Newsdesk

Italy declares state of emergency in Venice amid high tides

By Giada Zampano, Associated Press

A cabinet meeting approved a special decree that included 20 million euros ($21.7 million) in immediate financial aid aimed at helping the city recover.

Catholic bishops’ new anti-abuse hotline to be ready soon

By David Crary, Associated Press

A new national hotline to report sexual misconduct accusations against Catholic bishops in the U.S. could be operating by the end of February, three months ahead of the deadline set by Pope Francis.

Greta Thunberg hitches low-carbon ride across Atlantic

By Ben Finley, Associated Press

After attending a climate conference in Spain, Thunberg hopes she’ll make it home for Christmas and to be with her family and her dogs.

U.S. government says Roger Stone ‘undermined’ Russia inquiry

By Ashraf Khalil, Associated Press

Stone, 67, was indicted in January as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian electoral tampering.

Wobbly day on Wall Street ends mixed

By Alex Veiga, Associated Press

Wall Street capped a wobbly day for stocks with another record-setting finish Wednesday.

WATCH: Trump and Turkey President Erdogan hold joint news conference amid impeachment hearings

By Associated Press

President Donald Trump says Turkey’s purchase of Russian air defense system creates “serious challenges,” but he says he hopes they can be resolved.

U.S. budget deficit surges to $134.5 billion in October

By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press

The federal government, which ended the 2019 budget year with its largest deficit in seven years, began the new budget year with a deficit in October that was 33.8% bigger than a year ago as spending hit a record.

As rockets rain down, Israel intensifies its strikes in Gaza

By Fares Akram, Josef Federman, Associated Press

Israeli aircraft struck Islamic Jihad targets throughout the Gaza Strip on Wednesday while the militant group rained scores of rockets into Israel for a second straight day as the heaviest round of fighting in months showed no signs of ending.

Union enacts ethics reforms in wake of federal investigation

By Tom Krisher, Associated Press

Acting President Rory Gamble announced a package of reforms Wednesday designed to stop embezzlement and bribery that was unearthed by a continuing federal investigation into corruption that has implicated the UAW’s current and past presidents.

Justice Dept. rolls out new program to combat gun violence

By Adrian Sainz, Michael Balsamo, Associated Press

The push, known as Project Guardian, was unveiled at a news conference in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.