LOS ANGELES — After making some progress battling wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters prepared for a return of dangerous winds that could again stoke the flames. The relative calm Sunday allowed some people to return to previously evacuated...
Herbert’s Interceptions Doom Chargers in Playoff Loss to Texans
HOUSTON — Justin Herbert had just three interceptions in the regular season. He surpassed that Saturday in just one playoff game. Herbert was picked off a career-high four times, including one that was returned for a touchdown, to help the Houston Texans coast to a 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers....
NE Hires Former Patriots Super Bowl Champ Mike Vrabel as Coach
The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their next head coach. The team announced the hiring Sunday morning. It comes a week after Patriots owner Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo after the team’s season finale victory over the Buffalo Bills to finish 4-13 in his lone season as coach. Former...
LA Wildfires Death Toll Rises to 16 as Crews Fight Heavy Winds
LOS ANGELES — The death toll from the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area rose to 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Five deaths were attributed to the...
Life of Da Party: Snoop Dogg to Host NFL Honors Awards Show
NEW YORK — Grab a gin and juice, Snoop Dogg is hosting the next episode of NFL Honors. He's sure to be the life of da party. Snoop Dogg will take center stage at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans for the primetime awards show that recognizes the NFL's best...
Special Counsel Jack Smith Resigns After Submitting Trump Report
WASHINGTON - Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department after submitting his investigative report on President-elect Donald Trump, an expected move that comes amid legal wrangling over how much of that document can be made public in the days ahead. The department disclosed Smith's departure in a...
Meta Nixes Diversity and Inclusion Program as It Prepares for Second Trump Administration
MENLO PARK — Joining companies such as John Deere and Walmart, Facebook and Instagram's parent company Meta Platforms Inc. is getting rid of its diversity, equity and inclusion program that includes hiring, training and picking vendors, a company spokesperson confirmed on Friday. Meta Follows Trend of Scaling Back DEI Initiatives...
Surging Job Market Could Prove Costly for Households, Businesses as Odds of Quick Rate Cuts Fade
WASHINGTON — U.S. job growth surged and unemployment fell last month, an unexpected show of strength that may prove costly to homebuyers and businesses who were counting on sharply lower interest rates to lower the cost of buying everything from refrigerators to homes. Employers added 256,000 jobs last month, up...
Biden to Deliver Prime-Time Farewell to Nation on Wednesday From Oval Office
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will deliver a farewell address to the nation Wednesday from the Oval Office, five days before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. The president's remarks at 8 p.m. Eastern are set to be his last significant opportunity to speak to Americans and the world before...
Israel’s Netanyahu Sends Mossad Director to Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Qatar
NAHARIYA, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza. Netanyahu's office announced the decision Saturday. It was not immediately clear when David Barnea...