The Associated Press

Traditional circumcisions performed at secretive initiation schools are a rite of passage to manhood for many South African boys. But dozens are dying as a result of botched procedures. apnews.com/article/south-…

The spokesman for Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says that Tehran is still building missiles, seeking to counter a claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it no longer could. apnews.com/live/iran-war-…

South Korean officials say at least 50 people have been injured in a fire at an auto parts factory in the central city of Daejeon. apnews.com/article/south-…

Anti-apartheid activist, human rights campaigner and UN diplomat Nicholas Haysom dies at age 73 apnews.com/article/haysom…

Firefighters are trying to control blazes at Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery after Kuwait says it was hit again by Iranian drone attacks. Follow AP's live updates on the Iran war. apnews.com/live/iran-war-…

The Arizona desert community of Martinez Lake hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the record for the highest March temperature ever recorded in the U.S. apnews.com/article/heat-w…

Meteorite hunters are combing Ohio for fragments of a space rock that streaked across the sky earlier this week.

A Louisiana farm that raises alligators for skins used in luxury goods also helps conserve the species. After the alligator was listed as endangered, the state proposed boosting numbers by having farmers raise them for meat and skins, but releasing some back into the wild.

Thousands of snow geese touch down at a Pennsylvania reservoir each spring, turning sunrise into a loud, swirling liftoff that draws big crowds. But scientists warn the geese have grown so abundant that their numbers have damaged breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic.

Could ultrasonic hearing save hedgehogs from becoming roadkill? New research shows they can hear noise at frequencies as high as 85 kilohertz, raising the prospect of specially-designed sound repellers to alert them to approaching vehicles.

Resident tortoises were treated to a comprehensive wellness program by staff at Hungary's Nyíregyháza Zoo. The care for the spurred tortoises included a full cleaning, gentle grooming, veterinary check-up and a feast.

BREAKING: Arts commission clears the way for U.S. Mint to produce President Trump commemorative gold coin to mark America's 250th anniversary. apnews.com/article/trump-…

The Federal Reserve decided to hold its key interest rate steady at its latest meeting on Wednesday. Here’s what that means for consumers and businesses.

The nonprofit Maui Rapid Response's new cash aid program is helping some Lahaina fire survivors stay afloat. One recipient talks about how the program has reduced her stress and improved her health. apnews.com/article/maui-l…

BREAKING: California lawmakers say they'll change the name of César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day following sexual abuse allegations. apnews.com/article/cesar-…

The Israeli military says it has struck Iranian targets in the Caspian Sea for the first time. apnews.com/article/iran-i…

BREAKING: The Pentagon seeks $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war, AP source says. apnews.com/article/iran-w…

On shelves crammed with cuddly toy native animals in an Australian airport gift shop, one fluffy possum stood out: Its big brown eyes were moving.

Do you really need a water filter? Here's what experts say. apnews.com/article/water-…

Global oil and natural gas prices soar in the wake of Iranian attacks on Gulf energy as Brent crude hits $114. The European TTF benchmark for natural gas prices traded 24% higher. apnews.com/article/stocks…