Politics

California Gov. Newsom signs laws to boost housing production

By Adam Beam, Associated Press

It's a long-sought victory for affordable housing advocates, who say such sites are ready-made for apartments because they are often near populated areas and come with ample parking.

U.S. announces an additional $1.1 billion in military aid for Ukraine

By Lolita C. Baldor, Matthew Lee, Associated Press

The U.S. will provide an additional $1.1 billion in aid to Ukraine, with funding for about 18 more advanced rocket systems and other weapons to counter drones that Russia has been using against Ukrainian troops.

Churches defend sex abuse reporting loophole

By Jason Dearen, Michael Rezendes, Associated Press

Clergy in 33 states are exempt from laws requiring professionals such as teachers, physicians and psychotherapists to report information about alleged child abuse to police or child welfare officials.

Israeli raid leaves 4 Palestinians dead in West Bank refugee camp

By Majdi Mohammed, Associated Press

The Israeli military said Wednesday troops arrived at the refugee camp to arrest two Palestinians suspected of involvement in recent shooting attacks. The incursion sparked armed clashes in the streets.

Italians march for abortion rights after far-right election victory

By Frances D'Emilio, Trisha Thomas, Associated Press

Protesters have marched in Rome and Milan, as well was other Italian cities, to defend the right to abortion in Italy, which they fear is under threat after a far-right party led in parliamentary elections.

UN envoy says risk of war in Yemen is ‘real’

By Samy Magdy, Associated Press

The U.N. envoy for Yemen has warned that the risk of a return to fighting in the country "is real" and urged warring parties to accept a longer extension of the current cease-fire due to expire next month.

EU plans sanctions on Russian trade after ‘sham’ Ukraine referendum

By Lorne Cook, Samuel Petrequin, Associated Press

European Union officials say the 27-nation bloc should impose "biting sanctions" on Russian trade and hit officials responsible for "sham referendums" held in parts of Ukraine.

Bank of England intervenes in market to halt economic crisis

By Danica Kirka, Jill Lawless, Associated Press

The move Wednesday comes after the government spooked investors with a program of unfunded tax cuts, sending the pound tumbling and the cost of government debt soaring.

WATCH: State Department spokesman Ned Price holds briefing as Russia works to annex parts of Ukraine

By Jon Gambrell, Adam Schreck, Associated Press

Russia positioned itself Wednesday to formally annex parts of Ukraine where occupied areas held a Kremlin-orchestrated “referendum” on living under Moscow’s rule that the Ukrainian government and the West denounced as illegal and rigged.

WATCH: Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder holds news briefing

By Hyung-Jin Kim, Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press

Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder will hold a news briefing Wednesday following the firing of two North Korean short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters.