Newsdesk

U.S. intensifies focus on Taliban, shifts air power to Afghanistan

By Robert Burns, Associated Press

Air Force Maj. Gen. James Hecker told reporters at the Pentagon today that the U.S. Central Command officially designated Afghanistan as its "main effort," now that the campaign against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria is winding down…

FBI texts reflect admiration of then-director James Comey

By Eric Tucker, Associated Press

Among the thousands of texts, the dialogue about Comey is especially striking because it further calls into question White House characterizations of an FBI in "tatters," where "countless" agents complained about their director before his removal.

Sexual assault reports double at West Point

By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press

It's the fourth year in a row that sexual assault reports increased at the school in West Point, New York.

White House aide Rob Porter resigns after allegations of spousal abuse

By Associated Press

Porter's former spouses recounted physical, verbal and emotional abuse they say he subjected them to during their marriages.

Senate leaders say they’ve reached 2-year budget deal — but a shutdown is still possible

By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced the pact, joined on the Senate floor by top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York. It would contain almost $300 billion over current limits on defense and domestic accounts.

WATCH: White House says it is pushing ahead with plans for military parade

By Associated Press

In a briefing to reporters, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the parade plan reflects Trump's respect for the armed forces.

Winter Olympic officials sequester 1,200 people to test for norovirus

By Foster Klug, Associated Press

Organizers are scrambling on the eve of the biggest planned event in South Korea in years — not because of anything related to North Korea and national security, but in an attempt to arrest the spread of norovirus at the…

As shutdown looms, Pelosi says she opposes budget deal if there’s no promise of ‘Dreamer’ vote

By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

Congress' latest funding fight runs into a new barrier.

Pence says U.S. preparing ‘toughest and most aggressive’ sanctions on North Korea

By Zeke Miller, Associated Press

On a six-day trip to Japan and South Korea, Pence is seeking to reassure and refocus American allies on the growing nuclear threat from North Korea.

6 dead, 76 missing after strong earthquake hits Taiwan

By Taijing Wu, Associated Press

Rescuers worked Wednesday to free people trapped after a strong earthquake near Taiwan's east coast caused several buildings to cave in and tilt dangerously.