SUPREME COURT-EXECUTION DRUG

WASHINGTON — A deeply divided Supreme Court upholds the use of a controversial drug in lethal-injection executions, even as two dissenting justices say for the first time they think it's "highly likely" the death penalty itself is unconstitutional. 

SUPRME COURT-EPA-EMISSIONS

WASHINGTON — A divided Supreme Court rules against federal regulators' attempts to limit power plant emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants. It's a blow to U.S. efforts to inspire other countries to control their emissions as they approach Paris talks on a new global climate treaty later this year.

ESCAPED PRISONERS

PLATTSBURGH, New York — Two convicted murderers who eluded a massive manhunt for three weeks planned to drive to Mexico after escaping prison but ended up walking toward Canada when their ride backed out — finally splitting up in their final days of freedom, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says.

UNITED STATES-SYRIAN REBELS

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military's program to train and equip thousands of moderate Syrian rebels is faltering, with fewer than 100 volunteers, raising questions about whether the effort can produce enough capable fighters quickly enough to make a difference in the war against the Islamic State. 

OBAMA-TRADE

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama signsinto law two hard-fought bills giving him greater authority to negotiate international trade deals and providing aid to workers whose jobs are displaced by such pacts. 

VACCINES-CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO, California — California lawmakers send the governor a contentious bill that would impose one of the strictest school vaccination laws in the U.S. after a series of emotionally charged debates that followed a measles outbreak.