Crooked Bough News Round-up

— A woman and her dad help Calif. evacuees learn if their homes survived the fires

 

at 1/12/25 2:30pm

Vanessa Prata and her father, Aluizio, posted to an Altadena community group on Facebook to say they were willing to check on the homes of people who had evacuated their property. They visited more than two dozen homes Friday and Saturday.

— LA county wildfires are likely the costliest in US history, surpassing $120 billion

 

at 1/11/25 2:41pm

While California is no stranger to major wildfires, they have generally been concentrated in inland areas that are not densely populated. That’s far from the case this time.

— Stories to unite Bangladesh

 

at 1/10/25 1:27pm

The interim government stirs a society emerging from dictatorship toward reconciliation through art and freedom of expression.

— With eye on Gaza, Palestinian Authority tackles West Bank militants

 

at 1/10/25 12:09pm

Popular support for the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has been in steady decline. Now, to burnish its credentials, the Authority is taking on a militant stronghold in Jenin. The high-risk move is further dividing Palestinian society.

— NY judge gives Trump an unconditional discharge sentence, but a felon label

 

at 1/10/25 11:02am

The judge in Donald Trump's hush money case sentenced the president-elect to an "unconditional discharge.'' His conviction stands, but with no more penalties.

— New York judge gives Trump an ‘unconditional discharge’ sentence, but a felon label

 

at 1/10/25 11:02am

The judge in Donald Trump’s hush money case sentenced the president-elect to an “unconditional discharge.’’ His conviction stands, but with no more penalties.

— New York judge gives Trump an unconditional discharge sentence, but a felon label

 

at 1/10/25 11:02am

The judge in Donald Trump’s hush money case sentenced the president-elect to an “unconditional discharge.’’ His conviction stands, but with no more penalties.

— The National Guard has arrived to help Los Angeles. How you can help from afar.

 

at 1/10/25 10:12am

As the Los Angeles wildfires enter their fourth day, another fire started late Jan. 9, but an aggressive response prevented it from spreading. The fires have burned more than 10,000 homes. Here are ways you can support recovery efforts.

— Here’s why it’s hard for Trump to acquire Greenland – and what’s at stake

 

at 1/10/25 8:56am

President-elect Donald Trump's idea of acquiring Greenland comes as the Arctic region grows in strategic importance for economic and military reasons. He's already meeting resistance.

— A biographer celebrates Benjamin Franklin’s curiosity and joy in science

 

at 1/10/25 8:24am

The ‘ingenious’ Founding Father Benjamin Franklin receives his due as scientist-inventor in Richard Munson’s sparkling biography.

— Raise the curtain on the 10 best books of January

 

at 1/10/25 7:44am

The 10 best books of January 2025 embrace living on the edge, escaping convention, and confronting racism.

— In Israel’s democracy battle, an added front: Politicized police

 

at 1/10/25 7:19am

How central is an independent police force to democracy? In Israel, the politicization of the national police is seen as part of the hard-line government’s revived judicial overhaul.

— What I saw in LA-area fire evacuations: Caring for people and their safety

 

at 1/9/25 3:35pm

The wind-fueled fires around Los Angeles destroyed many homes. Our West Coast reporter reflects on finding safety and community amid the danger.

— ‘We cannot rest yet’: South Koreans react to deepening political crisis

 

at 1/9/25 3:17pm

More than a month after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched martial law attempt infuriated a nation, South Koreans are still in the street, demanding he step down. The Monitor caught up with some people we spoke with in December about their views on the evolving political crisis.

— Music unlocks secrets about the design of the universe

 

at 1/9/25 2:27pm

Daniel K.L. Chua’s expansive, eye-opening book documents how music from China to Greece has underpinned humanity’s search for joy.

— An opening for equality in Lebanon

 

at 1/9/25 2:16pm

The election of a new president after years of political division marks the next step in a region shedding old patterns of violence.

— Key question as Venezuela prepares for inauguration: Who is the next president?

 

at 1/9/25 12:35pm

Venezuela is meant to inaugurate its next president Jan. 10. But with a contested election, who exactly will take power?

— World leaders try to sway Trump on trade and Ukraine

 

at 1/9/25 11:29am

A wary world is treating Donald Trump as if he is already U.S. president. International leaders are seeking his favor, making nice, but buckling up.

— Lebanon army commander Joseph Aoun is sworn in as president, filling two-year void

 

at 1/9/25 9:36am

Following 13 attempts to elect a president, Lebanon’s parliament has sworn in army commander Joseph Aoun as the head of state. Mr. Aoun is the preferred candidate of the United States and Saudi Arabia.

— The last of Estonia’s master canoe-makers are still carving their niche

 

at 1/9/25 7:53am

The traditional art of haabjas building, practiced by only five remaining master crafters, is threatened by the making of fiberglass or other modern – often motorized – boats.

— Public safety or free speech? What’s at stake in the TikTok case.

 

at 1/9/25 7:03am

The Supreme Court will hear the TikTok case Friday, ahead of a Jan. 19 ban. What’s at stake for the media platform and its users in the United States?

As of 1/12/25 8:30pm. Last new 1/12/25 2:39pm.