Lawmakers are vowing to step up their oversight of the data collection practices of giant technology companies after an Associated Press investigation found Google continues to collect user location data even if they've used a privacy setting that claims to…
The federal government recorded a $76.9 billion deficit in July, with increased government spending and tax cuts keeping the country on track to record its biggest annual deficit in six years. The Treasury Department reports that in the first 10…
Business travelers are increasingly booking stays through Airbnb and other home-sharing sites. Airbnb said Monday that nearly 700,000 companies have signed up and booked rooms through its business travel portal, almost triple the number since last year. Airbnb says 15…
Federal regulators are rejecting the idea of setting minimum standards for airline seats and legroom as a safety measure. The Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday that it saw no immediate safety issue that requires new regulations. The FAA is responding…
The Trump administration's drive to wean poor people from government benefits by making them work has been slowed down by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg framed a fundamental question: Are poverty programs meant to show tough…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug developed specifically to reduce excessive sweating, a common condition that can cause anxiety. Dermira Inc. said Friday its Qbrexza was approved for excessive underarm sweating. The drug is inside…
Foreign automakers, American manufacturers and classic-car enthusiasts are coming out against President Donald Trump's plan to consider taxing imported cars, trucks and auto parts. The National Association of Manufacturers says in a filing with the U.S. Commerce Department that the…
If you're traveling this weekend, leave extra time for getting through the airport security line. The TSA projected that Friday would be its busiest day ever, with agents screening more than 2.7 million people. A spokesman cautions, however, that the…
Your Amazon packages, which usually show up in a brown UPS truck, an unmarked vehicle or in the hands of a mail carrier, may soon be delivered from an Amazon van. The online retailer, wanting more control over how its…
Long-term U.S. mortgage rates were flat to lower this week. The benchmark 30-year rate marked its fourth decline in the past five weeks. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages was 4.55 percent, down from…
Summer camps provide a great opportunity for children and teens alike to make lasting friendships, while being physically active and developing life-long skills. Although the goal of summer camp is to keep your children healthy and safe, it is not…
U.S. home prices rose in April from a year earlier, lifted by bidding wars in many cities where would-be buyers compete for a sparse supply of homes. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city home price index moved up 6.6 percent from…
Toyota's Lexus luxury brand is recalling about 121,000 cars worldwide because of fuel leaks in the engine that can cause fires. The recall covers certain 2006 through 2013 IS350 cars, as well as the 2010 through 2014 IS350C, and the…
Amazon reportedly will build a distribution center near Birmingham that will eventually employ about 3,000 people. Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens is quoted saying agreements were signed Thursday to locate the $325 million facility west of Birmingham in Bessemer.…
Facebook's Instagram app is loosening its restraints on video in an attempt to lure younger viewers away from YouTube. The expansion announced Wednesday will increase Instagram's video time limit from one minute to 10 minutes for most users. Accounts with…
Shares of H&R Block were down for the second day in a row following the tax preparer's announcement that it would shutter 400 offices in response to a new tax law that could simplify the average American's return. As more…
President Donald Trump says he's inclined to support a bipartisan effort in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana. Asked Friday about a proposal that would reshape the nation's approach to pot, Trump said he would "probably end up…
Under pressure from the U.S. government, Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 43,000 tiny Smart cars because the engines can catch fire. The recall covers the Smart for two cabrio and coupe cars in the U.S. from the 2008 and 2009 model…
Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 325,000 older Jeep SUVs in North America to fix a suspension problem that could limit a driver's control of the vehicles. The recall covers Liberty SUVs from the 2004 through 2007 model years. Fiat…
Alabama Power Co. customers will see slightly lower power bills because of a federal tax cut given to utilities. The Alabama Public Service Commission on Tuesday discussed the utility giant's plans…
Dunkin' Donuts has announced plans to bring seven new restaurants to the Montgomery area over the coming years. The company says it's signed a development agreement with existing…
The federal government recorded a budget deficit of $208.7 billion in March, an increase of more than $32 billion from a year ago as revenues slipped and expenditures climbed. The Treasury Department reports that the February deficit was 18.4 percent…
The Trump administration is considering a plan that would allow states to require mandatory drug testing for some food stamp recipients. If adopted, the plan would give a win to conservatives seeking to cut the safety net program. An administration…
Delta Air Lines says customers' payment information may have been breached in a cyberattack last fall. The airline said Wednesday the incident involved (24)7.ai, a chat-services provider used by Delta and other companies. Delta says only "a small subset" of…
U.S. airlines started the year showing a slight improvement in keeping flights on time. The Transportation Department said Thursday that 79.6 percent of flights in January arrived within 14 minutes of schedule, compared with 76 percent in the same month…
