Convicted arsonist arrested after pulling fake firetruck up to LA fire: LACSO
Los Angeles County authorities arrested a couple from Oregon impersonating firefighters after they tried to enter an evacuation zone with a fake firetruck. The two sported turnout gear over CAL-Fire t-shirts near the Palisades Fire.
Whatto know
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office said it charged 31-year-old Dustin Nehl, a convicted arsonist, and his wife, 44-year-old Jennifer Nehl, with impersonating firefighters and entering an evacuation zone on Saturday, Jan. 18.
A Los Angeles Police Department patrol unit driving near the Palisades Fire spotted the phony firetruck. Authorities said the couple purchased the vehicle at an auction and emblazoned it with the name of a fictitious fire department.
Police impounded the firetruck and said the couple claimed to be from the nonexistent “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon.
Police also confiscated the pair’s turnout gear, helmets and radios.
A motive for the crime remains unknown.
Suspect’s criminal history
Dustin Nehl served a five-year prison sentence after his conviction in 2017 for an arson spree in the city of Woodburn, Oregon.
However, it is unknown if he was still under supervision at the time of his arrest over the weekend.
Why it matters
Police have arrested several others impersonating firefighters near the Los Angeles fires in recent weeks.
Authorities said earlier this month that the department arrested a 34-year-old man wearing a firefighter’s uniform and carrying a radio as he looted items within an evacuation zone.
Looting has become a major problem for authorities already trying to get these historic wildfires in Los Angeles County under control.
Authorities have reportedly arrested dozens of people for criminal activity in evacuation zones since the fires erupted.
State Farm pulls Super Bowl ad, redirects focus to Los Angeles wildfires
As the Super Bowl draws near, companies are gearing up to unveil their most exciting ads for sports fans and consumers. State Farm, however, won’t be one of those companies.
The price for a 30-second Super Bowl commercial can top out at $7 million. Instead, the insurance giant says they will focus on helping those impacted by the ongoing wildfire crisis in Southern California.
A spokesperson for the company said, “Our focus is firmly on providing support to the people of Los Angeles. We will not be advertising during the game as originally planned.”
The decision comes shortly after State Farm offered renewals to policyholders affected by the Los Angeles County fires. The announcement reversed its initial plans last March to not renew 30,000 property policies in California last year. It included 69% of policies in the Pacific Palisades area –– which has been ravaged by the fires since Jan. 7.
At the time, State Farm cited increasing construction costs and an increasing frequency of natural disasters, including wildfires that pose a major risk to policyholders, for the decision to drop coverage.
Right now, more than 170,000 people still remain under evacuation orders. Officials say they must remove hazardous materials before residents can safely return.
Thanks to calmer winds over the past few days, firefighters are making headway against two major blazes in Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire, which is still the largest, has burned nearly 24,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire is 65% contained and has consumed more than 14,000 acres.
As of Friday, Jan. 17, State Farm says they received over 8,300 home and auto claims in affected areas. The insurance giant also says they have paid out over $50 million to policyholders who have filed claims since the fires began.
The company expects this number to rise once evacuation orders are lifted and residents can assess the damage to their properties.
How a 2020 California law could have mitigated LA’s unprecedented fires
As Southern California deals with deadly and devastating wildfires, one state law that may have helped mitigate the damage is years behind in its implementation. California lawmakers passed a law in 2020 requiring new rules that would restrict houses in high-risk areas from having flammable materials like wooden furniture or dead plants within 5 feet of homes.
However, the state’s fire protection board still has no timeline for finishing the regulations.
The latest fires have killed at least 27 people and burned down at least 5,000 buildings in communities such as Pacific Palisades and Malibu, communities where the regulation would have applied.
California currently has laws requiring certain flammable materials to be kept at particular distances from high-risk homes. However, lawmakers had slated changes in the 2020 law to take effect at the start of 2023.
Now, in 2025, CalFire is encouraging homeowners to implement what the law requires but says it’s still in the “pre-rulemaking phase” as it searches for money to address the costs of the new guidelines.
“There are many facets to consider as part of this complex process,” Edith Hannigan, executive officer of the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, told the Associated Press. “This topic remains a priority for the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, and staff aims to have a draft proposal to present to the Board as soon as is feasible.”
State officials expect the board to consider the new language later this year.
Also, Dave Matthews and John Mayer will join the FireAid lineup and perform together for the first time.
Live Nation said additional artists will be added to the FireAid lineup in the coming days. Organizers said the event will raise money for “rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters in Southern California.”
FireAid will be held in two venues: the Intuit Dome and the Forum in Inglewood, California. Tickets for the concert go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 22.
FireAid will also be livestreamed across various platforms including Apple TV, Max, Netflix, Paramount+, SiriusXM, Spotify and YouTube. It will also air in select AMC theaters.
Los Angeles fire evacuees told not to return home as landslides pose new threat
A new threat looms in fire-ravaged Southern California: landslides. Authorities said leveled structures no longer hold the earth in place in some parts of the hillside and water from fire hoses and broken pipes has saturated the ground, creating a dangerous situation.
They’re urging evacuees to wait at least another week to return — whether their home remains standing or not — so emergency responders can remove toxic waste from incinerated neighborhoods and cut off potentially dangerous electricity and gas lines.
The Environmental Protection Agency needs to remove hazardous materials from damaged and destroyed homes before crews can remove debris and fully restore utilities.
The deadly fires claimed the lives of at least 27 people and more than 82,000 are still under evacuation orders.
The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn with no end in sight. They’ve scorched a combined area of about 60 square miles and destroyed thousands of homes.
As of CalFire’s latest update, the Palisade Fire remains 22% contained while the Eaton Fire is now 55% contained — up from 45% on Thursday.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal reached: Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli government would vote on the ceasefire deal with Hamas that calls for a pause in fighting and the release of hostages. And the clock ticks toward TikTok possibly going dark this weekend. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
Ceasefire deal reached with Hamas to release hostages: Netanyahu
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas will soon finally come to fruition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Friday morning, Jan. 17, that Israel reached an agreement with Hamas to return Israeli hostages, including Americans held in the Gaza Strip.
Talks of a deal hit a snag Thursday, Jan. 16, when Netanyahu said Hamas tried to reverse parts of the agreement.
Israel’s security cabinet is now set to meet Friday to discuss the ceasefire and hostage release deal. A wider cabinet vote to approve the deal is expected on Saturday, Jan. 18.
The deal would see a pause in fighting in Gaza and the phased release of Hamas hostages and Palestinian prisoners. If approved, it would take effect Sunday, Jan. 19.
This development comes as huge blasts from southern Israel could be seen over the Gaza skyline early Friday morning.
On Thursday, Israeli air strikes killed at least 72 people in the territory, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel’s military said it hit approximately 50 militant targets across the Gaza Strip over the past day, including weapons storage facilities and rocket launch sites.
This is not unprecedented in past conflicts. Both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before the ceasefire as a show of strength.
Los Angeles residents told not to return home as landslides pose new threat
A new threat looms in fire-ravaged Southern California: landslides. Authorities said leveled structures no longer hold the earth in place in some parts of the hillside and water from fire hoses and broken pipes has saturated the ground, creating a dangerous situation.
Los Angeles officials urged residents forced to evacuate by the deadly wildfires over the past week not to return home yet. They’re urging the evacuees to wait at least another week to return — whether their home was destroyed or spared — so emergency responders can remove toxic waste from incinerated neighborhoods and cut off potentially dangerous electricity and gas lines.
The Environmental Protection Agency needs to remove hazardous materials from damaged and destroyed homes before debris can be hauled away and utilities are fully restored.
The deadly fires claimed the lives of at least 27 people and more than 82,000 are still under evacuation orders.
The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn with no end in sight. They’ve scorched a combined area of about 60 square miles and destroyed thousands of homes.
As of CalFire’s latest update, the Palisade Fire remains 22% contained while the Eaton Fire is now 55% contained — up from 45% on Thursday.
Biden admin signals it won’t enforce TikTok ban
As a reported 170 million users wait with bated breath, a Supreme Court decision on whether to uphold a U.S. ban on the popular social media app TikTok is expected anytime now. That ban is set to take effect this Sunday.
However, the Biden administration is now signaling it will not immediately enforce the ban, instead leaving it up to the Trump administration which starts Monday, Jan. 20, with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Trump already asked the Supreme Court to delay the ban. The Washington Post also reported this week he’s considering an executive order to suspend the ban’s enforcement.
Even if neither administration takes action to enforce the ban, TikTok can still decide to voluntarily shut down when the deadline hits Sunday. However, TikTok is not required to go dark — it’s the app stores and internet hosting services that could be on the hook if they keep providing TikTok to Americans.
The Justice Department has said that TikTok is a national security risk because the app could lead to the Chinese government accessing vast amounts of personal data from Americans.
Confirmation hearing for Gov. Noem, Trump’s DHS secretary pick, to begin Friday
In just three days, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office and become the nation’s 47th president. As Inauguration Day approaches, confirmation hearings continue in Washington for Trump’s cabinet picks.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, will appear before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Friday, Jan. 17. The hearing was originally scheduled for earlier in the week but was pushed back.
If confirmed by the Senate, Noem would oversee a department with at least 250,000 employees and multiple agencies, including Customs Border and Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, the Federal Emergency Management, the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard.
SpaceX Starship explodes shortly after 7th launch
The latest test flight from Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship rocket did not go according to plan Thursday night. SpaceX said the world’s largest rocket exploded shortly after taking off from Texas for its seventh launch.
FireAid lineup includes Billie Eilish, Green Day, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga
FireAid, the Live Nation concert benefiting the victims of the California wildfires, will take place on Jan. 30 and the lineup has now been released.
Billie Eilish; Earth, Wind & Fire; Green Day; Jelly Roll; Joni Mitchell; Lady Gaga and Stevie Sicks are among the entertainers committed to performing. Also, Dave Matthews and John Mayer will perform together for the first time.
Live Nation said additional artists will be announced in the coming days. Organizers said the event will raise money for “rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters in Southern California.”
FireAid will be held in two venues: the Intuit Dome and the Forum in Inglewood, California. Tickets for the concert go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 22.
FireAid will also be livestreamed across various platforms including Apple TV, Max, Netflix, Paramount+, SiriusXM, Spotify and YouTube. It will also air in select AMC theaters.
Wildfires force PGA Tour to seek alternate venue for Tiger’s tournament
The continuing threat of wildfires in Los Angeles forced PGA Tour officials to move one of their signature events to an alternate site. Officials will choose a new venue for the Genesis Invitational, usually played at Riviera Country Club from Feb. 13 to 16.
The wildfires have been burning in and around Los Angeles for over a week. They have destroyed thousands of structures and killed at least 27 people. Riviera remains intact, but the country club borders Pacific Palisades, the epicenter of one of the worst-hit areas.
In a statement Thursday, Jan. 16, tournament officials said, “The PGA Tour’s focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles. We are grateful for the life-saving efforts of first responders and the tireless work being done to put an end to the tragic wildfires.”
The Riviera has hosted the tournament 60 times since 1929. The golf course is near and dear to Tiger Woods. He talked about hosting the event during a press conference in 2024.
When asked about attending tournaments with his father growing up, Woods said, “It’s been full circle for us. For me to have come here when I was 7 or 8 when Lanny [Watkins] won going away, to come out here and play in my first tour event, to basically get my start on tour here.”
While playing in his new TGL Golf league in Florida this week, Woods said his organization was “trying to just figure everything out and make sure that everyone is safe.”
Woods added, “But as of right now, we’re not really focused on the tournament. It’s more about what we can do to help everyone who’s struggling, who’s lost homes and had their lives changed. It’s just hard.”
Possible replacement courses include La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, California, Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California and TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Each site will host PGA Tour events in the coming weeks. It could keep the infrastructure needed for the Genesis Invitational in place.
Newsom bans some offers to buy destroyed Calif. properties after fires
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, signed an executive order this week to stop what he calls predatory real estate investors from taking advantage of wildfire victims. The order makes it illegal for anyone to make an unsolicited offer on property for an amount less than the fair market value in areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fires for the next three months.
Newsom said the ban comes after hearing from people in the community who’ve received unwelcome and unfair offers.
“This predatory behavior is disgusting at the best of times and of course here in the midst of this tragedy, it’s disgraceful,” Newsom said in a video posted to X.
Today, I signed an executive order prohibiting greedy land developers from ripping off LA wildfire victims with unsolicited, undervalued offers to buy their destroyed property.
The ban, which is modeled after a similar order made by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, D, for the Lahaina wildfires, is getting some criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
“Now, Dem politicians are making it harder for those devastated by the wildfires to sell their destroyed properties. This will only hurt the victims,” Cruz said on X.
Misguided CA policies (1) limited fire mitigation efforts, (2) produced water shortages & (3) under-funded fire fighters.
Now, Dem politicians are making it HARDER for those devastated by the wildfires to sell their destroyed properties.
Newsom responded to Cruz, “Our executive order doesn’t prevent anyone from selling their property. It prohibits scammers from making unsolicited offers to buy property for pennies on the dollar.”
Openly shilling for scammers and bottom feeder land speculators is a weird play — even for you, Ted.
Our Executive Order doesn’t prevent anyone from selling their property.
It prohibits scammers from making unsolicited offers to buy property for pennies on the dollar. https://t.co/agSnPwT1d4
The disaster left homeowners with several questions about insurance coverage.
State Farm reversed its initial plan to cancel hundreds of policies for homes in the Pacific Palisades over the summer to avoid “financial failure,” but is now offering renewals for policy holders in the Los Angeles area.
AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss from the wildfires is at least $250 billion.
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.
State Farm offers renewals for people affected by LA fires it planned to drop
State Farm says it will offer renewals to policyholders affected by the Los Angeles County fires. The announcement reverses its initial plans to drop coverage.
The decision affects policies for homeowners, renters and condo associations. It includes about 70% of the residential policies it has in Pacific Palisades.
The coastal community has suffered significant destruction in this month’s fires, with widespread damage and most residents forced to evacuate their homes.
Thousands of other policyholders around LA County will also be able to renew. However, the offer will not apply to policies that lapsed before Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The Illinois-based insurance giant drew criticism in California for its decision last March to not renew thousands of insurance policies in the state, as many areas in California face increased risk of natural disasters.
State Farm’s decision comes after the California state insurance commissioner’s office pushed insurers to hold off on not renewing policies for people in fire zones.
A spokesperson for the insurance commissioner said the office is working with State Farm to get more information.