Weather

Scientists racing to discover the depth of ocean damage sparked by the L.A. wildfires

Feb. 16, 2025

LOS ANGELES — On a recent Sunday, Tracy Quinn drove down the Pacific Coast Highway to assess damage wrought upon the coastline by the Palisades Fire. The water line was darkened by ash. Burnt remnants of washing machines and dryers and metal appliances were strewn about the shoreline. Sludge carpeted the water’s edge. Waves during high tide lapped onto charred homes, pulling debris and potentially toxic ash into the ocean as they receded.

Entertainment

Julianne Moore says her book 'Freckleface Strawberry' was banned by Trump administration

Feb. 16, 2025

Amid the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion, Julianne Moore is speaking out on the recent censorship of one of her books. In a lengthy Instagram post Sunday, the Oscar-winning actress and children's book author reacted to the news that her book "Freckleface Strawberry" was reportedly removed from schools within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). "It is a great shock for me to learn that my first book, Freckleface Strawberry, has been banned by the Trump Administration from schools run by the Department of Defense," wrote Moore, whose father is a Vietnam War veteran.

Sports

U.S.-Canada hockey game starts with 3 fights in 9 seconds

Feb. 16, 2025

The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal on Saturday pitted the United States against Canada in an elite hockey matchup that kicked off with three fights among rivals on each side in the first nine seconds. Just after the puck dropped, and two seconds into the game, Matthew Tkachuk of the U.S. squad and Brandon Hagel of Team Canada dropped their gloves and went at it, broadcast video of the game showed.

Entertainment

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron dies at 24

Feb. 16, 2025

Kim Sae-ron, the South Korean actress known for her roles in movies like "A Brand New Life" and "The Man from Nowhere," has died. She was 24. Kim was found dead at her home, a police official with knowledge of the case said Sunday, according to Reuters. The official said that police are investigating the cause of death, but additional details were not provided. A friend who was going to meet the actress visited her home, discovered her and called police, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported. Police found no foul play, according to Yonhap.

Entertainment

Maya Hawke reveals actors may be cast based on their Instagram follower count

Feb. 16, 2025

Maya Hawke is pulling back the curtain on the Hollywood casting process. On the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, the "Stranger Things" star, 26, revealed how actors' social media followings can be a major factor in landing a role. "I'm talking (to directors) about how I'm going to delete my Instagram, and they're like, 'Just so you know, when I'm casting a movie, with some producers, they hand me a sheet with the amount of collective followers I have to get of the cast that I cast," she said. "So if you delete your Instagram, and I lose those followers, understand that these are the kinds of people that I need to cast around you."

Sports

After years of debate, Trump upends trans sports landscape with the stroke of a pen

Feb. 16, 2025

President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to block transgender women and girls from competing in female sports has opened up a slew of investigations of federally funded schools and athletics organizations since he signed an executive order this month. The Education Department has moved swiftly in another way, by urging associations overseeing high school and college competitions to vacate awards and records held by transgender women.

International News

Hong Kong’s newest stars? Meet the panda cub twins

Feb. 16, 2025

Panda craze has once again gripped Hong Kong as residents compete to name the territory’s first locally-born giant panda cubs who just turned six months old. The competition to name the twin cubs, born Aug. 15, launched Saturday following a celebratory ceremony attended by Hong Kong leader John Lee and other officials at Ocean Park, the theme park that houses the twins, their parents and two other giant pandas that arrived from mainland China last year. Residents can submit their suggestions via the park’s website.

International News

Rebels seen in center of key DR Congo city after claiming takeover

Feb. 16, 2025

Rebel forces have been seen in the center of Bukavu, the second largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Sunday, residents told CNN, as the fighters push to expand their foothold in the mineral-rich region. Rebel coalition, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 armed group, said in a statement Saturday it had taken control of the Kavumu airport in South Kivu and forced government forces to retreat “in disarray, abandoning the city of Bukavu.” Bukavu is the provincial capital, where residents also reported looting and fighters in the streets Saturday.

Weather

Southeast met with dangerous flooding while Northeast braces for snowstorms

Feb. 16, 2025

The Southeastern part of the U.S. faced heavy rains and dangerous flooding on Saturday, as much of the East was hit by renewed harsh and soggy weather. A man was found dead in floodwaters in Clay County, Kentucky, according to WKYT-TV. Cars and buildings in Kentucky were submerged in water, while mudslides blocked roads in Virginia. The two states, along with Tennessee and Arkansas, were under flood warnings.

Sports

2025 LIV Golf team standings

Feb. 16, 2025

Full LIV Golf team standings for the 2025 season (through Adelaide): 1. Legion XIII – 56.00 2. Fireballs GC – 40.00 3. Crushers GC – 24.00 4. Ripper GC – 20.00 5. RangeGoats GC – 20.00 6. Torque GC – 18.00 7. Majesticks GC – 5.16 8. 4Aces GC – 4.66 9. HyFlyers GC – 4.66 10. Cleeks GC – 4.00 11. Stinger GC – 1.50 12. Smash GC – 0.00 13. Iron Heads GC – 0.00