Who will win the 2025 Super Bowl? Betting odds for the final 8 teams
The NFL is down to its final eight teams in the race for the Lombardi trophy. While the playoffs’ wild card round only produced a pair of upsets, there promises to be some closer games during the divisional round. So, let’s look at who has the best odds to win the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Odds to win the 2025 Super Bowl
Detroit Lions +290
Kansas City Chiefs +350
Philadelphia Eagles +450
Baltimore Ravens +475
Buffalo Bills +550
Los Angeles Rams +2,000
Washington Commanders +3,000
Houston Texans +5,500
The top favorite on the board, the Detroit Lions, is one of three NFL teams that have never played in a Super Bowl—the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are the others. Detroit is +290 to win it all in New Orleans, meaning a $100 bet on the Lions will net you $290.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff says they’re rested and ready as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. “We came into this year ready for games like this, ready for games like last week, ready for these big-time games and wanted to have everything run through Detroit and now have the opportunity to do that,” said Goff. “It’s right here in front of us and we have to go take advantage of it.“
The second biggest favorite is trying to make a different kind of history. The Kansas City Chiefs aim to become the first franchise to win three straight Super Bowls. A $100 bet on the Chiefs will earn you $350.
As division winners, the next two teams, the Eagles and Ravens, are similarly priced at +450 and +475. Those two teams will lean on their MVP candidates, Saquon Barkley for the Eagles and Lamar Jackson for the Ravens, to lead them to the promised land.
However, Baltimore faces a possible issue as they meet the next team on the list, the Buffalo Bills—who are at +550 to win the Super Bowl—at home on Sunday, Jan. 19. The Bills also have an MVP candidate in quarterback Josh Allen, though he did not have the best day during a loss to the Ravens back in September.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Allen discussed the rematch Wednesday, saying, “Their defense the last eight to 10 weeks has been superb, their offense is fantastic as well –– they got a lot of studs over there –– led by Lamar, obviously. It’s a tough team to play regardless.“
And don’t forget about the three long shots.
The Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders have already pulled playoff upsets. They’ll both be on the road for the divisional round, as will the Houston Texans. They have the biggest payoff on the board at +5,500. The Texans take on the Chiefs for the second time in a month after losing 27-19 in Kansas City on Dec. 21.
Biden warns of ‘oligarchy’ and ‘tech-industrial complex’ in farewell speech
President Joe Biden’s farewell speech to America on Wednesday included several warnings. And a ceasefire deal to end more than a year of fighting in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas hit a snag. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Biden warns of ‘oligarchy,’ ‘tech-industrial complex’ in farewell speech
Speaking from the Oval Office one last time, President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address Wednesday night, Jan. 15. Biden spoke on reforms he would like to see in Washington and issued a stark warning detailing his concerns about what he sees as a concentration of power among the ultra-wealthy and the risks of technology.
In what is likely his final address to the nation after a political career spanning five decades, Biden opened his speech with the ceasefire deal in Gaza announced earlier in the day. He said he kept the incoming administration fully informed during the process.
He said some of his top accomplishments in office include job growth following the pandemic, infrastructure modernization and Medicare reform, telling Americans it will take time to feel the full impact of what has been achieved.
With the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump just days away, Biden said he would ensure a peaceful transfer of power, but he did have a warning.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said. “We see the consequences all across America, and we’ve seen it before. More than a century ago, the American people stood up to the robber barons back then and busted the trusts. They didn’t punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy play by the rules everybody else had. Workers want rights to earn their fair share.”
Referencing former President Dwight Eisenhower’s concerns about a military-industrial complex six decades ago, Biden said he’s equally concerned about the dangers of a potential rise of a tech-industrial complex.
“Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power,” he said. “The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy from the abuse of power.”
Biden remarked on the rise of artificial intelligence, calling it the most consequential technology of our time. He emphasized that the U.S., not China, must lead the race.
The president also spoke of his hopes for change in the nation’s capital, calling for an end of hidden funding called “dark money” from campaign contributions, a ban on stock trading from members of Congress and for the U.S. to enact an 18-year term limit on Supreme Court justices. He also called for the U.S. Constitution to be amended.
“We need to amend the Constitution to make clear that no president, no president is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office,” Biden asserted. “The president’s power is not limit[less] — it is not absolute. And it shouldn’t be.”
In closing, Biden called on Americans to stay engaged in democracy. Telling the story of a veteran who worked at the Statue of Liberty, known as the Keeper of the Flame, he said America will always be defined by one word: “possibilities.”
“My eternal thanks to you, the American people,” Biden said. “After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands [for] — a nation where the strength of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure. Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America. You love it, too.”
Republicans, Democrats react to Biden’s farewell address
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote on X, “Joe Biden discussing democracy, a free press, institutions and the abuse of power in his final farewell speech is rich.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., also weighed in, writing, “Joe Biden’s going out of office the same way he went in: petty, partisan and frankly not telling the truth.”
“President Biden’s ‘farewell address’ should have been a formal apology for the endless lawfare, inflation-fueling policies and reckless decisions made during his administration,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida added.
Democrats responded differently.
“Tonight, President Biden delivered his farewell address to a nation that is stronger because of his leadership,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “In doing so, he honored the vision of founders, the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and the aspirations of our children.”
Former President Barack Obama also responded to his former vice president.
“Four years ago, in the middle of a pandemic, we needed a leader with the character to put politics aside and do what was right. That’s what Joe Biden did… I’m grateful to Joe for his leadership, his friendship and his lifetime of service to this country we love,” Obama said.
Netanyahu says cabinet won’t meet over ceasefire deal with Hamas yet
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said his cabinet will not meet to approve the deal for a ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas ends a “last-minute crisis.” The decision comes after Netanyahu’s office said Hamas retracted on some of the terms of the agreement but did not specify which.
Even as a deal seems close or even imminent, Israeli strikes continued in the Gaza Strip, with the territory’s health ministry reporting at least 48 people killed over the past day.
Under the three-phase ceasefire agreement, fighting will stop in Gaza for 42 days. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including two Americans, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed during the first phase. It is set to go into effect Sunday, Jan. 19.
The remainder of the hostages, including Israeli male soldiers, are to be released during the second phase. Hamas said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.
Israeli troops will pull back to the edges of Gaza and many Palestinians will be able to return to what remains of their homes — something many people took to the streets to celebrate. Israel is also set to allow a flood of humanitarian aid into the region.
The Associated Press reported Thursday morning that mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. will meet in Cairo on Thursday for talks on implementing the deal.
On Truth Social, Trump said his administration will continue to work closely with Israel to make sure Gaza never again becomes what he called a “terrorist safe haven.”
Crews work to control Los Angeles area wildfires as winds die down
The National Weather Service lifted the red flag warning for the Los Angeles area Wednesday night as winds died down. Strong winds have made it harder for fire crews to battle the flames.
However, dangerous fire and weather conditions are expected to return next week.
Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week. Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected. #cawx#PalisadesFire#EatonFirepic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp
This comes as firefighters still work to contain the two biggest, deadliest and most destructive fires in Southern California. The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to rage in the Los Angeles area.
Plus, a new vegetation fire broke out in the San Bernardino area Wednesday afternoon.
The Eaton and Palisades fires have not grown much over the past few days, but they are both still largely uncontained. Fire officials reported some progress in the desperate fight to extinguish the flames.
Meanwhile, the Little Mountain fire in San Bernardino spans over 30 acres at 0% containment. Police arrested a man in connection with that fire on two felony charges, including one of reckless burning.
Senate confirmation hearings continue as Inauguration Day nears
Senate confirmation hearings continue Thursday, Jan. 16, as President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for interior secretary, EPA administrator, housing and urban development secretary and treasury secretary answer questions from lawmakers.
“To my knowledge, Donald Trump has never acknowledged the legal results of the 2020 election,” Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said to Bondi. “Are you prepared to say today, under oath without reservation, that Donald Trump lost the presidential contest to Joe Biden in 2020?”
Bondi replied, “Ranking Member Durbin, President Biden is the president of the United States. He was duly sworn in, and he is the President of the United States. There was a peaceful transition of power. President Trump left office and was overwhelmingly elected in 2024.”
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for secretary of state, also had his hearing Wednesday. Straight Arrow News political correspondent Ray Bogan has a complete breakdown of what happened here.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket lifts off on first space flight
Thursday morning saw a big win for billionaire Jeff Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin, as its New Glenn rocket blasted off into orbit.
The company’s first rocket powerful enough to launch satellites into space took off just after 2 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. All seven of its engines fired successfully.
Blue Origin marked the mission a success after demonstration technology on board, called the Blue Ring Pathfinder, was safely carried to orbit.
However, the company did not reach its bonus goal of guiding part of the New Glenn rocket back to a safe landing on a platform in the middle of the ocean after takeoff.
It took rival SpaceX four tries to get a similar maneuver right.
Still, Blue Origin stressed its most important goal was for the test satellite to reach orbit. NASA intends to use the New Glenn rocket to launch two orbiters to Mars in the future.
Former LAFD official: Resources should have been in Palisades prior to fire
The Palisades Fire has become the most destructive fire ever recorded in Los Angeles. As firefighters continue to battle the historic blaze, which was only 19% contained as of the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 15, questions about the fire’s origins persist.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department officials and a review of internal documents by the Los Angeles Times, the fire department could have deployed resources to high-risk areas before the fire started. Former fire chiefs and officials said this action would have been within normal protocol given the warnings of high winds and extreme fire conditions prior to the blaze.
The Los Angeles Times reports that some of the resources that could have been deployed include positioning roughly 1,000 firefighters and more than 40 fire engines in high-risk areas.
While commanders did deploy some of those resources to the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood, they did not order firefighters to stay on duty for a second shift as winds were picking up, according to current fire officials.
Additional resources were only called when the fire was “already out of control,” according to fire officials who spoke with the newspaper.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley defended the decision, saying resources had to be managed strategically to address the city’s broader emergency needs, including a spike in emergency calls due to downed trees and power lines caused by high winds. Crowley argued that the firefighting strategy was sound, given the department’s need to cover extensive ground that day.
As a result, fire engines were left unmanned at their stations. However, when the Palisades Fire broke out, those engines were eventually sent to the front lines.
Former Los Angeles Fire Battalion Chief Rick Crawford said pre-deployment would have been the right call, adding that the city’s current plan for the fire should have been implemented before it started. He described the strategy as a “known staffing tactic” and a “deployment model,” arguing that pre-positioning fire engines could have allowed for the fire to be controlled while it was still small.
Los Angeles Fire Deputy Chief Richard Fields supported Crowley’s position, stating that hindsight is always clearer and that no amount of resources would have prevented the fire’s spread.
As the fire department continues to evaluate its response, the decisions made before the fire have sparked debate over whether more could have been done to prevent the scale of destruction that followed.
Fire officials are not the only ones facing scrutiny. The city’s mayor has been criticized for budget cuts made weeks before the fire. Additionally, the Los Angeles Water Department is facing a lawsuit from individuals who lost their homes and businesses in the Palisades Fire, citing empty hydrants and reservoirs.
Palisades fire victims sue LA water department over water supply issues
More than a dozen victims of the Pacific Palisades wildfire are suing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for water supply failures, which they say contributed to the devastation. The lawsuit comes as the utility company and elected officials face scrutiny for their handling of the deadly fires that destroyed as many as 12,000 structures.
The Palisades fire is the most destructive in the city’s history.
Residents who lost their homes and a restaurant owner whose business was destroyed are named in the complaint.
They blame the water department for hydrants drying up just hours into firefighters battling the flames.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed last week up to 20% of the city’s hydrants went dry and on Thursday night, Jan. 9, firefighters had stopped tapping into hydrants entirely. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley told local media the city failed her department.
The lawsuit blamed the empty nearby Santa Ynez Reservoir for the hydrants’ quick depletion. It also criticized the utility company for not repairing it in a “timely” manner after it got shut down in February 2024 for repairs and claimed it knew about the extreme fire danger from the Santa Ana winds.
LADWP response
Before the lawsuit, LADWP defended its system capabilities under mounting criticism. The department said in a statement, that it was required to take the reservoir out of service to meet safe drinking water regulations and that the city is subject to solicit bids from various contractors for repairs, which takes time.
The company also said, “unprecedented and extreme water demand to fight the wildfire without aerial support” caused a lack of water pressure.
It acknowledged some hydrants in high elevations were impacted but it “immediately deployed potable water tankers” to support firefighting.
Liability for utility companies
California utility companies can face criminal penalties due to environmental violations or negligence.
During the deadly Zogg fire in 2020, Pacific Gas and Electric Company was charged with four felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and three felony counts of recklessly starting a fire after a tree fell onto its electrical lines that had already been identified as a hazard.
The charges were eventually dropped after the company agreed to pay a $50 million fine.
While utility companies as a whole have faced fines and penalties, it is possible under California law for individuals within those companies to face jail time if their actions or inaction contribute to a crime.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who’s also under scrutiny for the city’s wildfire response, ordered an investigation into the causes behind the water issues.
LA area wildfire death toll rises to 25, ‘dangerous situation warning’ issued
The wildfire death toll is expected to rise as recovery efforts begin in some areas. The National Weather Service issued a warning that the Los Angeles, California, area is “not out of the woods yet,” even though winds were not as strong as expected on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Wind gusts are forecast to pick up Wednesday, with a dangerous situation warning in effect from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Evacuation orders remain in place for 88,000 Los Angeles residents. About 90,000 others remain in evacuation warning zones, meaning they might need to leave at a moment’s notice. A total of 6 million people are under a critical fire threat.
The wildfire death toll rose to 25 on Tuesday. The Eaton and Palisades fires — burning for a full week — are now considered the most destructive and second-most destructive wildfires in Southern California history.
The Palisades fire remains the largest, scorching nearly 24,000 acres of land. It is only 18% contained, a small improvement from Tuesday’s 14% containment.
The Eaton fire spans about 14,000 acres and is now 35% contained. The Auto fire in Ventura County grew slightly from 56 to 60 acres but is now 47% contained, according to CalFire’s latest update.
As of Wednesday morning, Jan. 15, five fires continued to scorch the region, with winds forecast to hit 70 miles an hour later Wednesday and into Thursday, Jan. 16.
South Korean president reacts to arrest after massive police operation
The death toll rises slightly as relentless Southern California wildfires continue to burn. And President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary wins over a key senator for his confirmation. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
South Korean president arrested in massive police operation
After weeks of avoiding arrest, South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is in custody after a massive law enforcement operation Wednesday morning, Jan. 15.
Investigators with the country’s anti-corruption agency arrested Yoon for questioning in multiple criminal investigations related to his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024, including accusations of leading an insurrection — a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty in South Korea.
Following his arrest, which saw around 3,000 police officers descending on his residence, Yoon released a pre-recorded video message calling the investigations “illegal,” saying “rule of law in this country has completely collapsed” and adding that he only agreed to cooperate with the investigation to prevent violence. The embattled president avoided arrest for weeks, holed up in his fortified residence and surrounded by his presidential security team.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has been taken into custody, but he again reached out to his supporters decrying the investigation as illegal and that he was complying with the warrant to avoid "bloodshed."#SouthKorea#news Here is the break down: https://t.co/mn8CM5nRoIpic.twitter.com/Qks6ganmiU
Officials said that so far, Yoon has refused to answer investigators’ questions or comment and will not allow the sessions to be recorded.
The anti-corruption agency has 48 hours to request a court order for a formal arrest on a charge of attempting a rebellion or release Yoon. If Yoon is formally arrested, investigators can extend his detention to 20 days before transferring the case to public prosecutors for indictment.
South Korea is a key American ally. The U.S. has nearly 30,000 troops stationed there. In addition, President Joe Biden hosted Yoon for a state visit in Washington, D.C. in April 2023.
Southern California wildfire death toll rises to 25, ‘dangerous situation warning’ issued
The National Weather Service issued a warning that the Los Angeles California area is “not out of the woods yet,” even though winds were not as strong as expected on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Wind gusts are forecast to pick up Wednesday, with a dangerous situation warning in effect from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Evacuation orders remain in place for 88,000 Los Angeles residents. About 90,000 others remain in evacuation warning zones, meaning they might need to leave at a moment’s notice. A total of 6 million people are under a critical fire threat.
The death toll from the fires rose to 25 on Tuesday. The Eaton and Palisades fires — burning for a full week — are now considered the most destructive and second-most destructive wildfires in Southern California history.
The Palisades fire remains the largest, scorching nearly 24,000 acres of land. It is only 18% contained, a small improvement from Tuesday’s 14% containment.
The Eaton fire spans about 14,000 acres and is now 35% contained. The Auto fire in Ventura County grew slightly from 56 to 60 acres but is now 47% contained, according to CalFire’s latest update.
As of Wednesday morning, five fires continued to scorch the region, with winds forecast to hit 70 miles an hour later Wednesday and into Thursday, Jan. 16.
Pete Hegseth faces tough questions on Capitol Hill
Late Tuesday night, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, told Fox News she’d vote to confirm Hegseth. She was on the fence ahead of the hearing, and many Democrats hoped she would vote no. Her support for Hegseth could put him over the top.
The hearings continue Wednesday for several nominees, including Trump’s picks for attorney general, Pam Bondi; secretary of state, Marco Rubio; and CIA director, John Ratcliffe.
Find Straight Arrow News political correspondent Ray Bogan’s full recap of Tuesday’s proceedings here.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission files lawsuit against Elon Musk over X shares
Elon Musk, one of the heads of Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency, faces a new lawsuit over his social media company X. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Musk.
Since Trump appointed Musk to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency during his second term, it’s unlikely the incoming Trump administration will pursue this lawsuit.
US watchdog sues Capital One, alleges bank cheated customers out of $2B
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is suing Capital One, saying the bank misled consumers about its offerings for high-interest savings accounts and cheated customers out of more than $2 billion in interest payments.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, focuses on Capital One’s promises and handling of its “360 Savings” accounts. The Bureau said despite promoting 360 Savings as an account that provides one of the nation’s highest interest rates, Capital One froze its rate at a low level for at least several years, even as interest rates rose nationally.
The CFPB said that at the same time, Capital One created “360 Performance Savings,” which saw a much higher growth rate but did not notify 360 Savings account holders about the new offering and instead “worked to keep them in the dark.”
The lawsuit alleges the company marketed the products similarly to obscure their distinction and banned employees from “proactively telling” those with 360 Savings accounts about 360 Performance Savings.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking to impose civil penalties on Capital One and provide financial relief to those impacted.
Musicians come together for benefit concerts to support wildfire victims
With the wildfires in California impacting so many people and uprooting people’s lives, entertainers are coming together to hold benefit concerts to support the victims.
Ringo Starr is taking the famous song lyrics, “I get by with a little help from my friends,” seriously. The former Beatles drummer is holding a two-night benefit concert this week in Nashville. It will feature guest performances from Jack White, Sheryl Crow and “War and Treaty.”
Funds from the concert, which will air as a special on CBS later this year, will be directed to the American Red Cross.
Live Nation is gearing up for its benefit concert, titled “FireAid,” to be held on Jan. 30. Sources told TMZ the response from musicians has been so overwhelming that the event will likely be held in two different venues.
Live Nation is expected to announce the lineup within days.
Rams ‘playing for LA’, crush Minnesota Vikings in NFL wild card
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings from start to finish Monday, Jan. 13, in the final game of the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend. The final score was 27-9, and after the game, the players and coaches talked about their motivation—”Playing for LA.”
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford summed it up best with the first answer in his postgame press conference, saying, “It has been a difficult week, so proud of this group and happy that we could play the way we did tonight, give the people back home something to cheer about for a little bit.“
Rams head coach Sean McVay also praised his players and coaches. “With everything that has gone on with our community, everything that these guys have gone through, I thought they epitomized and represented the city the right way,” McVay said. “You talk about sports offering a platform for people to come together, offer a little bit of temporary relief and I thought the way that our team competed tonight was what it looked like.”
The league moved the game to Arizona on Thursday, Jan. 9, because of the threat of wildfires in and around Los Angeles. During pregame ceremonies, the team honored the firefighters and first responders still battling the flames back home. Former Rams captain Andrew Whitworth, now retired, addressed the fans and the city.
“We will rebuild LA, hand in hand together, for as long as it takes, whatever it takes, we will rebuild together. Los Angeles, I love you, we love you, and we are with you “ Whitworth said.
"We will rebuild LA. Hand in hand, together. For as long as it takes and whatever it takes. We will build it together. Los Angeles, I love you. We love you and we are with you.” pic.twitter.com/5EfllG4ESt
It seemed the fans needed no motivation. Over the weekend, the NFL, the Rams and the Arizona Cardinals helped move nearly the entire Rams organization and their families—more than 400 people—to Glendale, just outside Phoenix. The fans soon followed, filling flights and making the six-hour drive by car or by busload.
It all paid off, as the Rams came out fast and left little doubt. Linebacker Michael Hoecht couldn’t say enough about the atmosphere: “It was awesome. I’m so thankful for every single one of them that came here, all of them. Hope they are all safe and making it through a tough time.“
The Rams have advanced to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. They have just six days to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles. If they’re unable to practice in Los Angeles because of the lingering fires or poor air quality, they may travel to the East Coast a few days early.
Bias Breakdown: Was LA wildfire response failed policy or politicized?
California officials are facing intense scrutiny in the wake of the devastating wildfires that broke out in Los Angeles, causing widespread destruction. The fires, which resulted in the loss of dozens of lives and thousands of homes, have sparked a wave of criticism directed at key figures, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, and Janisse Quinones, head of the state’s Water and Power Department.
Critics, including the L.A. Fire Department chief, questioned whether the city’s response to the fire could have been more effective. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley expressed frustration over several issues, such as low water pressure from fire hydrants and a lack of adequate resources to tackle the blazes. When repeatedly asked if the city failed the community, she responded “yes.”
Janisse Quinones, the head of the L.A. Water and Power Department, is facing scrutiny over these issues. According to city documents, the empty reservoir was designated for firefighting purposes, but had been taken out of service in February 2024 to “meet drinking water safety regulations.” Quinones, who receives a salary double that of her predecessor, has also been criticized for her previous statements about prioritizing equity in the department’s operations. Some reports noted that Quinones was aware of the water shortages months before the fires.
Newsom, who has been on the ground in Los Angeles to oversee the firefighting efforts, has also come under fire. While Newsom has posted video updates about the state’s response, his remarks on a podcast about the fire response have sparked backlash. Newsom acknowledged the lack of clear answers he was receiving, adding that the state had launched an investigation into the fire response. However, he has faced criticism for appearing to shift blame to local leaders during his Pod Save America podcast appearance.
“You’re ultimately responsible as the governor of the state,” the podcaster, Jon Favreau, said.
“Of course, I want to know the answers,” Newsom replied. “I’ve been asked that question by so many people. ‘What happened?’ People on my own team are asking me, ‘What happened?’ And I want to get the answers. I’ll be candid — I wasn’t getting straight answers.”
“No,” Newsom said. “I was getting different answers.”
What has right-leaning media been saying?
The coverage of the fire response and the political fallout has drawn significant attention from both left- and right-leaning media outlets. Right-leaning outlets have focused on the perceived failures of Democratic policies, including budget cuts to the fire department, and concerns over water resources, while also pointing to state policies they argue contributed to the fire’s severity.
Fox News reported, “Democratic lawmakers are claiming the severity of the Los Angeles wildfires was a result of climate change, despite reports that the city’s fire hydrants ran out of water and the fire department’s budget was slashed just weeks before the Palisades fire destroyed thousands of homes and burned more than 15,000 acres. As the fires gained national attention, Democratic lawmakers across the country began to claim it was climate change rather than state policies that caused the disastrous fire damage.”
The Washington Examiner similarly reported, “Critics said state policies about brush and debris removal fed the fires and argued Newsom ignored years of warnings to change course and avoid the latest disaster. Some furious Californians also said Newsom’s water policy left firefighters without the tools they needed to stop the crisis.”
What has left-leaning media been saying?
In contrast, left-leaning outlets have highlighted the role of Republican figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, in politicizing the situation, with some arguing that Trump and his allies are using the disaster to attack Democratic leadership.
The Washington Post reported, “As California continues to battle catastrophic wildfires consuming entire neighborhoods and taking lives, state and local officials are also fending off President-elect Donald Trump and his allies’ efforts to blame them for the destruction. Instead of offering words of sympathy or pledges of rebuilding, Trump, his billionaire ally Elon Musk and top Republicans have spent much of the past several days blaming Democratic leadership in the state for the crisis.”
CNN similarly reported, “Walls of fire devoured neighborhoods, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee for their lives. But as a cataclysm fueled by windstorms charred swathes of Los Angeles, Donald Trump spotted an opportunity…The conceit of a state and city inflicting self-defeating environmental policies is a perfect fit for Trump’s narrative that liberal governance in blue states and cities invites chaos, crime and misery.”
The political framing of the wildfire response has varied significantly across news outlets. The Washington Post criticized efforts by Trump and his allies to shift blame to state and local officials, while Fox News focused on California’s policies, particularly regarding fire prevention and water management. CNN suggested that Trump was exploiting the situation to promote a narrative against liberal governance, while The Washington Examiner pointed to state policies on brush and debris removal as contributing factors to the fire’s intensity.
As the investigation into the fire response continues, the debate over the role of Democratic leadership and the politicization of the crisis persists. Both local and state leaders are facing questions about their handling of the disaster, and the national conversation is shaped by differing political perspectives on the causes and responses to the wildfires.
Elon Musk donates Cybertrucks for Wi-Fi and power as wildfires ravage LA
As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is stepping in to support recovery efforts with a donation of Cybertrucks. Musk has outfitted the electric trucks with his company’s Starlink satellite internet service, allowing the vehicles to broadcast Wi-Fi to first responders in areas affected by the fires.
In addition to providing internet connectivity, the Cybertrucks are stocked with candy, fruit and water for emergency teams and displaced residents.
Tesla confirmed that eight Cybertrucks are currently stationed near active wildfire zones. Three are in Altadena, two in Pasadena and another three near Malibu.
Musk took to X to apologize to customers waiting for their Cybertruck deliveries, explaining that some vehicles had been rerouted to serve as mobile base stations. These trucks are helping fuel Starlink satellite communications, while power outages persist in fire-stricken areas.
Apologies to those expecting Cybertruck deliveries in California over the next few days.
We need to use those trucks as mobile base stations to provide power to Starlink Internet terminals in areas of LA without connectivity.
According to Tesla’s website, the Cybertrucks are designed to function similarly to generators, capable of powering a home for up to three days. While many have praised Musk’s efforts, the donation has also sparked controversy. Some critics accuse the billionaire of using the situation to promote his vehicle line.
Musk also reshared an AI-generated video on X, claiming that his donation is helping save thousands of lives in Los Angeles.
The ongoing wildfires have been intensified by strong winds, as firefighters work tirelessly to contain three major blazes. The Palisades and Eaton Fires are the largest, having claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. Dozens of acres remain scorched, though the Hurst Fire is nearly 100% contained.
Musk has pledged to send more Cybertrucks to affected areas across the county, with a new one expected by the end of the week.
Iran and Ukraine offering US help to put out wildfires in Los Angeles
Offers of help are coming from unlikely nations as wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles, California, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres. The latest assistance offers are coming from U.S. adversary Iran and war-torn ally Ukraine.
Both nations are offering to send firefighters to Los Angeles as crews continue to battle wildfires that have displaced thousands of people and killed at least two dozen individuals.
Kyiv said on Sunday, Jan. 12, it may send around 150 firefighters, while Tehran said it is ready to send an unspecified number of “rapid response teams” with the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Nearly 1,500 members of the California National Guard are already fighting the fires, along with teams from other states, as well as Mexico and Canada.
The California National Guard called Ukraine’s offer “nothing short of extraordinary” but stayed mum on Iran’s offer.
Tehran and Kyiv’s offers come as tensions with Iran are expected to intensify under President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and funding for military aid to Ukraine remains in doubt.
Iranian state media has also floated inflammatory rhetoric toward the U.S. in the wake of the fires, saying that the Los Angeles fires are nature’s retribution for U.S. support of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
There is also speculation that Tehran is offering assistance because Los Angeles County is home to more than 100,000 Iranians, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, which is reportedly the largest Persian population outside of Iran.
Currently, it’s unclear if the United States is accepting help from either Kyiv or Tehran.