The Modesto Bee

Most economic indicators show that the explosion in artificial intelligence infrastructure spending is having a positive effect on the U.S economy. U.S. gross domestic product rose at an annual rate of 2% between January and March, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. While that was below economists' expectations, it was a significant improvement from the 0.5% growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.

FILE PHOTO: Yen and U.S. dollar banknotes are seen in this illustration taken March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo TOKYO - The dollar steadied on Tuesday ahead of U.S. inflation data, with Middle East tensions lifting oil prices while the yen was calm amid caution over possible intervention and after policymakers' comments on state pension fund allocations.

Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui attends the Xinjiang delegation meeting during the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 7, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang BEIJING - China has expelled Ma Xingrui, a former Politburo member, from the ruling Communist Party on corruption charges, making him the third sitting member of the elite decision-making body to be purged since 2025 as President Xi Jinping intensifies his anti-graft campaign.

FILE PHOTO: A Fonterra milk tanker drives past dairy cows as it arrives at Fonterra's Te Rapa plant near Hamilton, New Zealand, in this August 6, 2013. REUTERS/Nigel Marple/File Photo About 120 premature births a year in New Zealand may be caused by exposure to drinking water contaminated with nitrates from the country's farming industry, according to a new national study.

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks to phone bank volunteers for Sarah Trone Garriott in Des Moines on July 13, 2026, DES MOINES - Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg left the door open to a potential 2028 presidential run during a visit to Iowa, but said he is focused on the 2026 midterm elections.

While the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie nears the six-month mark, the Pima County Sheriff's Department shared a rare update with the public. "The Pima County Sheriff's Department is aware of posts circulating about the Guthrie investigation that include a QR code requesting money," PCSD shared via Instagram on Monday, July 13.

FILE PHOTO: Gantry cranes stand near stacked shipping containers at Yangshan Port outside Shanghai, China, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Go Nakamura/File Photo BEIJING - China's exports surged in June, buoyed by orders for chips and computing power to fuel the global AI boom, deepening producers' reliance on overseas buyers as policymakers in the world's No. 2 economy continue to grapple with how to boost demand at home.

The abrupt ending of the UFC 329 main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway sent online sleuths into a frenzy. Some accuse the Irishman of having the injury prior to the rematch with "Blessed" last Saturday. Others allege McGregor faked the injury and showed up to collect a payday. McGregor seemingly suffered the injury in the opening seconds of the first round. He landed awkwardly after leaping into the air with a kick at the sound of the first-round bell. He fell to the canvas.

Mike Browning, the drummer and vocalist who helped start the influential death metal band Morbid Angel, has died at the age of 62. Browning passed away on Monday. News of his death was confirmed by Decibel Magazine and later acknowledged by Profound Lore Records, the label behind releases from his later band, Nocturnus AD, per Metal Injection. The record label shared a tribute on social media, writing: "RIP death metal legend/sci-fi death metal godfather Mike Browning of NOCTURNUS/NOCTURNUS AD.

Historical epics don't come around often, especially when they pair one of Hollywood's most respected actors with a story as ambitious as Hannibal. That's one reason Denzel Washington's upcoming Netflix film generated so much early interest. Instead of another crime thriller or action sequel, the Oscar winner was set to take on one of history's most legendary military leaders. Now Hannibal has hit another setback, and this one puts the whole project in doubt.