Legions of comedic talent have paraded through NBC's Studio 8H, whether as cast members, writers or hosts of "Saturday Night Live." As the sketch show marks its 50th anniversary with a bevy of celebrations, its cast members and alumni look back on their favorite sketches and the enduring legacy of...
US Aircraft Carrier Truman Collides With Merchant Ship Near Egypt
WASHINGTON — The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman was involved in a collision at sea with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, the Navy said. The collision occurred late Wednesday while both ships were moving. It did not result in flooding or injuries aboard the carrier, and there...
US Retail Sales Plunged in January After Bustling Holiday Season
WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales dropped sharply last month, in part because cold weather kept more Americans indoors, denting sales at car dealers and most other stores. Retail sales fell 0.9% in January from the previous month, the Commerce Department said, after two months of healthy gains. It was a...
Pope Francis Hospitalized to Treat Bronchitis, Undergo Tests
ROME — Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday to treat a weeklong bout of bronchitis and undergo diagnostic tests, the Vatican said, confirming the latest issues with the 88-year-old's pontiff's health that forced him to cancel his agenda through Monday at least. Francis has complained of breathing trouble and was diagnosed...
Zelenskyy Says He Will Only Meet Putin After Common Plan With Trump Is Negotiated
MUNICH — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he will only agree to meet in-person with Russian leader Vladimir Putin after a common plan is negotiated with U.S. President Trump. Zelenskyy believes Trump is the key to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and said the U.S president gave him his telephone number...
Stock Market Today: Wall Street Flirts With Record as Indexes Drift
NEW YORK — Wall Street is flirting with a record on Friday, as U.S. stock indexes drift following some mixed profit reports from big companies. The S&P 500 was 0.1% higher in morning trading, a day after rallying within 0.1% of its all-time high set last month. It's sitting at...
Yosemite National Park Braces for a Staffing and Conservation Crisis
Yosemite National Park is bracing for a severe staffing shortage as it enters its busiest months, SF Gate reported. A federal hiring freeze under President Donald Trump, rescinded job offers, and looming layoffs have left the park struggling. Its day-use reservation system, meant to ease crowding, also appears unlikely to...
Is Newsom Bending to Trump? Gov Will Veto Bill Protecting Immigrant Inmates
Politico reported in an exclusive that Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to veto a Democrat-led bill restricting state prison officials' cooperation with federal immigration authorities, just as former President Donald Trump ramps up deportation efforts. Newsom argues that California’s “sanctuary” law strikes a balance between fostering trust with immigrant communities and...
Middle East Latest: Palestinian Militants Name 3 Israeli Men to Be Freed in Next Hostage Release
The families of Israeli hostages still held by the Hamas militant group on Friday welcomed the “joyous news” that three men, all taken from the same kibbutz on Oct. 7, 2023, are expected to be freed on Saturday in exchange for more than 300 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails....
Southern California Hit by Destructive Debris Flows Caused by Heavy Rains
LOS ANGELES — Debris flows brought on by the strongest atmospheric river of the season swept a car off a southern California highway and into the ocean and left roads submerged in sludge. While the heavy rains from the storm hitting the region began to ease Thursday night, the risk of rock...