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Are we in a productivity boom?

The U.S. economy has been marked this year by the paradox of a rising stock market but a slowing labor market. Could the explanation be a productivity boom, led in part by artificial intelligence? That seems possible given Wednesday’s report that the economy grew a robust 4.3% in the third quarter. The report, delayed by the government shutdown, came in well above most forecasts. Consumer confidence is down in surveys, but you wouldn’t know it from the healthy 2.4 percentage-point contribution to third quarter GDP. Health care, prescription drugs and international travel were ...

‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus’

[Note: This editorial originally appeared under the headline, "Is There a Santa Claus?" in the New York Sun on Sept. 21, 1897. It was written by Francis P. Church, though published uncredited at the time.] Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say that there is no Santa Claus. Papa says "If you see it in the Sun, it is so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? Virginia, Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not ...

MDARD offers holiday food safety advice

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reminds Michiganders to keep food safety in mind as they prepare and serve holiday treats to families and friends. MDARD offers these simple precautions to help keep food safe, guests healthy and the holiday gathering successful — — Wash hands frequently: Handwashing is one of the most important steps to prevent foodborne illness. Research shows handwashing lowers the rates of certain respiratory and gastrointestinal infections up to 23% and 48%, respectively. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm, ...