Stories by Associated Press
Biden Lifts Abortion Referral Ban on Family Planning Clinics
| Associated Press
The Biden administration on Monday reversed a ban on abortion referrals by family planning clinics, lifting a Trump-era restriction as political and legal battles over abortion grow sharper from Texas to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ex-Facebook Manager Alleges Social Network Fed Capitol Riot
| Associated Press
A data scientist who was revealed Sunday as the Facebook whistleblower says that whenever there was a conflict between the public good and what benefited the company, the social media giant would choose its own interests.
No Winner: Biggest Powerball Jackpot in Months Grows Larger
| Associated Press
The biggest lottery prize in months grew larger after no ticket matched all five numbers and the Powerball drawn on Saturday night. The estimated jackpot for the next drawing on Monday is $670 million.
Women’s March Targets Supreme Court, With Abortion On the Line
| Associated Press
The first Women’s March of the Biden administration headed straight for the steps of the Supreme Court on Saturday, part of nationwide protests that drew thousands to Washington to demand continued access to abortion.
Pharmacies Face 1st Trial Over Role in Opioid Crisis
| Associated Press
In a bellwether federal trial starting Monday in Cleveland, two Ohio counties will try to convince a jury that retail pharmacy companies played an outsized role in creating a public nuisance in the way they dispensed pain medication into their communities.
‘Everybody Is Frustrated,’ Biden Says as His Agenda Stalls
| Associated Press
President Joe Biden on Saturday acknowledged frustrations as Democrats strain to rescue a scaled-back version of his $3.5 trillion government-overhaul plan and salvage a related public works bill after frantic negotiations failed to produce a deal.
Biden Vows to ‘Get It Done’ as Talks Drag on $3.5T Plan
| Associated Press
Biden huddled with House Democrats in a private meeting that was part instructional, part morale booster for the tattered caucus of lawmakers, telling them he wanted both bills passed regardless of the time it takes.
WNBA Playoff Semifinals All Even, Shifts to Chicago, Phoenix
| Associated Press
Eight months after having surgery to repair a torn Achilles’ tendon Alyssa Thomas provided a spark for the Connecticut Sun in a victory over the Chicago Sky.
Merck Says Experimental Pill Cuts Worst Effects of COVID-19
| Associated Press
Drugmaker Merck said Friday that its experimental COVID-19 pill reduced hospitalizations and deaths by half in people recently infected with the coronavirus, potentially a leap forward in the global fight against the pandemic.
Activist, Historian, Writer Among 25 ‘Genius Grant’ Recipients
| Associated Press
A historian devoted to keeping alive the stories of long-dead victims of racial violence along the Texas-Mexico border and a civil rights activist whose mission is to make sure people who leave prison are free to walk into the voting booth are among this year’s MacArthur fellows.
Congress Passes Bill To Avert Partial Government Shutdown
| Associated Press
With only hours to spare, Congress passed legislation that would avoid a partial federal shutdown and keep the government funded through Dec. 3, and sent the bill to President Joe Biden.
It’s Flu Vaccine Time, Even if You’ve Had Your COVID Shots
| Associated Press
Amid all the focus on COVID-19 vaccinations, U.S. health experts have another plea: Don’t skip your flu shot.
Hastert Settlement With Accuser Finalized; No Details Public
| Associated Press
A judge on Wednesday finalized an out-of-court settlement between former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and a man who alleged that Hastert sexually abused him decades ago.
Bears Move Closer to Leaving Soldier Field for the Suburbs
| Associated Press
The Chicago Bears took a major step toward moving out of their longtime home at Soldier Field — one of the most recognizable stadiums in the United States — and into the suburbs by signing a purchase agreement for Arlington Park.
Biden Can’t Budge Fellow Dems With Big Overhaul at Stake
| Associated Press
His government overhaul plans at stake, President Joe Biden appeared unable to swiftly strike agreement with two wavering Democratic senators trying to trim back his potentially historic $3.5 trillion measure that will collapse without their support.
NLRB Lawyer: College Football Players Are Employees
| Associated Press
College athletes who earn millions for their schools are employees, the National Labor Relations Board’s top lawyer said in guidance released Wednesday that would allow players at private universities to unionize and negotiate over their working conditions.
Explainer: Why Coffee Could Cost More at Groceries, Cafes
| Associated Press
As if a cup of coffee wasn’t expensive enough, a confluence of factors is driving up farmers’ costs to grow the beans and it could begin filtering down to your local cafe before the end of the year.
US Says Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, 22 Other Species Extinct
| Associated Press
Death’s come knocking a last time for the splendid ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 more birds, fish and other species: The U.S. government on Wednesday declared them extinct.
In R. Kelly Verdict, Black Women See Long-Overdue Justice
| Associated Press
Speaking out against sexual assault and violence is fraught for anyone who attempts it. Those who work in the field say the hurdles facing Black women and girls are raised even higher by a society that hypersexualizes them from a young age.
GOP Blocks Bill To Keep Government Going; New Try Ahead
| Associated Press
Republican senators blocked a bill to keep the government operating and allow federal borrowing, but Democrats aiming to avert a shutdown pledged to try again — at the same time pressing ahead on President Joe Biden’s big plans to reshape government.
After 5 Years, Obamas Break Ground on Presidential Center
| Associated Press
After five years of legal battles, gentrification concerns and a federal review, Barack and Michelle Obama dug shovels into the ground Tuesday during a celebratory groundbreaking on their legacy project in Jackson Park.
Illinois Man Wins Marathon After 2 Leaders Take Wrong Route
| Associated Press
An Illinois man unexpectedly won the Quad Cities Marathon this weekend when the two Kenyan runners who had far outpaced him were disqualified after being diverted off the course by a race volunteer bicyclist.
R&B Superstar R. Kelly Convicted in Sex Trafficking Trial
| Associated Press
R. Kelly, the R&B superstar known for his anthem “I Believe I Can Fly,” was convicted Monday in a sex trafficking trial after decades of avoiding criminal responsibility for numerous allegations of misconduct with young women and children.
Biden Gets COVID-19 Booster Shot After Authorization
| Associated Press
President Joe Biden received his COVID-19 booster shot on Monday, days after federal regulators recommended a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for Americans age 65 or older and approved them for others with preexisting medical conditions and high-risk work environments.
Garrett, Browns Rough Up Rookie QB Fields, Slam Bears 26-6
| Associated Press
Justin Fields had nowhere to run or hide. Passing was strictly prohibited. Myles Garrett and the Browns made the rookie quarterback’s first NFL start unforgettable — for all the wrong reasons.
Investigators Probe Deadly Amtrak Derailment in Montana
| Associated Press
A team of investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board was at the site of an Amtrak derailment in north-central Montana that killed three people and left seven hospitalized Sunday, officials said.
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