It took decades to recover humpback whale numbers in the North Pacific. Then a heat wave killed thousands.

Ohio mom who left toddler alone when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder

Illinois secretary of state tells drivers to ‘ditch the DMV’ and register onlineInmate gets life sentence for killing fellow inmate, stabbing a 2nd at federal prison in Indiana

Federal appeals court grants petition for full court to consider Maryland gun lawWisconsin Senate GOP leader working on income tax cut for families with up to $200,000 in earningsLongtime North Carolina appellate judge preparing to scale back work at the 4th US Circuit

Judy Blume to receive lifetime achievement award for ‘Bravery in Literature’New chairman in Mississippi Senate will shape proposals to revive an initiative process

2 dead, 3 rescued after a boat overturns near a southeast Alaska community

Through sobs, cargo ship officer says crew is ‘broken’ over deaths of 2 firefighters in blazeSome video game actors are letting AI clone their voices. They just don’t want it to replace them

Prince William attends the BAFTAs solo as Princess Kate continues recovery from surgeryNavalny’s widow vows to continue his fight against the Kremlin and punish Putin for his death

Students and parents are frustrated by delays in hearing about federal financial aid for collegeStalled US aid for Ukraine underscores GOP’s shift away from confronting Russia