AP-Newswatch

Firefighters hope for a break from fierce winds fueling devastating blazes in Los Angeles area

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Firefighters are hoping for a break from fierce winds fueling massive blazes in the Los Angeles area, killing 10 people, obliterating whole neighborhoods and setting the nation’s second-largest city on edge. The fires have burned more than 10,000 homes and other structures since Tuesday, when they first began popping up around a densely populated expanse north of downtown Los Angeles. No cause has been identified for the largest fires. The level of devastation is jarring even in a state that has grown used to massive wildfires. Dozens of blocks of scenic Pacific Palisades were flattened to smoldering rubble. In neighboring Malibu, blackened palm strands were all that was left above debris where oceanfront homes once stood.

What ignited the deadly California wildfires? Investigators consider an array of possibilities

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Investigators are considering an array of possible ignition sources for the huge fires that have killed at least 10 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area. In hilly Pacific Palisades, officials have placed the origin of the wind-whipped blaze behind a home on Piedra Morada Drive above a densely wooded arroyo. Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. But investigators ruled that out quickly: There were no reports of strikes in that area or near the second major blaze, the Eaton fire. The next two most common causes are fires intentionally set, and those sparked by utility lines.

Trump is sentenced in his hush money case, but the judge declines to impose any punishment

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says the sentencing hearing in his New York hush money case was a “despicable charade” and he plans to appeal his conviction. The Republican was sentenced Friday, but the judge declined to impose any punishment. The no-punishment sentence pronounced by Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan cements Trump’s conviction while freeing him to return to the White House unencumbered by the threat of a jail term or a fine. It caps a norm-smashing case that saw Trump convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a payment to bury affair allegations that threatened to cloud his 2016 presidential run. Prosecutors chided Trump’s attacks on the legal system throughout and after the case.

Americans have dimmer view of Biden than they did of Trump or Obama as term ends, AP-NORC poll finds

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans have a dimmer view of Joe Biden’s presidency as he prepares to leave office than they did at the end of Donald Trump’s first term or Barack Obama’s second. A new poll finds around one-quarter of U.S. adults say Biden was a “good” or “great” president. That’s according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. It’s a stark illustration of how tarnished Biden’s legacy has become, with many members of his own party seeing his Democratic presidency as merely mediocre. About one-third described Trump as “good” or “great” on the eve of the Republican’s departure from the White House in 2021.

US finds no link between ‘Havana syndrome’ and foreign power, but two spy agencies say it’s possible

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new report from U.S. intelligence finds no evidence linking a foreign power to the mysterious “Havana syndrome” injuries experienced by U.S. personnel. But two agencies say it’s possible a foreign adversary could have developed or deployed such a weapon, a subtle but important change of opinion that a White House spokesperson said showed the need for continued investigation. The new findings come from a review conducted by seven different intelligence agencies who examined cases of brain injuries and other symptoms reported by American diplomats and other government personnel who have raised questions about the involvement of a foreign adversary.

New Orleans attacker fired at police before they shot and killed him, bodycam video shows

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Newly released police bodycam video shows that the Islamic State group-inspired attacker who killed 14 people in a truck rampage on New Year’s Day fired at least one time from inside his truck before police fatally shot him. The video released by New Orleans police on Friday shows Shamsud-Din Jabbar shooting from behind an airbag as several officers surround his truck after it crashed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street. Police officials say three officers discharged weapons.

Prosecutors seek 15 years in prison for former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez after bribery conviction

NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez should be imprisoned for 15 years after the Democrat became the first to be convicted of abusing a Senate committee leadership position and the first public official to be convicted of serving as a foreign agent. Prosecutors called for the lengthy prison term for the 71-year-old New Jersey Democrat in papers filed in Manhattan federal court late Thursday. Menendez was convicted in July of 16 corruption charges. When he was charged in fall 2023, Menendez was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was forced out of that position and gave up his Senate seat in August.

Winter storm plods into the Deep South, prompting states of emergency and school closures

ATLANTA (AP) — Another blast of winter storms is closing schools, snarling flights and putting millions of residents on alert across parts of the Deep South and south-central U.S. The National Weather Service says heavy snowfall and icy conditions are likely Friday in Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Schools have been closed in many places expecting nasty weather as far east as South Carolina. The storm started dumping a mix of sleet and heavy snow Thursday in north Texas and Oklahoma, where schools canceled classes for more than 1 million students. Closures also kept students home in Kansas City and Arkansas.

For Elton John, ‘Never Too Late’ isn’t just a documentary and song — it is a life mantra

NEW YORK (AP) — Capturing Sir Elton John’s 50-year career is a herculean task. Good thing his husband David Furnish and filmmaker R.J. Cutler were up for the challenge. “Elton John: Never Too Late” was inspired by John’s final U.S. tour in 2022 but quickly became a celebration of his life and work. It is filled with insight into his music, relationships, past addictions and features his friendship with John Lennon. It is bookended by myth-making performances at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium in 1975 and 2022. John says the title doubles as a mantra. He said, “You can change things. It is never too late to change anything.”

Lamar Jackson repeats and Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are unanimous choices for AP All-Pro

Lamar Jackson beat out Josh Allen, and Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are unanimous choices for The Associated Press 2024 NFL All-Pro Team. Saquon Barkley received 48 of 50 first-place votes and Patrick Surtain II got 49 from a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the league. Jackson received 30 first-place votes to Allen’s 18, making the team for the second straight year and third overall. The NFC-leading Lions had four players selected. They are wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, right tackle Penei Sewell, safety Kerby Joseph and punter Jack Fox. Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett earned his seventh nod while 49ers linebacker Fred Warner was chosen for the fourth time.