Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Fire

Trump admin seeks permission to fire head of the Office of Special Counsel

The Trump administration has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, hoping to get permission to fire the head of the federal agency dedicated to protecting whistleblowers.

The emergency appeal, obtained by The Associated Press on Sunday, could likely be the start of a steady stream of court filings by lawyers of President Donald Trump and his administration aimed at reversing lower court rulings that have delayed his priorities for his second term in office.

The appeal seeks to prevent Hampton Dellinger from resuming his role as the head of the Office of Special Counsel.

A lower court judge previously temporarily reinstated Dellinger to his position, which he was appointed to by former President Joe Biden. Now, the Department of Justice is calling on the high court to lift the judge’s order.

AS DEMOCRATS REGROUP OUTSIDE DC, GOP ATTORNEYS GENERAL ADOPT NEW PLAYBOOK TO DEFEND TRUMP AGENDA

United States Supreme Court (front row L-R) Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, Associate Justice Samuel Alito, and Associate Justice Elena Kagan, (back row L-R) Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Dellinger has argued that by law, he can only be dismissed from his position for job performance problems, which were not cited in an email dismissing him from his post.

The Trump administration’s petition came hours after an appeals court refused to lift the order on procedural grounds, which was filed last Wednesday and is expected to expire on Feb. 26.

The case is not expected to be placed on the docket until the Supreme Court returns after the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend. Once filed, the earliest the justices will be able to act will be Tuesday.

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS TRUMP ADMIN TO RESTORE PUBLIC HEALTH WEB PAGES

The Trump administration filed an appeal with the Supreme Court with hopes of getting permission to fire the head of the Office of Special Counsel. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)

Dellinger sued the Trump administration in D.C. federal court last Monday following his firing on Feb. 7.

The Trump administration has been met with a wave of lawsuits since Inauguration Day, and legal experts say many of them will likely end up in the Supreme Court’s hands.

“President Trump is certainly being aggressive in terms of flexing executive power and not at all surprised that these are being challenged,” John Malcolm, vice president of the Institute for Constitutional Government at the Heritage Foundation, told Fox News Digital last week.

HOUSE DEMS ORGANIZE RAPID RESPONSE TASK FORCE AND LITIGATION GROUP TO COMBAT TRUMP AGENDA

President Donald Trump’s second term kicked off with a flurry of executive orders and directives that have since been targeted by legal challenges, some of which will likely end up in the Supreme Court’s hands. (AP Photo)

Trump kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive orders and directives that have since been targeted by a flood of legal challenges.

Since Trump’s first day back in the Oval Office, more than 40 lawsuits have been filed over the administration’s actions, including the president’s birthright citizenship order, immigration policies, federal funding freezes, federal employee buyouts, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and legal action against FBI and DOJ employees.

In one of the most recent developments, a Rhode Island federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds, claiming the administration did not adhere to a previous order to do so. The Trump administration appealed the order to the First Circuit shortly thereafter, which was ultimately denied.

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Many of these lawsuits have been filed in historically left-leaning federal court jurisdictions, including D.C. federal court. Various challenges have already been appealed to the appellate courts, including the Ninth and First Circuits, which notably hand down more progressive rulings. The Ninth Circuit, in particular, has a higher reversal rate than other circuit courts.

Fox News Digital’s Haley Chi-Sing and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner.

February 17, 2025
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban invites fan ejected for ‘Fire Nico’ protest back to sit courtside

A Dallas Mavericks fan ejected from a game this week after protesting against general manager Nico Harrison for the Luka Doncic trade was invited back to sit courtside courtesy of minority owner Mark Cuban.

Garrett Bussey and his friend Chris Taylor, die-hard Mavericks fans, were among the few fans that were ejected from Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings after they shouted “Fire Nico,” a message they also had printed on their shirts.

A fan with a #77 jersey yells “Fire Nico,” referencing Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison as a security member approaches him in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The pair told WFAA during an interview this week that the incident took place during the second half of the game while the Mavericks shot free throws.

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“We did ‘Fire Nico’ [chant], and it was the first time we had done it all night,” Taylor told the station. They were quickly met by security and escorted out of American Airlines Center for allegedly violating the NBA code of conduct rules.

Taylor also told the station that Cuban “started yelling” at him before he was escorted out, further escalating the situation.

In a statement to WFAA, Cuban explained his side of things.

“Fans were booing during crunch time while we had the ball and while we were shooting FTs (free throws). I wanted to see why. So, I looked where they were looking. When the guy (it was just one) saw me, he started screaming at me. I had no idea what he said, he was a good 25 rows away, but he was obviously mad.”

Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on Nov. 6, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)

MAVERICKS FANS EJECTED OVER ‘FIRE NICO’ PROTESTS AMID GROWING ANIMOSITY OVER LUKA DONCIC TRADE

Cuban added to his statement, saying that the shouting from the fan happened the “whole game.”

“I didn’t care what he was saying. He was saying it the whole game. I cared that fans were booing him while we had the ball in crunch time or were shooting FTs. The time when they should be silent, or cheering for the Mavs, that was it.”

Bussey told WMAQ that he spoke with Cuban after the game and was invited back to sit courtside with his 7-year-old son for Wednesday’s game.

Bussey called it a “step in the right direction” for a fan base that was left reeling after the team’s star player was traded away.

A pair of fans, one waving, are escorted out of the game after holding up a sign that said “Fire Nico,” referencing the Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but he was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before last weekend’s games.

At least one other fan was ejected from Monday’s game for a similar protest.

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February 14, 2025
Valentine’s Day 2025: From ‘Fire’ to ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’, Must-Watch Hindi LGBTQ+ Movies Celebrating Pride!

This Valentine’s Day 2025, immerse yourself in the nuanced world of Hindi queer narratives that intricately weave together love and identity. Films like Fire challenge heteronormative constructs, while Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan blends comedy and emotion to break societal barriers. These stories exemplify the complexities of forbidden desires, capturing the intense emotional journey of same-sex love. They offer rich, multifaceted portrayals of self-discovery and rebellion, illuminating queerness with exceptional poignancy. Here are our top five picks to watch on this special day. Valentine’s Day 2025: From ‘Sreeragamo’ to ‘Nenjukkul Peidhidum’, Timeless South Indian Melodies To Celebrate Romance!

‘Fire’ (1996)

Fire, directed by Deepa Mehta, is a groundbreaking romantic drama that explores the lives of Radha (Shabana Azmi) and Sita (Nandita Das), two women trapped in unsatisfying marriages. As their emotional connection deepens, they embark on a transformative journey of love. The film boldly challenges societal norms, culminating in an empowering, hopeful conclusion where they choose to live together. Galentine’s Day 2025: Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor’s Cute Dresses That You Can Wear for the Celebration.

‘My Brother… Nikhil’ (2005)

Directed by Onir, a trailblazing openly gay filmmaker, My Brother… Nikhil challenges societal taboos by portraying a gay man, Nikhil Kapoor, who is also battling AIDS. Unlike typical portrayals, Nikhil isn’t reduced to a victim or source of pity. Onir sensitively addresses AIDS, using it to deepen familial bonds and confront societal stigma with dignity and empathy.

‘Kapoor & Sons’ (2016)

Kapoor & Sons weaves a complex family tapestry starring Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan and Alia Bhatt. Beneath the surface of familial discord lies Rahul’s (Khan) secret: he is a closeted gay man. The film sensitively portrays his struggle, culminating in his mother’s eventual, hard-won acceptance. This poignant narrative thread offers a powerful and realistic depiction of the coming-out process within a traditional Indian context. Valentine’s Day 2025: From Choi Woo-Shik’s ‘Our Beloved Summer’ to Gong Yoo’s ‘Goblin’, 5 Romantic Korean Dramas You Can’t Miss This February 14.

‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ (2019)

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is a significant film for its mainstream portrayal of a lesbian romance. The narrative centres on Sweety (Sonam Kapoor), a spirited Punjabi woman who rejects a parade of eligible bachelors, concealing her true affections. Crucially, the film avoids the pitfalls of fetishisation, offering a more authentic and respectful representation of a sapphic relationship, a rarity within mainstream Indian cinema.

‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’ (2020)

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is a must-watch same-sex romantic flick starring Jitendra Kumar and Ayushmann Khurrana. The film follows Aman and Kartik as they navigate societal prejudices, particularly Aman’s traditional family. Raw yet heartfelt, the movie’s modest box-office success signalled a growing appetite for mainstream LGBTQ+ narratives.

These films, essential viewing for all, offer a powerful lens through which to examine societal prejudices and celebrate the universality of love in its diverse forms.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 13, 2025 08:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 13, 2025
‘Makes sense’: GOP, Dems unite behind Trump’s plan to fire the penny

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Washington D.C. – Democratic and Republican lawmakers found consensus about President Donald Trump in his decision to eliminate the penny, telling Fox News Digital on Capitol Hill that it “makes sense” to stop making cents.

Trump announced on Sunday that he was instructing the Treasury Department to stop producing new pennies, writing in a Truth Social post that it costs more than two cents to mint a single one-cent coin.

Fox News Digital asked members of Congress for their two cents about Trump eliminating the coin, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle saying they agree with his decision.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., speaking to Fox News Digital, said eliminating the penny “might be the best” thing Trump has done since taking office.

HOW TRUMP MIGHT GET RID OF THE PENNY – AND WHAT COULD COME NEXT FOR YOUR POCKET CHANGE

Democratic and Republican lawmakers spoke with Fox News Digital on Capitol Hill about whether they agree with President Donald Trump’s elimination of the penny. (Fox News Digital)

“In all the things he’s done in his first month in office, that might be the best,” Moskowitz told Fox. “We haven’t printed the penny since 2023, so I’m good with him eliminating it.”

DEMOCRAT SENATOR BACKS TRUMP’S ‘COMMON SENSE MOVE’ TO FIRE THE PENNY

Standing with Moskowitz was Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md. “I agree with eliminating the penny,” he said.

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin said he supports Trump stopping production on the penny. (Fox News Digital)

“It costs more to make a penny than it’s worth, so if that’s what he wants to do, that’s fine,” another Democrat, Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., said.

According to the U.S. Mint, the government agency that makes coins, the Treasury Department lost more than $85 million on the pennies they produced in 2024.

“If it takes two cents to make one cent, it kinda makes sense, doesn’t it?” Rep. Carlos Giménez, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital.

Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., said it “makes financial sense” given that the cost to make a penny is more than the coin is worth.

Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani said he supports doing away with the penny. (Fox News Digital)

Rep. George Latimer, D-N.Y., said he is talking to local businesses in his communities, and will support the route that best accommodates them.

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“I’ve talked to some local businesses in our community to see how that affects them. And the question would be, does it make their life easier or more difficult?” Latimer said. “If they tell me, it’s easier, then it’s a good decision. They tell me it’s more difficult when they have to calculate sales tax and things that don’t even out to zeros or fives, then it’s not a good idea.”

February 13, 2025
Mavericks fans ejected over ‘Fire Nico’ protests amid growing animosity over Luka Doncic trade

It was an exodus of disgruntled Dallas Mavericks fans at American Airlines Center on Monday night after security was seen escorting several people out of the arena after they called for general manager Nico Harrison’s job following the Luka Doncic trade.

Security escorted out several fans that either held up “Fire Nico” signs or shouted out the phrase during the Mavericks’ one-point loss to the Sacramento Kings.

A pair of fans, one waving, is escorted out of the game after holding up a sign that said “Fire Nico,” referencing the Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, during the game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

During a karaoke segment where fans sang along to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” one man was shown on the Jumbotron mouthing the phrase “Fire Nico.”

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The camera quickly panned away.

That same man was also seen holding a sign with the same phrasing. He and another man holding the sign were later seen being escorted away from their seats in a video shared on social media.

According to The Dallas Morning News, two more fans were escorted out in the fourth quarter. Each time, the escorts were met by boos from fans in the surrounding area.

A fan yells, “Fire Nico,” referencing Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison as security approaches him during the Sacramento Kings game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

MAVERICKS GM GETTING BOOST IN SECURITY FOR FIRST HOME GAME SINCE LUKA DONČIĆ TRADE AFTER DEATH THREATS: REPORT

Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before Saturday’s game over the weekend.

The Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick. To complete the deal, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis in Dallas, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

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But Davis sustained a groin injury in his debut for Dallas and will be sidelined at least through the All-Star break.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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February 11, 2025
CEO of water brand donates salary to LA fire victims, reduces income to $1

Jordan Bass, CEO and co-founder of Hop Wtr, reduced his salary to $1 following the tragic fires in Los Angeles, California, in January. Bass told FOX Business that he encourages other CEOs of brands to do the same or to contribute where they can.

Jordan Bass, CEO and co-founder of Hop Wtr, a non-alcoholic beverage brand, reduced his salary to $1 to provide immediate financial support to his employees, first responders and Los Angeles community members who were affected by the wildfires in January.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hop Wtr team members were forced to evacuate their homes, uncertain of what they might return to.

“Work took a backseat during that period,” Bass told FOX Business. “We’re a small company, so I have personal relationships with everyone in the company. I know all of our people. I know their families.”

WILL HURRICANES AND WILDFIRES CAUSE INSURANCE PRICES TO RISE NATIONWIDE?

Jordan Bass, CEO and co-founder of Hop Wtr, reduced his salary to $1 to support victims and employees during the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images / Getty Images | Hop Wtr / Getty Images)

Amid evacuations, Bass ensured the safety of his employees by quickly coordinating forms of mass communication to team members living in and out of California. With Bass’ salary reduction, he was able to provide incremental funds for affected employees. This included reimbursement for air purifiers.

“We really care about each other pretty deeply,” Bass said. “I’m not a billionaire. We don’t have a big philanthropy department, but we felt really compelled to help. I hope this inspires other CEOs to contribute if they can.”

Despite having urgently evacuated his own family amid the raging wildfires, Bass said his team immediately mobilized and donated 10,000 cans of water to first responders, fire stations, fire camps and evacuation centers.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES COULD COST INSURERS $20B, HIGHEST IN STATE’S HISTORY

Jordan Bass, CEO and co-founder of Hop Wtr, told FOX Business that he was fortunate his family and home were safe in the aftermath of the LA fires. Hop Wtr donated 10,000 cans of water to first responders immediately, and 50,000 cans later.

“We realized we had a product that people needed, and we felt a real calling to help,” Bass told FOX Business.

“I just felt like I wanted to do more,” Bass said. “It wasn’t enough and the quickest way for me to do that was lower my salary and contribute those funds to help our employees get through this situation, help them with recovery, help continue to get clean water to those in need and to help with the rebuilding efforts.”

As part of their continued efforts to help amid the LA fires, Hop Wtr partnered with All Hands and Hearts, a volunteer-powered nonprofit, to disperse both water and financial support. Furthermore, Hop Wtr supported community outreach by establishing communication channels for people who were in need. The brand also launched a fundraising campaign for customers which garnered thousands of dollars.

STATE FARM, OTHER INSURERS SLAMMED FOR DROPPING COVERAGE

Hop Wtr provided 10,000 cans of water to first responders, fire camps and more immediately after wildfires raged in LA. An additional 50,000 cans were later distributed. (HOP WTR / Fox News)

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“It’s really amazing to see that,” Bass said.

“I believe that as a business leader, it’s imperative to use my business platform for good and this has been absolutely devastating on many people,” he said. “I call on other CEOs to do the same and use your company, your salary, your platform to help with this recovery.”

February 5, 2025
‘Selling The City’ star’s dog saved her from fire that ravaged NYC apartment building

Taylor Middleton told FOX Business her dog barked “ferociously” and he’s not a “barker” which alerted her to her apartment building being on fire.

“Selling The City” star Taylor Middleton has her dog to thank for quickly evacuating their New York City apartment building while it was on fire.

During an interview with FOX Business, Middleton explained that her building in Tribeca caught on fire shortly after her and her husband, Peter Scavo, went to sleep.

“I had actually gone to bed quite early that night and then my husband came to bed maybe an hour after me. We were fast asleep and our golden retriever, Mac, all of a sudden started barking ferociously. He’s not a barker. And so he woke us up. Clearly there was a problem,” the celebrity real estate agent said.

Taylor Middleton’s New York City apartment building caught fire at the end of January. (Netflix/Taylor Middleton/Instagram / Fox News)

“We turned on the lights and there was just a cloud of smoke in our apartment. And at that point, the smoke alarms had not gone off yet. We knew that there was a pretty big problem. Clearly… There’s smoke completely taking over our office, in our kitchen,” Middleton continued.

CELEBRITY REAL ESTATE AGENT BRINGS ‘SMALL-TOWN’ TENNESSEE LIFE ROOTS TO BIG CITY BUSINESS

She explained that “before she knew it” the New York Fire Department was at their apartment building.

“We were fast asleep and our golden retriever, Mac, all of a sudden started barking ferociously.”

– Taylor Middleton

“They were very, very, very fast, thank God, and they seemed to be on it. So I just grabbed anything I could. I knew I only had a few minutes. And so I grabbed, you know, a laptop, chargers, passport, things like that, and then just got out of there,” Middleton said. “But it was freezing outside. It was absolutely freezing. And so that made it especially tricky, I think, for the firefighters and then for all of my neighbors.”

“Selling The City” stars, from left to right, Justin Tuinstra, Gisselle Meneses-Nunez, Taylor Middleton, Jade Chan, Eleonora Srugo, Abigail Godfrey, Jordyn Taylor Braff and Steve Gold. (Netflix / Fox News)

Middleton told FOX Business that prior to her apartment building catching on fire, her friend lost her home in the Palisades Fire that devastated the Los Angeles community.

WATCH:- ‘Selling The City’ star’s dog saved her from fire that ravaged NYC apartment building

Taylor Middleton told FOX Business her dog barked “ferociously” and he’s not a “barker” which alerted her to her apartment building being on fire.

Since this was on her mind prior to her home catching fire, she was mentally aware of the steps that should be taken when you need to quickly evacuate your home.

“One of my very best friends lost her home in the Pacific Palisades fire. Her whole community. Her whole neighborhood. So, I would never, ever try to compare that to that level of destruction and catastrophe there. It breaks my heart. That said, knowing that she had gone through this, it was, you know, mentally you run through in your mind, okay, ‘if I were in that situation, what would I do?’”

Taylor Middleton stars in Netflix’s “Selling The City.” (Jake Rosenberg / Fox News)

FORMER ‘SELLING SUNSET’ STAR WARNS FLORIDA’S HIGH CONDO PRICES TURNING INTO ‘BIG ISSUE’ WITH RETIREES

“All of the most important documents and everything. So I knew I had maybe five minutes. So I just went through to grab chargers. I went through to grab any kind of legal documents that we had, marriage certificates, things like that. Passports. I was asleep. So, quite frankly, like, my brain was pretty foggy,” Middleton said.

“I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just grabbed whatever I could to be able to show up for work the next day. We didn’t have time to grab things that were special to us or anything like that. It was just about remaining connected to life.”

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The residents of Middleton’s apartment building were given the okay to go back into their building a few hours after the fire started. Middleton and Scavo opted not to return, which ended up being a blessing since the fire reignited.

“I didn’t think it was safe to go back into the building. Even like the air quality. And so a lot of people went back into the building, and I’m told it was maybe 45 minutes to an hour and then the fire had reignited. What we’re told is that it was in the support beams of the second floor apartment. And so, you know, these things happen.”

“But the FDNY really was amazing. And before we knew it, I think that they were fighting the fire for over four hours. You know, there were two firefighters who were injured. It was really something,” Middleton said.

Middleton recognized that the fire she recently experienced was nowhere near the devastation that occurred in California.

WATCH: ‘Selling the City’ star’s apartment building has been deemed ‘uninhabitable’

Taylor Middleton cannot move back into her apartment after the building caught on fire in January.

“We have the privilege and the ability to go back into the building to try to remediate certain things,” she explained.

Middleton shared that her apartment building had been deemed uninhabitable by the Department of Health and the Department of Buildings, and the residents were told it would be between four and six months before they could return to their homes.

‘SELLING SUNSET’ PATRIARCH NAVIGATING A REAL ESTATE ‘DEATH KNELL’

“Being in real estate and knowing how permits work, I think it will probably be longer, but we are able to go back in by appointment to try to salvage certain things,” she said.

Eleanora Srugo and Taylor Middleton during an episode of “Selling The City.” (Netflix / Fox News)

Since Middleton is involved in the real estate market nationwide, she has heard some “rumblings” that some people affected by the LA fires are leaving California.

“Honestly, I know that my friends who live in California are going to stay there because they love it so, so much. But of course, I’ve heard rumblings about people leaving,” she said. “I know for myself. You know, with our building fire. I think it may change day to day. There may be a range of emotions depending on where you are in the process.”

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Middleton, who was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, moved to Manhattan after graduating from Vanderbilt University. Since launching her career in 2013, Middleton, who is starring in Netflix’s new reality series “Selling the City,” has closed over $500 million in luxury real estate sales.

WATCH: Taylor Middleton has heard ‘rumblings’ of LA residents leaving the city following the fires

Taylor Middleton told FOX Business that a lot of her friends are staying and rebuilding their communities that were burnt down, but not everyone is.

“Selling the City” is a New York City-based spin-off of Netflix’s mega-hit show “Selling Sunset.” The series follows both the professional and personal lives of the ambitious realtors at the Manhattan branch of the firm Douglas Elliman as they “navigate the cutthroat world of luxury real estate in New York City,” per the streaming network.

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In addition to Middleton, the “Selling the City” cast consists of seven other Douglas Elliman real estate agents, including team leader Eleonara Srugo. Srugo, who has drawn comparisons to “Selling Sunset” patriarch Jason Oppenheim, executed Douglas Elliman’s biggest real estate deal of 2023 after selling a $75 million listing.

February 5, 2025
Gov. Newsom meeting Trump in DC to ask for more money for LA fire recovery

California Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump and members of Congress in hopes of securing more money following deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

The visit, which was confirmed by the White House, comes just one day after California lawmakers approved $25 million in legal funding to challenge the Trump administration.

This will be Newsom’s first visit to the capital since Trump took over and is a continuation of his plea for additional federal funding to aid in wildfire recovery.

TRUMP MEETS WITH CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, FIRE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS TO SEE LA WILDFIRE DAMAGE FIRST HAND

Gov. Gavin Newsom departed California on Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump and members of Congress to discuss federal disaster aid following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Trump had threatened to withhold wildfire aid until certain stipulations were met in California, including changes to water policy and requiring an ID to vote, but now appears willing to work with Newsom following a visit to the Golden State last month.

The two have remained friendly in person, despite frequently criticizing one another on social media.

Despite remaining friendly in person, Newsom and Trump frequently trade blows on social media. (Pool)

NEWSOM CALLS TRUMP’S CLAIMS ‘PURE FICTION’ AFTER HE POINTED FINGER OVER CALIFORNIA FIRE TRAGEDY

Trump has placed a lot of blame for the deadly wildfires on Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the policies approved by state lawmakers. In an executive order issued last month, he described management of the state’s land and water resources as “disastrous.”

“This tragedy affects the entire Nation, so it is in the Nation’s interest to ensure that California has what it needs to prevent and fight these fires and others in the future,” Trump wrote. “Therefore, it is the policy of the United States to provide Southern California with necessary water resources, notwithstanding actively harmful State or local policies.”

The aftermath of the deadly Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 10, 2025. (David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)

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An itinerary is not currently available for the trip, but Newsom is expected to return to California on Thursday.

February 5, 2025
City of Oakland’s $129.8 million budget deficit to close seven fire stations

Oakland’s $129.8 million budget deficit could eradicate up to 30% of its firefighting capacity, depleting a strapped department already stretched thin by station closures, according to sources on the ground.

Fire response times in the Democrat-controlled California city are already three times the national average after budget cuts that recently closed two fire stations and kept a newly renovated station from reopening.

City Councilmember Zac Unger, who was an Oakland firefighter for 27 years, told Fox Digital that four more stations could face closures because of deficits.

“We have three firehouses currently closed and another four slated to close … which would represent about 30% of our firefighting capacity here in Oakland, an absolutely catastrophic potential for the city of Oakland,” Unger said. “We simply cannot afford to lose 30% of our fire and emergency medical response.”

LA RELIED ON TEEN VOLUNTEERS FOR YEARS DESPITE FIRE CHIEF’S WARNING, BUT LEADERS CAN’T BE SUED: LAWYER

Firefighters and city officials have been working overtime in “an all-hands-on-deck moment,” Unger said, to identify available funds in the city’s budget and keep Oakland’s firehouses open. Fire Chief Damon Covington told Fox Digital inroads have been made to prevent the additional four fire stations from closing, but that’s not to say closures won’t come down the road.

Firefighters watch water drops on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

“Seven firehouses would represent about 30% of our fire department,” Covington said. “It’s a tremendous threat because, ultimately, we need more fire service to cover our city adequately, and to lose two firehouses and a third that was under renovation, it taxes our workforce.”

The fire department’s limited capacity has slowed response time, creating the potential for a disaster like the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, President of Oakland Firefighters Local 55 Seth Olyer said.

“We had a house fire in the end of east Oakland in Engine 28’s area,” he said. “Normally, that engine would have been able to get to the fire within four minutes. The closest fire engine took nearly 11 minutes to get there. With a fire doubling in size every minute, you can do the math. This went from a small fire inside the house to a total loss and nearly threatening the surrounding area and potentially starting a wildland fire, much like in L.A.”

“Our firefighters do incredible work, and they will make do with whatever difficult circumstances you give them, but yes, we have seen slowed response times,” Unger told Fox Digital. “There’s simply no way to close firehouses and expect to receive the same level of service.”

The interim mayor’s office did not respond to a request for comment. But in its current budget proposal, the city cites one-time COVID-19 pandemic costs and retirement benefits, including OPEB liability and CalPERs benefits costs, as the “fiscal challenges leading to [a] projected deficit” of $129.8 million. Oakland’s 2024-2025 fiscal budget proposed fire station “brownouts” for six months beginning January 2025 to save the city $5.5 million.

But local firefighters say brownouts could come at a much higher cost.

A wall mural depicting Altadena, Calif., is seen next to the destroyed Altadena Hardware store after the Eaton Fire on Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“When you close firehouses, it creates a domino effect,” Covington said in an interview with Fox Digital. “It’s not just the firehouse that you’re closing, it’s the surrounding jurisdictions, the other firehouses that are close to that firehouse that have to cover the ground of that station.”

Oakland firefighters say they face the same cuts that the Los Angeles Fire Department warned about ahead of the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires in January. Oakland is no stranger to fire devastation itself. The Oakland firestorm of 1991 killed 25 people, injured 150 and destroyed more than 3,000 homes. Olyer said the 1991 fire fundamentally changed fire department response tactics and how fire crews cooperate with surrounding agencies.

“That fire was so massive it took a herculean effort by the Bay Area and basically fire departments from all over the western U.S. to control,” Olyer told Fox Digital. “You’re seeing the same thing with Los Angeles. It’s not realistic to think that any fire department would be able to stop any sort of huge fast-moving wildfire with hurricane force winds in conditions like that.”

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A quick, efficient and collaborative firefighting operation is possible with ample resources. In October, Olyer described how proper staffing and cooperation with CAL FIRE prevented the Keller Fire from becoming another California catastrophe.

“The Keller fire, which happened last October, was a perfect example of what a properly staffed fire department and early intensive action can do to really stop a fire before it gets out of control,” Olyer said. The event, he said, showed what “cooperation among agencies looks like, with CAL FIRE doing water drops on top, helicopter drops on it and massive amounts of resources very early on.”

(CAL Fire San Diego County)

“The department has been running bare bones in Oakland for decades,” Olyer said. “We have fire engines driving around with nearly 300,000 miles, and they’re literally falling apart. It’s just a matter of time until Oaklanders’ luck runs out.”

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“We’re all pushing in the same direction. Everybody wants those firehouses open. It really does come down to dollars and cents,” Covington said.

February 1, 2025
Passenger plane catches fire at South Korean airport. All 176 people on board are evacuated

A passenger plane caught fire before takeoff at an airport in South Korea late Tuesday, but all 176 people on board were safely evacuated, authorities said.

The Airbus plane operated by South Korean airline Air Busan was preparing to leave for Hong Kong when its rear parts caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in the southeast, the Transport Ministry said in a statement.

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The plane’s 169 passengers, six crewmembers and one engineer were evacuated using an escape slide, the ministry said.

The National Fire Agency said in a release that three people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation. The fire agency said the fire was completely put out at 11:31 p.m., about one hour after it deployed firefighters and fire trucks at the scene.

Mayor of Busan Park Heong-joon and other officials visit the site where an Air Busan airplane caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Son Hyung-joo/Yonhap via AP)

The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known. The Transport Ministry said the plane is an A321 model.

Tuesday’s incident came a month after a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea, killing all but two of the 181 people on board. It was one of the deadliest disasters in South Korea’s aviation history.

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The Boeing 737-800 skidded off the airport’s runaway on Dec. 29 after its landing gear failed to deploy, slamming into a concrete structure and bursting into flames. The flight was returning from Bangkok and all of the victims were South Koreans except for two Thai nationals.

The first report on the crash released Monday said authorities have confirmed traces of bird strikes in the plane’s engines, though officials haven’t determined the cause of the accident.

January 29, 2025