Nearly a month ago, the iconic Rose Bowl, home of UCLA football, was in danger of destruction when an evacuation order was issued during the early stage of the Los Angeles wildfires.
On Saturday, it recognized the first responders who heroically sought to tame those fires, as several artists in the music industry put on a free concert for those individuals who worked tirelessly to protect Los Angeles. Family members were also invited.
Saturday’s concert, titled “A Concert for All First Responders,” was headlined by country star Jelly Roll and also included performances from Lainey Wilson, Nate Smith, Marshmallow, Public Enemy and Shinedown.
It welcomed an audience of almost 16,000, represented by the LAPD, California Professional Fire Fighters, LA Sheriff’s Department, National Guard, California Conservation Corps and a number of other local first-responder departments.
“I want you to know that you are here tonight because you are a hero or you are a loved one of a hero,” Jelly Roll said in a speech to the crowd. “And I knew the moment I was watching this go down all the way in Tennessee in my house, I thought if I got a chance to go to California, I was going to play music to everyone who worked their a– off for the last two months trying to keep the rest of this place safe. Thank you all for having me tonight — this is awesome!”
Jelly Roll had just performed at FireAid the night before, an event that had been hosted at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, which raised money to support survivors and all those affected by the fires.
The concert featured acts like Stevie Wonder, Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Rod Stewart, Earth, Wind and Fire, Katy Perry, Sting, Tate McRae, Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt and a number of others.
The Rose Bowl had served as a sanctuary for first responders during the trying times of the fires. And on Saturday, it was utilized as one once again, acting as much more than a venue for diehard sports fans it has so iconically been known for throughout its long history.
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On Tuesday, the iconic Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, home to the UCLA Bruins football team, opened its gates to host a special free concert for emergency responders in the Los Angeles area. The event, organized as a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of these brave men and women, featured performances by local artists and musicians.
The concert, which drew a large crowd of first responders and their families, served as a way to honor their service and sacrifice, especially in light of the challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees were treated to a night of music, camaraderie, and celebration, all against the backdrop of the historic stadium.
The Rose Bowl, known for its storied history and iconic events, provided the perfect setting for this special gathering. As the sun set over the San Gabriel Mountains, attendees enjoyed performances by local bands and artists, as well as special guest appearances by UCLA football players and coaches.
Overall, the concert was a heartwarming tribute to the dedication and selflessness of Los Angeles’ emergency responders. The event highlighted the important role these individuals play in keeping our communities safe and secure, and served as a reminder of the gratitude we owe them for their service.
As the night came to a close, attendees left the Rose Bowl with a renewed sense of appreciation for the men and women who serve on the front lines every day. The concert was a fitting tribute to these unsung heroes, and a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to support and uplift one another in times of need.
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Rose Bowl, UCLA Football, Free Concert, L.A. Emergency Responders, Rose Bowl Concert, UCLA Football Stadium, L.A. First Responders, Emergency Responders Concert, Rose Bowl Event
Good morning, and welcome to L.A. on the Record — our City Hall newsletter. It’s David Zahniser, with assists from Tony Barboza, Andrew Khouri and Laura J. Nelson, giving you the latest on city and county government.
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One of the most emotionally charged issues facing Los Angeles-area political leaders since the deadly wildfires is also one of the most basic: How will the government get rid of all the debris?
When the week began, L.A. city and county elected officials were facing furious demands to haul it away more swiftly. By week’s end, they were hearing criticism that the process was moving too fast — and that the hazardous waste was being shipped to the wrong places.
President Trump first seized on the debris issue during his Jan. 24 visit to L.A. At an awkward roundtable discussion, he told Mayor Karen Bass that homeowners in Pacific Palisades, the part of Los Angeles hardest hit by the fires, were “devastated” to learn they would be “forced to wait 18 months” to get building permits. “I just think you have to allow people to go on their site and start the process tonight,” he told the mayor.
Trump Press Secretary Karoline Leavittpiled on days later, telling reporters in Washington, D.C., that Pacific Palisades residents felt “as though their government has just gone insane.”
“Before President Trump showed up on the scene, Karen Bass was telling private property owners that they would have to wait 18 months to access their private property,” she said.
So where did that 18-month timetable come from? Apparently, the federal government itself.
On Jan. 23, a day before Trump’s arrival, Bass and other local elected officials took part in a post-wildfire Zoom call hosted by the Pacific Palisades Community Council — a packed session attended by hundreds of residents grieving over the loss of their homes. Among the speakers was Col.Eric Swenson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who — along with L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella — explained the government’s strategy for hauling away debris.
“If all things go as planned,” Swenson told about 1,000 people in the Zoom meeting, “we expect to be meaningfully complete with private property debris removal sometime in the next 18 months.”
Swenson and Pestrella said residents whose homes were destroyed would have access to a two-part program funded by the federal government. During the mandatory first phase, workers from the Environmental Protection Agency would remove hazardous waste — paint, asbestos, lithium-ion batteries and so on — from the sites of burned-out homes.
Over the longer second phase, the Army Corps of Engineers would send crews to haul away the remainder of the debris. (Property owners also may choose to pay for their own private cleanup of nonhazardous materials.)
Some wildfire survivors were stunned at the prospect of waiting 18 months, voicing their frustration online and in person. Trump channeled that anger during his Pacific Palisades roundtable, telling Bass in front of the cameras: “They want to start now. They want to start removing things.”
Councilmember Traci Park pointed out to Trump that the 18-month timeline had been announced by the Army Corps. Other local officials, during the roundtable and in the days that followed, warned that residents could face health risks if they personally sift through toxic debris, especially without protective equipment.
“The most important thing is for people to be safe,” Bass said.
Since the Palisades fire broke out on Jan. 7, Bass has sometimes struggled to answer questions about the city’s response. Asked at one point about the criticism from Trump’s press secretary, she told KNX that she had a productive call with the administration that same day.
Trump, in an executive order, has called for the heads of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the EPA and other U.S. agencies to develop a plan to speed up the removal of debris — including contaminated material.
According to one White House official, federal agencies have since tripled the number of hazardous materials teams heading out to the Palisades and Eaton burn areas. They also laid plans for having the EPA and Army Corps work simultaneously on different parts of the same site, as part of the effort to speed things up.
By midweek, L.A. County officials were offering a more accelerated debris removal timeline.
“EPA’s Phase one started at a projected three months, and is now shortened to 30 days,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said on Wednesday.
Swenson, standing near Horvath, presented a different schedule as well, saying “better than 80 to 90 percent” of the properties burned in the Eaton and Palisades fires would be cleared by the Army Corps “in the first year or less.”
Swenson acknowledged that he had previously described debris removal as an 18-month process, but said there had been a misunderstanding. The vast majority of people who sign up for debris removal “will be done much faster than a year,” he said.
“But there will always be people, for a variety of reasons, where ownership of the property may be in doubt because the owner may have passed away during or before the fire,” he said. “The county can’t approve [a site cleanup] until they have established legal ownership.”
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes Altadena and who is the only Republican on the board, credited Trump with speeding things up, telling reporters that the president “doesn’t mess around.” Horvath thanked Barger for working to secure the faster timeline from the EPA.
But by then, the supervisors were contending with a different political headache.
Residents in Duarte, Azusa and other San Gabriel Valley communities were furious to learn that Lario Park in Irwindale had been designated as a site that would temporarily receive paint, bleach and other hazardous waste from the burned-out properties of the Eaton fire.
That rocky location, which is actually known as the Lario Staging Area, is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was leased until last month to the L.A. County parks department.
At a packed town hall in Azusa, residents and officials from cities near the site expressed anger and dismay that federal officials had taken action without notifying them. As environmental officials fielded their questions, other residents shouted: “Leave it in Altadena!”
“It feels like David versus Goliath,” Duarte Mayor Cesar Garcia said.
Celeste McCoy, an on-scene coordinator with the EPA, told county officials that the site was chosen because it is already owned by the federal government.
“We are moving as fast as possible,” she said. “We have, by order of the White House within the last 48 hours, to expedite this phase one process.”
Barger agreed that the EPA should have done better outreach to the communities around Lario Park. But she expressed confidence that federal cleanup crews would “make sure that it’s safe.”
“I can tell you, having worked with the EPA, they are probably the strictest agency to work with,” she said.
On Friday, Trump spokesperson Kush Desai suggested that more moves might be on the way. In a statement, he said the president plans to use “every lever of executive and legislative power” to “rebuild ruined homes and communities.”
“President Trump’s actions have streamlined government bureaucracy and deployed additional federal resources to expedite the cleanup and rebuilding process — efforts we only intend to build on to get Americans’ lives back on track as soon as possible,” he said.
State of play
— FLOOR FIGHT: The City Council declined to move ahead with tenant protections proposed in response to the region’s devastating wildfires. After an extremely heated discussion, the council voted 10-3 to send the proposal to its housing and homelessness committee for more deliberations. The proposal included a prohibition on several types of evictions if tenants experienced economic or medical hardship as a result of the fires.
— WALKING TOUR: Bass and Steve Soboroff, the city’s chief recovery officer, took the news media on a freewheeling half-hour walking tour in Pacific Palisades, where they discussed plans to hire a firm to oversee the rebuilding process. “They’re going to represent you and make sure that everybody does exactly what they say they’re going to do,” Soboroff said.
— BATTLIN’ BARGER: Meanwhile, Barger fielded questions from the LAT’s Steve Lopez, telling him that residents have a right to rebuild in high-fire risk areas like Altadena. “I talked to a probation officer whose home had been in the family forever,” she said. “And I’m not going to look her in the eye and say, ‘You can’t build. Sorry. Climate change.’”
— HEATED OVER HOUSING: Speaking of the supes, housing advocates are upset over a proposal to temporarily waive state housing laws in Altadena and other unincorporated areas impacted by wildfires. Barger and Lindsey Horvath, whose districts were in the path of the fires, want Gov. Gavin Newsom to temporarily exempt those areas from laws intended to speed up the creation of affordable housing.
— HEALTH HAZARDS: Toxins may have reached parts of L.A. well outside the immediate fire zones.
— PUSHED OUT: City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto has fired Michelle McGinnis, the onetime head of the office’s criminal branch, a lawyer for McGinnis told The Times. Matthew McNicholas, who represents McGinnis, said his client will challenge her termination. Last year, McGinnis sued Feldstein Soto, saying she faced retaliation after identifying a number of misdeeds by her boss. Feldstein Soto, who previously denied wrongdoing, declined comment on McGinnis’ employment status.
— PARK PROCEEDS: City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades and other coastal areas, is running for reelection in June 2026. On Friday, she reported that her campaign took in about $306,000 in donations during the fundraising period that ended Dec. 31. Meanwhile, businessman Tim Gaspar, who is running to replace Councilmember Bob Blumenfield in the west San Fernando Valley, reported that he collected more than $106,000 — which includes a $25,000 personal loan from himself.
— EMERGENCY FUND: The council set aside $50 million for wildfire emergency response and recovery on Friday, borrowing the money from the Department of Building and Safety. The council approved the transfer unanimously, noting that the loan would be repaid with state and federal emergency relief funds.
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Where is Inside Safe? The mayor’s signature initiative to combat homelessness went to Historic Filipinotown this week, focusing on a stretch of Beverly Boulevard represented by Councilmember Hugo Soto–Martínez.
On the docket for next week: The Los Angeles Board of Fire Commissioners, a five-member panel made up of mayoral appointees, holds its first meeting since the outbreak of the fires in Pacific Palisades and elsewhere.
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In L.A., the politics around wildfire debris removal gets messy
As wildfires continue to ravage California, the aftermath leaves behind a trail of destruction that requires extensive cleanup efforts. In Los Angeles, the politics surrounding wildfire debris removal have become increasingly contentious, with various stakeholders clashing over the best approach to handling the aftermath.
One of the major points of contention is the responsibility for debris removal. While the state government plays a significant role in coordinating cleanup efforts, local governments and private contractors also have a stake in the process. This has led to disagreements over who should foot the bill for debris removal and how the cleanup should be carried out.
In addition, environmental concerns have also complicated the debris removal process. Asbestos, heavy metals, and other hazardous materials are often present in wildfire debris, posing a risk to both cleanup crews and the surrounding environment. Finding a safe and effective way to dispose of these materials has become a major challenge, further complicating the cleanup efforts.
Furthermore, the sheer scale of the debris left behind by wildfires has overwhelmed many communities, leading to delays in cleanup efforts and frustration among residents. With limited resources and competing interests at play, finding a solution that satisfies all parties involved has proven to be a difficult task.
In the midst of all this, it is clear that the politics surrounding wildfire debris removal in L.A. have become increasingly messy. As the debate rages on, it is crucial for stakeholders to come together and find a solution that prioritizes the safety of workers, protects the environment, and helps communities recover from the devastation of wildfires. Only through collaboration and cooperation can we effectively address the challenges posed by wildfire debris removal in L.A.
Kanye West Back In L.A.!!! Crashes at A$AP Rocky’s House Amid Trial
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Updated
Kanye West is back on U.S. turf after weeks of globe-trotting with Bianca Censori, and he’s wasting no time reconnecting with old pals — including A$AP Rocky.
As we know, A$AP’s been attending his high-profile assault trialdowntown … and it seems like Ye is showing support, heading straight to his friend’s L.A. crib to spend the night Thursday.
It was a long day for Ye though, ’cause earlier he was spotted cruising the city in fancy cars with his manager, John Monopoly … and they stopped in at a West Hollywood studio.
Looks like Kanye was in a great mood, soaking up some fresh company after his time abroad with Bianca.
Bianca was probably using her downtime to recover from jet lag — oh, and you can bet she’s also plotting her next set of saucy Stateside fits.
In a shocking turn of events, Kanye West has jetted back to Los Angeles and taken refuge at A$AP Rocky’s house amidst his ongoing trial. The rapper, who has been embroiled in legal troubles in recent months, was spotted arriving at Rocky’s lavish mansion in the Hollywood Hills earlier this week.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Kanye sought shelter at A$AP Rocky’s home to escape the media frenzy surrounding his trial and to seek solace from his close friend. The two artists have been longtime collaborators and have a strong bond that dates back several years.
As Kanye’s trial continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this unexpected development will impact the outcome of the case. Fans and onlookers alike are eagerly awaiting further updates on Kanye’s legal situation and his stay at A$AP Rocky’s house.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
The country star performs “South Dakota” and “It Takes a Woman” alongside his wife and collaborator Morgane on ACL
Chris Stapleton returns to Austin City Limits to help celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. In a performance set to premiere Saturday, the country vocalist and songwriter takes the stage to perform a set of country gems including Higher standouts “South Dakota” and “It Takes a Woman,” the current Grammy-nominated song for Best Country Solo Performance.
For the occasion, Stapleton was accompanied by his wife and frequent collaborator Morgane Stapleton, and a six-piece band including Willie Nelson and Family band harmonica player Mickey Raphael. Earlier this week, Stapleton and Morgane’s charitable fund Outlaw State of Kind donated $1 million to support national and local organizations providing fire relief in Los Angeles.
“Outlaw State of Kind has donated $1 million to support national and local organizations providing wildfire relief in Los Angeles. Join us in supporting however you can,” a message read on the OSOK website, which included a list of orgs to help.
During the ACL episode, the singer roars though a series of chart hits from “Think I’m In Love With You” to “You Should Probably Leave” and 2020’s Hot Country Song’s topper “Starting Over.” Stapleton paid tribute to some of his influences: “We are in Texas so we should probably play a shuffle,” said the singer, “this one’s from one of my dear friends that I miss very much…” before diving into late Texan Guy Clark’s boogie “Worry B Gone.” Stapleton also took a moment to play Tom Petty’s “I Should Have Known It,” and closed the hour-long show with From A Room: Volume 2‘s “Millionaire.”
ACL is marking its run as the longest-running music series in television history, according to a press release, and viewers can go to the show’s YouTube channel for exclusive songs, behind-the-scenes videos and full-length interviews with artists.
Country music star Chris Stapleton has stepped up to help those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles by donating $1 million to relief efforts.
Stapleton, known for hits like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Broken Halos,” made the generous donation to support those who have been displaced and affected by the fires. The wildfires have caused widespread destruction and forced many residents to evacuate their homes.
In a statement, Stapleton expressed his concern for those impacted by the fires and emphasized the importance of coming together to support one another during difficult times. His donation will go towards providing essential resources and support to those in need.
Stapleton’s contribution is a shining example of the power of generosity and compassion during times of crisis. His support will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the wildfires, and his donation serves as a reminder of the importance of helping others in their time of need.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, and we commend Chris Stapleton for his incredible generosity and support. Let’s all come together to help those in need during this challenging time.
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the couple’s foundation, Outlaw State of Kind, announced on Instagram and Chris’ website that it is donating $1 million to various organizations assisting those impacted.
Chris, 46, and Morgane, 42, are donating to several national organizations, including the American Red Cross, Direct Relief: California Fire Relief, GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund 2025, Project Hope and Save The Children: Children’s Emergency Fund.
Chris Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton on May 16, 2024 in Frisco, Texas.
Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty
They are also donating to several local Los Angeles organizations, including California Community Foundation: Wildfire Recovery Fund, California Fire Foundation: California Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund, Center for Disaster Philanthropy: California Wildfires Recovery Fund, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: LAFD Wildfire Emergency Fund, Mutual Aid LA Network, Pasadena Community Foundation: Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund and Ventura County Community Foundation: Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund.
The announcement also outlined that the donation will contribute to charities focused on the arts, food and animal welfare.
“Outlaw State of Kind has donated $1 million to support national and local organizations providing wildfire relief in Los Angeles. Join us in supporting however you can. Link in bio,” read the Instagram caption.
The couple’s announcement follows the ongoing Los Angeles fires — including the two larger fires, the Palisades and Eaton Fires — that erupted on Tuesday, Jan. 7. and 6,837 and 9,418 structures were destroyed, respectively.
The Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres of land since it began on Jan. 7 and is currently 96% contained, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres since it started on the same date and is currently 99% contained, Cal Fire said.
At the time of publication, 29 people lost their lives in those two fires and entire communities were displaced.
Firefighters battle flames during the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty
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Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
Country music star Chris Stapleton has once again proven that he has a heart of gold. The Grammy-winning artist recently announced that he will be donating $1 million to the relief efforts for the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The wildfires have caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands of residents and destroying homes and businesses. Stapleton’s generous donation will help provide much-needed support to those affected by the disaster.
In a statement, Stapleton expressed his sympathy for those impacted by the wildfires and his gratitude for the first responders working tirelessly to contain the blaze. He also encouraged his fans and followers to donate whatever they can to help those in need.
This is not the first time Stapleton has stepped up to help those in need. In the past, he has donated to various charitable causes and organizations, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Fans of Stapleton are applauding his generosity and thanking him for his support during this difficult time. His donation serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and compassion in times of crisis.
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Chris Stapleton, L.A. wildfire relief, donation, $1 million, charity, philanthropy, country music, musician, California wildfires, community support, disaster relief efforts
East Lansing — In 30 years of coaching at Michigan State, Tom Izzo can count on one hand how many times he’s taken his Spartans out to Los Angeles for a regular-season game.
In fact, he can count it out on one finger.
Times have changed. If hosting Washington three weeks ago wasn’t enough of a reminder of the Big Ten’s expansion, then this series will be. Michigan State visits Los Angeles for its first pilgrimage to the conference’s new territory, taking on USC at 4:30 p.m. EST Saturday and UCLA at 10 p.m. Tuesday. Both games will be streamed via Peacock.
“I’ve gotten calls on, ‘How are you going to handle it?’ How can I handle something I haven’t done before?” Izzo said Monday, before Michigan State beat Minnesota, 73-51, for its 13th straight win. “You’re just giving somebody a lot of BS because you really aren’t sure. And then coming back, they say it’s more difficult. And of course, we got that quick turnaround with Oregon. So we’ve got some challenges in front of us.”
So far this season, Michigan State has passed test after test. It didn’t lose a game in December or January for the first time under Izzo, who turned 70 Thursday as players, staff and fellow coaches sang him “Happy Birthday” as he boarded the plane for Los Angeles.
The Spartans are a perfect 4-0 on the road in Big Ten play, including a recent win over Rutgers played at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
For the first time since 2018-19, Michigan State has started Big Ten play 9-0 and the overall season 18-2. That season was the Spartans’ most recent trip to the Final Four. They have a chance to make history with one more win, as the program has never gone 19-2 overall or 10-0 in conference play to start a season.
“I think it’s mainly the focus of this team,” guard Jase Richardson said Tuesday about the season’s sterling start. “We homed in and we won the games that we need. We still got a stretch of games that are gonna be pretty tough for us, but we need to dial in defensively, offensively and get the wins.”
If the Spartans win either game in L.A., they would improve to 19-3 for the first time since 2009-10. Two wins would mark the first time the program has ever been 20-2. Two wins would also push Izzo past Bobby Knight’s record 353 Big Ten wins.
Part of the difficulty with the trip out West isn’t so much the opponents — it’s the logistics. Journeying 2,000 miles from home and living out of a hotel for the better part of a week, the Spartans will put themselves through the wringer.
USC (12-8, 4-5 Big Ten) comes first. In its first year under coach Eric Musselman, the Trojans lean on four active players averaging double digits (former Michigan Wolverine Terrance Williams II makes it five total players, but he’s sidelined with a broken wrist). Guard Desmond Claude leads the pack at 16.1 points per game.
While USC’s record is average, it’s played a tougher side of the conference, with games against Michigan and Indiana, who it lost to, and Illinois, who it beat. KenPom rates USC 66th in Division I, the 15th highest of the Big Ten’s teams.
In Izzo’s career, his Spartans have played USC twice, both in the NCAA Tournament — the 2009 Round of 32 and the 2023 Round of 64. Michigan State last visited the Trojans on Dec. 29, 1970, when it lost in the Trojan Classic tournament.
Next up, UCLA (16-6, 7-4) poses a more difficult test. Led by Izzo’s friend Mick Cronin, a coach equally as hard to please, the Bruins have fared well in their transition to Big Ten life. Forward Tyler Bilodeau scores the most for an offense that ranks top 50 in efficiency, but UCLA makes its money through stingy defense on par with that of the Spartans. UCLA is surging with a five-game win streak of its own, including ranked wins over Wisconsin and Oregon.
Michigan State played a home-and-home with UCLA between the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons, with the home side winning each meeting. Since then, the two have met in three holiday tournaments and twice in the NCAA Tournament, including the Spartans’ 86-80 overtime loss in the 2021 First Four.
No. 7 Michigan State at USC
Tipoff: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Galen Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
TV/radio: Peacock (streaming only)/760
Records: Michigan State 18-2, 9-0 Big Ten; USC 12-8, 4-5
All-time series: Michigan State leads, 4-3. Last meeting: Michigan State won, 72-62, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament March 17, 2023.
Last time out: Michigan State allowed just 16 first half points in a 73-51 rout of Minnesota at home. … USC lost to crosstown rival UCLA, 82-76, despite a 21-point outburst from Rashaun Agee.
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Michigan State basketball fans have plenty to be excited about as head coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans head to Los Angeles to chase history in the NCAA tournament. Izzo, known for his coaching prowess and ability to lead his team to success in March, is looking to add another championship to his impressive resume.
With a talented roster filled with star players like Aaron Henry and Rocket Watts, the Spartans are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Izzo’s experience and leadership will be crucial as the team faces tough competition on the road to the Final Four.
Michigan State basketball has a rich history of success in the NCAA tournament, and fans are hopeful that this year will be no different. As the Spartans prepare to take on their opponents in L.A., all eyes will be on Izzo and his team as they look to make history once again.
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Michigan State basketball, Tom Izzo, L.A., history, college basketball, NCAA, tournament, March Madness, Spartans, coach, championship, legacy, basketball game, sports news
The This Is Usactor, 47, and wife Jarah Mariano, 41, welcomed their first baby, Ke’ala Coral Ventimiglia, on Thursday, Jan. 23. Mariano announced the happy news on Friday, Jan. 31, with a post on Instagram, showing the bottom half of the newborn and the paw of their dog.
In the caption, Mariano reflected on everything that the couple has been through during the past few weeks with the L.A. fires.
“Houseless, never homeless. Welcome back Ke’ala Coral Ventimiglia 1.23.25,” Mariano wrote in the caption. “Jan 7th my family & I evacuated from the Palisades Fire. We lost our home that we were living in & everything we own, as well as our home under construction that we were about to move into.”
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“We are deeply grateful to all of the heroes who help battle fires, as well as care for everyone affected by the aftermath for years to come,” she continued. “This will be an extended process of rebuilding and grieving for many, but we are feeling optimistic & inspired to welcome all of the exciting newness of our fresh start!”
In the caption, the new mom noted that the only thing that “truly” mattered was that her and her family were “together, happy, healthy & safe.” Mariano thanked everyone who supported them, including friends, family, her birthing team, the hospital staff and more.
“Your love & generosity means everything to us,” she added. “Gentle reminder to all, to please allow us this time & space to nest with our newborn in such a delicate phase. We already have everything we need in abundance & will be back around with updates in our own time.”
On Sunday, Sept. 29, Mariano announced her pregnancy on Instagram with photos of her wearing a bikini and a pink floral lei, showcasing her growing bump as she floated on a surfboard. The second photo showed both Ventimiglia and Mariano doing the shaka sign, which is the official hand gesture of Hawaii.
“Baby on board!” Mariano wrote in the caption of the post, tagging home state in Hawaii as her location.
The couple secretly married in Hawaii in Sept. 2023, a rep confirmed with PEOPLE at the time. On their first wedding anniversary, Mariano shared a gallery of black and white photos from the big day on Instagram to commemorate the special occasion.
“Last year I married my best friend,” Mariano wrote. “There aren’t enough words that exist to describe all the special qualities that make him who he is. AlI can say is that I am grateful for the life that we have together and the happiness that we have created Aloha wau iā ‘oe my husband Milo.”
Milo Ventimiglia and Wife Jarah Mariano Welcome Baby After Losing Home in L.A. Fires
In the midst of tragedy, there is a glimmer of joy for actor Milo Ventimiglia and his wife Jarah Mariano. The couple recently welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby boy, just weeks after losing their home in the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles.
Despite the heartbreaking loss of their home, Milo and Jarah are overjoyed to have their new bundle of joy in their arms. The couple has been leaning on each other for support during this difficult time and are grateful for the love and support of their family and friends.
Milo, known for his role in the hit TV series “This Is Us,” has been open about his love for his wife and his excitement about becoming a father. He has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and the community during this challenging time.
As they begin this new chapter as parents, Milo and Jarah are focusing on the future and the happiness of their growing family. They are grateful for the blessings in their lives and are looking forward to creating new memories with their precious son.
Congratulations to Milo and Jarah on the birth of their baby boy, and may their love and strength continue to carry them through the difficult days ahead.
Milo Ventimiglia and his wife, Jarah Mariano, are officially parents!
Mariano revealed on Instagram Friday that the couple welcomed their first baby, Ke’ala Coral Ventimiglia, on Jan. 23. She also shared a photo which featured the bottom half of their newborn and their dog’s paw.
“Houseless, never homeless. Welcome back Ke’ala Coral Ventimiglia 1.23.25,” she wrote in the caption. “Jan 7th my family & I evacuated from the Palisades Fire. We lost our home that we were living in & everything we own, as well as our home under construction that we were about to move into. I was 38 weeks pregnant & I had done an evacuation only a few weeks prior during the Franklin Fire as well. I take it as a gift that I was able to essentially do a practice run for what was inevitably to come. I’m also forever grateful that we were able to evacuate from the Palisades Fire in the daytime, when we could feel more prepared & not caught completely off guard in the middle of the night, for example.”
Mariano continued, “My family & I are together, happy, healthy & safe, which is truly all that matters. We are deeply grateful to all of the heroes who help battle fires, as well as care for everyone affected by the aftermath for years to come. This will be an extended process of rebuilding and grieving for many, but we are feeling optimistic & inspired to welcome all of the exciting newness of our fresh start! A special thank you to all of those who have supported my family & I in this time; friends, family, my birthing team, hospital staff, companies gifting, LA community and beyond. Your love & generosity means everything to us.”
“Gentle reminder to all, to please allow us this time & space to nest with our newborn in such a delicate phase. We already have everything we need in abundance & will be back around with updates in our own time. Sending you Aloha + Light always, Jarah Milo Ke’a Duke,” she concluded her post.
Earlier this month, Ventimiglia told CBS News that their Malibu home burned down after the Palisades Fire swept through their neighborhood. At the time, the This Is Us and Gilmore Girls actor said they had the nursery all ready to go for their baby, making the devastation even harder to grasp.
He added, “You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house and whatnot, and then you see your neighbors’ houses and everything kind of around, and your heart just breaks.”
Milo Ventimiglia and Wife Jarah Mariano Welcome First Baby Weeks After Losing Home in L.A. Wildfires
Congratulations are in order for Milo Ventimiglia and his wife Jarah Mariano as they have welcomed their first child together amidst the challenges of losing their home in the devastating L.A. wildfires.
The couple, who have been together for several years, announced the arrival of their baby with joy and gratitude, despite the difficult circumstances they have faced in recent weeks.
Ventimiglia, known for his roles in hit TV shows like “This Is Us” and “Gilmore Girls,” has been open about the emotional toll of losing their home in the wildfires, but has also expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and loved ones.
Now, as they welcome their new addition to the family, Ventimiglia and Mariano can look forward to a brighter future and a new chapter in their lives. Our thoughts are with them during this special time.
Congratulations to the happy couple on their new arrival! #MiloVentimiglia #JarahMariano #NewBaby #LAWildfires #Congratulations
Banderas, 64, tells PEOPLE in a recent interview about his Bosch Super Bowl commercial that his ex-wife Melanie Griffith and other members of her family stayed with their daughter Stella Banderas after they were ordered to evacuate from their homes in the initial days after fires burst out across L.A. county on Jan. 7.
“With Dakota, I think she was out of Los Angeles,” Banderas says of his stepdaughterDakota Johnson, who has been photographed traveling through India with her fiancé Chris Martinduring Coldplay’s world tour in recent days. “But I talk all the time with my daughter Stella. I continue doing it and I know everybody’s fine. I know that Melanie was at some point, the whole entire area where she lives, they got the evacuation. And so her, my ex mother-in-law, some friends of my daughter, they were all living with my daughter because she was in an area that was not [affected].”
Babygirl actor Banderas was married to Griffith, 67, from 1996 to 2015. The pair share Stella, 28, and Johnson, 35, has always been close to Banderas. Her father is Don Johnson, whom Griffith was previously married to. Griffith also shares son Alexander Bauer with ex-husband Steven Bauer and and stepson Jesse Johnson with Don, now 75.
Dakota Johnson and Antonio Banderas on Sept. 7, 2019.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
“It’s so sad,” Banderas, who lives in Spain, says of the ongoing wildfires in L.A., which he described as “difficult to understand for European people.”
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Thousands of structures have been destroyed by the multiple fires that have broken out in L.A. over the last two-plus weeks, with 27 deaths caused by the still-burning Palisades and Eaton Fires. More than 80,000 people have been displaced by the fires, including a significant number of celebrities who live throughout L.A. County.
“My daughter was telling me, ‘Oh, Papi, I never experienced winds like this in Los Angeles. It was unbelievable, and it was very difficult to stop. We were seeing embers that were just flying miles and falling into another neighborhood,’ ” Banderas says. “So if you are not looking at the sky entire time, you can find the surprise that your house is just burning from the roof. So all of these things were happening all at the same time. . . It’s very difficult.”
Dakota Johnson, Melanie Griffith, Stella Banderas and Antonio Banderas on Oct. 18, 2005. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
“I suppose that’s gonna be a whole full investigation, just to see not only what happened, but how to avoid it in the future,” he adds. “But it’s very difficult for European people to understand that a big city like Los Angeles with so much investing, so much money and that something like this can happen, that neighborhoods, complete neighborhoods, they were flattened by fire. It’s weird. It’s just strange.”
Banderas’ commercial with Bosch will air during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9.
In the midst of the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, actress Melanie Griffith found herself in need of a safe haven. The ex-wife of Antonio Banderas was forced to evacuate her home and seek refuge at her daughter Stella’s residence.
According to sources close to the family, Griffith’s daughter Stella, whom she shares with ex-husband Don Johnson, opened her doors to her mother during this difficult time. The mother-daughter duo is said to be staying together and supporting each other through the chaos and uncertainty of the wildfires.
Griffith’s ex-husband Antonio Banderas has reportedly reached out to offer his support and ensure the safety of his former wife. Despite their past differences, it’s heartening to see the Hollywood family come together in a time of crisis.
Our thoughts are with Melanie Griffith, Stella, and all those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Stay safe, everyone.
“California, Los Angeles, Altadena, the Palisades — we are in this together,” Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong screamed to a sold-out crowd at L.A.’s Kia Forum on Thursday for the FireAid wildfire benefit concert.
As the first act of the star-studded evening, the iconic rock band kicked off the show with their 2009 track “Last Night on Earth,” bringing out fellow artist Billie Eilish to perform. The group reiterated that everyone was “in this together.”
Actor and comedian Billy Crystal, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, took the stage after Green Day to officially welcome the crowd. He spoke about his own experience, telling concertgoers that he was wearing the clothes he evacuated from his home in, which he wore for a week. He announced that all donations of the night would be matched by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie Snyder, the first of which came from U2, according to Crystal, who donated $1 million dollars.
Alanis Morissette and Anderson .Paak kept the evening going. Morissette performed her 1998 song “Thank U” with messages of gratitude.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the greatest nights in Los Angeles city tonight,” Paak told the crowd. The artist also gave the crowd a big surprise in the form of a special appearance of legendary rapper Dr. Dre.
“This is a magical moment for me. I’ve got so much love, you guys. This summer will be the mark of 40 years that I’ve been in this business. I appreciate all the love you’ve been giving me. I appreciate all the first responders and all the firemen who put their lives on the line. It’s all about love for me today,” the rapper said before jumping into his and Tupac’s iconic 1995 hit “California Love.” The crowd went wild as he performed with .Paak and singer and drummer Sheila E.
Legendary singer Joni Mitchell serenaded the crowd, the 81-year-old singer making a rare live appearance. The benefit also included words from those directly impacted by the fires, including Dr. Eshele Williams, her sisters and mother from Altadena, with ties to the community dating back to 1948 when their grandmother bought a home in the area. Dr. Williams explained that between the five of them on stage, four lost homes in the fire.
“We grabbed what we could, pictures, our grandmother’s special clock. We collected our father’s ashes and his flag from serving in the military,” she told the crowd. “We love our community and right now we are all grieving immense loss.”
Folk rock band Dawes performed a rendition of their 2011 song “Time Spent in Los Angeles.” The group’s frontman Taylor Goldsmith, married to actress Mandy Moore, and its drummer Griffin Goldsmith, his brother, were both directly impacted by the fire. Griffin lost his home in the fire, while Taylor lost his studio, including almost all of their instruments.
Dawes also brought out Stephen Stills to perform together before facilitating one of the biggest surprises of the night – a reunion between Stills and Graham Nash. The iconic members of Crosby, Stills and Nash performed their 1970 song, “Teach Your Children.”
“Take care of yourself, take care of one another,” Nash finished.
A slew of industry figures were spotted at the show already. Apple’s Eddy Cue was spotted with one of the show’s producers, Irving Azoff. Almost Famous filmmaker Cameron Crowe was also seen in the same viewing area. Manager Roger Davies was seen at the Forum venue ahead of client Pink’s performance.
Live Nation, AEG and the Azoff Company partnered with the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood to host the benefit show, described as an evening of music and solidarity. The concerts are being broadcast by select AMC Theatres, Apple Music and the Apple TV App, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudom, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Veeps and YouTube, demonstrating how the music business is unifying around the local disaster.
Proceeds from the concert will go toward a 501(c)(3) created for the event that will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure L.A. is better prepared for fire emergencies.
FireAid is being produced by Shelli and Irving Azoff and the Azoff family, in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents.
This post will be updated throughout the show.
L.A. Wildfire Relief Benefit Concert FireAid Underway in L.A.
As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, the community has come together to support those affected by hosting the FireAid benefit concert. The concert, held at a local venue, aims to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts and provide support to those who have been displaced or impacted by the fires.
Featuring performances from local artists and musicians, FireAid promises to be a night of music, unity, and generosity. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly towards assisting those in need and aiding in recovery efforts.
The concert is a reminder of the resilience and strength of the L.A. community, coming together in times of crisis to support one another. If you are in the area, be sure to attend FireAid and show your support for those affected by the wildfires. Together, we can make a difference and help rebuild our community. #FireAid #LAWildfireRelief #SupportLA
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