Newsdesk

House passes Puerto Rico aid despite Trump veto threat

By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

The legislation would provide more than $5 billion in emergency appropriations, mostly for housing aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and repairing roads and bridges.

Heavy rains lash eastern Australia, help with fires

By Associated Press

New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says he is optimistic the rain will help extinguish some blazes in the coming days.

New York court rules fantasy sports contests are illegal gambling

By Mary Esch, Associated Press

The court upheld Thursday a previous decision that ruled daily fantasy sports violated the state constitution's ban on gambling. The court also ruled that the Legislature unlawfully authorized the activity by classifying it as a game of skill, not chance.

Man shot in face by ICE officer during Brooklyn operation, say authorities

By Jim Mustian, Associated Press

The shooting comes amid an escalating dispute between the administration of President Donald Trump and New York City over its sanctuary policies. …

Brazil judge rejects hacking accusation against journalist Glenn Greenwald

By Mauricio Savarese, David Biller, Associated Press

A judge in Brazil has dismissed accusations that U.S. journalist Glenn Greenwald was involved in hacking phones of officials, following weeks of criticism that his prosecution would infringe on constitutional protections for the press.

Virginia lawmakers to debate assault weapon ban

By Alan Suderman, Associated Press

Democratic lawmakers in Virginia are set to try to advance legislation to ban assault weapons despite pushback from members of their own party.

Bernie Sanders says he raised $25 million in January, will bolster ad buys

By Will Weissert, Associated Press

The Vermont senator spent $50 million during the final three months of 2019 and finished the year with $18.2 million in cash on hand.

Trump administration moves ahead on shrinking Utah monuments

By Brady McCombs, Associated Press

The plans ensure lands previously off-limits to energy development will be open to mining and drilling despite pending lawsuits. …

U.S. citizen believed kidnapped in Afghanistan

By Eric Tucker, Associated Press

A U.S. official says an American citizen has been kidnapped in Afghanistan by a Taliban-affiliated group and that authorities are working to rescue him.

Factory farms provide abundant food, but environment suffers

By John Flesher, Associated Press

An industry once based on small, independent farms is evolving into large operations housing thousands of animals under one roof. The change is helping make beef, poultry and pork more affordable. But animal waste from the mega-farms has fouled waters.