A pitmaster and dedicated father died alongside his son waiting for help in LA fire Anthony Mitchell Sr. and his son Justin were waiting for help to evacuate on the day they died in the Eaton fire, family members said. Anthony Sr. was remembered for his devotion to his children. Read more on NPR

How soda is changing the world A new study establishes that soda consumption is doing ever more damage to health — with rising rates of diabetes in regions where soda-drinking is on the rise, like sub-Saharan Africa. Read more on NPR

California’s wildfires may also be catastrophic for its insurance market California’s insurance industry was already in crisis. Now the wildfires in the Los Angeles region may upend efforts to stabilize the market. Read more on NPR

Leslie Charleson, who starred on ‘General Hospital’ for nearly 50 years, dies at 79 Colleagues are remembering the soap opera star for her “quick wit” and presence on set. She died after a long illness. Read more on NPR

What happens when wildland fire reaches the city? “Wildfire” is the word we tend to use when we talk about what Los Angeles has been dealing with the past week. But Lori Moore-Merrell, the U.S. Fire Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency used a different word, when she spoke to NPR this morning. She…

Fires in Los Angeles delay Oscar nominations once more Oscar nominations had already been delayed once due to the fires raging in Los Angeles. The ceremony itself remains scheduled for early March. Read more on NPR

Family remembers Victor Shaw, killed in the Eaton fire, for his bond with his sister Family members said Victor Shaw, 66, was shy and reserved in nature, but had a deep love for sports and a tight-knit bond with his younger sister. Read more on NPR

Biden puts AI and climate at the top of the list for Trump administration President Biden, 82, has focused on U.S. foreign policy for decades. As he leaves office, he said his team’s work on artificial intelligence and climate was key for his successor to follow through on. Read more on NPR

The Power Struggle Among Palestinian Groups in the West Bank There is a fight for power happening among Palestinian groups in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, has spent weeks weeks besieging the Jenin refugee camp. The tussle is also a fight over different visions for the…

A TikTok ban could hit the U.S. in days. What to know — and how to prepare Even if the controversial U.S. ban on TikTok does take effect on Jan. 19, the app won’t automatically vanish from phones. Here’s what would change, plus preparations and potential workarounds. Read more on NPR