L.A.'s hydrants ran dry during the fires. Residents are still demanding solutions

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 Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.5 billion for the upcoming drawing, marking it as the fifth largest in the game's history and the seventh highest among all U.S. lottery jackpots. This increase follows a series of drawings without a winner, contributing to the growing prize amount.

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.

State officials announced a $4 million investment in affordable housing for survivors of the Eaton fire in Altadena, with half of the funds allocated for repairing apartments for low-income seniors. This initiative aims to address the housing crisis exacerbated by the fire's aftermath.

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.

During the January firestorms in Los Angeles, emergency alert failures severely undermined public trust, with residents in Altadena receiving evacuation orders five hours late and erroneous alerts sent to 10 million people countywide. This situation has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the emergency response system in place.

In a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times, Bass criticized the responses to the Palisades and Eaton fires, stating that both sides 'botched it' during a casual conversation with a podcast host after the program concluded.

Nick Reiner, the son of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his parents, whose bodies were discovered in their Brentwood home. This incident highlights the tragic intersection of mental health issues and addiction, as Nick's struggles with these challenges have been noted by family and friends.