A coastal, plural-County region anchored by Los Angeles and San Diego
Two tropical storms in the Pacific are in motion: Julio weakens as Iselle strengthens to hurricane-force winds west of the Baja California peninsula. Lala remains in the Central Pacific with no land threat; Moke is no longer a cyclone after skirting Hawaii.
Federal authorities estimate Los Angeles County accounts for about $3.5 billion in fraudulent hospice claims, with victims like Linda Henry misled into end-of-life care. California regulators have stepped up licensing actions, but critics argue fraud persists as lawmakers weigh privacy protections that could curb investigations.
Fans say Tupac Shakur’s legacy endures as the Las Vegas trial of Duane Davis unfolds, with supporters noting the case offers a path to justice and closure decades after the rapper’s 1996 death.
Authorities warn residents in Kauai and Niihue of torrential rain, flash floods and mudslides as Tropical Storm Lowell moves north-northwest, with Hawaii's Big Island forecast to receive heavy rain. Separately, Hurricane Marie off Baja California is generating dangerous swells along the West Coast.
El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts predicting historic intensity. Reports show drought in Central America’s Dry Corridor and a UK weather shift toward wetter, stormier conditions. Scientists warn impacts will extend into 2027 as temperatures rise globally and rainfall patterns shift.
Six Flags Magic Mountain has permanently shuttered the X2 roller coaster after multiple brain-injury lawsuits, including a 2022 fatality. The park says safety confidence has been shaken and is closing the ride. New lawsuits are anticipated as plaintiffs allege traumatic brain injuries from rides dating back to the past two years.
A series of fires in Southern California has prompted evacuations and widespread power shutoffs as dry Santa Ana winds drive critical fire weather. Officials say preemptive staffing and power cuts are under way to reduce risk, with more updates expected as conditions evolve.
A cluster of wildfires, including the Norte Fire in Orange County, is expanding under Santa Ana winds. Six homes have been damaged or destroyed. Firefighting teams are attacking the blazes from the ground and air, with evacuations continuing and power disruptions reported in parts of the region.
Recent reporting shows researchers linking smiling to stress and mood changes, with experts noting physiological shifts tied to cortisol and brain chemicals. The concept is culturally varied and context-dependent, and the evidence points to potential benefits while acknowledging limits and ongoing debate.
Jay-Z has been announced as the halftime show headliner for the Feb. 14 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood. Roc Nation continues its collaboration with the NFL to curate entertainment for the event, following years of speculation and previous performances by major artists.
Coco Gauff has defeated Marta Kostyuk in a suspenseful, back-and-forth match at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, moving to 6-5 in her head-to-head with Kostyuk and keeping Group 1 contenders alive amid Kostyuk’s late entry and Elena Rybakina’s withdrawal.