■US economy expected to grow 2.2% in 2024, up from 1.3% forecast. ■Job market and household spending remain resilient despite high rates. ■41% of respondents cite high rates as the biggest risk to the economy. NEW YORK — This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S....
Sho-Time! Dodgers Say Shohei Ohtani Will Make His Spring Training Debut Tuesday
■Ohtani's recovery from elbow surgery is ahead of schedule. ■Ohtani signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract in the offseason. ■Team hopes Ohtani will be available for series in Seoul, South Korea. GLENDALE, Ariz. — Spring training Sho-time starts Tuesday with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani will make his...
Bible-Quoting Alabama Chief Justice Sparks Church-State Debate in Embryo Ruling
■Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are children under state law. ■Chief Justice Tom Parker's religious references in ruling spark controversy. ■Ruling could influence decisions in other states. When the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are considered children under state law, its chief justice had a higher authority...
Many Small Business Owners See 2024 as a ‘Make or Break’ Year, Survey Shows
■40% of small businesses see 2024 as crucial year ■71% of respondents are optimistic about their business ■Many businesses are expanding marketing and exploring new tech NEW YORK — About 40% of small business owners think 2024 will be a “make or break” year for their business, according to a...
Kayakers Paddle in Death Valley After Rains Replenish Lake in One of Earth’s Driest Spots
■Record rainstorms replenish Lake Manly in Death Valley National Park. ■Visitors are kayaking in the lake, a rare opportunity due to unusual rainfall. ■Water levels are expected to drop in a matter of weeks, says Park Ranger. DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK — Kayakers have been paddling in one of the...
White House, Tribal Leaders Hail ‘Historic’ Deal to Restore Salmon Runs in Pacific Northwest
■Biden administration launches $1 billion plan to restore salmon populations. ■Plan aims to boost clean energy and offset hydropower benefits of dams. ■Agreement hailed as 'historic' by tribal leaders and state governors. WASHINGTON — The Biden administration, leaders of four Columbia River Basin tribes and the governors of Oregon and...
Biden Tells Governors He’s Eyeing Executive Action on Immigration, Seems ‘Frustrated’ With Lawyers
■President may invoke Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. ■Biden urges governors to push for resurrection of collapsed bipartisan proposal. ■White House officials face resistance from Justice Department. WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden told the nation's governors on Friday that he's exploring what executive actions he can take...
Trump Says He Strongly Supports IVF After Alabama Court Ruling Puts New Pressure on Republicans
■Trump calls on Alabama lawmakers to preserve access to IVF. ■Trump's comments follow a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling. ■Trump states, "We want to make it easier for mothers and fathers to have babies." COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former President Donald Trump said Friday that he would “strongly support the availability...
NASA Satellite Images Tell the Story of California’s Growing Snowpack
■State snowpack was 28% of normal on Jan. 1. It's 86% of normal today. ■More storms are forming over the Pacific Ocean. ■Downtown LA has already gotten 17.8 inches of rain this water season. After a dry start to winter, California's wet season is finally well underway. December downpours sent water...
US, EU Pile New Sanctions on Russia for Ukraine War’s 2nd Anniversary and Navalny’s Death
■New U.S. and E.U. sanctions target Russian firms and financial institutions. ■Sanctions also imposed on 26 third-country individuals and firms aiding Russia. ■EU adds 106 officials and 88 entities to its sanctions list. WASHINGTON — The United States and the European Union are piling new sanctions on Russia on the...