US job openings fall to 6.5M, fewest since 2020, as labor market remains sluggish

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. job openings fell to the lowest level in more than five years, another sign that the American labor market remains sluggish. The Labor Department reported Thursday that vacancies fell to 6.5 million in December — from 6.9 million in November and the fewest since September 2020. Layoffs rose slightly. The number of people quitting their jobs — which shows confidence in their prospects — was basically unchanged at 3.2 million. December openings came in lower than economists had forecast. The economy is in a puzzling place. Growth is strong: Gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — advanced from July through September at the fastest pace in two years.

Companies can now claim ‘no artificial colors’ if they add plant-based color to food

(AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is relaxing rules that restrict when food companies can claim their products have no artificial colors. The agency said Thursday that labels may now claim to have “no artificial colors” when they are free of petroleum-based dyes, even when they contain dyes made from natural sources such as plants. In the past, those claims could be made only when products had no added color whatsoever. The move is another step toward the Trump administration’s aim to phase out synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply. Limited evidence suggests artificial dyes may affect kids’ behavior.

Pandemic disruptions to health care worsened cancer survival, study suggests

NEW YORK (AP) — A new study reveals that cancer patients diagnosed during the early COVID-19 pandemic had worse short-term survival rates than a similar group before the pandemic. Published by the medical journal JAMA Oncology, the study shows that people diagnosed in 2020 and 2021 had lower survival rates than those diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. Researchers found this trend across various cancers, regardless of the stage at diagnosis. The study suggests that disruptions to the health care system likely contributed to these outcomes. COVID-19 forced many to postpone cancer screenings, affecting early detection and treatment. One expert says the study highlights the importance of understanding COVID-19’s impact to prepare for future pandemics.

Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother is ‘still out there,’ sheriff says, but no suspects

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Investigators believe the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie is “still out there,” but they have not identified any suspects. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also said Thursday that DNA tests showed blood found on Nancy Guthrie’s porch came back to her. He said: “Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home.” Nanos spoke at a news conference five days after she was reported missing. Investigators say they are taking ransom notes sent to media outlets seriously. The FBI chief in Phoenix say the notes included a demand for money with a deadline.