Nation

Drag artists and LGBTQ+ advocates sue to block Texas law expanding ban on sexual performances

By Jim Vertuno, Associated Press

The federal lawsuit filed in Houston by the American Civil Liberties Union argues the Texas law is unconstitutional and threatens the livelihood and free expression" of drag performers and others.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's securities fraud trial delayed until end of impeachment trial

By Juan A. Lozano, Associated Press

During the brief court hearing in Houston that was attended by Paxton, state District Judge Andrea Beall agreed with lawyers in the case to delay any decision on setting a trial date until the impeachment trial, set to begin Sept.

Woman who escaped cinder-block cell in Oregon may have saved others with action, FBI says

By Gene Johnson, Associated Press, Claire Rush, Associated Press/Report for America

The FBI said Wednesday that police in Reno, Nevada, arrested 29-year-old Negasi Zuberi on July 16, a day after he fled from his home in Klamath Falls, where he had taken the Seattle woman.

Climate change is hitting close to home for nearly 2 out of 3 Americans, poll finds

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

Despite longstanding political polarization on the issue, experts say there's still room to find common ground.

News Wrap: Jurors recommended death penalty for Pittsburgh synagogue gunman

In our news wrap Wednesday, jurors recommended the death penalty for the gunman who killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Beijing and the surrounding region are awash in severe flooding after the heaviest rain in 140 years, the American…

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How the loss of local newspapers fueled political divisions in the U.S.

By Judy Woodruff, Frank Carlson, Connor Seitchik

Over the past few decades, more than 2,000 newspapers across the country have closed, leaving many communities without a reliable source of local information. Researchers say this crisis in journalism, driven by changes in technology, is fueling the country's political…

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Utah law requiring age verification for porn sites remains in effect after judge dismisses lawsuit

By Sam Metz, Associated Press

The judge said Tuesday that an industry group representing adult entertainers couldn't sue Utah officials over the law because of how it's designed.

Wisconsin lawsuit asks new liberal-controlled Supreme Court to toss Republican-drawn congressional maps

By Scott Bauer, Associated Press

The long-promised action from a coalition of law firms and voting rights groups comes the day after the Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped from a conservative to liberal majority.

Massive wildfire threatens iconic Joshua trees despite progress taming the flames

By Ty O'Neil, Stefanie Dazio, Rio Yamat, Associated Press

Firefighters aided by rain fought to contain a massive blaze that swept through the California desert into Nevada and are threatening the region's famous spiky trees.

Jury recommends death sentence for man who killed 11 at Tree of Life synagogue

By Associated Press

The same federal jury that convicted the 50-year-old Bowers on 63 criminal counts recommended Wednesday that he be put to death for an attack whose impacts continue to reverberate nearly five years later.