saturday.
Average US price of gas rises 2 cents per gallon to $3.13
The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline rose 2 cents to $3.13 per gallon over the past three weeks.
The Latest: Bennett says Israel 'at outset of new days'
The latest on Israel's incoming government (all times local):
The Latest: Biden arrives in Belgium ahead of NATO summit
The Latest on the Group of Seven nations meeting being held in England:
The Latest: Lebanon marks daily record of vaccinations
Lebanon has vaccinated a daily record of people against COVID-19, raising the total number of shots administered around the country against the virus to more than 1 million.
Southern Baptists meet amid controversy over leaked letters
As Southern Baptists prepare for their biggest annual meeting in more than a quarter-century, accusations that leaders have shielded churches from claims of sexual abuse and simmering tensions around race threaten to once again mire the nation's largest Protestant denomination in a conflict that can look more political than theological.
AP source: Justice Dept secretly subpoenaed McGahn's records
Apple informed former Trump White House counsel Don McGahn and his wife that the Justice Department had subpoenaed information about accounts belonging to them in 2018, a person familiar with the matter said Sunday, days after two House lawmakers disclosed they, too, had their information secretly subpoenaed.
'In the Heights' makes muted debut, edged by 'A Quiet Place'
Just when a party was poised to break out in movie theaters, the below-expectation debut of "In the Heights" dampened Hollywood's hopes of a swift or smooth recovery at the summer box office.
Exodus of election officials raises concerns of partisanship
After facing threats and intimidation during the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath, county officials who run elections are quitting or retiring early.