National Lifestyle

HOUSTON, Texas (AP) — Beyoncé’s childhood home caught fire early on Christmas morning, though the family living there escaped safely. The fire was reported at about 2 a.m.

I tend to view holiday decorations strictly as anticipatory objects. They’re lovely leading up to the big day, but as soon as midnight strikes, I’m ready to drag the Jack-O-Lantern or Christmas tree to the curb . Not so with poinsettias , however.

With labor-intensive holiday meals out of the way, this week calls for ease — without sacrificing flavor. Which is why traybakes are the perfect antidote.

Gift cards make great stocking stuffers — just as long as you don't stuff them in a drawer and forget about them after the holidays.

Need help losing weight or handling depression? How about a pill that lowers cholesterol and treats erectile dysfunction? Online subscription services for care have grown far beyond their roots dealing mainly with hair loss, acne or birth control.

BEIJING (AP) — A distillery in southwestern China is aiming to tap a growing taste among young Chinese for whisky in place of the traditional “baijiu” liquor used to toast festive occasions.

VANCOUVER — BC Ferries says it has cancelled several Christmas Day sailings on multiple routes and many more are at risk as stormy weather whips up high winds on the province's coast.

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III reflected his coronation theme of public service Monday in a Christmas message that he connected to the health of the planet and wars that are raging.

Kamar de los Reyes, a television, movie and voice actor best known for playing a gang member-turned-cop in the soap “One Life to Live” and a villain in the video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops II," has died in Los Angeles at 56, the family announced.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 31-Jan. 6: Dec. 31: Actor Anthony Hopkins is 86. Actor Sarah Miles (“The Big Sleep”) is 82. Actor Barbara Carrera (“Never Say Never Again”) is 82. Guitarist Andy Summers of The Police is 81.