Nation

Russia rejects accusations of endangering ISS astronauts

By Daria Litvinova, Associated Press

Russian officials are rejecting accusations that they endangered astronauts aboard the International Space Station by conducting a weapons test that created more than 1,500 pieces of space junk.

Bishops urged to listen as they consider Communion document

By Peter Smith, Associated Press

U.S. Roman Catholic bishops are preparing a teaching document on Communion, which some are linking to debates over whether Catholic politicians like President Joe Biden should receive Communion if they support legal abortion.

D.C. to drop most indoor mask requirements next week

By Ashraf Khalil, Associated Press

The District of Columbia will lift its indoor mask requirement starting next week, as local COVID infection cases continue to trend downward. Starting Monday, Nov. 22, masks will no longer be required in many indoor spaces.

Nearly 50,000 still have no power after Washington state storm

By Lisa Baumann, Associated Press

The extreme weather was caused by an atmospheric river, a huge plume of moisture extending over the Pacific and into Washington and Oregon. About 158,000 electrical customers had no power on Monday.

Times Square will be open on New Year's Eve — with vax proof

By Associated Press

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says crowds will once again fill Times Square this New Year's Eve.

U.S. journalist lands in New York after jailed for months in Myanmar

By Ted Shafrey, Bobby Caina Calvan, Associated Press

American journalist Danny Fenster, who spent nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar, has arrived in the United States. Fenster was sentenced last week to 11 years of hard labor.

Durbin calls for removal of federal prisons director amid 'mounting crises'

By Michael Balsamo, Associated Press

Sen. Dick Durbin's demand came two days after the AP revealed that more than 100 Bureau of Prisons workers have been arrested, convicted or sentenced for crimes since the start of 2019.

Americans elevated retail spending by 1.7 percent last month

By Christopher S. Rugaber, Associated Press

Solid hiring, strong pay raises, and healthy savings for many households are underpinning robust spending. Americans are also still buying more cars, furniture, and other goods than they did before the pandemic.

Blinken travels to Africa to boost U.S. response to region

By Matthew Lee, Associated Press

The Biden administration's competition with China for influence hasn't gotten off to a great start in Africa. In August, the top U.S. diplomat planned a visit, only to postpone it because of the turmoil in Afghanistan that preoccupied Washington.

Talks between Biden and China's Xi raise hope for better ties but strains remain

By Ken Moritsugu, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

China has welcomed a virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden as raising hopes for better relations, while the U.S. was more muted on the talks.