Celebrities among those who lost homes in devastating Los Angeles fires

Wildfires that are burning in and around Los Angeles have burned the homes of several celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton.

Biden says he is undecided on preemptive pardons, according to USA Today interview

President Joe Biden said he remained undecided on whether to issue preemptive pardons to protect some public figures who have been threatened with retaliation by his Republican successor Donald Trump.

Fire hydrants ran dry in California, highlighting a major problem in firefighting

Some Los Angeles fire hydrants have run dry as demand soared for water to quell wildfires that broke out across the county. Water is flowing into the system, but the demand far outpaces how quickly pipes and tanks can replenish.

Google must face cellphone privacy class action, possible trial

Google failed to persuade a federal judge to dismiss a privacy class action claiming it collected personal data from people's cellphones after they switched off a button to stop the tracking, paving the way for a possible August trial.

Man arrested for trying to bring a machete into the US Capitol Visitor Center

Police say a man has been arrested for trying to bring a machete and knives into the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. U.S. Capitol police said officers spotted the machete in the man's bag as it went through the X-ray machine.

US weekly jobless claims at 11-month low amid labor market stability

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell to an 11-month low last week, pointing to a stable labor market, though a slowdown in hiring has led some laid-off workers to experience long bouts of joblessness.

Greenland independence is possible but joining the US unlikely, Denmark says

Greenland may become independent if its residents want, but is unlikely to become a U.S. state, Denmark's foreign minister said on Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out force to take control of the Arctic island.

Baby food labels will reveal levels of lead and other heavy metals for first time

Lead and other toxic heavy metals have been found in dangerously elevated amounts in some commercial baby foods sold in the United States, yet parents have had no way to know if the baby foods they purchase contain those higher levels.

Post office, other services closed on Thursday of mourning for Jimmy Carter

The U.S. will honor the late former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100 on Dec. 29. President Joe Biden declared Thursday as a day of mourning in an executive order — the same day as the official state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.

41% of companies worldwide plan to reduce workforces by 2030 due to AI

Artificial intelligence may be coming for your job: 41% of employers intend to downsize their workforce as AI automates certain tasks, a World Economic Forum survey showed Wednesday.

Wildfires burn out of control across Los Angeles area and kill 2 as thousands flee homes

Massive wildfires roaring through the Los Angeles area left neighborhoods in ruins, killed at least two people and threatened landmarks made famous by Hollywood.