Weather

Los Angeles residents return to ashes and ruins after devastating wildfires

Jan. 11, 2025

LOS ANGELES — The City of Angels became a city of ashes this week as residents returned from fleeing the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, searching for any trace of the homes they cherished. But 83-year-old Walt Butler refused to give in to despair, even after surveying what remained of his home in the Altadena area and the burnt carcasses of his cars, including his prized Corvette Stingray.

Weather

Reservoir in Pacific Palisades was out of commission when fire started

Jan. 11, 2025

A 117-million gallon reservoir in one of the Los Angeles communities ravaged by wildfires was out of commission when the fire started in the area on Tuesday. The Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Pacific Palisades has been closed for repairs after a covering designed to preserve water quality tore. The Los Angeles Times first reported that the reservoir was offline.

Weather

New evacuation orders as Palisades fire expands

Jan. 11, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom ordered an investigation into fire hydrant failures; fierce winds fueling the fires to ease on Saturday, before returning on Monday.

Entertainment

Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood’s friendship with President Carter spanned

Jan. 10, 2025

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood paid their respects to former President Carter and honored their friendship with the American leader Thursday. Brooks and Yearwood dressed in all black while singing John Lennon's "Imagine" at the end of Carter's funeral at Washington National Cathedral Jan. 9. The couple maintained a friendship with the former president throughout the years. "President Carter, the legacy you and Rosalynn have left us is as beautiful as the life you lived," Brooks said in a statement shared shortly after Carter's death.

Entertainment

Entertainment 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant 'still in shock' after surprise engagemen

Jan. 10, 2025

"Wheel of Fortune" hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White helped make one contestant's night a little special. On Thursday night, during the game show's 50th anniversary celebration, Seacrest announced they had helped Robin propose to Rhea Mathew, a former "Wheel of Fortune" contestant who competed in October 2023. "We're celebrating milestones in honor of our 50th anniversary and actually had one happen earlier in the week right here on the set," Seacrest announced in a clip uploaded on YouTube. "Robin, the boyfriend of former contestant Rhea, reached out for our help in asking her a big question," Vanna added.

Science & Tech

'Entirely foreseeable': The L.A. fires are the worst-case scenario experts feared

Jan. 10, 2025

For the Los Angeles area, the recent string of wildfires represents a worst-case scenario — unusually powerful and prolonged Santa Ana winds struck after months without significant rain. But the steep consequences of the blazes are not a surprise, according to an NBC News review of after-action reports following previous fires, wildfire risk maps, public meetings about wildfire risk and interviews with fire experts. “Entirely foreseeable,” said Char Miller, a professor of environmental analysis and history at Pomona College.

Sports

Australian Open's signature drink inspired by Honey Deuce: Make it at home

Jan. 10, 2025

The tennis drink that was a game, set and match at last year's U.S. Open now has a counterpart from down under. Grey Goose, which served as the official beverage sponsor of the U.S. Open, recently inked a deal with the Australian Open and has created a cocktail that organizers hope will rival that of the Honey Deuce.

Health

New Mexico Supreme Court ruling strikes down local abortion restrictions

Jan. 10, 2025

SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday struck down abortion restrictions by conservative cities and counties at the request of the state attorney general. The unanimous opinion reinforces the state’s position as having some of the most liberal abortion laws in the country. The ruling preserves access to abortion procedures across a state that has become a major destination for people from other states with bans. Attorneys representing New Mexico’s Lea and Roosevelt counties and the cities of Hobbs and Clovis had argued in court that local abortion ordinances can’t be struck down under provisions within the “anti-vice” law known as the Comstock Act.

Health

Biden's last chance to tackle tobacco: Limiting nicotine levels in cigarettes

Jan. 10, 2025

In its last few days of power, the Biden administration is expected to officially propose a limit on nicotine in cigarettes. It’d be a last-minute move to push back against the tobacco industry after President Joe Biden failed to finalize a long-standing pledge to ban menthol cigarettes. The proposal, which could come as soon as Monday, is not expected to include tobacco products like e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement patches and lozenges. “This is a Hail Mary from the Biden administration to move forward with a meaningful proposal, or at least to jump-start one in the waning days of the administration,” said Erika Sward, assistant vice president of national advocacy for the American Lung Association.

Health

What makes the Santa Ana winds so destructive?

Jan. 10, 2025

Every year between fall and spring, Southern Californians experience gusts of dry wind that can cause runny noses or watery eyes — and sometimes powerful enough to halt traffic or topple trees. The Santa Ana winds, as they’re known, are a naturally occurring phenomenon made possible by the geography in the western U.S. They become particularly dangerous when combined with other climate conditions such as drought, which increases the risk of wildfires like the ones currently raging in the Los Angeles area.