Takeaways From Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation Hearing

Julia Stiles made her feature film directorial debut with "Wish You Were Here," a story about love and loss. The film follows a young woman navigating a new romance while learning her partner is terminally ill, balancing humor and emotion. Stiles aimed to avoid cliches and saccharine moments, instead focusing on the importance of kindness and love in challenging times. Full Article

Dolvett Quince, former Biggest Loser trainer, recounts his decision to evacuate during the California wildfires and praises the resilience of his community. He describes the challenging conditions before leaving and expresses hope for recovery, noting the assistance and support already visible among residents. Despite disappointment in government preparedness, Quince commends the firefighters for their swift response and hard work, advocating for their increased recognition and compensation. Full Article

Preston Martin's college van, parked in a Malibu neighborhood during the Palisades fire, miraculously survived the devastation, as captured in a widely circulated AP photo. Both Martin and Megan Krystle Weinraub, who now owns the van, were stunned by its resilience. The van, named Azul, has become a symbol of hope amidst the destruction, bringing joy to many who were affected by the wildfire. Full Article

The coastal waters off Laguna Beach between Treasure Island and Table Rock at Aliso Beach are closed due to a sewage spill of 465,000 gallons caused by a main sewer line break near Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Some of the sewage has seeped into nearby beaches, prompting health authorities to keep the area closed to swimming, surfing, and diving until water quality improves. This is the second sewage spill in Orange County in two months,...

President Joe Biden announced a one-time payment of $770 to each California resident affected by wildfires. During his last week in office, Biden signed proclamations establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of land in California. The Chuckwalla National Monument will safeguard over 600,000 acres in the California desert, while the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument will protect more than 224,000 acres in Northern California. Full...

During a House hearing, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, engaged in a heated exchange over civil rights and transgender rights, with Mace challenging Crockett to "take it outside." The dispute was sparked by Mace's rhetoric on transgender issues and Crockett accusing Mace of fearmongering for political gain. Despite attempts to defend Crockett and clarify the situation, the incident ended with Mace clarifying that her statement was not meant as a call...