Hong Kong’s leader John Lee pledged to launch an independent committee over the city’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades, while vowing to crackdown on forces that “sabotage” social unity.

“We have to expose the truth, do everyone justice and make sure the deceased can rest in peace,” said Lee at a Tuesday briefing, standing ...Read more

BOSTON — On the first day of the Brian Walshe murder trial, three investigators who were involved in the Karen Read case have already been mentioned, including former Massachusetts State trooper Michael Proctor.

Walshe is on trial for allegedly killing his wife Ana in January of 2023. He pleaded guilty last month to lying to police and ...Read more

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s political risk has crept up to levels seen in Peru, as Mexicans voice mounting frustration over cartel-fueled crime, corruption and a stagnant economy.

The nation’s political risk surpassed that of Argentina and Colombia in November to reach a score of 55 — the same as Peru’s, where political instability has ...Read more

ATLANTA — There were times when Kirstie Gentry wasn’t sure she’d pass all the required training and tests to be part of a SWAT team.

During the strenuous weeklong course, she would confide in her best friend, who would push her to stay focused on the goal.

“We would talk, and we would say, ‘Just keep doing it. You signed up for it. ...Read more

State Medicaid agencies are struggling to pay for an intensive therapy for children with autism — and looming federal Medicaid cuts are likely to make the problem worse.

Parents of children and young adults who receive applied behavior analysis, or ABA, worry states’ cost-saving measures will make it harder for them to get vital services. ...Read more

There’s a big new development going up in Mountain View along the edge of San Francisco Bay. But it’s not a tech company headquarters or a condo project. It’s for birds, and fish and hikers.

Workers are putting the finishing touches on a three-year effort to restore 435 acres of former industrial salt evaporation ponds to natural wetlands...Read more

LOS ANGELES -- Dozens of Topanga residents gathered in the town’s Community House to hear Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith discuss how the Los Angeles County Fire Department plans to keep Topangans alive in a fierce firestorm.

In the red-brick atrium, adorned with exposed wood and a gothic chandelier, Smith explained that if a fire explodes ...Read more

LOUISVILLE, Colo. — E-bike of Colorado sales manager Perry Fletcher said his sales and repair shop saw an increase in back-to-school sales to young riders and families this fall as the popularity of the battery-powered bicycles revs up.

But the kids’ excitement for their new rides is tempered by a recurring question from worried parents: ...Read more

The investigation into the car crash that killed Colorado state Sen. Faith Winter will take weeks, with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office reporting Monday that she had been involved in one of two wrecks that happened near each other on Interstate 25.

A memorial service for Winter will be held at 2 p.m. Friday on the west steps of the ...Read more

Haiti’s transitional government on Monday adopted a long-awaited electoral law, setting in motion the process for restoring democratic rule after years of political paralysis and escalating violence.

The announcement was made by Frinel Joseph, one of the two observers on the scandal-plagued Transitional Presidential Council. In a post on X, ...Read more

The White House defended the Pentagon’s handling of a September attack on an alleged drug-running boat and denied that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had given an order to kill everyone on the vessel, rebutting a report that had led to allegations of possible war crimes.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed there were two ...Read more

Flags at the California state Capitol in Sacramento will fly at half-staff, Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted Monday afternoon. His proclamation came two days after a mass shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton that killed at least four people, including three children, and wounded 11 other people.

“As more details emerge about this ...Read more

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he’s directed federal authorities to investigate claims that public dollars in Minnesota obtained fraudulently through abuse of the state’s welfare programs were then redirected to a foreign terrorist organization.

We “are acting fast to ensure Americans’ taxes are not ...Read more

Gov. Joe Lombardo signed the remaining five bills left on his desk following the week-long special legislative session in November, the Nevada Legislature’s online tracker showed Monday.

Though 13 bills made it to the Republican governor’s desk for approval after state lawmakers ended the session on Nov. 19, eight were signed by the ...Read more

Aging visitor centers. Outdated septic tanks. A lack of accessible sidewalks and ramps.

Despite welcoming millions of visitors last year, Florida’s state park system has a nearly $759 million backlog of repairs to maintain and enhance Floridians’ access to outdoor spaces.

That’s according to a new state report, released Monday, that ...Read more

The Department of Water Resources said Monday the State Water Project will supply 10% of the water that local agencies requested for the new water year.

The initial number is based on current weather and water conditions, how much water is stored in reservoirs and the assumption that the rest of the year could be drier than normal, the state ...Read more

Bipartisan scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s reported order to “kill everybody” aboard an alleged drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean grew Monday as the Trump administration worked to contain the fallout.

Lawmakers in both parties, including the Republican chairmen and the Democratic ranking members of the House and Senate ...Read more

The Department of the Air Force announced it had given the OK for SpaceX to move forward with its Starship and Super Heavy launch pad plans at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 37.

A “record of decision” on the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Canaveral site was posted to the Air Force’s website ...Read more

Less than two months after four family members died in a tragic helicopter crash, Darren Bailey finds himself not only trying to rebuild his life but also his nascent campaign for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor.

After taking time off to grieve the loss of his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey and grandchildren Vada Rose, 12, ...Read more