Did the rains ease Southern California’s fire threat? What we know

Donald Trump has escalated his conflict with Harvard University, threatening to redirect $3 billion in federal research funding and reviewing existing contracts due to perceived disrespect and a failure to address campus antisemitism. His administration's actions, which include freezing research grants and reducing foreign student admissions, are seen as a direct challenge to the institution and may signal a broader conservative strategy to undermine Democratic support within academia. Students express concern that if such measures...

SummaryAstronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore faced a challenging situation during their June 2024 Boeing Starliner test flight when their thrusters failed, forcing them to remain in space for nearly 10 months instead of the planned eight days. After successfully docking with the International Space Station with Mission Control's assistance, they eventually returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, aboard a SpaceX capsule, while acknowledging the risks and political pressures surrounding their extended mission. Both...

Dana Chandler has long maintained her innocence regarding the 2002 murders of her ex-husband, Mike Sisco, and his girlfriend, Karen Harkness. In 2025, she represented herself in her third trial for the murders, emphasizing the personal stakes involved. The murders occurred on July 7, 2002, with both victims found shot in Harkness' home, leading to a decades-long quest for justice by their families, particularly Hailey Seel, their daughter, who seeks the truth behind the tragic...

Nathan Laatsch, a 28-year-old IT specialist with the Defense Intelligence Agency, was arrested for attempting to provide classified information to a foreign government, following an FBI investigation that began in March. Laatsch allegedly transcribed classified materials and planned to deliver them via a thumb drive, expressing interest in citizenship to the unnamed country due to dissatisfaction with the U.S. administration. His arrest raises concerns about the potential for intelligence personnel to exploit current turmoil within...

SummaryChicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, known as the “Throwing Philosopher,” had an impressive rookie season in 2024, going 15-3 with 174 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA. His charisma, flowing hair, and choice of "Chelsea Dagger" as his walk-up song endeared him to fans, while his performances contributed to the Cubs' resurgence after two losing seasons. Currently on the 15-day injured list due to a hamstring injury, Imanaga is expected to return in early June as...

SummaryPhil Mangano, a film and television editor in Los Angeles, faces job insecurity following the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which led to a loss of about 40,000 industry jobs and a 58% drop in TV production since 2021. California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to increase film and TV tax credits from $330 million to $750 million aims to revive the struggling industry, but experts question if it's sufficient to compete with other states and countries offering...