Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wants to abolish death penalty

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that Ohio should abolish the death penalty, saying it is no longer a deterrent to violent crime, confirming his change of heart on the policy he helped write as a state legislator 45 years ago.

Indiana receives flexibility from Trump on federal education spending

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is giving Indiana more flexibility over how it decides to spend its federal grant money, the third state to receive such exemptions from the Education Department as it seeks to “return education to the states.”

US gas prices fall below $4, but still 25% higher than last year

NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. gas prices fell below $4 a gallon on average Thursday, but just barely. It is the first time since March that the average cost for a regular gallon has been that low. Prices fell overnight after President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country.

Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon in intense fighting as US-Iran talks postponed

Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon in intense fighting as US-Iran talks postponed

Officials search tornado-damaged areas after strong storms hit Illinois and Indiana

Authorities and residents searched tornado-ravaged areas and assessed damage Friday after a strong line of storms barreled through communities south of Chicago, leaving several hundred thousand customers without power in Illinois and Indiana and disrupting air travel in the region.

Midwest storms blamed for Iowa death, scores of power outages

Several hundred thousand homes and businesses were without power Thursday after severe storms swept through the Midwest – damaging buildings and structures across a wide swath and causing more than a thousand flight delays and cancellations. One person died after being struck by a tree in Iowa, police said.

Hegseth attacks NATO allies and announces a review of US forces in Europe

BRUSSELS (AP) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at NATO allies on Thursday as he announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe whose outcome will depend on how fast the Europeans take responsibility for their own security.

Vance warned U.S. critics in Israel against "attacking the only powerful ally"

WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that the U.S. Navy has allowed more than a dozen ships through to Iranian ports, lifting a blockade as part of an agreement to end the war. Vance made the announcement at a White House press briefing, where he said more oil is now flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.