President Donald Trump jabbed at Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) after $100 million in donated funds — raised through a concert named FireAid — did not go directly to the victims of the recent California wildfires.
FireAid was billed as a one-night concert event, featuring artists like Katy Perry, Olivia Rodrigo, and Lady Gaga — which was supposed to raise money for residents who lost their homes during the devastating wildfires that ravaged Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. In fact, A-List actors promised people that was the express purpose of the event. 
Actor Miles Teller – from Top Gun Maverick –  told everyone that FireAid would go “directly” to victims, saying, &#8220;All the money raised will go directly to people who need it now and long-term efforts to build it back.&#8221;
&#8220;The Avengers&#8221; star Samuel L. Jackson offered a similar take, encouraging as many people as possible to donate at the website even if they couldn&#8217;t attend the event: &#8220;Give what you can. All the money will go directly to people who need help in the short term and the long-term effort to get this city back on its feet.&#8221;
But as Sue Pascoe — Editor and Chief of Circling the News, who <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-27/lafd-records-secrecy">lost</a> her home in the Palisades fire — discovered, the money <a href="https://www.thefp.com/p/where-did-100-million-in-la-fire">did not go directly to individuals</a>: &#8220;There’s all sorts of skullduggery going on, and basically wildfire victims and Palisades and Altadena got no direct relief.&#8221;
Local residents backed up what Pascoe said as well. David Howard, who lost two homes in the Pacific Palisades, told the local Fox affiliate, &#8220;I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbors.&#8221;
Likewise, Altadena fire victim Mark Jones said that he too had been led to believe the money was going to go directly to the people. &#8220;The fire aid was for us. So, we figured where is the money? Where is it going?&#8221; he asked.
President Trump weighed in on Friday, lashing out in all-caps from his Truth Social platform:
<blockquote>“FIREAID” IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED. GOVERNOR NEWSCUM REFUSED TO RELEASE BILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD HAVE MADE! I HAVE SINCE OVERRULED HIM, AND IT IS NOW RELEASED. All FEDERAL HOUSING PERMITS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED, THE CITY IS YEARS LATE. GET THE FIRE VICTIMS THEIR APPROVALS TO REBUILD, AND DO IT NOW!</blockquote>
Newsom responded to Trump&#8217;s post on X, sarcastically mocking up a screenshot of the president&#8217;s Truth post and rebutting some of his claims.
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Go to bed, grandpa. It’s past your bedtime. <a href="https://t.co/9qRtdqMhha">https://t.co/9qRtdqMhha</a> <a href="https://t.co/SvEnokL4YZ">pic.twitter.com/SvEnokL4YZ</a>
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovPressOffice/status/1948915120337551815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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FireAid has claimed that the money was never intended to go directly to the people — despite the claims made by celebrities promoting the event — and issued a statement saying, &#8220;FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan. We partnered directly with trusted local non-profits&#8230;to reach communities in need.&#8221;
Some of those nonprofits, according to <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-wildfire-victims-left-wondering-where-100m-went-following-fireaid-benefit-concert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fox News Digital</a>, include one that works to promote “self-determination in the Latino community” and promised to use the funding to build not just houses but “a more humane and democratic society by responding to the needs and problems of disenfranchised people.” Another organization promised to use the money to “cultivate egalitarian relationships based on trust and respect.&#8221; 
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has asked the Attorney General to get to the bottom of the situation.
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Americans showed amazing generosity in giving $100 million to support LA fire victims as part of the &#8220;Fire Aid&#8221; concert. Yet the money did not go directly to victims, and went to several questionable nonprofits.
I&#8217;ve asked the Attorney General to investigate. <a href="https://t.co/n4UfBxzaAE">pic.twitter.com/n4UfBxzaAE</a>
— Rep. Kevin Kiley (@RepKiley) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepKiley/status/1948783871236944093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Listen to this story and the rest of today&#8217;s &#8220;Morning Wire&#8221; podcast here.
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US-WEATHER-FIRE

Trump Jabs At Newsom After $100 Million In FireAid Concert Funds Don’t Go Directly To Victims

Trump Jabs At Newsom After $100 Million In FireAid Concert Funds Don't Go Directly To Victims

California

Celebrities

Gavin Newsom

Media

Politics

Wildfires

President Donald Trump finalizes a historic trade deal with the European Union and brokers a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. The Department of Justice questions Ghislaine Maxwell for the first time, as FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino issues a cryptic warning about government weaponization. And Trump slams California Governor Gavin Newsom after nearly $100 million in celebrity-raised wildfire aid reportedly fails to reach victims. 
It’s Monday, July 28, 2025, and this is the news you need to know to start your day. 
Morning Wire is available on video! You can watch today’s episode here:
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<h2>Trump Strikes EU Trade Deal, Brokers Ceasefire</h2>
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Topline: President Trump secured a historic trade agreement with the European Union over the weekend and successfully brokered a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. 
On Sunday, President Trump finalized a massive trade deal with the EU just four days before his August 1 deadline. Under the terms of the agreement, the United States will set a baseline tariff of 15% on most European goods, while the EU will open its markets to American products at a zero-percent tariff. The EU also agreed to purchase $750 billion in energy and defense products from the United States. Collectively, the nations in the EU bloc are America&#8217;s largest trading partner.
Announcing the deal, Trump <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1949527667478319115">said</a>, “It’s great that we made a deal today instead of playing games.” The agreement is a significant win for the White House, as the EU had initially proposed a lower 10% tariff rate.
The deal capped off a weekend of foreign policy wins for the president. After a long-disputed <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/very-good-conversation-trump-says-peace-between-cambodia-and-thailand-imminent-after-phone-calls">border conflict</a> between Thailand and Cambodia erupted into a firefight that killed at least 35 people, Trump intervened. The president threatened both nations with 36% tariffs if they did not immediately begin peace talks. Within hours, the two countries agreed to negotiations, which are set to take place on Monday.
With the deadline just days away, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick issued a firm warning to other trading partners that have not yet reached an agreement with the United States. &#8220;No extensions, no more grace periods — August 1st, the tariffs are set,&#8221; he said. 
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<h2>DOJ Questions Ghislaine Maxwell For The First Time</h2>
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Topline: The Department of Justice has interviewed Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell for the first time, a development that legal experts find remarkable, as FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino issued a cryptic warning about government corruption. 
The DOJ met with Maxwell last week, with her attorney David Oscar Markus confirming that prosecutors questioned her about &#8220;100 different people.&#8221; Markus noted that it was the &#8220;first opportunity she&#8217;s ever been given to answer questions about what happened.&#8221; George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley called the development remarkable, expressing shock on Fox News that Maxwell, &#8220;the one who knows the most,&#8221; had been an untapped resource for so long. 
It&#8217;s very likely that Maxwell hopes to trade her testimony for clemency &#8211; she&#8217;s currently serving a <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ghislaine-maxwell-sentenced-20-years-prison-conspiring-jeffrey-epstein-sexually-abuse">20-year sentence</a> for her role in Epstein&#8217;s sex trafficking ring. President Trump has not ruled out a pardon for Maxwell, but her attorney stated that there have been no discussions on this point. Maxwell was reportedly offered limited immunity for the interviews. 
As the DOJ began questioning Maxwell, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino released a statement on X regarding his discovery of political corruption within the government. Bongino said that the information he has seen relating to government weaponization &#8220;shocked [him] down to [his] core&#8221; and that he would &#8220;never be the same after learning what I’ve learned.&#8221; He urged patience and promised answers would come after a full investigation is completed &#8220;by the book and in accordance with the law.&#8221; 
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<h2></h2>
<h2>California Wildfire Aid Reportedly ‘Disappears’</h2>
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Topline: President Trump is criticizing California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom after nearly $100 million in aid raised by the &#8220;FireAid&#8221; celebrity concert reportedly failed to reach the wildfire victims it was intended to help. 
The &#8220;FireAid&#8221; concert, featuring A-list artists like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, raised money for residents impacted by the devastating Pacific Palisades and Altadena wildfires earlier this year. Celebrity spokespeople, including actors Miles Teller and Samuel L. Jackson, assured the public that &#8220;All the money raised will go directly to people who need it.&#8221; However, victims on the ground say they have not received any of the money. 
President Trump took to social media to blast the situation, calling it &#8220;A TOTAL DISASTER&#8221; and &#8220;ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM.&#8221; He also slammed Newsom’s forest management, which he said allowed the fires to happen in the first place. FireAid has since issued a statement claiming the plan was never to make direct payments to individuals, but to work through local non-profits. 
An investigation by local news editor Sue Pascoe, who lost her home in the Palisades fire, found that some of these nonprofits appear to be using the funds for their own social and political causes. One group promised to use the money to &#8220;cultivate egalitarian relationships based on trust and respect,&#8221; while another said it would work to build &#8220;a more humane and democratic society.&#8221; Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) is now pushing for an investigation into where the funds went.

MRN 7.28.25 Thumbnail V1

Morning Brief: Trump’s EU Trade Deal, Ghislaine Maxwell’s Interview & California’s FireAid Meltdown

Dan Bongino

Donald Trump

European Union

Ghislaine Maxwell

Jeffrey Epstein

Morning Wire

Tariffs

Thailand

“The Hills” actor Spencer Pratt is coming down hard on California governor Gavin Newsom (D) and the state Senate for supporting a bill that will allow the city to purchase fire ravaged lots to construct low income housing. 
“&#8230; I used my trusty Chat GPT pro asking why this Bill would be bad for residents. The response was interesting. So I asked my new 4 agents at Grok 4 heavy the same question,” the 41-year-old reality star wrote in his Instagram caption. 
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Pratt included images of the bill’s text and the AI platform breakdowns of what it all meant. 
“Obviously I’m no genius… but having the people in charge of the town they just let burn down make any decisions in rebuilding it… seems crazy to me,” he added.   
The images included detailed breakdowns of California Senate Bill 549 via Grok 4 Heavy. 
“Removes local control over land use in fire-affected areas; enables county rezoning/redevelopment without resident input; risks displacement, overdevelopment, added bureaucracy, delays, and new taxes,” one image in the carousel said.
Another image detailed why SB549 was “bad for residents,” giving reasons such as “creates a county authority that overrides city/community decisions on rebuilding after wildfires” and “enables rezoning without input.”
Pratt lost his $3 million home during the wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles area in January. He previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/reality-star-spencer-pratt-says-hes-suing-state-of-ca-after-losing-3m-home">announced</a> his intention to sue the state for their handling of the natural disaster. 
Per Los Angeles Magazine, the bill will allow the city to purchase now vacant lots of structures destroyed by the fires to build low income housing.
Newsom <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/07/08/governor-newsom-commits-101-million-to-jumpstart-critical-rebuilding-efforts-after-la-fires/">announced</a> that he has allocated $101 million in taxpayer funds to help with the project. 
“Los Angeles has taken significant steps to rebuild after January’s fires, but the devastation is significant and there remains a long road ahead. Thousands of families – from Pacific Palisades to Altadena to Malibu – are still displaced and we owe it to them to help,&#8221; Newsom said, saying the bill seeks to &#8220;accelerate the development of affordable multifamily rental housing so that those rebuilding their lives after this tragedy have access to a safe, affordable place to come home to.&#8221;

Spencer Pratt

Reality Star Spencer Pratt Slams California Plan To Build Low-Income Housing In Fire Ravaged Areas

Reality TV

Actress and singer Mandy Moore complained that the process of rebuilding the parts of Los Angeles destroyed by wildfires in January has been a nightmare of red tape.
The “This Is Us” star expressed her frustration in an Instagram story earlier this week, according to <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/mandy-moore-slams-la-wildfire-rebuild-protocol-as-heartless/">US Weekly</a>. &#8220;Thanks, LA County for making it as frustrating and impossible to rebuild after the fires as possible,&#8221; Moore shared at the time.
&#8220;Shouldn’t be surprised but it’s mind boggling the red tape and hoops they’re putting us all through,&#8221; she added. &#8220;It’s maddening and heartless … the endless hoops and meaningless protocol LA County is asking of fire victims who want to rebuild and get their lives back. Wasn’t California going to make this as easy as possible?&#8221;
The “A Walk to Remember” star brought up the situation again on Thursday. &#8220;6 permits issued in Altadena. 10,000 structures burned down. The pace is glacial. The nonsensical red tape they have in place that prevents those of that are ready to rebuild is just mind boggling,” Moore seethed.
&#8220;And I say this as someone with privilege: we have insurance, plans, a contractor, etc… everyone deserves an advocate and a system that is streamlined and supports success. People want to get the ball rolling and start to piece their lives back together.&#8221;
&#8220;We JUST finished building one of the structures that burned down [this past] November. We have all the plans and permits ready to go and we were just told we have to resubmit everything and start over,&#8221; Moore continued. &#8220;For no reason. LA County should want success stories right now but instead, they&#8217;re focused on antiquated protocol. This is why people are leaving California in droves. They make it impossible.&#8221;
Moore’s home in Altadena was partially destroyed. She was one of many celebrities to have property damage as the uncontrolled fires devastated the area at the beginning of this year.
&#8220;Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. It’s not livable but mostly intact,&#8221; the actress <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEnXs-Gy2jn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=f6d90c6d-7550-4b8c-8259-a015c9cc7361&amp;img_index=1">shared on Instagram</a> in January alongside a photo carousel of the damage. 
&#8220;We lost Taylor and Griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned,&#8221; Moore said. Her husband Taylor Goldsmith and his brother Griffin are members of the band Dawes. 
&#8220;We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone.&#8221;
She concluded the post, “Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong.”

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore Blasts LA County For ‘Nonsensical Red Tape’ Attempting To Rebuild Post-Wildfire

Mandy Moore Blasts LA County For 'Nonsensical Red Tape' Attempting To Rebuild Post-Wildfire

Los Angeles

A 19-year-old man was arrested on arson charges for the massive fire that burned thousands of acres in New Jersey earlier this week, law enforcement announced Thursday.
The Ocean County Prosecutor&#8217;s Office charged Joseph Kling on Wednesday with aggravated arson with the purpose of destroying the forest and arson over the blaze that has burned around 15,000 acres in Ocean County. The fire prompted thousands of evacuations and led to a state of emergency being declared.
Kling was determined by law enforcement to be the &#8220;individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire &#8211; and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished,&#8221; Ocean County prosecutors said. Kling, from Watertown, is currently behind bars at the Ocean County Jail. The county has <a href="https://coroms.co.ocean.nj.us:8087/IML" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> no information about when Kling will appear in court. 
Investigators determined that the fire was incendiary, likely from an improperly extinguished bonfire, and used GPS to determine its origin. 
The fire prompted around 5,000 people to evacuate from the area, though the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Thursday that the evacuation orders for Lacey and Ocean Townships had been lifted. The forest service also announced that the blaze had been 50% contained. 
On Wednesday, Lacey Township Mayor Peter Curatolo <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nj-wildfire-ocean-county-barnegat-lacey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that the fire may &#8220;very well end up being the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years.&#8221;
There have been no reported deaths or loss of homes from the fire, though at least one commercial building was destroyed alongside multiple vehicles and outbuildings.
The investigation involved Ocean County&#8217;s Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office.
&#8220;Thanks to the incredible, heroic work of the good men and women of our New Jersey Forest Fire Service, folks&#8217; homes and lives have been saved, and we&#8217;ve truly averted a major disaster,&#8221; New Jersey Forest Fire Service Commissioner Shawn LaTourette<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nj-wildfire-ocean-county-barnegat-lacey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>said Wednesday. &#8220;This wildfire is not under full and complete control, we still have a lot of work to do to achieve complete containment of the wildfire. But there were 1,300 homes that were threatened during the course of fighting this fire.&#8221;

MixCollage-24-Apr-2025-12-11-PM-7379

Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Over Massive New Jersey Fire, Reveal Cause Of Blaze

Arson

Crime

Fire

New Jersey

U.S.

wildfire

Mel Gibson blasted Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, calling for the recall of the governor over his “gross mismanagement” of the state, especially when it comes to the massive wildfires in Southern California.
During a <a href="https://x.com/TONYxTWO/status/1894948199934079110">press conference</a> in Los Angeles, the 69-year-old actor told the crowd that both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass let them down after Gibson became one of the numerous people who lost their homes in the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire.
“Governor Newsom and Karen Bass let us all down,” Gibson said, pointing out how much California residents pay in taxes. “Now for that kind of money, we deserve much more and much better, and there is absolutely no adequate excuse the governor or mayor can make for this gross mismanagement and failure to preemptively deal with what they knew was coming.”
“Was it incompetence? Was it indifference, complacency, carelessness? Was it negligence? Absolutely,” he added, asking the crowd if the mayor or governor “give a damn about you,” to which the crowd replied, &#8220;no.&#8221; “Newsom … has brought us nothing but rampant crime, acute homelessness, horrendous inflation.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mel Gibson speaks at Newsom recall event 🔥
“Governor Newsom and Karen Bass let us all down.”
“There is absolutely no adequate excuse the Governor or Mayor can make for this gross mismanagement and failure to preemptively deal with what they knew was coming.” <a href="https://t.co/jwH61x4EYG">pic.twitter.com/jwH61x4EYG</a>
— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) <a href="https://twitter.com/TONYxTWO/status/1894948199934079110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
“I mean, the industry I work in, the film industry, this used to be the Mecca of filmdom. It is no more. All of my fellow citizens who have lost their homes, they have no recourse, no insurance payouts because the carriers dropped them,” Gibson continued, per The <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/mel-gibson-slams-mayor-bass-governor-newsom-altadena-press-conference-1236148644/">Hollywood Reporter</a>. “Even the carriers realized that California was ill-prepared and had scant resources to deal with the inevitable fires. They knew that. So are we supposed to believe that our elected officials didn’t know that? Of course they knew that. Of course.”
At one point, “The Passion of the Christ” director praised the firefighters who worked hard to try and save the homes.
“The firefighters, I have to say they were practically in tears. You know why? Because they thought they had let us down,” Gibson said. “I want to say loudly right here: You did not let us down.”
The event, which was organized by <a href="https://savingcalifornia.vote/">Saving California</a>, is focused on recalling Newsom and fixing the state’s economy, per its website.
In January, Gibson opened up about how he wasn’t even in town when the fires consumed his Malibu home because he was in Austin, Texas, recording an episode with Joe Rogan for “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/your-heart-just-breaks-jeff-bridges-mel-gibson-and-others-become-latest-to-lose-homes-in-fires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
“I was doing the Rogan podcast. … And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighborhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there. But when I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there,” Gibson said. “I went home and I said to myself, well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.”
The actor admitted he was still dealing with the “devastating” impact of losing the home that he’d lived in for more than a decade.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/your-heart-just-breaks-jeff-bridges-mel-gibson-and-others-become-latest-to-lose-homes-in-fires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Your Heart Just Breaks’: Jeff Bridges, Mel Gibson, And Others Become Latest To Lose Homes In Fires</a>

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson Blasts Newsom At Recall Event For Governor

Entertainment

Hollywood

Karen Bass

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/mandy-moore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mandy Moore</a> blasted Amazon, accusing the company of delivering a package to the home of her in-laws’ that was completely destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires last month.
In her Instagram Stories, the 40-year-old actress shared an image of what appeared to be packaging similar to Amazon’s sitting on the steps of a property that had been burned down, <a href="https://people.com/mandy-moore-claims-amazon-delivered-package-to-in-laws-destroyed-home-after-los-angeles-fires-8924612?utm_campaign=people&amp;utm_content=likeshop&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=instagram">People</a> magazine reported.
“Do better, Amazon,” Moore captioned her photo. “Can we not have better discretion than to leave a package at a residence that no longer exists? This is my mother and father in law’s home. Smh.”
Following the report by People magazine about her comments, the “This Is Us” star hit back at those who criticized her for calling out the company.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mandy Moore trashes Amazon for leaving delivery on doorstop of in-laws’ home destroyed in deadly LA fires: ‘Do better’ <a href="https://t.co/l1c69bBwcG">https://t.co/l1c69bBwcG</a> <a href="https://t.co/jN13miXXxc">pic.twitter.com/jN13miXXxc</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1889513329825099786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
“Sigh. This comment section is abysmal. Change the address?” Moore wrote in the post. “They’re in a hotel because their house burned down.”
“Something was ordered before the fires and was delivered to rubble?” she added.  “I merely said have some discretion and say the package wasn’t able to be delivered. It’s pretty simple.”
In a statement from Amazon to People, spokesperson Steve Kelly said: &#8220;We’ve reached out to Ms. Moore via Instagram to apologize for this and to ask for more information from her in-laws so we&#8217;re better able investigate what happened here.&#8221;
&#8220;For weeks, we’ve advised those who are delivering on our behalf in southern California to use discretion in areas that were impacted by wildfires – especially if it involves delivering to a damaged home – that clearly didn’t happen here,” he added.
Last month, multiple wildfires broke out in Los Angeles County, forcing Moore and many others to evacuate their homes.
Initially, the actress posted that she had to leave her home in Altadena, unsure if it would be there when she returned. Later, Moore opened up about having “weird survivors guilt” after the main part of her home survived the blaze.
&#8220;We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss. Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now,&#8221; the actress wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEnXs-Gy2jn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=f6d90c6d-7550-4b8c-8259-a015c9cc7361">Instagram</a>. &#8220;It&#8217;s not livable but mostly intact.”
“We lost Taylor and Griffin&#8217;s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they&#8217;ve ever owned,” she added, noting losing her husband Taylor Goldsmith’s music studio. “We lost our garage and back house.&#8221;
&#8220;Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby,” Moore continued. “Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hollywood-stars-talk-leaving-and-losing-homes-as-socal-fires-continue-to-burn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hollywood Stars Talk Leaving And Losing Homes As SoCal Fires Continue To Burn</a>

Mandy Moore-2

Mandy Moore Blasts Amazon After Package Delivered To Burned Down Home

Amazon

Los Angeles County

The 67th <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/grammys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grammy Awards</a> raised millions of dollars for fire relief efforts in Southern California while the ratings saw a drop in viewership from 2024.
The CBS telecast of Sunday’s music awards show scored 15.4 million viewers, according to same-day ratings from Nielsen, according to The <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/grammy-awards-tv-ratings-feb-2-2025-1236126284/">Hollywood Reporter</a>. That’s down from the 17 million who tuned in for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards last year. While Sunday’s numbers were down compared to last year, it was the third largest show since 2020, the outlet noted.
Since the pandemic, the Grammy Awards have seen a rollercoaster of viewership, with an average of under 10 million viewers in 2021 and 2022 tuning in to see if their favorite singer would take home the Grammy. In 2023, the show had a slight bounce back to pre-pandemic numbers with 12.55 million watching, before the 17 million number the show brought in last year.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Despite Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar, ratings for the Grammys fall <a href="https://t.co/OeuEb4PXad">https://t.co/OeuEb4PXad</a>
— The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1886842169148703186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
To put those numbers into context, the 2020 Grammys &#8212; which took place before the pandemic and lockdowns &#8212; scored 18.69 million viewers.
During Sunday night’s show, the fires and communities destroyed in the multiple wildfires were top of mind as host Trevor Noah announced the academy would accept donations throughout the evening to help with recovery efforts.
CBS and the recording academy announced that the awards show helped raise $9 million for fire relief efforts in Los Angeles and the academy and MusiCares brought in $24 million in charitable giving, THR noted. In addition, FireAid benefit concerts in LA helped raise more than $100 million to support ongoing recovery efforts, the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/fireaid-benefit-concerts-raised-100-million-los-angeles-1236127036/">outlet</a> noted.
Despite the Sunday show celebrating the efforts by firefighters tackling insane blazes for weeks, the night’s host comedian Trevor Noah turned things political with a jab at President Donald Trump in his opening monologue.
“There’s been a few changes in Washington. I’m going to enjoy tonight because this may be the last time I get to host anything in this country,” Noah told the room.
Several other artists attempted to make the night about political issues as well, with acceptance speeches about DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), transgender issues, and illegal immigrants, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ricky-gervais-torches-grammy-winners-political-speeches">reported</a>.
Shakira was honored for Best Latin pop album and said, “I want to dedicate this award to all of my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. You are loved, you’re worth it, and I will always fight for you.” Her comment was in reaction to Trump’s crackdown on <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/illegal-immigration">illegal immigration</a>.
Near the end of the show, singer Alicia Keys was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, and claimed that DEI “is not a threat, it’s a gift. And the more voices, the more powerful the sound.” Trump and numerous corporations across the country have opted to get rid of their <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/target-rolls-back-dei-joining-other-major-companies-like-walmart-meta">DEI programs</a>.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ricky-gervais-torches-grammy-winners-political-speeches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ricky Gervais Torches Grammy Winners’ Political Speeches</a>

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards

Grammy Awards Raise Millions For Fire Relief While Ratings Fall

Grammys

Ratings

Southern California Edison disclosed that its equipment may have been “involved” in the Eaton and Hurst wildfires that tore through <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/california" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southern California</a> last month, as the Los Angeles Fire Department continues investigating.
Southern California Edison (SCE), a subsidiary of Edison International, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/edison-unit-says-its-equipment-may-have-been-involved-in-socal-fires-32c16040?mod=hp_lead_pos9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submitted</a> two letters to the California Public Utilities Commission indicating its equipment might be linked to one, if not several, of the fires, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Investigators with the Los Angeles Fire Department have suggested a possible connection to the Hurst fire, while the cause of the Eaton fire remains under review.
“While we do not yet know what caused the Eaton wildfire, SCE is exploring every possibility in its investigation, including the possibility that SCE’s equipment was involved,” Edison Chief Executive Pedro Pizarro said.
However, the company reported it hadn’t discovered typical signs of equipment failures, such as broken conductors, raising additional questions about what specifically triggered the damage. Meanwhile, fire department personnel have shared that their own examination into the Hurst fire prompted them to evaluate the condition of transmission lines and other potential ignition causes.
While the possibility of a link to Southern California Edison’s equipment remains under review in both incidents, officials have noted that further investigation may stretch on for several months. Past wildfire cases in the region have proven complex, occasionally requiring extended collaboration between state regulators, legal teams, and the utilities themselves.
As inquiries continue, Southern California Edison has said it will offer updates on its inspections and any findings that could help determine how these fires began.

Los Angeles Pushes To Rebuild Homes Fast Despite Wildfire Danger

Utility Giant Reveals Possible Role In Recent California Fires

General

Los Angeles Fire Department

The biggest applause and longest standing ovation at the 67th Grammy Awards on Sunday went to the members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
<a href="https://x.com/RecordingAcad/status/1886275764162580710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nearly two dozen firefighters</a> stepped on stage to present the Album of the Year award as the stars in attendance cheered loudly for them for the incredible work they did while they battled the multiple <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wildfires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wildfires</a> that raged in Southern California last month.
Before naming the artists nominated for the night’s biggest honor, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGXJOd4l3NQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles County Fire Chief</a> Anthony Marrone thanked everyone for their support. The first responders appeared overwhelmed by the reception.
“Wow, thank you,” Marrone told the audience. “Thank you for supporting all of us and recognizing the heroes that are standing behind me and the sheroes.”
<iframe loading="lazy" title="LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT | 2025 GRAMMYs" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aGXJOd4l3NQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
“On behalf of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, I would like to thank the recording academy for having us here this evening,&#8221; he added. “This is a tremendous honor and privilege to be in the company of such talented music industry professionals.”
“As fire chief, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank first responders who came from near and far to battle this wildfire siege,” Marrone continued. “In the midst of unprecedented fire conditions, their selfless acts of courage and commitment were nothing short of inspiring. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers remain with all the families who have lost loved ones, friends, and neighbors, along with everyone who has lost homes, businesses, and been displaced.”
“I am confident that we will recover and rebuild together because we are LA Strong.”
Captain Sheila Kelliher Berkoh then listed off the names of the nominees for Album of the Year: André 3000, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, Jacob Collier, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift. She then pulled the name out of the envelope and announced that Beyonce had won for her “Cowboy Carter” album.
During the ceremony, the fires and communities destroyed in the fires were top of mind as host Trevor Noah announced the academy would accept donations throughout the evening to help with recovery efforts. 
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/female-rapper-praises-god-for-sobriety-after-winning-first-ever-grammy-award" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Female Rapper Praises God For Sobriety After Winning First Ever Grammy Award</a>

Grammy Awards 2025

Biggest Applause, Longest Standing Ovation At Grammys Goes To LA Firefighters

Biggest Applause, Longest Standing Ovation At Grammy Awards Goes To LA Firefighters

Awards

Firefighters

Grammy Awards

A <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/california" target="_blank" rel="noopener">California</a> man pleaded guilty to federal charges this week in connection with a drone that crashed into a firefighting aircraft in California earlier this month.
Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, pled guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft for &#8220;recklessly operating a drone that crashed into and damaged a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft fighting the Palisades Fire earlier this month,&#8221; the U.S. Justice Department said on Friday.
&#8220;As a result of the drone collision, the firefighting aircraft was taken out of service for a period of time and was not able to continue its firefighting mission,&#8221; prosecutors said in a statement. &#8220;As part of the plea agreement, Akemann agreed to pay full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which supplied the plane, and an aircraft repair company that repaired the plane. Akemann also agreed to complete 150 hours of community service in support of the 2025 Southern California wildfire relief effort.&#8221;
The incident happened on January 9 when Akemann flew his drone over the Palisades fire – which burned tens of thousands of acres and caused billions of dollars in damage — after he drove to the area to gather footage.
The statement continued:
<blockquote>Akemann flew the drone at least 2,500 meters (more than 1.5 miles) toward the fire and lost sight of the drone. As Akemann was flying the drone, it collided with a Government of Quebec Super Scooper carrying two crewmembers attempting to fight the blaze. The impact caused an approximately 3-inch-by-6-inch hole in the left wing. After landing, maintenance personnel identified the damage and took the aircraft out of service for repairs.
At the time of the collision, the Federal Aviation Administration had issued temporary flight restrictions that prohibited drone operations near the Los Angeles County wildfires that erupted earlier this month.
As a result of the collision, the Government of Quebec and an aircraft repair company incurred costs of at least $65,169 to repair the plane.</blockquote>
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally said, “This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives in an attempt to protect lives and property.”
“This damage caused to the Super Scooper is a stark reminder that flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people and compromises the overall ability of police and fire to conduct operations,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;As this case demonstrates, we will track down drone operators who violate the law and interfere with the critical work of our first responders.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FBI Los Angeles has finally identified the Drone Operator, who was flying a DJI Drone in “Restricted Airspace” over the Pacific Palisades on January 9th, when it was struck by a Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper” Aerial-Firefighting Aircraft, as 56-Year-Old Peter Tripp Akemann from… <a href="https://t.co/iRv36zW0um">pic.twitter.com/iRv36zW0um</a>
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) <a href="https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1885421007533408379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>

Palisades fire

Law Enforcement Catches Man Who Flew Drone That Damaged Firefighting Aircraft In California

Courts

Drones

Meryl Streep’s nephew Abe Streep shared the Hollywood star’s harrowing escape from her home, which was in the line of fire following multiple <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wildfires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wildfires</a> in the Los Angeles area earlier this month.
In a <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/la-fires-wildfires-lost-homes-rebuild.html">New York Magazine</a> article about the devastating fires, Abe wrote that the evacuations came so fast that his 75-year-old aunt almost ended up being trapped inside her home due to a fallen tree.
&#8220;Evacuation mandates were sent across the city,” Streep wrote. “My aunt Meryl Streep received an order to evacuate on January 8, but when she tried to leave, she discovered that a large tree had fallen over in her driveway, blocking her only exit.”
&#8220;Determined to make it out, she borrowed wire cutters from a neighbor, cut a car-size hole in the fence she shared with the neighbors on the other side, and drove through their yard to escape,” he added.
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Streep’s nephew also spoke with pals Martin Short and actor Haley Joel Osment for the piece, whom he said were forced to evacuate due to the raging fires. The two actors were part of the massive evacuations in the area, unsure of whether their homes would be there when they returned.
Short moved to the southern California area in 1984 and bought a house three years later in the Palisades, the article noted.
“Right away I knew this is where I wanted to live,” the actor told Abe. &#8220;You’re five minutes from the ocean or five minutes from the greatest hiking in the mountains imaginable.&#8221;
&#8220;Beyond that, he said, the Palisades offered a sense of safety: &#8216;There was only one way in and one way out.'&#8221;
Five years ago, Osment moved to an area near Eaton Canyon. The 36-year-old actor said he had just returned home from shooting a film when he spotted the rising black smoke coming from the canyon, the piece noted.
“He went for a walk in his yard and looked back at his house, a 1951 post-and-beam structure with large glass windows and skylights,” Streep’s nephew wrote. “Bears sometimes rambled through the yard, and he often heard owls at night; it felt like he lived in the forest.”
“After he let his dogs out into the yard, he saw a large plume of black smoke and a glow coming from the canyon,” he added.” So he loaded up his dogs, passport, and family photos and went to his parents’ house, which was nearby.”
Short’s home miraculously managed to survive the blaze. However, Osment wasn’t so lucky and he lost his home, as did his parents, and so many others in southern California, the outlet noted.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/la-reporters-aerial-video-shows-near-entire-town-destroyed-in-socal-fires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LA Reporter’s Aerial Video Shows Near-Entire Town Destroyed In SoCal Fires</a>

Meryl Streep’s Family Shares Star’s Harrowing Escape From LA Wildfire

Meryl Streep

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