Powerball jackpot jumps to about $1.5 billion, the seventh highest in U.S. history

Despite a daunting rainfall forecast, Californians and travelers across the U.S. are expected to travel in record numbers during the end-of-year holiday season. This surge in travel reflects a strong desire for holiday gatherings and vacations, undeterred by adverse weather conditions.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a series of regulatory actions aimed at effectively banning gender-affirming care for minors, which includes prohibiting Medicaid funding for puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgical procedures. This proposal has been met with significant backlash from advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare professionals.

A recent national poll indicates that the approval rating of congressional Democrats has significantly declined following a series of political events, including notable election victories and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

U.S. inflation unexpectedly slowed last month, with consumer prices rising by 2.7%, according to a government report that was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. This situation has led to concerns about the reliability of economic data during periods of government disruption.

In a recent primetime address, President Trump asserted that the U.S. is on the verge of an economic boom, claiming a rapid decline in prices despite ongoing concerns about affordability among voters. He emphasized the strength of his economic policies, which he believes are beginning to take effect.

L.A. Councilmember John Lee has been fined $138,000 by the city's Ethics Commission for violating laws regarding the acceptance and disclosure of gifts during a trip to Las Vegas. The commission issued the maximum penalty in a case that scrutinized Lee's compliance with ethical standards for public officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to sign an executive order that will reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III substance, facilitating medical research and easing federal restrictions on cannabis. This significant change is expected to allow for the exploration of marijuana's potential medical benefits more freely.

A recent study has revealed a significant increase in heart attacks and unusual blood test results following the fires in L.A. County in January, highlighting the physical toll these disasters have on the community. This research adds to a growing body of evidence documenting the health impacts of such environmental crises.