National News

Closest known black hole to Earth spotted by astronomers

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronomers have discovered the closest known black hole to Earth, just 1,600 light-years away. Scientists reported Friday that this black hole is 10 times more massive than our sun. And it’s three times closer than…

Alaska-Australia flight could place bird in record books

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A young bar-tailed godwit appears to have set a non-stop distance record for migratory birds by flying at least 13,560 kilometers (8,435 miles) from Alaska to the Australian state of Tasmania, a bird expert said Friday.…

Test scores show historic COVID setbacks for kids across US

By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The COVID-19 pandemic caused historic learning setbacks for America’s children, sparing no state or region as it erased decades of academic progress and widened racial disparities, according to results of a…

Powerball jackpot up to $580 million

Saturday’s Powerball drawing is up to $580 million, prompting players to line up for tickets. The estimated cash value for the drawing is $278.2 million. This will be the 34th…

Jan. 6 panel issues subpoena to Trump, demanding he testify

By FARNOUSH AMIRI and MARY CLARE JALONICK WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol formally issued its extraordinary subpoena o Donald Trump on Friday, demanding testimony from the former president who lawmakers say “personally…

Fewer Americans apply for jobless benefits last week

By MATT OTT AP Business Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week and remains historically low even as the U.S. economy slows in the midst of decades-high inflation. Jobless claims for the…

Everything to know to apply for student loan forgiveness

NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program. announced in August, will cancel up to $20,000 in debt per borrower. The application process is now open, and the administration says the forms should take five minutes to complete. Borrowers who…