Some Los Angeles homes made it through the firestorm. Here’s how Houses are still standing in the burn zone in Los Angeles, ones that made it through the fires. Experts on the ground are finding those homeowners made some key preparations. Read more on NPR

Trump’s cabinet pick for Homeland Security is Kristi Noem. Here’s what to know If confirmed, Noem would lead the department poised to be at the center of Trump’s immigration policy priorities, including any deportation efforts, visa changes and border security. Read more on NPR

A polar vortex is set to grip much of the U.S. What does that mean? Bundle up and prepare: People living “basically anywhere from the Rockies eastward” will see extremely cold temperatures over the next several days, a meteorologist says. Read more on NPR

Development is taking a toll on Florida’s precious springs The state has been slow to adopt rules to protect Florida’s endangered springs. While a boom in residential construction has increased the amount of groundwater being taken from the aquifers. Read more on NPR

What’s next for Kamala Harris Inauguration Day marks the first time in more than 20 years that Kamala Harris will not be in public office. “It is not my nature to go quietly into the night,” she told allies on Thursday. Read more on NPR

What question stumped a Trump cabinet pick? Find out in the news quiz! If you’ve paid attention to the coming inauguration, TikTok drama and the Princess of Wales’ health, you’ll do pretty well this week. Read more on NPR

Biden shortens sentences for nearly 2,500 people, setting a record Democratic lawmakers had urged President Biden to use his clemency powers to address disparities in sentences for offenses involving crack cocaine. Read more on NPR

Why Australian Open live streams look like Wii tennis — and what it means for sports The Australian Open’s animated tennis livestreams are making a splash. U.S. leagues have used similar technology to put Simpsons on the football field and superheroes on ice skates. Read more on NPR

Court sentences former Pakistani leader Imran Khan to 14 years in prison Khan has denied wrongdoing and insisted since his arrest in 2023 that all the charges against him are a plot by rivals to keep him from returning to office. Read more on NPR

China’s population falls for a third straight year, posing challenges for its economy Rising costs of living are causing young people to put off or rule out marriage and child birth while pursuing higher education and careers. Read more on NPR