Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word,’ which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know the importance of analyzing the facts of messaging. .
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans from our reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe that quality journalism should be available to everyone, and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes a difference.
Resident of Los Angeles Naomi Osaka discovered the impact of forest fires raging across Southern California as the four-time Grand Slam champion revealed that the flames were as close as three blocks from her home.
Osaka competes in Melbourne Australian Open but she sent wishes to her hometown after defeating Caroline Garcia in the first round on Monday.
The 27-year-old said the fires were on her mind while she was away and asked friends at home to retrieve valuables such as her daughter Shai’s birth certificate from her home.
“I was looking at the fire map and the fire is three blocks from my house,” Osaka said in an interview on the ground.
“I had someone take my daughter’s birth certificate and all that because I didn’t know what would happen if it burned.
“I guess I send all my love to LA. I know we hear about wildfires, but I didn’t know how devastating it could be. I hope they are all well and I send them my love.”
Osaka also wrote “I heart LA” on a courtside camera after her interview, after Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek they also used their first-round wins at the Australian Open to send messages of support to California.
America’s Gauff wrote “Stay strong LA. Thank you firemen’ on the camera lens after her 6-3 6-3 win over Sofia Kenin, while Swiatek put ‘Sending my love to Malibu and LA’.
Firefighters are bracing for the return of fierce Santa Ana winds expected to fan wildfires raging across Southern California as the death toll rises to at least 24.
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the fires as the “worst natural disaster” in US history, with more than 12,000 homes and buildings reduced to ash by the flames.
There is a threat of more damage with the National Weather Service warning of an “extremely hazardous situation” due to gusts of up to 70 mph in the mountainous regions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Includes PA reporting