Alabama lawmakers advance 'harmful' materials bill that could lead to prosecution of librarians

Alabama lawmakers advanced legislation that could see librarians prosecuted for providing "harmful" materials or programs to minors. The Alabama bill removes the existing exemption for public libraries in the state's obscenity law.

US birthrate hit new low in 2023

U.S. women are starting families later and having fewer children, some forgoing having kids entirely. The U.S total fertility rate hit its lowest point, falling to a record 1.62 births per woman.

Slow growth, inflation deliver economic double whammy to kick off '24

A Thursday U.S. Commerce Department report delivered a double dose of disappointing economic data with findings showing overall economic growth slowed more than expected in the first quarter of the year and inflation made another surprisingly robust uptick.

Chipotle reverses protein policy, says workers can choose chicken once again

Chipotle says its employees can choose chicken once again. Last week, the chain asked its U.s. and Canadian employees

Net neutrality restored as federal agency votes to regulate internet providers

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday restored "net neutrality" rules that prevent broadband internet providers from favoring some sites and apps over others.

US judge upholds Trump's $83.3M defamation loss, rejects new trial

A federal judge on Thursday rejected Donald Trump's bid to throw out an $83.3 million defamation verdict in favor of the writer E. Jean Carroll, who said the former president defamed her after she accused him of raping her decades ago.

Tabloid publisher says he wrangled with Trump over who should buy story of alleged affair

Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified at Donald Trump's criminal trial on Thursday that he wrangled with Trump and his former lawyer ahead of the 2016 election over who should buy the silence of women who said they had sexual encounters with him.

New deep-water channel allows first ship to pass Key bridge wreckage in Baltimore

The first cargo ship passed through a newly opened deep-water channel in Baltimore after being stuck in the harbor since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed four weeks ago. A bulk carrier sailing under a Panama flag passed through the new 35-foot channel Thursday morning, headed for St. John, Canada.

FTC sends $5.6M in refunds to Ring customers as part of video privacy settlement

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $5.6 million in refunds to consumers as part of a settlement with Amazon-owned Ring, which was charged with failing to protect private video footage from outside access.

Appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction

New York's highest court has overturned Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction.