LONDON (AP) — British author A.S. Byatt, who wove history, myth and a sharp eye for human foibles into books that included the Booker Prize-winning novel “Possession,” has died at the age of 87. Byatt’s publisher, Chatto & Windus, said Friday that the author, whose full name was Antonia Byatt, …
Read More »'Taste', 'decency' standards for South Dakota vanity plates unconstitutional, state admits
South Dakota officials will no longer deny applications for personalized license plates based on whether the plate’s message is deemed to be “offensive to good taste and decency,” following the state’s admission that the language is an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights. The change is part of a settlement …
Read More »Georgia GOP Rep. Drew Ferguson to depart Congress in 2024, opting out of reelection bid
Republican Rep. Drew Ferguson said Thursday he won’t seek reelection to his Georgia seat in 2024. “Julie and I look forward to spending more time with our children and grandchildren while continuing to work to keep Georgia the best state in America to live and do business,” Ferguson said in …
Read More »UK and France reaffirm stance against Russian invasion of Ukraine, stressing economic influence
Britain and France reiterated their determination Tuesday that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine ends in failure, with the U.K. foreign minister saying that Ukraine’s allies must better leverage their economic might to vastly outmatch Moscow’s war machine. The renewed insistence from U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron and French counterpart Catherine …
Read More »New York City migrant families urge mayor to revoke 60-day shelter limit
Migrant families and their advocates marched outside New York City Hall on Tuesday to demand Mayor Eric Adams end his plan to limit the number of days newly arrived immigrants can remain in city-run shelters. The late afternoon demonstration of students and parents at City Hall Park was in response …
Read More »Turkey hikes key interest rate in bid to stem inflation
Turkey’s central bank hiked its key interest rate by 2.5 percentage points on Thursday as part of its efforts to combat high inflation that has left many households struggling to afford rent and essential items. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee raised its benchmark rate to 42.5%, delivering its seventh interest …
Read More »New Mexico native will oversee the state's $49B savings portfolio amid windfall from petroleum
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A state cabinet secretary and former economist to the Legislature was selected Wednesday to oversee New Mexico’s $49 billion nest egg of savings and trust accounts at the State Investment Council. As state investment officer, Albuquerque native Jon Clark will oversee financial assets including the …
Read More »Colorado woman wanted by FBI for alleged murder of 2 children, attempted murder of third
A Colorado woman was being sought Thursday on suspicion of killing her two young children and wounding a third, authorities said. Kimberlee Singler, 35, of Colorado Springs is wanted on an arrest warrant alleging murder, attempted murder and child abuse, according to a statement from the city. Colorado Springs police …
Read More »Star Trek superfan's ashes to be sent into space along with those of TV series' stars
The family of a mother of eight who was a huge “Star Trek” fan has ensured the final frontier will be her ultimate resting place. Gloria Knowlan was 86 at the time of her death 12 years ago. A small quantity of ashes from her cremated body are to be …
Read More »Prosecutors file evidence against Rays shortstop Wander Franco in Dominican Republic probe
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominican prosecutors investigating Wander Franco amid allegations that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had a relationship with a minor delivered evidence Wednesday to a judge who is expected to soon rule on the player’s future. The judge is scheduled to analyze the documents and …
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