Nation
Blue Origin rocket explodes on the launch pad during an engine-firing test
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. | A rocket belonging to Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin exploded during a test at the launch pad Thursday night, shaking nearby homes and briefly painting the sky orange. Blue Origin said its New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine-firing test being conducted ahead of a satellite launch planned for next week. No […]
Pam Bondi to face closed-door questioning from House lawmakers over Epstein files
WASHINGTON | Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying before House lawmakers investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse cases, a long-awaited appearance that brings fresh scrutiny of the administration’s botched release of the Epstein case files. Bondi was defiant in previous public testimony when she was confronted by lawmakers about the Epstein investigation. It’s unclear whether […]
Tomatoes become latest symbol of America’s affordability squeeze
NEW YORK | Tomatoes, ubiquitous in everything from fast-food burgers to haute cuisine, are taking on a new role beyond the plate: A nagging reminder of rising costs. Prices for those red orbs have soared more than any other food product over the past year to cement a spot as one of the consumer headaches […]
Think it’s hot now? The next five years will smash records, UN says
WASHINGTON | In the next five years, the Earth is overwhelmingly likely to surge again and again past the international climate threshold set as safe and shatter its hottest-year record along the way, according to new United Nations climate projections. The World Meteorological Organization also forecasts an overheating Arctic that warms nearly 3 degrees Fahrenheit […]
A rare blue micromoon rises this weekend
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. | Get set for a rare blue micromoon this weekend — a blue moon that’s also the most distant and smallest-looking full moon of the year. A bonus: The brilliant star Antares will photobomb Sunday’s spectacle for a celestial three-for-one. A blue moon occurs every two to three years when a second […]
US and Iranian negotiators reach tentative deal to extend ceasefire and launch nuclear talks
WASHINGTON | U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative agreement Thursday to extend the ceasefire in the 3-month-old war by 60 days and launch talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Iran did not immediately confirm any deal, and the official noted that President Donald Trump has yet […]
Judge refuses to block Trump order to limit mail voting. There’s no immediate effect on the midterms
A federal judge has declined to halt President Donald Trump’s executive order creating a federal voter list and limiting mail voting, clearing the way for potential sweeping changes in how American elections are run shortly before this year’s midterm elections. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee in Washington, late Wednesday rejected the request […]
Justice Department opens investigation into E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of assault: AP source
WASHINGTON | The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether E. Jean Carroll, the longtime advice columnist who has said Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in a New York department store 30 years ago, lied during the course of civil litigation against the Republican president, according to a person familiar with the matter. The […]
Key inflation gauge worsens as Americans’ income and spending power erodes
WASHINGTON | A key inflation gauge accelerated in April to the highest level in three years, squeezing Americans’ finances and creating political challenges for President Trump and congressional Republicans with midterm elections just five months away. Inflation jumped to 3.8% in April compared with a year ago, the Commerce Department said Thursday, up from 3.5% […]
California Democrats shrug at their choices in packed race to replace Newsom
SACRAMENTO, Calif. | The packed race for California governor has left many Democrats in the state wrestling with who to vote for in the race’s closing days. Though voting began in early May ahead of the June 2 primary, Democrats have been returning their ballots at a slower pace than normal after a chaotic campaign […]