HOUSTON — Heavy storms slammed the Houston area again Friday, widening already dangerous flooding in Texas and putting stranded drivers and a school bus of children in need of high-water rescues. Officials redoubled urgent instructions for residents in low-lying areas to evacuate, warning the worst was still to come. “This...
Google, Justice Department Make Final Arguments About Whether Search Engine is a Monopoly
WASHINGTON — Google's preeminence as an internet search engine is an illegal monopoly propped up by more than $20 billion spent each year by the tech giant to lock out competition, Justice Department lawyers argued at the closings of a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit. Google, on the other hand, maintains that...
Anchovy Feast Draws the Most Sea Lions to SF’s Fisherman’s Wharf in 15 Years
SAN FRANCISCO — They’re lounging, biting each other, and generally making a ruckus in numbers not seen in more than a decade. And don't even think about stealing their anchovies. San Francisco’s famed Fisherman’s Wharf district is seeing a surge in sea lions. First appearing at Pier 39 after the...
Captain Sentenced to 4 Years for Criminal Negligence in Fiery Deaths of 34 Aboard Scuba Boat
LOS ANGELES — A federal judge in Los Angeles on Thursday sentenced a scuba dive boat captain to four years in prison and three years supervised release for criminal negligence after 34 people died in a fire aboard the vessel. The Sept. 2, 2019, blaze was the deadliest maritime disaster...
Southern California City Detects Localized Tuberculosis Outbreak
LONG BEACH — A localized tuberculosis outbreak has led a Southern California city to declare a health emergency, although officials say the risk to the general public is low. Health Emergency Declaration The Long Beach city health officer issued the declaration Thursday to increase resources for tracking, screening and treating...
The Lakers Fire Coach Darvin Ham After Just 2 Seasons in Charge
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday after just two seasons in charge. The Lakers announced on social media that they were dismissing Ham four days after their season ended with a first-round playoff loss to Denver in five games. Ham led Los Angeles...
Mountain West Boss Reveals There’s Talk of Football Playoffs for Teams Like Fresno State
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A postseason football tournament involving only schools from outside the Power Four conferences could only work if it doesn't interfere with the 12-team College Football Playoff, the commissioner of the Mountain West said. Gloria Nevarez told the she has seen the presentation that has been making the...
Dodgers Ace Walker Buehler Expected to Return From Tommy John Surgery on Monday
PHOENIX — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is expected to make his return to the big leagues on Monday after missing nearly two full years following Tommy John surgery in 2022. “The plan is Walker's going to start on Monday," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Wednesday's 8-0 over...
Two Months to Count Election Ballots? California’s Long Tallies Turn Election Day Into Weeks, Months
LOS ANGELES — Nearly two months after the election, a recount settled the outcome in a Northern California U.S. House primary contest, breaking a mathematically improbable tie for second place but also spotlighting the lengthy stretch it took count the votes. Mail-In Voting and Long Counting Periods Most California residents...
Pennsylvania Nurse Who Gave Patients Lethal or Possibly Lethal Insulin Doses Gets Life in Prison
A Pennsylvania nurse who administered lethal or potentially lethal doses of insulin to numerous patients pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and other charges Thursday and was sentenced to life in prison. Heather Pressdee's Sentence Heather Pressdee, 41, was given three consecutive life sentences and another consecutive term of...