By MOLLY DISCHNER (JUNEAU, Alaska, AP) — Alaska on Tuesday became the third U.S. state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, but organizers don’t expect any public celebrations since… Read more »

By MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN (HAVANA, AP) — A new round of negotiations to restore full diplomatic ties with Cuba will take place next week in Washington, according to a delegation of… Read more »

By JUAN A. LOZANO (HOUSTON, AP) — The White House promised an appeal Tuesday after a federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration and… Read more »

By STACEY PLAISANCE and JANET McCONNAUGHEY (NEW ORLEANS, AP) — Revelers in glitzy costumes filled the streets of New Orleans on Tuesday for the annual Mardi Gras bash, opening a day… Read more »

By MICHELLE L. PRICE (SALT LAKE CITY, AP) — A hotly contested proposal that resurrects Utah’s use of firing squads to carry out executions narrowly passed a key vote Friday… Read more »

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR (WASHINGTON, AP) — Thousands of people signing up for health insurance this weekend may not realize it, but their coverage under President Barack Obama’s law could be… Read more »

By LINDSEY BAHR (LOS ANGELES, AP) — The long takes of Alejandro Inarritu’s “Birdman” won out over the long production of Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood” at the Directors Guild Awards Saturday…. Read more »

(BRATTLEBORO, Vt., AP) — A Vermont man who sometimes held his coat together with safety pins and had a long-time habit of foraging for firewood also had a hidden talent… Read more »

By MATT SEDENSKY (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., AP) — A treasure hunter accused of cheating investors out of their share of his historic underwater find of gold is remaining behind… Read more »