National News

By JOSH BOAK , AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers dramatically stepped up their hiring in December, adding 312,000 jobs in an encouraging display of strength for an economy in the midst of a trade war, slowing global growth and a partial shutdown of the federal government. The Labor Department said Friday that…

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Two big rigs and two passenger vehicles collided and spilled diesel fuel across a Florida highway Thursday, sparking a massive fire that killed six people, authorities said. The wreck happened on Interstate 75 about a mile (1.6 kilometers) south of Alachua, near Gainesville. The flames were fed by about 50 gallons…

By LISA MASCARO , AP Congressional Correspondent WASHINGTON (AP) — Nancy Pelosi knew this moment would come, even if others had their doubts — or worked to stop her. Pelosi was elected Thursday as House speaker, the only woman who has held the office and now one of few elected officials who will be returning…

By JOE McDONALD ,  AP Business Writer BEIJING (AP) — Apple Inc.'s $1,000 iPhone is a tough sell to consumers in China unnerved by an economic slump and the trade war with the U.S. CEO Tim Cook said in a letter to shareholders Wednesday that demand for iPhones is waning and revenue for the last quarter…

By JON GAMBRELL , Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday it will seek the death penalty against five suspects in the slaying of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a killing that has seen members of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's entourage implicated in the writer's assassination. Prosecutors announced…