In 2024, artificial intelligence was all about putting AI tools to work
Just over two years after the debut of ChatGPT, the world is getting a little savvier about what artificial intelligence technology can do for us and what it’s not so great at.
Associated Press
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Value-seekers drove 2024’s retail trends and dead ends
Shoppers and restaurant patrons in the U.S. were choosy about where and how to spend their money as they wrestled with high housing and food prices.
Most adults planning to spend New Year’s Eve at home, poll finds
According to the survey, a majority of U.S. adults say they intend to make a New Year’s resolution of some type, and millennials and Gen Z are especially likely to be on board.
Colts fall 45-33 to Giants, eliminated from playoff race
New York came into the game with the NFL’s worst offense and was on a franchise-record 10-game losing streak.
FDA proposes new testing rules to ensure cosmetics are asbestos-free
The proposal from the Food and Drug Administration and mandated by Congress is intended to reassure consumers about the safety of makeup, baby powder and other personal care products.
Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds
In the survey from NORC at the University of Chicago, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults said the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility.
New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns
Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another.
AI a game changer for students with disabilities, but schools still learning to harness it
Schools everywhere have been wrestling with how and where to incorporate AI, but many are fast-tracking applications for students with disabilities.
Many Americans, exhausted by political news, tuning out
A lot of Americans, after an intense election, are looking for a break in political news. That’s evident in cable television news ratings and a new poll.
Average 30-year mortgage rate climbs to 6.85%, highest since July
While sales of previously occupied U.S. homes rose in November for the second straight month, the housing market remains in a slump and on track for its worst year since 1995.
Applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high
The labor market has hinted at some softening recently but remains broadly healthy and has held up better than many economists predicted considering that interest rates have been elevated for years.
Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices
This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers
U.S. stocks soared higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that defined the year.
FDA set to phase out leading decongestant in many cold medicines
Phenylephrine is used in popular versions of Sudafed, Dayquil and other medications, but experts have long questioned its effectiveness.
Fate of Trump’s Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in Senate
Republicans are under more pressure than usual as Trump and his allies make clear that they will confront senators who don’t fall in line.
Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year
The Indiana Fever superstar raised the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both the college ranks and the WNBA, and earned the award for her impact on and off the court.
Biden vetoes Young-backed legislation to add 66 federal judgeships, including in Indiana
Biden said the bill would also have created new judgeships in states where senators have not filled existing judicial vacancies.
Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus
Nippon Steel of Japan has pledged to invest $2.7 billion in U.S. facilities, including blast furnaces in Gary and in Pennsylvania.
UPDATE: American Airlines operations up and running again after technical issue grounded US flights
In social media replies to frustrated travelers, the airline said: “Our team is currently working to rectify this. Your continued patience is appreciated.”
Nissan, Honda to attempt merger that would create world’s No. 3 automaker
The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors Corp. also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses.