President Donald Trump announces that Israel and Hamas have agreed to phase one of his Middle East peace plan, authorities arrest a Florida man accused of setting the deadly Palisades Fire, and the Supreme Court hears arguments on Colorado’s ban on so-called “conversion therapy.”
It’s Thursday, October 9, 2025, and this is the news you need to know to start your day.
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Trump: The Peace President</h2>
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Topline: President Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to terms on the first phase of a peace deal that could end the war in Gaza.
Trump was hosting a public event with several independent journalists when he was approached by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After whispering something in Trump’s ear, Rubio then handed the president a handwritten note, which, based on photographs, appeared to say that a deal was “very close.” It then said, “Need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce the deal first.” 
Moments later, the president’s account published that post, which read: “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace…This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America…BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
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As part of the first phase, Hamas plans to release the 20 living hostages this weekend, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-gaza-talks-kushner-witkoff-israel-hamas-news-10-08-2025-ac80d3ed50ff2a9b4106ab5e13156651" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Associated Press</a>. Hamas is responsible for the bodies of 28 dead hostages, though it is unclear whether the terror group can locate and retrieve them. Once the Israeli cabinet approves the agreement, the terror group has 72 hours to return the hostages.
Israel’s military has 24 hours from the time the Israeli cabinet approves the deal to withdraw from the heart of Gaza to a predetermined boundary.
<h2 style="text-align: center;">SCOTUS Hears Colorado &#8220;Conversion Therapy&#8221; Case</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-983361" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Conversion-Therapy-Hearing-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Conversion-Therapy-Hearing-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Conversion-Therapy-Hearing-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Conversion-Therapy-Hearing-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Conversion-Therapy-Hearing-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Conversion-Therapy-Hearing.jpg 1920w" sizes=" (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Topline: The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in a case addressing the legality of so-called “conversion therapy.” Historically, the term referred to counseling or treatment aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation from gay to straight. However, leftist activists now use the label more broadly, applying it to efforts that encourage transgender individuals to accept their biological sex.
The case: The plaintiff, a Christian counselor named Kaley Chiles, is challenging a law in Colorado that’s been dubbed the “Minor Conversion Therapy Law.” It was passed in 2019 by a Democrat-controlled legislature, and it bans counseling that “attempts or purports to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.” 
The plaintiff: Chiles’ legal team, Alliance Defending Freedom, says Chiles is currently under investigation by the state of Colorado over this law, and they’ve stressed that minors are being deprived of her services. 
The state of Colorado argues that this is not a free speech issue, but rather a matter of regulating conduct and medical treatment—even if that “medical treatment” is only speech, like talk therapy. The law is then constitutional, according to state attorneys. Colorado says that talk therapy that doesn&#8217;t affirm the gender-confused is harmful to children, which the state bases on “experts” and the so-called medical consensus.
SCOTUS watch: The justices appear to be leaning in favor of the plaintiff, and not just the conservatives. Liberal Justice Elena Kagan seemed to side with Justice Samuel Alito when he said the Colorado law seemed like, quote, “blatant viewpoint discrimination.”
A ruling is expected next summer. And if the tea leaves are being read correctly, an overturning of this Colorado law could influence similar laws in dozens of other states.
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Authorities Arrest Suspected Palisades Fire Arsonist</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-983363" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Palisades-Arson-Arrest-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Palisades-Arson-Arrest-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Palisades-Arson-Arrest-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Palisades-Arson-Arrest-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Palisades-Arson-Arrest-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/10/Palisades-Arson-Arrest.jpg 1920w" sizes=" (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Topline: Authorities have arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, who they say intentionally sparked the fire that destroyed Pacific Palisades, California, back in January.
The suspect: Rinderknecht is an Uber driver who now lives in Melbourne, Florida. Officials from the Justice Department and the Los Angeles Police Department held a joint press conference on Wednesday to announce the arrest. According to officials, Rinderknecht started the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Day. The Lachman Fire eventually became the Palisades Fire after it was rekindled by severe winds a week later.
What happened: According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Rinderknecht was in Pacific Palisades late on New Year’s Eve after working throughout the evening. He drove toward Skull Rock trailhead, got out of his car, and walked up a trail to a nearby hilltop, where he recorded videos and listened to a rap song. According to Essayli, the song was accompanied by a music video showing objects being set on fire.
In addition to that, Rinderknecht’s phone had images he created with ChatGPT of people fleeing from burning forests. Another ChatGPT search made around the time he called 911 to report the fire said, “Are you at fault if a fire is lit [sic] because of your cigarettes?”
Firefighters were able to suppress the fire shortly after, but it continued to burn underground until strong winds revived it a week later, starting the Palisades Fire.
The blaze eventually became one of the worst in California history. It killed 12 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, resulting in $150 billion in damage. The rebuilding process has been long and difficult. As of last month, the city of Los Angeles had <a href="https://www.carriermanagement.com/news/2025/09/30/279930.htm">approved</a> just over 600 permits to rebuild out of about 1,500 applications.
The charges: Rinderknecht is only charged with destruction of property by means of fire. But prosecutors may add more charges to the indictment later. They accused him of lying to authorities, with Essayli stating that Rinderknecht provided false information to police about the fire when officers interviewed him on January 24. But Essayli made no mention of a charge on that in the indictment. As is, Rinderknecht faces up to 20 years in prison.

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Morning Brief: The Peace President, SCOTUS Takes Up ‘Conversion Therapy,’  & Palisades Fire Arrest

Morning Brief: The Peace President, ‘Conversion Therapy’ At SCOTUS, And Suspected Palisades Arson

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Federal officials on Wednesday announced the arrest of a man accused of deliberately sparking the deadly blaze that devastated Pacific Palisades, California, in January.
The Justice Department and the Los Angeles Police Department said at a press conference that 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of Melbourne, Florida, started the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Day. The Lachman Fire eventually became the Palisades Fire after it was rekindled by severe winds a week later. In the federal criminal complaint, Rinderknecht is charged with maliciously starting the fire that eventually “burned down the Palisades,” according to Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
If convicted on that charge, Rinderknecht faces up to 20 years in prison. However, Essayli stated that authorities have not yet determined all the charges that Rinderknecht will face, and more charges will likely be presented to a federal grand jury.
Essayli said that Rinderknecht, an Uber driver, was in Pacific Palisades late on New Year’s Eve after working throughout the evening. Rinderknecht allegedly got out of his car and walked up a trail to a nearby hilltop, where he recorded videos and listened to a rap song. The song was accompanied by a music video that showed objects being set on fire, according to Essayli.
“Twelve minutes into the new year, environmental sensing platforms indicated that a fire had started. It took the defendant several tries to contact 911 to report the fire,” Essayli said. “He fled the scene in his car, but turned around after passing fire engines driving in the opposite direction to fight the fire. While the Lachman Fire burned, the defendant walked up the same trail from earlier that night to watch the fire and firefighters, using his iPhone to take short videos of the scene.”
The U.S. attorney added that while firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, the fire continued to smolder underground “within the root structure of the dense vegetation” and was rekindled by heavy winds on January 7, “causing what became known as the Palisades Fire.”
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Rinderknecht was questioned by law enforcement on January 24 and is accused of lying to investigators about where he was when he first saw the Lachman Fire. Rinderknecht claimed that he was near the bottom of the hiking trail, but geo-location data from his 911 call revealed that he was standing “above the fire in a clearing nearly 30 feet from the blaze as it rapidly grew,” Essayli said.
Some of Rinderknecht’s passengers on New Year’s Eve told investigators that the suspect appeared agitated before he dropped them off. Essayli also pointed to images the suspect allegedly generated on the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT that showed a burning city. The suspect allegedly generated the image in the months leading up to the fire.
Charging documents contained snippets of a conversation Rinderknecht had with ChatGPT, in which he reportedly said, &#8220;I am 28 years old. And … I basically … This just happened. Maybe like … I don’t know, maybe like 3 months ago or something. Like, the realization of all this. I literally burnt the Bible that I had. It felt amazing. I felt so liberated.&#8221;
They also included the prompt that Rinderknecht allegedly entered on July 11, 2024, to create the image:
<blockquote>“A dystopian painting divided into distinct parts that blend together seamlessly. On the far left, there is a burning forest. Next to it, a crowd of people is running away from the fire, leading to the middle. In the middle, hundreds of thousands of people in poverty are trying to get past a gigantic gate with a big dollar sign on it. On the other side of the gate and the entire wall is a conglomerate of the richest people. They are chilling, watching the world burn down, and watching the people struggle. They are laughing, enjoying themselves, and dancing. The scene is detailed and impactful, highlighting the stark contrast and the direct connection between the different parts of the world.”</blockquote>
Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida, where he was most recently living, but was living in Pacific Palisades at the time of the fire. Essayli stated that Rinderknecht has no criminal history, and authorities did not disclose their belief regarding Rinderknecht’s motive, adding that it would be addressed in court.
Rinderknecht is scheduled to appear in the U.S. District Court in Orlando at 1:30 ET on Wednesday.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today we are announcing the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on a criminal complaint charging him with maliciously starting what became the Palisades Fire in January. 
⁰The complaint alleges that Rinderknecht&#8217;s started a fire in Pacific Palisades on New Year&#8217;s Day &#8211;… <a href="https://t.co/UzrFa0Lmrz">pic.twitter.com/UzrFa0Lmrz</a>
— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAttyEssayli/status/1975954598201536880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Palisades Fire ripped through the Los Angeles neighborhood on January 7, killing 12 people and destroying thousands of homes. It was one of multiple devastating fires that ripped through Los Angeles County in January. The Eaton Fire, about 15 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles in Altadena, was the most destructive blaze, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 buildings. The cause of the Eaton Fire is still being investigated.

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Suspect In Palisades Fire Linked To Strange AI Images, ChatGPT Queries

Arson Suspect Nabbed For Setting Catastrophic Palisades Fire In California

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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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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

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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. 
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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>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.

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

Dan Bongino

European Union

Ghislaine Maxwell

Jeffrey Epstein

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

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

New Jersey

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.”
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“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

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