Biden extends protections for immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador and Ukraine Close to a millions migrants will be shielded from deportation for up to 18 months. Read more on NPR

More than half a million students were out of school because of LA fires this week School districts in and around Los Angeles shut down because of the fires. That includes LAUSD, the second largest school district in the country. Read more on NPR

U.S. ambassador to Israel makes his final push for release of U.S. hostages from Gaza “We are going to do everything we can in this round to get all the American hostages, living and dead, out,” Ambassador Jacob J. Lew tells NPR. His tenure as President Biden’s envoy ends this month. Read more on NPR

A small seafood restaurant turns into a national donation hub for LA fire victims In response to the devastating fires raging in LA, a small restaurant in Surf City USA has become a channel for big help — from locals to people across the country — to support their neighbors up north. Read more on…

New photos show the volcanic plains of Mercury after a spacecraft fly-by The BepiColombo spacecraft flew less than 200 miles from Mercury’s surface and photographed volcanic plains and icy craters. Read more on NPR

Venezuela’s Maduro begins new term as US increases bounty for his arrest The US announces a $25 million reward for the arrest or conviction of Venezuelas President Nicolás Maduro, on same day he’s sworn in for a third consecutive term. Read more on NPR

Is smoke in your home? Here’s how to make an air purifier from a box fan A large area of greater Los Angeles had unhealthy air Friday, due to particulate matter from large wildfires. Here are tips for breathing cleaner air indoors if its smoky outside. Read more on NPR

Cancelled flights, stranded cars, no power: Winter storm slams swath of U.S. Atlanta has seen nearly 1,000 flights grounded, while more than 34,000 Arkansans have lost power. Read more on NPR

2024 was the hottest year on record. The reason remains a science mystery The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too. Read more on NPR

Firefighters battling LA fires make some progress, but harsh winds threaten gains Despite some progress, the biggest blazes — the Palisades and Eaton fires — rage uncontrolled as anxious residents receive alerts sent in error and face massive damages. Read more on NPR