Alabama lawmakers look for IVF solution as patients remain in limbo

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers have begun scrambling for ways to protect in vitro fertilization services after a state Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos could be considered children under state law. Three providers paused services in the wake of the ruling. Republican Gov. Kay Ivey said Tuesday that she anticipates having a “bill on my desk very shortly.” The ruling, which raised immediate questions about what liability fertility clinics, would have had an immediate chilling effect on the availability of IVF in the state.

Macy’s to close 150 namesake stores as sales slip

NEW YORK (AP) — Macy’s will close 150 unproductive namesake stores over the next three years, including 50 by year-end. The company made the announcement Tuesday after posting a fourth-quarter loss and declining sales. As part of the strategy, Macy’s aims to upgrade its remaining 350 stores, with plans to add more salespeople to fitting areas and shoe departments, while adding more visual displays like mannequins. At the same time the company signaled a pivot to luxury, which has fared better overall. The retailer plans to open 15 of its higher end Bloomingdale’s stores and 30 of its luxury Blue Mercury cosmetics locations.

Burger chain Wendy’s looking to test surge pricing at restaurants as early as next year

(AP) — Wendy’s is looking to test having the prices of its menu items fluctuate throughout the day based on demand, implementing a strategy that has already taken hold with ride-sharing companies and ticket sellers. During a conference call earlier this month, Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said that the Dublin, Ohio-based burger chain will start testing dynamic pricing, also known as surge pricing, as early as next year. Wendy’s also plans to invest about $20 million to launch digital menu boards at all of its U.S. company-run restaurants by the end of next year.

Toyota recalling 381,000 Tacoma pickups because parts can fall off rear axles

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota is recalling about 381,000 Tacoma midsize pickup trucks in the U.S. because a part can separate from the rear axle, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall covers certain trucks from the 2022 and 2023 model years. Toyota said in a statement Tuesday that welding debris left on the ends of the axles can cause some nuts to loosen over time and eventually fall off. That can cause the part to separate, which can affect stability and brake performance. Toyota wouldn’t say if there have been any crashes or injuries. Dealers will inspect the rear axles and tighten retaining nuts at no cost to owners.

Man to plead guilty in yearslong ‘killing spree’ of birds for eagle feathers

(AP) — A Washington state man accused of helping kill more than 3,000 birds including eagles on a Montana Indian reservation then illegally selling their feathers intends to plead guilty to federal criminal charges. Feathers from eagles and other birds are highly prized among many Native American tribes for use in sacred ceremonies and during pow-wows. Prosecutors have alleged Travis John Branson and others killed about 3,600 birds during a yearslong “killing spree” on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere. A second suspect in the case remains at large after an arrest warrant was issued when he failed to show up for an initial court appearance in early January.