EPA bans consumer use of a toxic chemical widely used as a paint stripper but known to cause cancer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a ban on consumer uses of methylene chloride, a chemical widely used as a paint stripper but known to cause liver cancer and other health problems. The EPA said Tuesday its action will protect Americans from health risks while allowing certain commercial uses to continue with…

Former tabloid publisher testifies about scheme to shield his old friend Trump from damaging stories

NEW YORK (AP) — The former publisher of the National Enquirer testified at Donald Trump’s hush money trial about going to great lengths to help shield his old friend from potentially damaging stories. The efforts relied on a catch-and-kill scheme prosecutors allege amounted to interference in the 2016 presidential campaign. At the same time, the…

The Latest | Pecker says he wanted to keep tabloid’s agreement with Trump ‘as quiet as possible’

NEW YORK (AP) — The National Enquirer’s former publisher says he pledged to be the “eyes and ears” of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, which led to an agreement to give the ex-president’s lawyer advance notice of negative stories that might torpedo his aspirations. David Pecker is the first witness in Trump’s criminal hush money case.…

Communications breakdown left authorities in the dark and residents without alerts amid Maui fire

HONOLULU (AP) — A new report shows that the head of Maui’s emergency management agency dragged his heels about returning to the island as wildfires ripped across the island last August. That came as a broader communications breakdown left authorities in the dark and residents without emergency alerts. The report released Wednesday says communications problems…