WASHINGTON

Obama kicks off tour, touts U.S. economic resurgence

Taking credit for a spate of good economic news and boasting of more to come, President Obama kicked off a three-state tour Wednesday hoping to prove that Republicans’ rise to power in the Capitol this week will not push him to the sidelines.

Speaking at an auto plant outside Detroit, Obama declared that not only is the American auto industry on the mend, but so is the U.S. economy.

“We are entering into the new year with confidence that America is coming back,” Obama told a cheering crowd of autoworkers in Wayne, Mich.

“We’re moving,” he said. “America’s resurgence is real. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.”

LOS ANGELES

Federal judge overturns ban on fatty duck, goose liver

Foie gras can go back on the menu in California after a federal judge on Wednesday overturned the state’s ban on the sale of the fatty duck and goose liver.

U.S. District Judge Stephen v. Wilson permanently blocked the state attorney general from enforcing the law that took effect in 2012, finding that the federal government’s authority to regulate foie gras and other poultry products supersedes the state law.

CLARION, Pa.

Eighteen-vehicle pileup in whiteout leaves 3 dead

An 18-vehicle pileup that occurred in whiteout conditions Wednesday on a western Pennsylvania interstate left three people dead and dozens injured, authorities said.

Two people died at the scene on Interstate 80 and a third en route to a hospital, Clarion County Emergency Services director Vern Smith said.

– From news service reports

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