US destroyers head toward waters off Venezuela as Trump aims to pressure drug cartels

WASHINGTON — The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, according to a U.S. official briefed on the planning. The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson are expected to arrive … Read more

Russia gives Alaska man $22,000 motorcycle after viral interview

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An Alaska man might have walked away as the biggest winner of last week’s high stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage. He rode off with a new motorcycle, courtesy of the Russian government. Putin’s delegation gifted Mark Warren, a retired fire inspector for the … Read more

Humanitarian aid cuts leave sex violence victims in global conflicts without help: UN

UNITED NATIONS — Major cuts in humanitarian aid have left victims of sexual violence in conflicts around the world without lifesaving help as clinics and shelters close, a senior U.N. official warned Tuesday. Pramila Patten, U.N. special representative on sexual violence in conflict, lashed out at the U.N. Security Council and the broader international community … Read more

DC unemployment rate is the highest in the US for the third straight month

WASHINGTON — The seasonably adjusted unemployment rate in Washington, D.C., was the highest in the nation for the third straight month, according to new data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. D.C.’s jobless rate reached 6% in July, a reflection of the mass layoffs of federal workers, ushered in by President Donald Trump’s … Read more

Air Force’s top uniformed officer is retiring early in latest Trump military shake-up

WASHINGTON — The Air Force’s top uniformed officer is set to retire early in the most recent shake-up of military leadership during President Donald Trump’s second term. Gen. David Allvin will continue serving as the service’s chief of staff until a replacement is confirmed by the Senate, the Air Force announced Monday. He expects to … Read more

Explosion on cargo ship closes Baltimore shipping channel near bridge collapse site

BALTIMORE — Investigators on Tuesday were trying to determine what caused an explosion aboard a cargo ship laden with coal as it departed Baltimore’s harbor for East Africa. Officials said no one was injured in the blast Monday evening, which prompted a mayday call when it was reported near the site of last year’s Francis … Read more