Newsdesk

FDA revives federal effort to ban menthol cigarettes

By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

U.S. health regulators pledged again Thursday to try to ban menthol cigarettes, this time under pressure from African American groups to remove the mint flavor popular among Black smokers.

NYC mayor expects city to ‘fully reopen’ by July 1

By Associated Press

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio expects the city to “fully reopen” by July 1, with the lifting of the city’s COVID-19 restrictions.

India cases set new global record as millions vote in West Bengal state

By Krutika Pathi, Sheikh Saaliq, Associated Press

India set another global record in new virus cases Thursday, as millions of people in one state cast votes despite rising infections and the country geared up to open its vaccination rollout to all adults amid snags.

U.S. economy accelerated at a robust 6.4 percent rate last quarter

By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press

Powered by consumers, the U.S. economy grew at a brisk 6.4% annual rate last quarter — a show of strength fueled by government aid and declining viral cases that could drive further gains as the nation rebounds with unusual speed…

High court moves away from leniency for minors who murder

By Jessica Gresko, Associated Press

The Supreme Court made it easier Thursday to sentence minors convicted of murder to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a ruling that reflects a change in course driven by a more conservative group of justices.

D.C. statehood approved by House as Senate fight looms

By Ashraf Khalil, Associated Press

A decades-long movement to reshape the American political map took a further step Thursday as the House of Representatives approved a bill to make the nation's capital the 51st state.

U.S. jobless claims fall to 547,000, another pandemic low

By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell last week to 547,000, a new low since the pandemic struck and a further encouraging sign that layoffs are slowing on the strength of an improving job market.

India adds 314,000 virus cases, a global record

By Ashok Sharma, Associated Press

India reported a global high of more than 314,000 new infections Thursday as a grim coronavirus surge in the world's second-most populous country sends more and more sick people into a fragile health care system.

Indian hospitals buckle amid virus surge

By Aniruddha Ghosal, Neha Mehrotra, Associated Press

India's health system is collapsing under the worst surge in coronavirus infections that it has seen so far.

U.S. jobless claims plunge to 576,000, lowest since pandemic

By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits tumbled last week to 576,000, a post-COVID low and a hopeful sign that layoffs are easing as the economy recovers from the pandemic recession.