Obama thrusts gun control debate into forefront of 2016 race
President Barack Obama is making good on his pledge to politicize gun violence.
Trump brushes off militant recruiting video citing his words
Donald Trump won’t be dissuaded from saying what he thinks simply because Islamic extremists use his words to recruit Muslims to their cause.
Consumers won’t know meat origin after US ends labeling law
It’s now harder to find out where your beef or pork was born, raised and slaughtered.
Somali extremists use Trump clip to recruit followers
Al-Qaida’s East African affiliate has released a recruitment video targeting American blacks and Muslims that includes a clip of presidential candidate Donald Trump calling for Muslims to be banned from entering the United States.
High water in Midwest heading toward Memphis
The high water causing problems in Illinois and Missouri is heading south toward Memphis, Tennessee.
Renewed debate planned on LGBT rights, religious freedom
With same-sex marriage now legal nationwide, lawmakers in numerous states are preparing for a new round of battles in 2016 over whether to grant discrimination protections to LGBT people or religious exemptions to nonprofits and businesses that object to gay marriage.
Obama explores unilateral steps on guns
President Barack Obama is looking for ways to keep guns out of the hands of “a dangerous few” without depending on Congress to pass a law on the fraught subject of gun control.
AP Explains: How much money you just saved on gas in 2015
NEW YORK — U.S. drivers saved a bunch of money on gasoline this past year, as Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members kept the pumps
Health care repeal vote to open a political year in Congress
It’s been like a long-delayed New Year’s resolution for Republicans. But 2016 will finally be the year when they put legislation on President Barack Obama’s desk repealing his health care law.
Bill Cosby charged with sexually assaulting a woman
Bill Cosby was charged Wednesday with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his home 12 years ago — the first criminal case brought against the comedian out of the torrent of allegations that destroyed his good-guy image as America’s Dad.
Times Square on New Year’s to be ‘safest place in the world’
With the nation still jittery over shooting massacres in California and Paris, New York City officials sought to assure revelers Tuesday that the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will be the safest place in the world — heavily secured by thousands of New York Police Department officers, including a new specialized counterterrorism unit.
Street gangs migrate from drugs to white-collar crimes
The Van Dyke Money Gang in New York made off with more than $1.5 million this year — but it wasn’t in gunpoint robberies or drug running, it was a Western Union money order scheme.
Some military discharges mean no benefits after service ends
No medical or mental health care. No subsidized college or work training. For many who leave the U.S. military with less-than-honorable discharges, including thousands who suffered injuries and anguish in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, standard veterans benefits are off limits.
Trump says criticism of Bill Clinton is fair
Donald Trump is reviving memories of Bill Clinton’s affair with a White House intern and his turbulent interactions with black voters during South Carolina’s 2008 primary as the ex-president prepares to campaign for his wife in New Hampshire.
AP-NORC Poll: Religious rights most vital for US Christians
Americans place a higher priority on preserving the religious freedom of Christians than for other faith groups, ranking Muslims as the least deserving of the protections, according to a new survey.
Calm urged after Ohio grand jury doesn’t indict officers
Officials are urging calm as they brace for expected protests after a grand jury voted not to indict a white Cleveland police officer for fatally shooting a 12-year-old black boy who was carrying what turned out to be a pellet gun.
AP-Times Square poll: Shootings weighed on Americans in 2015
Mass shootings and attacks weighed heavily on the minds of Americans in 2015, according to a new poll that found most believe this year was worse for the world than last year.
On Muslims, Democrats find an unlikely ally: George W Bush
Taunted by Republicans to declare war on “radical Islamic terrorism,” Democrats are turning to an unlikely ally: George W. Bush.
Christie-backed changes in gun rules get mixed reaction
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie has received mixed reviews among gun rights advocates in a key primary state for regulatory changes he backed this week in his home state of New Jersey.
Rudolph’s shiny red nose may be tied to eyes that glow blue
Everyone knows Rudolph has a red nose but what about his eyes?