The Saipan surprise: How delicate talks led to the unlikely end of Julian Assange's 12-year saga

WASHINGTON (AP) — About a year and a half ago, a lawyer for Julian Assange presented federal prosecutors in Virginia with a longshot request: Dismiss the case against the WikiLeaks founder. It was a bold ask given that Assange had published hundreds of thousands of secret...

Biden concedes debate fumbles but declares he will defend democracy. Dems stick by him — for now

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden worked forcefully Friday to quell Democratic anxieties over his unsteady showing in his debate with former President Donald Trump, as elected members of his party closed ranks around him in an effort to shut down talk of replacing him atop the ticket. ...

Federal agency plans to prohibit bear baiting in national preserves in Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The National Park Service said Friday it intends to ban hunters from baiting bears in national preserves in Alaska. The new rule, set to take effect later this summer, would bar sport hunters from using bait, such as bacon grease, pastries, syrup or dog food,...

Biden rallies for LGBTQ+ rights as he looks to shake off an uneven debate performance

NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden courted LGBTQ+ voters with two New York events on Friday and warned about Donald Trump returning to the White House, as he looked to shake off a widely panned debate performance. Biden inaugurated a visitor center at the Stonewall National...

Obama backs Biden after 'bad' debate night, says 'so much is at stake' in fight against Trump

Biden's debate performance spurs Democratic panic about his ability to lead party against Trump

ATLANTA (AP) — Above all, Joe Biden's allies wanted him to demonstrate strength and energy on the debate stage to help put to rest questions about the 81-year-old Democrat's physical and mental acuity. But on the biggest stage in U.S. politics on Thursday night, Biden did not meet...

A halting Biden tries to confront Trump at debate but sparks Democratic anxiety about his candidacy

ATLANTA (AP) — A raspy and sometimes halting President Joe Biden tried repeatedly to confront Donald Trump in their first debate ahead of the November election, as his Republican rival countered Biden's criticism by leaning into falsehoods about the economy, illegal immigration and his role in...

Editorial Roundup: United States

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: June 25 The Philadelphia Inquirer on the war in Gaza and the Houthis As hopes for a cease-fire in the war in Gaza continue to dim, it’s important to underline that the United States is...

A signature Biden law aimed to boost renewable energy. It also helped a solar company reap billions

WASHINGTON (AP) — As he campaigned for the presidency, Joe Biden promised to spend billions of dollars to “save the world” from climate change. One of the largest players in the solar industry was ready. Executives, officials and major investors in First Solar, the largest...

Laugh (or cringe) at these history-making moments from presidential debates

WASHINGTON (AP) — It could be a well-rehearsed zinger or an offhand, too-loud sigh. Notable moments from past presidential debates demonstrate how the candidates' words and body language can make them look especially relatable or hopelessly out-of-touch. They also can showcase...