VENICE — "Joker" is a hard act to follow. Todd Phillips' dark, Scorsese-inspired character study about the Batman villain made over a billion dollars at the box office, won Joaquin Phoenix his first Oscar, dominated the cultural discourse for months and created a new movie landmark. It wasn't for everyone,...
Pac-12 Files Federal Lawsuit Against Mountain West Over $43 Million in ‘Poaching’ Penalties
SAN FRANCISCO - The Pac-12 is suing the Mountain West over what it calls an unlawful and unenforceable "poaching penalty" that would cost the rebuilding conference more than $40 million for adding Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State and San Diego State, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal...
Helene Becomes a Hurricane and Is Expected to Intensify as It Moves Toward Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Helene became a hurricane Wednesday after rapidly strengthening in the Caribbean Sea and moved north along Mexico's coast on a path toward the U.S., leading residents to evacuate, schools to close, and officials to declare emergencies in Florida and Georgia. The storm's center was near Mexico's Yucatan...
It’s Time to Roll Up Sleeves for New COVID, Flu Shots
WASHINGTON — Fall means it's time for just about everybody to get up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccines – and a lot of older adults also need protection against another risky winter virus, RSV. Yes, you can get your flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time....
Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Is in ‘a Holding Pattern’ With No Current Plans to Face Hitters
LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw is in "a holding pattern" and there are currently no plans for the Dodgers' three-time Cy Young Award winner to face hitters as he tries to overcome a toe injury. No Improvement in Kershaw's Condition "I don't think there's been improvement," Los Angeles manager Dave...
Giants Hit 5 Homers, Continue Run Against Playoff Contenders With Win Over Diamondbacks
PHOENIX — Michael Conforto and Brett Wisely each hit three-run homers in San Francisco's six-run third inning, and the Giants won their fifth straight against playoff contenders by crushing the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-0 on Tuesday night. The Giants have nearly perfected the role of spoiler recently, going 7-1 against Baltimore,...
Israeli Army Chief Says Military Is Preparing for Possible Ground Operation in Lebanon
TEL AVIV — The Israeli army chief said Wednesday that the military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon as Hezbollah hurled dozens of projectiles into Israel, including a missile aimed at Tel Aviv that was the militant group's deepest strike yet. Addressing troops on the northern border,...
US to Hand Over Pest Inspections of Mexican Avocados to Mexico and California Growers Aren’t Happy
MEXICO CITY — California avocado growers are fuming this week about a U.S. decision to hand over pest inspections of Mexican orchards to the Mexican government. Inspectors hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been guarding against imports of avocados infected with insects and diseases since 1997, but they...
California Governor Signs Bills to Bolster Gun Control
SACRAMENTO — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several gun control measures Tuesday, including one that allows the court to consider stalking and animal cruelty as grounds to restrict access to firearms. The state already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. The new laws signed by Newsom...
Padres Turn Triple Play to Beat Dodgers for Playoff Spot
LOS ANGELES — Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres wrote their own Hollywood ending on the home field of their biggest rivals Tuesday night. San Diego stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers with a game-ending triple play to preserve a 4-2 victory over the NL West leaders that clinched a...