The Associated Press

The Rundown

AP Exclusive: Afghans push through snowy Alps toward new lives in Europe

CLAVIERE, Italy (AP) — When suicide attackers and gunmen massacred crowds flocking to Kabul’s airport, they also severed the escape route that Ali Rezaie hoped would take him to a new life abroad, far from the Taliban and their suspicions of…Read More

Rebuilding tornado-ravaged Kentucky town could take years

MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — Although his birthday is still a few days away, 60-year-old Harley Kelso knows what he’s getting from his sister. The retired truck driver, whose home and car were battered by last week’s tornado — one of dozens that ri…Read More

More than 20 feared dead in building fire in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan (AP) — More than 20 people were feared dead after a fire broke out Friday in a building in Osaka in western Japan, officials said, and police were investigating arson as a possible cause….Read More

Officials: Astroworld victims died from compression asphyxia

HOUSTON (AP) — The 10 people killed at the Astroworld music festival in Houston all died from compression asphyxia during a massive crowd surge in which attendees were packed so tightly that many could not breathe or move their arms, officia…Read More

Pope at 85: No more Mr. Nice Guy, as reform hits stride

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis celebrates his 85th birthday on Friday, a milestone made even more remarkable given the coronavirus pandemic, his summertime intestinal surgery and the weight of history: His predecessor retired at this age and the l…Read More

OTHER TOP STORIES

A fragile partnership in Iraq tries to prevent IS revival

LHEIBAN, Iraq (AP) — As a backhoe dug up the ground to build trenches, Iraqi soldiers scanned the vast farming tracts for militants; not far away, their Kurdish counterparts …Read More

New Year’s fireworks returning to Vegas after 2020 hiatus

LAS VEGAS (AP) — New Year’s Eve fireworks that were called off last year on the Las Vegas Strip due to the coronavirus pandemic are returning with hopes for big crowds, even …Read More

North Korea calls for unity on anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Friday commemorated the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong Il’s death with calls for greater public loyalty toward his son an…Read More

AP’s top albums of 2021: ‘Sour,’ ‘Donda,’ H.E.R. and Eilish

Ten of the best albums of the year, as selected by Associated Press entertainment journalists. OLIVIA RODRIGO, “SOUR” Olivia Rodrigo kicks off her debut album “SOUR” with the…Read More