Stories by Associated Press

Rent’s Due, Again: Monthly Anxieties Deepen as Aid Falls Off

Another month passes. The coronavirus pandemic marches on. And Americans struggling amid the economic fallout once again have to worry as their next rent checks come due Aug. 1.

Summer Road Trip? Quarantines Are Crimping Some US Travelers

Families trying to squeeze in a summer vacation before school starts better do some homework on COVID-19 restrictions before loading up the minivan.

‘We Love Baseball’: Wrigley Ballhawks Stay on During Pandemic

While Major League Baseball is beginning this season without fans in its stadiums, the famed ballhawks of Wrigley Field remain at their post amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Some Educators of Color Resist Push For Police-Free Schools

School districts nationwide are working to remove police officers from campuses, but some Black and Indigenous educational leaders are resisting the push prompted by the national reckoning over racial injustice and police brutality.

2nd US Virus Surge Hits Plateau, But Few Experts Celebrate

While deaths from the coronavirus in the U.S. are mounting rapidly, public health experts are seeing a flicker of good news: The second surge of confirmed cases appears to be leveling off.

Trump Floats Idea of Election Delay, A Virtual Impossibility

President Donald Trump, lagging in the polls and grappling with deepening economic and public health crises, on Thursday floated the startling idea of delaying the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Women Embrace #ChallengeAccepted, But Some Ask: To What End?

To some, #challengeaccepted represents a clear example of “slacktivism” — campaigns based on social platforms that require little effort of participants. There’s no donation requested, no volunteer shift required, just a few minutes to post a message or image that people are unlikely to fight over.

Former Illinois, New Mexico State Coach Lou Henson Dies at 88

Lou Henson, the plain-spoken coach who took New Mexico State and Illinois to the Final Four during a 21-year career that included nearly 800 victories and a feud with fellow Big Ten coach Bob Knight, has died. He was 88.

US Is Expected to Report a Record-Breaking Economic Plunge

Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the U.S. economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about any sustained recovery the rest of the year.

Trump Administration Won’t Accept New DACA Applications

The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will reject new applications and shorten renewal periods for an Obama-era program that shields young people from deportation.

Barr Defends Aggressive Federal Response to Protests

Attorney General William Barr defended the aggressive federal law enforcement response to civil unrest in America as he testified for the first time before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

Mayors Want US Agents Blocked From Portland, 5 Major Cities

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and five other major U.S. cities appealed Monday to Congress to make it illegal for the federal government to deploy militarized agents to cities that don’t want their presence.

Can You Get the Coronavirus Twice?

Health experts think people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection or how long it would last.

Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine Is Put to Its Biggest Test

The biggest test yet of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine got underway Monday with the first of some 30,000 Americans rolling up their sleeves to receive shots created by the U.S. government as part of the all-out global race to stop the pandemic.

100 Days: Trump Faces Headwinds as Election Day Draws Near

With the November election 100 days away, more Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction than at any previous point in Donald Trump’s presidency, putting the incumbent in a perilous position.

In Pandemic Year, Wrigley Rooftops Give Rare Opportunity

Little about this pandemic-delayed season is routine — but for fans looking to see major league baseball live, there are few options besides the rooftops along Waveland and Sheffield avenues.

McDonald’s to Require Masks at All US Restaurant Locations

McDonald’s says it will be requiring customers to wear face coverings when entering its U.S. restaurants as the number of new virus cases continue to surge in many states.

Government: New Foreign Students Can’t Enter US if Courses Online

A week after revoking sweeping new restrictions on international students, federal immigration officials on Friday announced that new foreign students will be barred from entering the U.S. if they plan to take their classes entirely online this fall.

With No Crowds, Wrigleyville Has Different Feel for Cubs

The Cubs were about to open their season at long last against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, and it sure sounded like a packed house at Wrigley Field. Of course, no fans were allowed inside the famed ballpark. The noise was piped in.

Extra Unemployment Aid Expires as Virus Threatens New States

As public health officials warned Friday that the coronavirus posed new risks to parts of the Midwest and South, enhanced federal payments that helped avert financial ruin for millions of unemployed Americans were set to expire. 

Barack Obama to Appear on Michelle Obama’s Podcast Debut

The former United States president is expected to appear on “The Michelle Obama Podcast” on Spotify, the Obama’s Higher Ground and streaming service announced Friday. 

Surge of Federal Agents Leaves Many Questions Unanswered

The absence of a clear, publicly available plan has left city leaders, residents and even federal agencies to speculate about exactly what will happen and when. Here's a look at what's known so far.

Q&A: What Charges Might Longest Serving US Speaker Face?

Federal prosecutors recently indicated Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is a subject of a criminal investigation into influence peddling to benefit an energy utility. Will the 78-year-old be charged and if so with what possible crimes?

AP-NORC Poll: 3 in 4 Americans Back Requiring Wearing Masks

Three out of four Americans, including a majority of Republicans, favor requiring people to wear face coverings while outside their homes, a new poll finds.

Trump Calls Off Florida Segment of GOP National Convention

“It’s a different world, and it will be for a little while,” President Trump said, explaining his decision during one of his newly resuscitated White House briefings on the coronavirus. “To have a big convention is not the right time.”

Opening Day Amid Virus: Masks, Empty Parks, Social Justice

A baseball season that was on the brink before it ever began because of the virus outbreak is set to start Thursday night.
 

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