Federal authorities have charged a 29-year old Florida man for intentionally starting a New Year’s Day fire, which one week later rekindled into the Palisades Fire. The evidence against the suspect includes his actions from the night, including his ChatGPT searches. The LA Times’ Richard Winton tells KCRW, “He basically walked up the trail, and at some point, used a lighter, and he was smoking at the time, and ignited the fire with an open flame. … Seemingly in a panic, he started to then dial 911, he couldn't get through. And then he, a little bit later, tried to again. And then … this is probably the most obvious thing he did, which is … literally typed into his phone to ChatGPT: Are you at fault if a fire is lit because of your cigarettes?”

While most reporting on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has moved to Chicago and Portland, the online news outlet LA Taco is still documenting incidents in SoCal. In fact, though the outlet began as a food blog in 2006, it’s now the leading local news organization covering the impact of deportations on our immigrant communities. Memo Torres, director of engagement for the outlet, tells KCRW that recently in Orange County, a citizen under age 18 was pulled over by Border Patrol agents. He ended up having an obscenity-laden shouting match with one of the agents — who claimed to be part of the Florencia gang.  

Under a new bill, rideshare drivers can now organize as independent contractors in California. It’s a big win – but it doesn’t protect the right to strike.

In 2025, even celebrities have a side hustle. You can buy makeup from Lady Gaga, shampoo from Blake Lively, a red-light face mask from Gwyneth Paltrow. Now, you can also purchase children’s books penned by famous people. Celebrity picture books are everywhere, but that’s not a good thing, according to one writer.

Today's episode was produced by Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin, Robin Estrin, Jack Ross, Zeke Reed, and Nihar Patel.