Author: Reporter

Biden administration officials are working against the clock doling out billions in grants and taking other steps to try to preserve at least some of the outgoing president’s legacy before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. “Let’s make every day count,” President Joe Biden said in an address to the nationin November after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Trump in the presidential race. Trump has pledged to rescind unspent funds in Biden’s landmark climate and health care law and stop clean-energy development projects. “There’s only one administration at a time,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told reporters...

Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there is a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here is a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: HOLLYWOOD STARS AND CHILD INFLUENCERS California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put...

Would you trust an “AI Jesus” enough to share your innermost thoughts and troubles, or confess your worst transgressions? Researchers and religious leaders released findings in December from a two-month experiment through art in a Catholic chapel in Switzerland, where an avatar of “Jesus” on a computer screen, tucked into a confessional, took questions by visitors on faith, morality, and modern-day woes, and offered responses based on Scripture. The chapel’s theological assistant said that the idea was to recognize the growing importance of artificial intelligence in human lives, even when it comes to religion, and explore the limits of...

When Pope Francis left the Vatican early in December for his traditional Christmastime outing downtown, he acknowledged what many Romans have been complaining about for months. His big plans for a Holy Year had turned their city into a giant construction pit, with traffic-clogging roadworks tearing up major thoroughfares, scaffolding covering prized monuments and short-term rentals gobbling up apartment blocks. Francis urged Romans to pray for their mayor, “He has a lot to do,” but to nevertheless welcome the upcoming Jubilee as a time of spiritual repair and renewal. “These worksites are fine, but beware: Do not forget the...

The Christmas tradition has become global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages, from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats, such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon. But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on...