United States: Federal and state officials and consumer groups warned that online romance and relationship-investment scams are increasing around Valentine's Day, exploiting dating apps, social media and messaging platforms. Agencies including the Better Business Bureau, AARP and state insurance divisions reported rising reports and financial losses, citing FTC figures and...
Washington: Two dozen Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace on Tuesday, arriving after a 15-week route that began in Fort Worth, Texas. The procession, often accompanied by a rescue dog Aloka, drew thousands nationwide along highways and town centers and millions of online viewers. The group planned outdoor...
Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week presented a Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal that seeks new revenues and targeted tax relief amid mounting Medicaid shortfalls and flat student reading outcomes. The plan would generate roughly $780 million from taxes on tobacco, vaping, sports betting and digital advertising, and would...
STARKE, Fla. Authorities executed Ronald Palmer Heath Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison, carrying out the state's first lethal injection of 2026. Heath, 64, was convicted in 1990 for the 1989 murder, robbery and related charges in the death of traveling salesman Michael Sheridan. The execution followed Florida's record 19...
Los Angeles jurors heard opening statements Monday as plaintiffs and state prosecutors accused Meta and YouTube of designing addictive features that harmed children. Plaintiffs claim algorithms, endless scrolling and notifications prioritized engagement over safety; New Mexico prosecutors said Meta concealed risks and targeted minors. Meta disputed those claims, citing safety...
Washington — This week the United States and India announced a framework for an interim trade agreement intended to expand reciprocal market access. On Feb. 10 the White House released a fact sheet saying India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and a broad set of agricultural...
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to bar the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor from opening until the United States receives compensation and “fairness and respect” from Canada. Trump posted the demand on Truth Social, cited Canadian ownership of the bridge, complaints about Canadian tariffs...
Los Angeles: A federal judge on Monday blocked California’s law banning federal immigration agents from wearing facial coverings, while upholding a requirement that agents display agency identification and badge numbers. Judge Christina Snyder said the 'No Secret Police Act' unlawfully discriminated against federal officers because it did not apply to...
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday as Alex Murdaugh’s attorneys asked justices to overturn March 2023 convictions for the murders of his wife and son. Defense lawyers argued alleged jury tampering, prejudicial evidence and trial errors, citing comments by former Colleton County clerk Becky Hill...
Washington Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged this week that he met Jeffrey Epstein twice after Epstein’s 2008 conviction and took a 2012 lunch on Epstein’s private island, reversing past statements that he cut ties in 2005. The Justice Department released documents in January that included emails and travel plans; Lutnick...
