Nation

U.S. jobless claims rise to 419,000 from a pandemic low

By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

The weekly number of first-time applications for benefits, which generally tracks layoffs, has fallen steadily since topping 900,000 in early January. Economists say the increase is most likely a blip caused by some one-time factors.

U.S. imposes new Cuba sanctions over human rights abuses

By Aamer Madhani, Matthew Lee, Associated Press

The Biden administration has unveiled new sanctions against a Cuban official and government entity it says was involved in human rights abuses during a government crackdown on protests on the island earlier this month.

NFL teams face potential forfeits for COVID-19 outbreaks

By Rob Maaddi, Associated Press

NFL teams have been warned they could forfeit a game due to a COVID-19 outbreak among non-vaccinated players, and players on both teams wouldn't get paid that week.

WATCH: Biden signs bill bolstering the Crime Victims Fund

By Associated Press

The Senate voted unanimously Tuesday, 100-0, to pass the bill bolstering the fund.

WATCH: Pelosi says Jan. 6 panel to move ahead without GOP's choices

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says a committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection "will do the job it set out to do" after Republicans vowed to boycott the probe.

California wildfire crosses into Nevada, prompting new evacuation orders

By Haven Daley, Associated Press

A Northern California wildfire crossed into Nevada, prompting new evacuations, but better weather has been helping crews battling the nation's largest blaze in southern Oregon.

WATCH: CDC advisory panel discusses third COVID-19 shot for immunocompromised

By Associated Press

A CDC advisory panel is discussing Thursday whether a third COVID-19 shot is needed for those who are immunocompromised.

Biden says getting a COVID-19 vaccine is 'gigantically important'

By Alexandra Jaffe, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

Biden said the public health crisis has turned largely into a plight of the unvaccinated as the spread of the delta variant has led to a surge in infections around the country.

WATCH: Jen Psaki holds White House news briefing

By Associated Press

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday said the guidance for mask wearing hadn't changed, even as the delta variant, which spreads more aggressively, now accounts for an estimated 83% of cases nationwide.