US News

May 24 2013 - 4:00am

Itch can be a useful warning sign, or a maddening symptom with no cure. But the origins of itch have long been a mystery.Scientists think they've come closer to understanding the origins of itch in a molecule that makes mice scratch like mad.

May 23 2013 - 11:31pm

TAn unknown number of people and vehicles are in the Skagit River, and rescue crews are looking for them. The bridge collapsed at 7 p.m., but the reason is unclear.

May 23 2013 - 3:55pm

Over the years, McDonald's has gotten a lot of flack for marketing to kids. At a shareholders meeting Thursday morning, Hannah Robertson, age 9, took the fast-food giant's CEO to task.

May 23 2013 - 3:29pm

President Obama spoke at the National Defense University on Thursday about his views on the next stage in combating terrorism. Read his speech as prepared for delivery.

May 23 2013 - 3:00pm

Officials are forecasting hurricane activity will be "above normal" this season, with 13 to 20 named storms. Up to six of those could be major hurricanes. Warm ocean waters and the lack of El Nino conditions are partly to blame.

May 23 2013 - 3:00pm

There were hugs and tears, smiles and laughter: Parents and students from two schools destroyed in Monday's tornado in Moore, Okla., reunited Thursday with their teachers. The school district reopened all of its schools just for the day on what would have been the final day of classes before summer vacation.

May 23 2013 - 3:00pm

Abortion opponents are hoping the recent murder conviction of Pennsylvania abortion provider Kermit Gosnell will lead to more scrutiny of second trimester abortions. They're working on a bill that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy — nationwide.

May 23 2013 - 2:00pm

Obama outlines a second-term policy shift to limit the scope of CIA drone strikes, while he renews a pledge to close down the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

May 23 2013 - 1:00pm

Writings from childhood — cards, stories and other notes — can hide for decades, like time capsules tucked away in boxes, old bedrooms, attics and journals. Writer Jim Sollisch talks about how old thank you notes from his youth foreshadowed his adult life.

May 23 2013 - 1:00pm

Beijing continues to pressure its neighbors over strings of disputed areas in the South China Sea that reportedly hold massive deposits of oil and gas. The ongoing disputes raise serious questions about China's goals in the region and how the United States should address escalating tensions.