National News

By ZEKE MILLER and JILL COLVIN, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — White House communications director Hope Hicks, one of President Donald Trump's most trusted and longest-serving aides, abruptly announced her resignation, leaving a void around a president who values loyalty and affirmation. The departure of Hicks, who worked as a one-woman communications shop during his campaign,…

By LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — He felt stung by the politics that helped define his life — and resolved to keep a distance. But in death, the Rev. Billy Graham is getting a rare tribute from the nation's top political leaders under Capitol Rotunda. President Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate…

By KELLI KENNEDY, TERRY SPENCER and ROBERT RAY, Associated Press PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — About 50 uniformed officers marched into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School early Wednesday, just one aspect of the heavy security as classes resumed for the first time since 17 students and teachers were killed by a troubled teenager with an AR-15, thrusting…

By ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press SAN DIEGO (AP) — A judge who was taunted by Donald Trump during the presidential campaign sided with the president Tuesday on a challenge to building a border wall with Mexico, removing what could have been a major obstacle to the signature campaign pledge. U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel rejected arguments…

By KELLI KENNEDY, BRENDAN FARRINGTON and CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — A Tuesday morning hearing in the criminal case against the suspect accused in the Florida high school shooting has been canceled. Prosecutors are seeking to obtain hair samples, fingerprints, DNA and photographs of Nikolas Cruz, 19. The hearing was removed from the…