Nation

U.S. high school students continue to lose ground in math and reading, as yearslong decline persists

By Annie Ma, Associated Press

While the pandemic had an outsize impact on student achievement, experts said falling scores are part of a longer arc in education that cannot be attributed solely to COVID-19, school closures and related issues such as heightened absenteeism.

Michigan judge tosses case against 15 people accused of attempting to falsely certify Trump as 2020 winner

By Isabella Volmert, Associated Press

The 15 had been accused of submitting certificates that falsely said Trump won the election in Michigan, when in fact President Joe Biden carried the state.

Presidents are taking longer to approve disaster aid, AP analysis finds. For some, the wait is agonizing

By David A. Lieb, Sophie Bates, M.K. Wildeman, Associated Press, Alex Rozier, Mississippi Today, Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press

Trump has approved more than two dozen major disaster declarations since taking office in January, ranging from a one-day turnaround after July's deadly flash flooding in Texas to a 67-day wait after a request for aid because of a Michigan…

Attorney says detained Korean Hyundai workers had special skills for short-term jobs

By Russ Bynum, Kate Brumback, Hyung-Jin Kim, Associated Press

An immigration attorney says many South Korean workers detained in a U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia were brought in for highly specialized work that Americans aren't trained to perform.

As Florida moves to end vaccine mandates, pediatricians fear more states could follow

By William Brangham, Karina Cuevas, Jenna Bloom

Health officials in Florida are moving to end many school vaccination mandates, and public health experts are worried about the impact on children and whether other states may follow. William Brangham discussed more with Dr. Mona Amin, a pediatrician in…

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New Chicago immigration campaign prompts confusion as city braces for federal intervention

By Sophia Tareen, Associated Press

The Department of Homeland Security is trumpeting the start of a new immigration operation in Chicago that's stirring up fresh confusion and anxiety.

Alcaraz and Sabalenka make history with U.S. Open victories

By Geoff Bennett, Courtney Norris

Three years after becoming the youngest No. 1 player in history, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reclaimed that title after winning the U.S. Open in a four-set match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus became the first woman to…

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Murdoch family reaches media empire succession deal that won’t change direction of Fox News

By David Bauder, Associated Press

Rupert Murdoch’s family has reached a deal on control of the 94-year-old mogul’s media empire after his death, ensuring no change in direction at Fox News, the most popular network for President Donald Trump and conservatives.

Charlotte officials under fire after man with long criminal history kills Ukrainian refugee on train

By Erik Versuzco, Sarah Brumfield, Associated Press

Charlotte, North Carolina, officials are facing criticism for failing to keep a man with a history of erratic behavior off the streets before he fatally stabbed a young Ukrainian refugee on a commuter train last month.

Hegseth visits Puerto Rico as U.S. steps up military operations in the Caribbean

By Dánica Coto, Associated Press

The visit comes as the U.S. prepares to deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico for operations targeting drug cartels, a person familiar with the planning said Saturday.