National News

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Al Franken, the Minnesota Democrat accused of groping women without their consent, says he doesn't remember if he ever touched a woman inappropriately while photos were being taken. Three women allege Franken grabbed their buttocks during separate incidents at campaign events. A fourth woman says Franken forcibly kissed her on a…

By GREGORY KATZ and SYLVIA HUI, Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, palace officials announced Monday, confirming months of rumors. Markle, a humanitarian campaigner and lifestyle blogger who succeeded in show business before falling for Harry, will become a…

By BERNARD CONDON and ANNE D'INNOCENZIO, AP Business Writers Parking lots were full and shopping bags were plentiful in some places Saturday as holiday gift-seekers were out looking for bargains, even as the competition among retailers to offer earlier deals and snag customers first has pulled sales forward. At the Woodbury Common outlets north of New…

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The crush of unfinished business facing lawmakers when they return to the Capitol would be daunting even if Washington were functioning at peak efficiency. It's an agenda whose core items — tax cuts, a potential government shutdown, lots of leftover spending bills — could unravel just as easily…

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO and JOSEPH PISANI, AP Retail Writers NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers worked hard to attract shoppers to stores on Black Friday, offering in-person deals meant to counter the ease of shopping by phone on Amazon. A better economy and colder weather helped, to be sure. But stores have also tried to improve the…