SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a residential robbery have made three arrests and continue searching for additional suspects.

Earlyi Sunday, two victims reported that suspects entered their home in the 1000 block of Ellis Street in Wichita armed with shotguns and handguns, forcing them into a bedroom at gunpoint, according to Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford.

The victims were then restrained with zip ties while the suspects stole several electronic devices and three handguns. The victims, who were familiar with the suspects, began searching for their stolen property after the incident. One victim discovered that his phone and vehicle keys were missing and tracked their location to the 13600 block of West Nantucket in Wichita, a residence believed to be associated with one of the suspects.

Wichita Police responded to the Nantucket address, established a perimeter, and attempted to mcommunicate with the occupants. Officers engaged with individuals inside the residence through a Ring doorbell camera, during which an occupant inadvertently activated the speaker. This revealed a conversation indicating the occupants were aware of law enforcement’s presence.

Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the individuals refused to exit, prompting the activation of the SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team.

While waiting for the search warrant, one suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. During the subsequent search of the home, two additional suspects were found hiding in the attic and were also taken into custody.

Two suspects remain at large, and investigators are actively working to identify and locate them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Sedgwick County jail records 33-year-old Andrew Denning is being held on a requested charge of Aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, ID theft, theft of property or services, probation violation and numerous drug allegations.&nbsp; Trinity Cook, 19; and George Bos, 62, are being held on requested charges of aggravated robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736723276240.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a residential robbery have made three arrests and continue searching for additional suspects.Earlyi Sunday, two victims reported that suspects entered their home in the 1000 block of Ellis Street in Wichita armed with shotguns and handguns, forcing them into a bedroom at gunpoint, according to Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767403069.png" alt="George Bos-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>George Bos-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The victims were then restrained with zip ties while the suspects stole several electronic devices and three handguns. The victims, who were familiar with the suspects, began searching for their stolen property after the incident. One victim discovered that his phone and vehicle keys were missing and tracked their location to the 13600 block of West Nantucket in Wichita, a residence believed to be associated with one of the suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767350735.png" alt="Trinity Cook-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Trinity Cook-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Police responded to the Nantucket address, established a perimeter, and attempted to mcommunicate with the occupants. Officers engaged with individuals inside the residence through a Ring doorbell camera, during which an occupant inadvertently activated the speaker. This revealed a conversation indicating the occupants were aware of law enforcement’s presence.Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the individuals refused to exit, prompting the activation of the SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767770109.png" alt="Andrew Denning" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Denning</figcaption>
 </figure>While waiting for the search warrant, one suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. During the subsequent search of the home, two additional suspects were found hiding in the attic and were also taken into custody.Two suspects remain at large, and investigators are actively working to identify and locate them.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Sedgwick County jail records 33-year-old Andrew Denning is being held on a requested charge of Aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, ID theft, theft of property or services, probation violation and numerous drug allegations.&nbsp; Trinity Cook, 19; and George Bos, 62, are being held on requested charges of aggravated robbery.

Robbery suspects with shotguns forced their way into Kan. home

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting on Interstate 29 north of&nbsp; Kansas City have identified the victim as 50-year-old Dennis Sharkey of Liberty, according to the Platte County Sheriff.

Just after 7p.m. Friday, police were called to the area of southbound Interstate 29 near NW 72nd Street in Kansas City in regard to a vehicle that was observed to have run off the roadway, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders located a vehicle south of NW 72nd Street, off the highway on the southbound side and down an embankment up against a barrier fence on the outer road, NW Prairie View Road.

Officers approached the vehicle and located Sharkey who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive inside the vehicle. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. 

EMS transported Sharakey to the hospital for treatment. A short time later the victim was declared deceased at the hospital, according to Becchina. 

Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting likely occurred while Sharkey was traveling southbound at or just north of NW 72nd Street. Detectives and crime scene investigators temporarily closed north of that location to conduct their investigation and searched closely for any potential evidence.&nbsp; The Platte County Sheriff's office is now the lead agency in the investigation.

Detectives ask if anyone was in this area of Interstate 29 around that time and saw anything of note, no matter how small for them to contact Homicide Unit directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736605549132.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting on Interstate 29 north of&nbsp; Kansas City have identified the victim as 50-year-old Dennis Sharkey of Liberty, according to the Platte County Sheriff.Just after 7p.m. Friday, police were called to the area of southbound Interstate 29 near NW 72nd Street in Kansas City in regard to a vehicle that was observed to have run off the roadway, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.First responders located a vehicle south of NW 72nd Street, off the highway on the southbound side and down an embankment up against a barrier fence on the outer road, NW Prairie View Road.Officers approached the vehicle and located Sharkey who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive inside the vehicle. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported Sharakey to the hospital for treatment. A short time later the victim was declared deceased at the hospital, according to Becchina. Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting likely occurred while Sharkey was traveling southbound at or just north of NW 72nd Street. Detectives and crime scene investigators temporarily closed north of that location to conduct their investigation and searched closely for any potential evidence.&nbsp; The Platte County Sheriff's office is now the lead agency in the investigation.Detectives ask if anyone was in this area of Interstate 29 around that time and saw anything of note, no matter how small for them to contact Homicide Unit directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Sheriff looking for witnesses to deadly Interstate shooting, crash

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22CHRISTOPHER%20WEBER%20and%20HOLLY%20RAMER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By CHRISTOPHER WEBER and HOLLY RAMER &nbsp;Associated Press</a>

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a weekend spent blocking the explosive growth of fires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters got a slight break with calmer weather but cast a wary eye on a forecast for yet more wind.

Should that happen, already burned homes and valleys could flare anew, sending embers to unburned territory miles downwind. New fires could add to the complication.

The death toll surged late Sunday with an update from the Los Angeles County medical examiner. At least 16 people were missing, a number authorities said was also likely to rise.

The relative calm Sunday allowed some people to return to previously evacuated areas, however.

The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday, with sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts in the mountains reaching 70 mph (113 kph). The most dangerous day will be Tuesday, warned fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns at a community meeting Sunday night.

“It will kind of ebb and flow over the next couple days,” Burns said. “Tomorrow night, it will really ramp up.”

Spotting — new fires caused by blowing embers — could happen as much as 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) or more downwind of areas that have already burned, Burns said.

Despite their recent losses, stress, and uncertainty, the crowd in a Pasadena City College gym was mostly respectful, in contrast with harsh criticism elsewhere for Los Angeles and California leaders. Applause followed each of the experts, police, firefighters and community leaders who spoke.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said 70 additional water trucks arrived to help firefighters fend off flames spread by renewed gusts. “We are prepared for the upcoming wind event,” Marrone said.

Fire retardant dropped by aircraft will act as a barrier along hillsides, officials said.

Fierce Santa Ana winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires sparked last week into infernos that leveled entire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;around the city where there has been no significant rainfall in more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months.</a>

Twelve people were missing within the Eaton Fire zone and four were missing from the Palisades Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. Investigators were reconciling whether some of the missing might be among the dead but so far no children were among those reported missing, he said.

Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 24 over the weekend. Eight deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 16 to the Eaton Fire, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

The toll could rise still more as cadaver dogs conducted systematic searches in leveled neighborhoods. Authorities established a center where people could report the missing.

Officials also were building an online database to allow evacuated residents to see if their homes were damaged or destroyed. In the meantime, LA city Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged people to stay away from scorched neighborhoods.

“There are still active fires that are burning within the Palisades area, making it extremely, extremely dangerous for the public," Crowley said at a Sunday morning briefing. “There’s no power, there’s no water, there’s broken gas lines, and we have unstable structures.”

Officials warned the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.

About 150,000 people in Los Angeles County remained under evacuation orders, with more than 700 residents taking refuge in nine shelters, Luna said. Officials said most of the orders in the Palisades area were unlikely to be lifted before the red flag warnings expire Wednesday evening.

“Please rest assured that first thing Thursday we will begin talking about repopulation,” Marrone said.

In all, four fires had consumed more than 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades Fire was 11% contained and containment on the Eaton Fire reached 27%. Those two blazes alone accounted for 59 square miles (nearly 153 square kilometers).

Crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 personnel, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico.

Fighting to save public and private areas

After a fierce battle Saturday, firefighters managed to fight back flames in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities near Pacific Palisades not far from the coast, where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill.

The fire ran through chaparral-covered hillsides and also briefly threatened to jump over Interstate 405 and into densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.

Looting continued to be a concern, with authorities reporting more arrests as the devastation grew. Those arrested included two people who posed as firefighters going into houses, Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Michael Lorenz said.

With California National Guard troops on hand to guard properties, Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X: “California will NOT allow for looting.”

The fires that began Tuesday just north of downtown LA had burned more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfire-structure-damage-3f319dfaa36e583c06c8d49bd835084e">12,000 structures</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">No cause</a>&nbsp;for the largest fires was determined.

Early estimates suggest they could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>, as much as $150 billion according to an AccuWeather estimate.

Along with crews from other states and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/california-wildfires-gavin-newsom-mexico-los-angeles-area-wildfires-d0e244ec61e04838ba6d8bcde8522e31">Mexico</a>, hundreds of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-covid-health-california-climate-and-environment-701ee89ceb4b7ba3e1a412b83c2a2f3f">inmates</a>&nbsp;from California’s prison system were also helping fight the fires. Nearly 950 prison firefighters were removing timber and brush ahead of the fires to slow their spread, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prison-to-plate-inmate-labor-investigation-injuries-deaths-0ff52ff1735d7e9f858248177a2a60c3">practice is controversial</a>&nbsp;as the inmates are paid little for dangerous and difficult work: $10.24 each day, with more for 24-hour shifts, according to the corrections department.

Newsom issued an executive order Sunday aimed at fast-tracking rebuilding by suspending some environmental regulations and ensuring that property tax assessments were not increased.

“We’ve got to let people know that we have their back,” he said. “We want you to come back, rebuild, and rebuild with higher quality building standards, more modern standards."

More than 24,000 people had registered for federal assistance made available by a major disaster declaration by President Joe Biden, according to the White House.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday that she had spoken with President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration and expected that he would visit the city.

Bass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayor-karen-bass-la-fires-leadership-99e52cf69cc656ee7e0328c6b609be74">faces a critical test of her leadership</a>&nbsp;during the city's greatest crisis in decades, but allegations of leadership failures, political blame and investigations have begun.

Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-liter) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.

Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press journalists Julie Walker in New York, Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736723986016.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22CHRISTOPHER%20WEBER%20and%20HOLLY%20RAMER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By CHRISTOPHER WEBER and HOLLY RAMER &nbsp;Associated Press</a>LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a weekend spent blocking the explosive growth of fires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters got a slight break with calmer weather but cast a wary eye on a forecast for yet more wind.Should that happen, already burned homes and valleys could flare anew, sending embers to unburned territory miles downwind. New fires could add to the complication.The death toll surged late Sunday with an update from the Los Angeles County medical examiner. At least 16 people were missing, a number authorities said was also likely to rise.The relative calm Sunday allowed some people to return to previously evacuated areas, however.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HAPPENING NOW: Your Cal Guard helicopters are in the fight! These air assets are dropping water on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PalisadesFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PalisadesFire</a> joining CAL FIRE’s massive efforts to contain these devastating blazes. <a href="https://twitter.com/USNorthernCmd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNorthernCmd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CAgovernor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CAgovernor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CAL_FIRE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cal_OES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cal_OES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USNationalGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNationalGuard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/forestservice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@forestservice</a> <a href="https://t.co/7uxoh3x3gR">pic.twitter.com/7uxoh3x3gR</a>&mdash; The California National Guard (@TheCalGuard) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCalGuard/status/1878582169976881502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday, with sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts in the mountains reaching 70 mph (113 kph). The most dangerous day will be Tuesday, warned fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns at a community meeting Sunday night.“It will kind of ebb and flow over the next couple days,” Burns said. “Tomorrow night, it will really ramp up.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SantaAnaWind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SantaAnaWind</a> combined with dry air and very dry vegetation will maintain high WILDFIRE RISK through Wednesday. Continue to practice fire safety by avoiding work that creates sparks, report any smoke, and stay informed. Gather items you will need, should you be evacuated. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7yPdDdHrb">pic.twitter.com/V7yPdDdHrb</a>&mdash; NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSLosAngeles/status/1878255936319733840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Spotting — new fires caused by blowing embers — could happen as much as 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) or more downwind of areas that have already burned, Burns said.Despite their recent losses, stress, and uncertainty, the crowd in a Pasadena City College gym was mostly respectful, in contrast with harsh criticism elsewhere for Los Angeles and California leaders. Applause followed each of the experts, police, firefighters and community leaders who spoke.Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said 70 additional water trucks arrived to help firefighters fend off flames spread by renewed gusts. “We are prepared for the upcoming wind event,” Marrone said.Fire retardant dropped by aircraft will act as a barrier along hillsides, officials said.Fierce Santa Ana winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires sparked last week into infernos that leveled entire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;around the city where there has been no significant rainfall in more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months.</a>Twelve people were missing within the Eaton Fire zone and four were missing from the Palisades Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. Investigators were reconciling whether some of the missing might be among the dead but so far no children were among those reported missing, he said.Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 24 over the weekend. Eight deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 16 to the Eaton Fire, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.The toll could rise still more as cadaver dogs conducted systematic searches in leveled neighborhoods. Authorities established a center where people could report the missing.Officials also were building an online database to allow evacuated residents to see if their homes were damaged or destroyed. In the meantime, LA city Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged people to stay away from scorched neighborhoods.“There are still active fires that are burning within the Palisades area, making it extremely, extremely dangerous for the public," Crowley said at a Sunday morning briefing. “There’s no power, there’s no water, there’s broken gas lines, and we have unstable structures.”Officials warned the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.About 150,000 people in Los Angeles County remained under evacuation orders, with more than 700 residents taking refuge in nine shelters, Luna said. Officials said most of the orders in the Palisades area were unlikely to be lifted before the red flag warnings expire Wednesday evening.“Please rest assured that first thing Thursday we will begin talking about repopulation,” Marrone said.In all, four fires had consumed more than 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades Fire was 11% contained and containment on the Eaton Fire reached 27%. Those two blazes alone accounted for 59 square miles (nearly 153 square kilometers).Crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 personnel, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico.<h2>Fighting to save public and private areas</h2>After a fierce battle Saturday, firefighters managed to fight back flames in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities near Pacific Palisades not far from the coast, where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill.The fire ran through chaparral-covered hillsides and also briefly threatened to jump over Interstate 405 and into densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.<h2>Arrests for looting</h2>Looting continued to be a concern, with authorities reporting more arrests as the devastation grew. Those arrested included two people who posed as firefighters going into houses, Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Michael Lorenz said.With California National Guard troops on hand to guard properties, Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X: “California will NOT allow for looting.”<h2>Historical cost</h2>The fires that began Tuesday just north of downtown LA had burned more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfire-structure-damage-3f319dfaa36e583c06c8d49bd835084e">12,000 structures</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">No cause</a>&nbsp;for the largest fires was determined.Early estimates suggest they could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>, as much as $150 billion according to an AccuWeather estimate.<h2>Inmate firefighters on the front lines</h2>Along with crews from other states and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/california-wildfires-gavin-newsom-mexico-los-angeles-area-wildfires-d0e244ec61e04838ba6d8bcde8522e31">Mexico</a>, hundreds of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-covid-health-california-climate-and-environment-701ee89ceb4b7ba3e1a412b83c2a2f3f">inmates</a>&nbsp;from California’s prison system were also helping fight the fires. Nearly 950 prison firefighters were removing timber and brush ahead of the fires to slow their spread, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prison-to-plate-inmate-labor-investigation-injuries-deaths-0ff52ff1735d7e9f858248177a2a60c3">practice is controversial</a>&nbsp;as the inmates are paid little for dangerous and difficult work: $10.24 each day, with more for 24-hour shifts, according to the corrections department.<h2>Rebuilding will be a challenge</h2>Newsom issued an executive order Sunday aimed at fast-tracking rebuilding by suspending some environmental regulations and ensuring that property tax assessments were not increased.“We’ve got to let people know that we have their back,” he said. “We want you to come back, rebuild, and rebuild with higher quality building standards, more modern standards."More than 24,000 people had registered for federal assistance made available by a major disaster declaration by President Joe Biden, according to the White House.Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday that she had spoken with President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration and expected that he would visit the city.<h2>Leadership accused of skimping</h2>Bass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayor-karen-bass-la-fires-leadership-99e52cf69cc656ee7e0328c6b609be74">faces a critical test of her leadership</a>&nbsp;during the city's greatest crisis in decades, but allegations of leadership failures, political blame and investigations have begun.Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-liter) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.___Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press journalists Julie Walker in New York, Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, contributed.

Los Angeles fire death toll surges; firefighters brace for more fierce winds

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart says customers should throw out a chicken broth product that was sold at stores in mostly Southern states late last year.

The retailer has recalled 48-ounce cartons of Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth that had been sold at 242 stores in nine states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported the recall in December affecting just over 2,000 cases of broth with a shelf life lasting until March 2026. The FDA said the containers had packaging problems that could lead to the broth spoiling. There have been no reports of illnesses.

Walmart says anyone who purchased the product at stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas should not consume the broth and can ask for a full refund. The company said it's working with the supplier to investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736722376955.png" alt="Image Walmart" />
 <figcaption>Image Walmart</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart says customers should throw out a chicken broth product that was sold at stores in mostly Southern states late last year.The retailer has recalled 48-ounce cartons of Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth that had been sold at 242 stores in nine states.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported the recall in December affecting just over 2,000 cases of broth with a shelf life lasting until March 2026. The FDA said the containers had packaging problems that could lead to the broth spoiling. There have been no reports of illnesses.Walmart says anyone who purchased the product at stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas should not consume the broth and can ask for a full refund. The company said it's working with the supplier to investigate.

Walmart recalls Great Value chicken broth in 9 states

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a rural Kansas burglary have made two arrests.

&nbsp;Between January 3rd and January 5th, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to several burglary and theft reports near Osage City and one near Overbrook, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. These incidents prompted an immediate response by deputies and investigators who began working diligently to gather information and follow leads.

Through their efforts, deputies and investigators developed key information regarding potential suspects involved in these crimes. A search warrant was executed, and most of the stolen property was recovered.

Deputies took two suspects into custody as a result of the ongoing investigation: Colton R. Hill, 23, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft, Misdemeanor theft, Driving while license suspended and Illegal registration.

Brian R. Stevenson, 52, of Pomona was jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft and Misdemeanor theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736542042881.png" alt="Stevenson-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Stevenson-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a rural Kansas burglary have made two arrests.&nbsp;Between January 3rd and January 5th, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to several burglary and theft reports near Osage City and one near Overbrook, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. These incidents prompted an immediate response by deputies and investigators who began working diligently to gather information and follow leads.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736541994662.png" alt="Hill photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Hill photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>Through their efforts, deputies and investigators developed key information regarding potential suspects involved in these crimes. A search warrant was executed, and most of the stolen property was recovered.Deputies took two suspects into custody as a result of the ongoing investigation: Colton R. Hill, 23, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft, Misdemeanor theft, Driving while license suspended and Illegal registration.Brian R. Stevenson, 52, of Pomona was jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft and Misdemeanor theft.

Suspects accused in series of rural Kansas burglaries

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged arson fire at a home in Kansas City.

Just before 6p.m. Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 2500 block of Mersington Avenue, according to Battalion Chief MIchael Hopkins.

Crews reported smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant house.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported. After investigation the cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary in nature due to multiple start locations.&nbsp;

Police have not reported any suspects or arrests as the investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736712509892.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged arson fire at a home in Kansas City. Just before 6p.m. Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 2500 block of Mersington Avenue, according to Battalion Chief MIchael Hopkins.Crews reported smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant house.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported. After investigation the cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary in nature due to multiple start locations.&nbsp;Police have not reported any suspects or arrests as the investigation continues.

Fire intentionally set at home in Kansas City 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people was sentenced for murder on Friday

 Judge David Dahl 44-year-old Christopher English to over 70 years in prison: 618 months (51-and-a-half years) for first-degree murder, 216 months (18 years) for criminal discharge of a firearm and eight months on a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon. according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In December, a jury found English guilty of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; In July of 2022, police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.

In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.

The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.

English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; &nbsp;He will be sentenced on Jan. 10, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659213439450.png" alt="English-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>English-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people was sentenced for murder on Friday Judge David Dahl 44-year-old Christopher English to over 70 years in prison: 618 months (51-and-a-half years) for first-degree murder, 216 months (18 years) for criminal discharge of a firearm and eight months on a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon. according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In December, a jury found English guilty of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; In July of 2022, police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733836413213.png" alt="Collins photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Collins photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; &nbsp;He will be sentenced on Jan. 10, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas felon returning to prison for murder

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HALELUYA%20HADERO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer</a>

TikTok has cemented itself as a quintessential entertainment app, offering everything from funny skits and makeup tutorials to social commentary and news.

The platform, though, could vanish from U.S. app stores by Jan. 19 if the Supreme Court does not step in to block a federal law that forces TikTok to cut ties with its China-based parent company or face a nation-wide ban.

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, recently asked the court to put a pause on the law so he can work out a “political resolution” to the issue during his second term. If the Justices — who will hear oral arguments Friday over the law — grant his request, a potential ban on TikTok will be delayed even further.

TikTok has more than 170 million U.S. users. According to the Pew Research Center, that includes most teens and a third of adults. If you are an avid user, or a creator who relies on the platform for income, here’s what you need to know to prepare:

Under the law, web hosting companies will also be barred from hosting TikTok. Users will continue to have access to TikTok if it’s already downloaded on their phones, but the app will disappear from Apple and Google’s app stores — so new users won’t be able to download it.

This would also mean that TikTok wouldn’t be able to send updates, security patches and bug fixes to users, all of which will degrade the quality of the app and likely lead to security issues. Eventually, the app will become unworkable.

Are there any workarounds to access TikTok?

Yes, but some tech savviness is required and it’s not clear what will and won’t work.

The most common workaround that’s brought up is a VPN, or virtual private network, that allows users to mask their location. A VPN encrypts your traffic data and then routes it through private tunnels to secure servers around the world, which prevents anyone else from being able to read it.

Lauren Hendry Parsons, the director of communications and advocacy at ExpressVPN, maintains that people could access their TikTok accounts by using a VPN and making some other changes to their phone’s settings that would allow them to jump to a nearby country’s app store.

If large droves of users do that, it’s possible that tech companies, such as Apple or Google, could recognize it as a legal liability and find other ways to clamp down on the app. But they also might avoid going that route since they’re trying to forge friendlier ties with Trump, who now wants to “save TikTok” and could potentially direct his Justice Department to abandon enforcement of the law all together.

U.S. TikTok users with Android devices might also be able to continue to update the platform through third-party app stores, a method called sideloading. But bypassing the security protocols that well-known app stores have in place might also leave users more vulnerable to malware, said Justin Hurwitz, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania with expertise in telecommunications and technology.

Would I still have access to my favorite videos?

TikTok allows you to save the videos or photos you’ve posted, or content from your favorite influencers. Any posts you choose to save will be downloaded and kept on your phone.

Many TikTok creators allow users to download their posts, but it’s possible you might not be able to save everything you want since some put limits on their content. Users also can’t download content off of private accounts or those registered to anyone under the age of 16.

If you're interested, the platform allows you to request a copy of your TikTok data, which includes things like your comment and video watching history. The company says it may take a few days to prepare that type of file.

Established social media platforms, such as Meta’s Instagram, Snapchat and Google’s YouTube are expected to benefit from having one of their biggest competitors taken off of the U.S. market.

The rise of the short-form video platform led many others to offer TikTok-like feeds on their own platforms, such as Instagram’s Reels and YouTube’s Shorts. And if TikTok goes away, it’s likely that creators on the app would more easily switch to Reels and Shorts since they already have large audiences and a user base that overlaps with TikTok, said Jasmine Enberg, an analyst at market research company Emarketer.

But some experts say the youngest users are unlikely to migrate to a service made popular by their millennial parents. And while Meta’s algorithm is addictive, it’s still not TikTok. As for YouTube, it’s still mostly known for its longer-format videos.

For TikTokers who want to get away from the overcrowded spots, there are lesser-known apps like Triller, which is popular for music videos, and Zigazoo, which was designed with kids in mind. There's also Twitch, the live-streaming platform owned by Amazon.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HALELUYA%20HADERO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer</a>TikTok has cemented itself as a quintessential entertainment app, offering everything from funny skits and makeup tutorials to social commentary and news.The platform, though, could vanish from U.S. app stores by Jan. 19 if the Supreme Court does not step in to block a federal law that forces TikTok to cut ties with its China-based parent company or face a nation-wide ban.President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, recently asked the court to put a pause on the law so he can work out a “political resolution” to the issue during his second term. If the Justices — who will hear oral arguments Friday over the law — grant his request, a potential ban on TikTok will be delayed even further.TikTok has more than 170 million U.S. users. According to the Pew Research Center, that includes most teens and a third of adults. If you are an avid user, or a creator who relies on the platform for income, here’s what you need to know to prepare:<h2>What happens on Jan. 19?</h2>Under the law, web hosting companies will also be barred from hosting TikTok. Users will continue to have access to TikTok if it’s already downloaded on their phones, but the app will disappear from Apple and Google’s app stores — so new users won’t be able to download it.This would also mean that TikTok wouldn’t be able to send updates, security patches and bug fixes to users, all of which will degrade the quality of the app and likely lead to security issues. Eventually, the app will become unworkable.<h2>Are there any workarounds to access TikTok?</h2>Yes, but some tech savviness is required and it’s not clear what will and won’t work.The most common workaround that’s brought up is a VPN, or virtual private network, that allows users to mask their location. A VPN encrypts your traffic data and then routes it through private tunnels to secure servers around the world, which prevents anyone else from being able to read it.Lauren Hendry Parsons, the director of communications and advocacy at ExpressVPN, maintains that people could access their TikTok accounts by using a VPN and making some other changes to their phone’s settings that would allow them to jump to a nearby country’s app store.If large droves of users do that, it’s possible that tech companies, such as Apple or Google, could recognize it as a legal liability and find other ways to clamp down on the app. But they also might avoid going that route since they’re trying to forge friendlier ties with Trump, who now wants to “save TikTok” and could potentially direct his Justice Department to abandon enforcement of the law all together.U.S. TikTok users with Android devices might also be able to continue to update the platform through third-party app stores, a method called sideloading. But bypassing the security protocols that well-known app stores have in place might also leave users more vulnerable to malware, said Justin Hurwitz, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania with expertise in telecommunications and technology.<h2>Would I still have access to my favorite videos?</h2>TikTok allows you to save the videos or photos you’ve posted, or content from your favorite influencers. Any posts you choose to save will be downloaded and kept on your phone.Many TikTok creators allow users to download their posts, but it’s possible you might not be able to save everything you want since some put limits on their content. Users also can’t download content off of private accounts or those registered to anyone under the age of 16.If you're interested, the platform allows you to request a copy of your TikTok data, which includes things like your comment and video watching history. The company says it may take a few days to prepare that type of file.<h2>What apps are people going to next?</h2>Established social media platforms, such as Meta’s Instagram, Snapchat and Google’s YouTube are expected to benefit from having one of their biggest competitors taken off of the U.S. market.The rise of the short-form video platform led many others to offer TikTok-like feeds on their own platforms, such as Instagram’s Reels and YouTube’s Shorts. And if TikTok goes away, it’s likely that creators on the app would more easily switch to Reels and Shorts since they already have large audiences and a user base that overlaps with TikTok, said Jasmine Enberg, an analyst at market research company Emarketer.But some experts say the youngest users are unlikely to migrate to a service made popular by their millennial parents. And while Meta’s algorithm is addictive, it’s still not TikTok. As for YouTube, it’s still mostly known for its longer-format videos.For TikTokers who want to get away from the overcrowded spots, there are lesser-known apps like Triller, which is popular for music videos, and Zigazoo, which was designed with kids in mind. There's also Twitch, the live-streaming platform owned by Amazon._______

TikTok could be banned this month. Here's what users can do to prepare

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, recently announced the creation of the Congressional Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, according to a statement from the Senator's office.

This new caucus will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality-nutrient-dense foods, improving primary care, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.&nbsp;

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Department of Health &amp; Human Services (HHS) Secretary, has endorsed the creation of this new caucus that will work to build a stronger and healthier America. Senator&nbsp;Marshall, a physician who practiced medicine for over 25 years,&nbsp;met with Mr. Kennedy&nbsp;earlier this week to discuss his nomination to lead HHS. Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;endorsed Mr. Kennedy’s candidacy following the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The MAHA caucus is committed to improving health outcomes by prioritizing nutrition, providing access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods, and focusing on primary care availability to tackle the root causes of chronic diseases,”&nbsp;Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“With our 'Food is Medicine' approach, support from RFK Jr., and a shared goal to Make America Healthy Again, we aim to foster transparency, innovation, and a transformative agenda that builds a healthier, stronger nation."

Additional members of the MAHA Caucus include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).

"I met with RFK Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Like I told him, I’ve heard from young people across the country who are inspired by his message to Make America Healthy Again. During our meeting, Bobby and I had a great discussion about ways to make our food and health care system better. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, I look forward to working with my friend Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;and our colleagues to make sure our food is safe, bring transparency to vaccines and health care, and Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Tuberville said.

“As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I want to give my full endorsement of the official Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus. From the day we are born, we start aging—and my goal is that every American has the resources and information to live long, happy lives. If you have your health, you have everything and I am looking forward to working with my fellow MAHA members and RFK Jr. to Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Scott said.

“America is sicker than ever, and President Trump has made it a priority to address America’s chronic disease epidemic,”&nbsp;Senator Lummis said.&nbsp;“I am partnering with Dr.&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;to make America healthy again and hold the federal agencies who have failed the American people accountable.”

Making America Healthy Again is an effort that has broad support across the political spectrum.&nbsp; It is a completely nonpartisan issue. It should start by restoring integrity to scientific research and our federal agencies. I am happy to join the MAHA caucus and use our Senate platforms to inform the public and accomplish those goals,”&nbsp;Senator Johnson said.

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, recently announced the creation of the Congressional Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, according to a statement from the Senator's office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">America is sick, and it’s time we hold federal agencies accountable. I’m partnering with <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> to make America healthy again and address the chronic disease epidemic that has plagued our country.&mdash; Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenLummis/status/1871201597063389479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This new caucus will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality-nutrient-dense foods, improving primary care, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Department of Health &amp; Human Services (HHS) Secretary, has endorsed the creation of this new caucus that will work to build a stronger and healthier America. Senator&nbsp;Marshall, a physician who practiced medicine for over 25 years,&nbsp;met with Mr. Kennedy&nbsp;earlier this week to discuss his nomination to lead HHS. Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;endorsed Mr. Kennedy’s candidacy following the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The MAHA caucus is committed to improving health outcomes by prioritizing nutrition, providing access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods, and focusing on primary care availability to tackle the root causes of chronic diseases,”&nbsp;Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“With our 'Food is Medicine' approach, support from RFK Jr., and a shared goal to Make America Healthy Again, we aim to foster transparency, innovation, and a transformative agenda that builds a healthier, stronger nation."Additional members of the MAHA Caucus include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Ron Johnson (R-WI)."I met with RFK Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Like I told him, I’ve heard from young people across the country who are inspired by his message to Make America Healthy Again. During our meeting, Bobby and I had a great discussion about ways to make our food and health care system better. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, I look forward to working with my friend Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;and our colleagues to make sure our food is safe, bring transparency to vaccines and health care, and Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Tuberville said.“As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I want to give my full endorsement of the official Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus. From the day we are born, we start aging—and my goal is that every American has the resources and information to live long, happy lives. If you have your health, you have everything and I am looking forward to working with my fellow MAHA members and RFK Jr. to Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Scott said.“America is sicker than ever, and President Trump has made it a priority to address America’s chronic disease epidemic,”&nbsp;Senator Lummis said.&nbsp;“I am partnering with Dr.&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;to make America healthy again and hold the federal agencies who have failed the American people accountable.”Making America Healthy Again is an effort that has broad support across the political spectrum.&nbsp; It is a completely nonpartisan issue. It should start by restoring integrity to scientific research and our federal agencies. I am happy to join the MAHA caucus and use our Senate platforms to inform the public and accomplish those goals,”&nbsp;Senator Johnson said.

Kan. U.S. Senator to lead Congressional Make America Healthy Again Caucus

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/carolyn-thompson">CAROLYN THOMPSON</a> Associated Press

Schools around the country are reviewing what to do if immigration agents come knocking as President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;prepares to take office after campaigning on a pledge to deport&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-deportations-immigration-844f3050ba99552b900ed9f3a1dec22d">millions of people</a>.

In several large cities, school systems are speaking up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-students-education-plyler-d16e72263e68fd7fa12991ae5057897d">rights of immigrant students</a>&nbsp;to attend school, regardless of whether they are in the country legally, and saying they would not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. In California, officials this week offered guidance to schools on state law limiting local participation in immigration enforcement.

“I know there is a lot of fear and anxiety around the incoming administration’s anticipated changes to immigration policy,” California Attorney General Bonta said, “and I want to make sure students, their parents, and their teachers and school administrators are prepared.”

The 54-page California guide outlines state and federal protections for students and procedures for responding to law enforcement requests ranging from documents to interviews with students.

Many communities debated how much and whether schools should cooperate with immigration authorities during Trump’s first administration, when school systems including Chicago’s took&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-cfcba9a16bde49af9f2fb7f4f064f504">stands against immigration enforcement</a>.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents have long abided guidance that deters arresting parents or students at schools and other sensitive locations that provide access to things like medical care and food and shelter. But Trump’s re-election and campaign rhetoric on immigration policy have sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-mass-deportations-kobach-kansas-1918efac421cf5772a932917757a4642">discussions over whether those policies will stand.</a>

“Although the protected area policy remains in effect ... it may be modified, superseded, or withdrawn at any time with little notice,” the California guidance said. “Because of this, and because exceptions to the policy exist, local educational agencies should have plans in place in the event that a law-enforcement officer requests information or access to a school site or a student for immigration-enforcement purposes.”

A Trump transition spokesperson did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

An estimated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/unauthorized-immigrant-population/state/US" target="_blank">733,000 school-aged children</a>&nbsp;are in the U.S. illegally, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Educators are acting at least in part to address the concerns of immigrant families and assure them their children are welcome and safe at school.

“We understand that fear and uncertainty, especially concerning the potential deportation of family members, can significantly impact our students’ well-being, their attendance, and their ability to learn,” Des Moines, Iowa Public Schools, where one of four students are English language learners, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dmschools.org/news_release/board-gives-statement-on-families-immigration-concerns/" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;last month. The district affirmed a 2017 resolution limiting interactions with ICE officials to the superintendent.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsboe.org/content/actions/2024_11s/24-1114-RS2.pdf" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;passed by Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education in November said schools would not assist ICE in enforcing immigration law. Agents would not be allowed into schools without a criminal warrant, it said. And New York City principals last month were reminded by the district of policies including one against collecting information a student’s immigration status.

Vermont principal Chris Young said his district, whose students include children of migrant workers and farm workers, has a longstanding policy of requiring outside law enforcement to produce a warrant if they want access to students.

“Clearly, students who are worried about their parents being deported or being deported themselves, I think, are high on our list of kids to worry about,” said Young, principal at North County Union High School and president-elect of the Vermont Principals Association.

“We would like them to think that school is obviously a safe place and we are doing everything we can to bolster our policies around who can and can’t be in the buildings,” he said, “and we want to make sure that we’re just keeping the needs of the kids at the forefront.”

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/carolyn-thompson">CAROLYN THOMPSON</a> Associated PressSchools around the country are reviewing what to do if immigration agents come knocking as President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;prepares to take office after campaigning on a pledge to deport&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-deportations-immigration-844f3050ba99552b900ed9f3a1dec22d">millions of people</a>.In several large cities, school systems are speaking up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-students-education-plyler-d16e72263e68fd7fa12991ae5057897d">rights of immigrant students</a>&nbsp;to attend school, regardless of whether they are in the country legally, and saying they would not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. In California, officials this week offered guidance to schools on state law limiting local participation in immigration enforcement.“I know there is a lot of fear and anxiety around the incoming administration’s anticipated changes to immigration policy,” California Attorney General Bonta said, “and I want to make sure students, their parents, and their teachers and school administrators are prepared.”The 54-page California guide outlines state and federal protections for students and procedures for responding to law enforcement requests ranging from documents to interviews with students.Many communities debated how much and whether schools should cooperate with immigration authorities during Trump’s first administration, when school systems including Chicago’s took&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-cfcba9a16bde49af9f2fb7f4f064f504">stands against immigration enforcement</a>.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents have long abided guidance that deters arresting parents or students at schools and other sensitive locations that provide access to things like medical care and food and shelter. But Trump’s re-election and campaign rhetoric on immigration policy have sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-mass-deportations-kobach-kansas-1918efac421cf5772a932917757a4642">discussions over whether those policies will stand.</a>“Although the protected area policy remains in effect ... it may be modified, superseded, or withdrawn at any time with little notice,” the California guidance said. “Because of this, and because exceptions to the policy exist, local educational agencies should have plans in place in the event that a law-enforcement officer requests information or access to a school site or a student for immigration-enforcement purposes.”A Trump transition spokesperson did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.An estimated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/unauthorized-immigrant-population/state/US" target="_blank">733,000 school-aged children</a>&nbsp;are in the U.S. illegally, according to the Migration Policy Institute.Educators are acting at least in part to address the concerns of immigrant families and assure them their children are welcome and safe at school.“We understand that fear and uncertainty, especially concerning the potential deportation of family members, can significantly impact our students’ well-being, their attendance, and their ability to learn,” Des Moines, Iowa Public Schools, where one of four students are English language learners, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dmschools.org/news_release/board-gives-statement-on-families-immigration-concerns/" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;last month. The district affirmed a 2017 resolution limiting interactions with ICE officials to the superintendent.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsboe.org/content/actions/2024_11s/24-1114-RS2.pdf" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;passed by Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education in November said schools would not assist ICE in enforcing immigration law. Agents would not be allowed into schools without a criminal warrant, it said. And New York City principals last month were reminded by the district of policies including one against collecting information a student’s immigration status.Vermont principal Chris Young said his district, whose students include children of migrant workers and farm workers, has a longstanding policy of requiring outside law enforcement to produce a warrant if they want access to students.“Clearly, students who are worried about their parents being deported or being deported themselves, I think, are high on our list of kids to worry about,” said Young, principal at North County Union High School and president-elect of the Vermont Principals Association.“We would like them to think that school is obviously a safe place and we are doing everything we can to bolster our policies around who can and can’t be in the buildings,” he said, “and we want to make sure that we’re just keeping the needs of the kids at the forefront.”<h2>___</h2>The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Schools are weighing responses to possible immigration raids

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

GARDEN CITY — Preliminary results indicate 2024 was a more active year for severe weather in Kansas.

Scientists at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, are tallying last year’s severe weather reports. Across Kansas, 89 tornadoes were reported, more than double the 39 tornadoes counted in 2023.

The most powerful tornado to strike the Sunflower State for the year was the April 30 storm that hit Westmoreland. It was rated EF-3, with estimated winds of 140 mph. Ann Miller, a 58-year-old lifelong Pottawatomie County resident and a county health department employee for 28 years, died when her home was destroyed by the storm.

Miller was the only storm-related fatality recorded in Kansas in 2024. The last time a tornado claimed a person’s life in Kansas was during a severe weather outbreak on April 14, 2012. One person died and 110 tornadoes were counted across Kansas and Oklahoma, including an EF-4 that scoured a section of gravel road up to five inches deep and swept a home from its foundation in Ellsworth County.

Last year, there were nearly 1,000 reports of severe wind gusts, with about 70 for gusts above 75 mph. Kansas also saw 495 reports of severe hailstones, 86 for stones larger than two inches in diameter.

In Westmoreland, 22 homes were destroyed by the tornado, with several other structures receiving damage, including the Pottawatomie County noxious weed building and two sheds housing public works equipment. Pottawatomie County officials said cleanup operations were completed just a few days after the tornado struck.

The tornado tally in 2024 continues a roller-coaster trend across the Plains states. While 2023 saw just 39 tornadoes in Kansas, the total for 2022 was 68, according to data from the Storm Prediction Center. For 2021, the total figure was 46 twisters, and in 2020 the state experienced only 27 tornadoes.

National Weather Service meteorologists noted that more tornadoes touched down in the Sunflower State by May 2024 than in all of 2023. In April, 37 tornadoes were counted, including the Westmoreland storm. It’s the only Kansas twister to receive a significant rating in 2024 — all others received ratings on the lower end of the scale, from EF-0 up to EF-2, based on the damage surveyed by NWS meteorologists.

A group of meteorologists and severe weather researchers are working to implement changes to the system used to measure the intensity of tornadoes.

Tim Marshall, engineer with Texas-based Haag Global and a longtime storm chaser, said during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University that he is part of the committee tasked with revising the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF-Scale.

Marshall said the refreshed scale will include new damage indicators, such as irrigation pivots and grain bins, and more photographs, as well as commentaries from the surveyors, to better describe the damage observed.

Marshall also hopes to include wind speed estimates in the next iteration of the EF-Scale. Right now, the EF-Scale does not include in-situ wind speed measurements based on radar scans as part of its damage indicators, largely because remote sensing technology was not available when the EF-Scale was introduced.

Marshall said the original Fujita Scale needed to be revamped after its development in the 1970s by its creator, renowned tornado scientist Ted Fujita. In 2006, Marshall helped create a 111-page document detailing new damage indicators and associated wind speeds required to cause specific damage.

The current draft document for the revised EF-Scale is about 500 pages, and Marshall said he’s hopeful to reveal the new scale by 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736647562291.png" alt="A severe storm releases a bolt of lightning on May 19 over Finney County. Kansas saw more than double the number of tornadoes in 2024 than the previous year, with a preliminary report of 89. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A severe storm releases a bolt of lightning on May 19 over Finney County. Kansas saw more than double the number of tornadoes in 2024 than the previous year, with a preliminary report of 89. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>GARDEN CITY — Preliminary results indicate 2024 was a more active year for severe weather in Kansas.Scientists at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, are tallying last year’s severe weather reports. Across Kansas, 89 tornadoes were reported, more than double the 39 tornadoes counted in 2023.The most powerful tornado to strike the Sunflower State for the year was the April 30 storm that hit Westmoreland. It was rated EF-3, with estimated winds of 140 mph. Ann Miller, a 58-year-old lifelong Pottawatomie County resident and a county health department employee for 28 years, died when her home was destroyed by the storm.Miller was the only storm-related fatality recorded in Kansas in 2024. The last time a tornado claimed a person’s life in Kansas was during a severe weather outbreak on April 14, 2012. One person died and 110 tornadoes were counted across Kansas and Oklahoma, including an EF-4 that scoured a section of gravel road up to five inches deep and swept a home from its foundation in Ellsworth County.Last year, there were nearly 1,000 reports of severe wind gusts, with about 70 for gusts above 75 mph. Kansas also saw 495 reports of severe hailstones, 86 for stones larger than two inches in diameter.In Westmoreland, 22 homes were destroyed by the tornado, with several other structures receiving damage, including the Pottawatomie County noxious weed building and two sheds housing public works equipment. Pottawatomie County officials said cleanup operations were completed just a few days after the tornado struck.The tornado tally in 2024 continues a roller-coaster trend across the Plains states. While 2023 saw just 39 tornadoes in Kansas, the total for 2022 was 68, according to data from the Storm Prediction Center. For 2021, the total figure was 46 twisters, and in 2020 the state experienced only 27 tornadoes.National Weather Service meteorologists noted that more tornadoes touched down in the Sunflower State by May 2024 than in all of 2023. In April, 37 tornadoes were counted, including the Westmoreland storm. It’s the only Kansas twister to receive a significant rating in 2024 — all others received ratings on the lower end of the scale, from EF-0 up to EF-2, based on the damage surveyed by NWS meteorologists.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736647626007.png" alt="Engineer and storm chaser Tim Marshall explains the changes coming to the Enhanced Fujita Scale during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University. Edits to the scale include adding new damage indicators and incorporating wind speed measurements from radar. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Engineer and storm chaser Tim Marshall explains the changes coming to the Enhanced Fujita Scale during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University. Edits to the scale include adding new damage indicators and incorporating wind speed measurements from radar. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rating change</h2>A group of meteorologists and severe weather researchers are working to implement changes to the system used to measure the intensity of tornadoes.Tim Marshall, engineer with Texas-based Haag Global and a longtime storm chaser, said during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University that he is part of the committee tasked with revising the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF-Scale.Marshall said the refreshed scale will include new damage indicators, such as irrigation pivots and grain bins, and more photographs, as well as commentaries from the surveyors, to better describe the damage observed.Marshall also hopes to include wind speed estimates in the next iteration of the EF-Scale. Right now, the EF-Scale does not include in-situ wind speed measurements based on radar scans as part of its damage indicators, largely because remote sensing technology was not available when the EF-Scale was introduced.Marshall said the original Fujita Scale needed to be revamped after its development in the 1970s by its creator, renowned tornado scientist Ted Fujita. In 2006, Marshall helped create a 111-page document detailing new damage indicators and associated wind speeds required to cause specific damage.The current draft document for the revised EF-Scale is about 500 pages, and Marshall said he’s hopeful to reveal the new scale by 2030.

Kansas records more than double the number of tornadoes in 2024 over previous year

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating and&nbsp; asking for the public’s assistance in locating 39 year-old Jason Keith, a homeless man believed to have stolen a firearm from a Kansas City, Kansas retailer, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

On Friday morning video surveillance at the Bass Pro Shop, 10300 Cabela Drive in Kansas City, Kansas, captured Keith taking a firearm and walking out of the store with it concealed in a tan, backpack-style rifle bag.

 He then boarded a Metro Bus and was last seen in the area or 12th and Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Keith is described as a white male, blue eyes, 5-foot-9 and 135 pounds. He was wearing a green utility jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, a beanie, and neon-colored athletic shoes with black laces on the left shoe and yellow laces on the right shoe. 

While Keith is believed to be homeless, his last known address was in Peculiar, Missouri.

If you believe you have seen Keith, or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736686363226.png" alt="Photos KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating and&nbsp; asking for the public’s assistance in locating 39 year-old Jason Keith, a homeless man believed to have stolen a firearm from a Kansas City, Kansas retailer, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.On Friday morning video surveillance at the Bass Pro Shop, 10300 Cabela Drive in Kansas City, Kansas, captured Keith taking a firearm and walking out of the store with it concealed in a tan, backpack-style rifle bag. He then boarded a Metro Bus and was last seen in the area or 12th and Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri. Keith is described as a white male, blue eyes, 5-foot-9 and 135 pounds. He was wearing a green utility jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, a beanie, and neon-colored athletic shoes with black laces on the left shoe and yellow laces on the right shoe. While Keith is believed to be homeless, his last known address was in Peculiar, Missouri.If you believe you have seen Keith, or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police: Suspect stole firearm from Bass Pro Shop, boarded bus

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Saturday honored Pope Francis with the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639#:~:text=The%20Presidential%20Medal%20of%20Freedom,%2C%20science%2C%20or%20other%20fields.">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;with distinction, the highest civilian award given by the president, saying the pontiff was “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”

Biden had been scheduled to present the medal to the pope in person on Saturday in Rome on what was to be the final overseas trip of his presidency, but Biden canceled his travel plans so he could monitor the wildfires in California.

The White House said Biden bestowed the award to the pope during a phone call in which they also discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering around the world.

It's the only time Biden has presented the honor with distinction during his presidency. Biden himself is a recipient of the award with distinction, recognized when he was vice president by then-President Barack Obama in a surprise ceremony eight years ago. That was the only time in Obama's two terms when he awarded that version of the medal.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/11/president-biden-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-with-distinction-to-his-holiness-pope-francis/">citation for the pope</a>&nbsp;says "his mission of serving the poor has never ceased. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths.”

Biden is preparing to leave office Jan. 20 and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-medal-of-freedom-clinton-soros-denzel-washington-4b19a363d3058ac3b8107e2002b93651">doled out honors</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-citizens-medals-jan-6-cheney-thompson-f725b7003ea11239b90962a8cf0d5305">prominent individuals</a>, including supporters and allies, in recent weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736637074926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Saturday honored Pope Francis with the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639#:~:text=The%20Presidential%20Medal%20of%20Freedom,%2C%20science%2C%20or%20other%20fields.">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;with distinction, the highest civilian award given by the president, saying the pontiff was “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled. As the People&#39;s Pope, you are a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world. Today, it was my honor to award His Holiness Pope Francis the Presidential… <a href="https://t.co/q4a0DKoSyi">pic.twitter.com/q4a0DKoSyi</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1878181517068836894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden had been scheduled to present the medal to the pope in person on Saturday in Rome on what was to be the final overseas trip of his presidency, but Biden canceled his travel plans so he could monitor the wildfires in California.The White House said Biden bestowed the award to the pope during a phone call in which they also discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering around the world.It's the only time Biden has presented the honor with distinction during his presidency. Biden himself is a recipient of the award with distinction, recognized when he was vice president by then-President Barack Obama in a surprise ceremony eight years ago. That was the only time in Obama's two terms when he awarded that version of the medal.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/11/president-biden-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-with-distinction-to-his-holiness-pope-francis/">citation for the pope</a>&nbsp;says "his mission of serving the poor has never ceased. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths.”Biden is preparing to leave office Jan. 20 and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-medal-of-freedom-clinton-soros-denzel-washington-4b19a363d3058ac3b8107e2002b93651">doled out honors</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-citizens-medals-jan-6-cheney-thompson-f725b7003ea11239b90962a8cf0d5305">prominent individuals</a>, including supporters and allies, in recent weeks.

Biden honors Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The death toll from the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area rose to 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said in a statement Saturday evening.

The previous number of confirmed fatalities before Saturday was 11, but officials said they expected that figure to rise as teams with cadaver dogs conduct systematic grid searches in leveled neighborhoods. Authorities have established a center where people can report the missing.

There were fears that winds could move the fires toward the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge.

By Saturday evening, Cal Fire reported the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires had consumed about 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades and Eaton fires accounted for 59 square miles (nearly 153 square kilometers).

In a briefing posted online Saturday evening, Michael Traum of the California Office of Emergency Services said 150,000 people in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders, with more than 700 people taking refuge in nine shelters.

Crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes 1,354 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 personnel, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico, he said.

With Cal Fire reporting containment of the Palisades Fire at 11% and the Eaton Fire at 15% on Saturday night, the fight is set to continue.

“Weather conditions are still critical and another round of strong winds is expected starting Monday,” Traum said.

A fierce battle occurred Saturday in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities not far from the Pacific coast, where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill. Firefighters on the ground used hoses in an attempt to beat back leaping flames as thick smoke blanketed the chaparral-covered hillside.

CalFire Operations Chief Christian Litz said Saturday that a main focus was the Palisades Fire burning in the canyon area, not far from the UCLA campus.

New evacuations were ordered Friday evening after a flare up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.

The National Weather Service warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/santa-ana-winds-california-0b2c68cdc29a7c354238c6ccc09c830c">strong Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;could soon return. Those winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires into infernos that leveled entire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;around to city where there has been no significant rainfall in more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months.</a>

The fire also threatened to jump over Interstate 405 and into densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.

The fires that began Tuesday just north of downtown LA have burned more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfire-structure-damage-3f319dfaa36e583c06c8d49bd835084e">12,000 structures</a>.

Firefighters for the first time made progress Friday afternoon on the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, which has burned more than 7,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles. Most evacuation orders for the area were lifted, officials said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">No cause</a>&nbsp;has been determined for the largest fires and early estimates indicate the wildfires could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. A preliminary estimate by AccuWeather put the damage and economic losses so far between $135 billion and $150 billion.

Volunteers overflowed donation centers and some had to be turned away at locations including the Santa Anita Park horse racing track, where people who lost their homes sifted through stacks of donated shirts, blankets and other household goods.

Altadena resident Jose Luis Godinez said three homes occupied by more than a dozen of his family members were destroyed.

“Everything is gone,” he said, speaking in Spanish. "All my family lived in those three houses and now we have nothing.”

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned residents against venturing back to destroyed homes to sift through rubble for keepsakes.

“We have people driving up and around trying to get in just to look. Stay away,” Luna said, urging people to abide by curfews.

Officials on Saturday warned the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.

“If you’re kicking that stuff up, you’re breathing it in,” said Chris Thomas, a spokesman for the unified incident command at the Palisades Fire who warned the material was "toxic.”

Residents will be allowed to return with protective gear after damage teams evaluate their properties, Thomas said.

LA Mayor Karen Bass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayor-karen-bass-la-fires-leadership-99e52cf69cc656ee7e0328c6b609be74">faces a critical test of her leadership</a>&nbsp;during the city's greatest crisis in decades, but allegations of leadership failures, political blame and investigations have begun.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-liter) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736685604329.png" alt="Photo California National Guard" />
 <figcaption>Photo California National Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — The death toll from the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area rose to 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city’s most famous landmarks.Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said in a statement Saturday evening.The previous number of confirmed fatalities before Saturday was 11, but officials said they expected that figure to rise as teams with cadaver dogs conduct systematic grid searches in leveled neighborhoods. Authorities have established a center where people can report the missing.There were fears that winds could move the fires toward the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Do not fly your drone near or around areas affected by the LA wildfires. Anyone who interferes with emergency response operations may face severe fines and criminal prosecution. If you fly, emergency responders can&#39;t. <a href="https://t.co/UE5wqAlR1O">pic.twitter.com/UE5wqAlR1O</a>&mdash; The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews/status/1877525547082813725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>By Saturday evening, Cal Fire reported the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires had consumed about 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades and Eaton fires accounted for 59 square miles (nearly 153 square kilometers).In a briefing posted online Saturday evening, Michael Traum of the California Office of Emergency Services said 150,000 people in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders, with more than 700 people taking refuge in nine shelters.Crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes 1,354 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 personnel, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico, he said.With Cal Fire reporting containment of the Palisades Fire at 11% and the Eaton Fire at 15% on Saturday night, the fight is set to continue.“Weather conditions are still critical and another round of strong winds is expected starting Monday,” Traum said.<h2>Fighting to save public and private areas</h2>A fierce battle occurred Saturday in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities not far from the Pacific coast, where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill. Firefighters on the ground used hoses in an attempt to beat back leaping flames as thick smoke blanketed the chaparral-covered hillside.CalFire Operations Chief Christian Litz said Saturday that a main focus was the Palisades Fire burning in the canyon area, not far from the UCLA campus.New evacuations were ordered Friday evening after a flare up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.The National Weather Service warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/santa-ana-winds-california-0b2c68cdc29a7c354238c6ccc09c830c">strong Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;could soon return. Those winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires into infernos that leveled entire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;around to city where there has been no significant rainfall in more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months.</a>The fire also threatened to jump over Interstate 405 and into densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.<h2>Historical cost</h2>The fires that began Tuesday just north of downtown LA have burned more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfire-structure-damage-3f319dfaa36e583c06c8d49bd835084e">12,000 structures</a>.Firefighters for the first time made progress Friday afternoon on the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, which has burned more than 7,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles. Most evacuation orders for the area were lifted, officials said.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">No cause</a>&nbsp;has been determined for the largest fires and early estimates indicate the wildfires could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. A preliminary estimate by AccuWeather put the damage and economic losses so far between $135 billion and $150 billion.<h2>Overflowing kindness</h2>Volunteers overflowed donation centers and some had to be turned away at locations including the Santa Anita Park horse racing track, where people who lost their homes sifted through stacks of donated shirts, blankets and other household goods.Altadena resident Jose Luis Godinez said three homes occupied by more than a dozen of his family members were destroyed.“Everything is gone,” he said, speaking in Spanish. "All my family lived in those three houses and now we have nothing.”<h2>Officials warn against returning</h2>Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned residents against venturing back to destroyed homes to sift through rubble for keepsakes.“We have people driving up and around trying to get in just to look. Stay away,” Luna said, urging people to abide by curfews.Officials on Saturday warned the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.“If you’re kicking that stuff up, you’re breathing it in,” said Chris Thomas, a spokesman for the unified incident command at the Palisades Fire who warned the material was "toxic.”Residents will be allowed to return with protective gear after damage teams evaluate their properties, Thomas said.<h2>Leadership accused of skimping</h2>LA Mayor Karen Bass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayor-karen-bass-la-fires-leadership-99e52cf69cc656ee7e0328c6b609be74">faces a critical test of her leadership</a>&nbsp;during the city's greatest crisis in decades, but allegations of leadership failures, political blame and investigations have begun.Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-liter) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.Los Angeles Fire Chief&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-fire-chief-crowley-bass-9076f31e7929b559e3afede572e119a4">Kristin Crowley</a>&nbsp;said city leadership failed her department by not providing enough money for firefighting. She also criticized the lack of water.“When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there’s going to be water,” Crowley said.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-f473e0423125c92c693b9c368ca20532">level of devastation is jarring</a>&nbsp;even in a state that regularly confronts massive wildfires. Traum of the state Office of Emergency Services said those impacted by the fires can apply online for immediate government assistance.