A brush fire broke out in Jurupa Valley on Tuesday, January 21, as strong Santa Ana winds persisted across Southern California. Known as the "Clay Fire," it ignited along the Santa Ana River Bottom near Pedley Road and Van Buren Boulevard around 5 p.m.
Los Angeles is grappling with the toxic aftermath of wildfires that devastated areas including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, destroying over 15,000 structures and releasing dangerous pollutants into the air. Scientists report that the burning of homes, cars, and infrastructure has produced hazardous levels of toxins, including lead and chlorine.
During his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump announced a series of bold initiatives, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The declaration prompted laughter from twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who was in attendance at the event.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has announced his retirement, effective April, after nearly 30 years of service with the agency. Owens, who became the 26th chief of the United States Border Patrol in June 2023 under President Biden, led during a time of significant challenges, including record-breaking surges in migrant crossings.
The devastating wildfires in California have exposed glaring deficiencies in public services while underscoring the effectiveness of private efforts. In Pacific Palisades, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, one striking exception remains: the upscale Palisades Village mall. Owned by billionaire Rick Caruso, the mall survived thanks to private firefighting teams and fire-resistant construction materials—measures unavailable to most residents.
President-elect Donald Trump achieved a historic milestone in the 2024 election, garnering the highest percentage of the Jewish vote for any Republican presidential candidate since 1988. According to WPA Intelligence, citing exit polls from AP/Fox News/NORC, Trump received 32% of the Jewish vote nationally, surpassing his 30% share in 2020 and 24% in 2016. This marks the strongest showing for a Republican among Jewish voters since George H.W. Bush’s 35% in 1988.
L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth has attributed the recent Palisades Fire and other devastating wildfires in Los Angeles to climate change, framing the issue as a result of fossil fuel dependence and global warming. In his column titled “Los Angeles is a climate disaster. The fires will change nothing,” Roth called for systemic changes, such as reducing fossil fuel use, supporting green businesses, and prioritizing climate action in public policy and personal decisions.
