David Lodge, British Novelist Who Satirized Academic Life, Dies at 89

His 15 well-plotted novels teemed with romance and strange coincidence. An erudite literary critic with an ear for language, he also wrote a raft of nonfiction books.

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Ford and General Motors Report a Sales Surge, Especially for E.V.s

The two big automakers said 2024 sales were up by 4 percent thanks to big increases in the final quarter.

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Do You Believe in Life After Death? These Scientists Study It.

Is reincarnation real? Is communication from the “beyond” possible? A small set of academics are trying to find out, case by case.

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Awaiting Sentencing, Menendez Pleads for Leniency and Blames His Wife

As they did during his trial, lawyers for the former senator argued in a court filing that he had been led astray by his wife, Nadine Menendez.

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Rosita Missoni, Who Turned Zigzag Sweaters Into High Fashion, Dies at 93

With colorful knitwear, she and her husband, Ottavio, built one of the world’s most recognizable brands, helping to make Milan a capital of “alta moda.”

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Cold Snap to Grip Much of the U.S., Followed by Winter Storms

The Arctic air arrives this weekend and could linger into mid-January.

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A Half-Ton Piece of Space Junk Falls Onto a Village in Kenya

No one was hurt by the object, believed to be part of a launch rocket. Experts say the frequency of such incidents is increasing as the amount of debris in orbit around the Earth increases dramatically.

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Brooke Eby’s Humor About Living With A.L.S. Made Her a TikTok Star

After being diagnosed with A.L.S. in 2022, Brooke Eby could have turned inward. Instead, she opened up — and found a fan base online.

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New Jersey Asks Judge to Delay Congestion Pricing Plan

The state had sued to stop New York’s plan to charge motorists entering Manhattan’s busiest roadways. Late Tuesday night, lawyers requested a temporary restraining order.

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Democrats’ Battleground Leader, Exiting Congress, Reflects on What She Learned

Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, the only Democrat in a leadership position to leave Congress this year, talked about her party, her competitive district, and what the Trump era has in store.

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‘Raw Water’ Devotees Swear by Natural Springs, Despite the Risks

Untreated water enthusiasts swear by natural springs. Their movement has parallels with raw milk drinkers and vaccine skeptics.

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$850 for a Table at Applebee’s? Welcome to Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

As revelers throng Midtown Manhattan, some chain restaurants are offering a respite, if a pricey one. Perks include bathroom access and unlimited breadsticks.

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The Top Movies of 2024: ‘Wicked’ and Nine Sequels

Box office returns have started to stabilize. But nine of the top 10 box office hits this year were sequels. And the 10th was “Wicked.”

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Norovirus Outbreaks Surge Nationwide, C.D.C. Says

Here’s what to know about symptoms and treatment, as well as how to reduce your risk of infection.

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