Book excerpt: "North Woods" by Daniel Mason

Netflix doc reveals how firefighter saved Jesus’ Crown of Thorns as Notre Dame blaze ragedA section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed after visitors allegedly try to hold a young bear

College student is fatally shot in Salem as revelers take part in Halloween celebrationPrinceton student who stormed Capitol is sentenced to 2 months behind barsConnecticut judge orders new mayoral primary after surveillance videos show possible ballot stuffing

New Jersey governor closes part of state’s only women’s prison amid reports of misconduct thereThe US has strongly backed Israel’s war against Hamas. The allies don’t seem to know what comes next

Republican US Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado won’t seek reelection, citing party’s ‘insidious narratives’

Rep. George Santos is facing an effort by fellow New York Republicans to expel him from the HouseLess boo for your buck: For the second Halloween in a row, US candy inflation hits double digits

EPA to strengthen lead protections in drinking water after multiple crises, including FlintThe campaign spotlight this weekend is on Nevada, where dueling elections could confuse GOP voters

Maine embarks on healing and searches for answers a day after mass killing suspect is found deadLouisiana and Amtrak agree to revive train service between New Orleans, Baton Rouge