The Latest: Averages of deaths, infections surge in Arizona

PHOENIX — Arizona on Tuesday reported more than 60 additional known deaths as the current COVID-19 surge saw hospitalizations set another record and rolling seven-day averages of cases and deaths more than double o…

Mexico's president sends letter congratulating Biden

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Tuesday he sent a letter of congratulations to U.S. President-elect Jose Biden, becoming one of the last world leaders to do so.

Pakistan issues new law for speedy trials of alleged rapists

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's president on Tuesday issued a much-awaited new law requiring the establishment of special courts to speedily conclude trials of people charged with raping women or children, a move haile…

The Latest: Veterans Affairs nurse vaccinated in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — A nurse on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center was the first in Minnesota to receive a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday.

GOP leader McConnell finally acknowledges Biden won election

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated Democrat Joe Biden as president-elect on Tuesday, saying the Electoral College “has spoken.”

Justices order review of Colorado virus rules for churches

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a lower federal court to reexamine Colorado restrictions on indoor religious services to combat the coronavirus in light of the justices’ recent ruling in favo…

LA Times executive editor Norman Pearlstine steps down

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Times Executive Editor Norman Pearlstine has stepped down after two and a half years heading a newspaper roiled by management shakeups, a drop in revenue and questions about its commi…

With eye on Iran, Israel tests missile defense system

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's Defense Ministry said Tuesday it conducted a series of successful live fire drills with its multi-range missile-defense system, providing protection against threats posed by arch-enemy Ira…

The Latest: McConnell acknowledges Biden is president-elect

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on

GOP leader McConnell congratulates Biden as president-elect

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated Democrat Joe Biden as president-elect on Tuesday, saying the Electoral College “has spoken.”

The Latest: Emanuel back in mix for Biden administration job

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on

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Stocks start higher on Wall Street as vaccinations roll out

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street is getting off to a solid start as COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out in the U.S. and as a second vaccine candidate moved closer to winning approval from regulators. The S&P 500 …

Top official of South Africa's ruling ANC urged to step down

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The secretary-general of South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, may be forced to step down after the party’s integrity commission recommended that he be suspended because he…

Obama-era program for immigrants faces new court challenge

HOUSTON (AP) — A federal court next week is expected to consider whether to invalidate a program that shields from deportation immigrants brought to the United States as children, potentially creating complications…