LOS ANGELES — Firefighters began to make progress battling the deadly and devastating fires in the Los Angeles area early Thursday, especially because the ferocious winds that have been driving the fast-moving flames are expected to slow down. Firefighters were able to knock down a major threat that broke out Wednesday evening in the Hollywood...
CA Infernos In January? Why Wildfire Season Is Longer and More Devastating
As climate change warms the planet, wildfires have become so unpredictable and extreme that new words were invented: firenado, gigafire, fire siege — even fire pandemic. California has 78 more annual "fire days" — when conditions are ripe for fires to spark — than 50 years ago. When is California's...
Fresno Woman Arrested After Burning Body Was Found in Madera County
Updated at 2:48 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2025 Jessie Equilla Brooks, 56, of Fresno, has been arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on murder charges in connection with the case, the Madera County Sheriff's Office said in a social media post. Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity pending...
NHL Postpones Kings’ Game Against Calgary Due to Wildfires, NFL Monitors Situation
LOS ANGELES — The NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings' home game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday with several massive wildfires still burning across the greater Los Angeles area. The Kings and Flames were scheduled to play Wednesday night at the Kings' downtown arena. The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers...
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Says He Spoke With Trump on Tuesday
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito spoke with President-elect Donald Trump about a former law clerk the day before Trump went to the high court in a push to delay the sentencing in his New York hush-money case, the justice said Wednesday. Alito said he took the call Tuesday...
Ex-FBI Informant Who Fabricated Bribery Story About Biden and His Son Hunter Gets 6 Years in Prison
WASHINGTON — A former FBI informant who fabricated a story about President Joe Biden and his son Hunter accepting bribes that became central to Republicans' impeachment effort was sentenced Wednesday to six years in prison. Alexander Smirnov pleaded guilty last month in Los Angeles federal court to tax evasion and...
Monstrous Wildfires Blanket California With Smoky Air, Threatening the Health of Millions
LOS ANGELES — Massive wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area have filled the air with a thick cloud of smoke and ash, prompting air quality advisories across a vast stretch of Southern California. Three major fires broke out Tuesday amid dangerously high winds, killing at least five people and destroying more than...
Promises to Cut CA’s High Living Costs Clash With Progressive Policies
While post-election autopsies vary on why Democrats fared so poorly in November, there is general consensus that a major factor was voter resentment of high inflation in their costs of living. Traditionally, voters who feel angst about their personal finances will take it out on the party in power. It...
Merced Police to Increase Security at MLK Parade, Following New Orleans Terrorist Attack
An annual Merced event that brings together all sectors of the community will see an increased level of police presence this year, following the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans. Merced Police Chief Steven Stanfield told the City Council on Monday residents can expect to see more officers along the...
California’s Historic Ranch, Motel Among Losses in Palisades Fire
A wind-driven wildfire ravaged two California State Parks last night, leaving a trail of destruction that included the historic Will Rogers ranch house and the Topanga Ranch Motel, the California State Parks said in a news release on Wednesday. The Palisades Fire, fueled by wind gusts reaching 80 mph, tore...