Nation

EPA eyes formal evaluation of toxic chemical that burned after Ohio train derailment

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press

The Biden administration could soon launch a formal evaluation of vinyl chloride, the chemical that burned following the fiery train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried jailed after judge revokes bail in crypto fraud case

By Larry Neumeister, Associated Press

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was sent to jail Friday to await trial after a bail hearing for the fallen cryptocurrency wiz left a judge convinced that he had repeatedly tried to influence witnesses against him.

How to help survivors of the deadly wildfires in Maui

By News Desk and Glenn Gamboa, Associated Press

Experts recommend donating to nonprofits based on Hawaii that have provided rapid response services in the past, and organizations with deep local ties and knowledge of the affected communities.

Kentucky school district's bus route meltdown draws public outrage, calls for change

By Bruce Schreiner, Dylan Lovan, Travis Loller, Associated Press

It took just one disastrous day for Jefferson County Public Schools leaders to completely reexamine the transportation plan for Kentucky's largest district, which serves 96,000 students.

Prosecutors say California judge informed court staff via text after shooting his wife

By Amy Taxin, Associated Press

A Southern California judge accused of killing his wife texted his court clerk and bailiff afterward to say he had shot her, prosecutors said Friday as they charged him with murder and sought new bail conditions.

Maui wildfire burns 150-year-old banyan tree, threatening survival

By Bobby Caina Calvan, Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press

A giant 150-year-old banyan tree is among many landmarks in Lahaina which have been damaged. The sprawling tree that was the oceanside community's heart is now uncertain. The tree's limbs were scorched by a devastating fire that wiped away generations…

Questions grow over wildfire warnings as Maui death toll rises

By Ty O'Neil, Jennifer Kelleher, Rebecca Boone, Associated Press, Claire Rush, Associated Press/Report for America

Many of survivors said in interviews Thursday that they didn’t hear any sirens or receive a warning that gave them enough time to prepare, only realizing they were in danger when they saw flames or heard explosions nearby.

How the Hawaii fires will take a toll on the state's natural treasures

By Doug Glass, Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press

Experts say the fires are likely to transform the landscape in unwanted ways including hastening erosion, sending sediment into waterways and degrading coral that is critically important to the islands, marine life and the humans who live nearby.

Federal judge will hear arguments on potential takeover of New York City's troubled jail system

By Jake Offenhartz, Associated Press

A federal judge has agreed to begin a process that could wrest control of New York City's troubled jail system away from Mayor Eric Adams. That could see a court-appointed outside authority take charge of Rikers Island by early next…

Texas judge says not to expect a quick ruling over GOP efforts to toss 2022 election losses near Houston

By Associated Press

Following closing arguments in the first of multiple legal challenges to local election results in Harris County, Texas, a visiting judge said the decision on whether to overturn the outcome based on alleged irregularities is weeks away.