Firefighters Had To Step Aside As Winds Powered Infernos

By JULIE WATSON and KRYSTA FAURIA, Associated Press FALLBROOK, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters in Southern California were on high alert for dangerous fire potential even before the first blazes broke out. But once flames met ferocious winds, fire crews were mostly powerless to stop infernos that destroyed more than 500 buildings, killed dozens of horses and…

As Franken’s Support Collapses, Democrats Expect Resignation

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — His once-promising political career in shambles, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken appeared on the verge of resigning after fellow Democrats led by female senators abandoned him Wednesday over the mounting allegations of sexual misconduct that are roiling Capitol Hill. A majority of the Senate’s Democrats called on the two-term…

Congress Seems On Track To Avert Weekend Government Shutdown

By ALAN FRAM and ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite incendiary words from President Donald Trump, Congress seemed on track Wednesday to approving legislation that would avert a partial government shutdown over the weekend as all sides seemed ready to avert a confrontation — for now. Increasingly confident House leaders planned a Thursday vote…

President Trump Forges Ahead On Jerusalem-As-Capital Despite Warnings

By MATTHEW LEE and JOSEF FEDERMAN, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump forged ahead Tuesday with plans to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition to a move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests. Trump also told the leaders of the Palestinian Authority…