January

easyJet sale includes £15.99 flights to ‘Europe’s Hawaii’ with 19C January weather

The island’s microclimate means daytime highs hover around 19C in January, making it a great winter sun destination, and those seeking winter sun can find cheap flights if they visit in January

Budget airline easyJet has launched a Black Friday sale, offering dozens of routes at bargain prices. For those seeking a winter sun getaway, one particular destination is likely to pique your interest, with flights in January starting from just £15.99 each way.

Madeira, situated just north of the Canary Islands, is gaining popularity during the winter months due to its microclimate that provides mild weather. January is an especially pleasant time to visit, with daytime temperatures averaging around 19C. The month of January 2025 was particularly warm, with historical data indicating temperatures soared up to 23C.

Often referred to as ‘Europe’s Hawaii’, Madeira shares similar volcanic terrain and lush greenery with the islands. Like Hawaii, the Portuguese island of Madeira also boasts some breathtaking beaches to discover.

Many of Madeira’s beaches are pebble or black sand, a result of its volcanic nature, so don’t forget to pack your flip flops. However, there are some manmade sandy beaches such as Praia da Calheta, a popular spot with crystal clear seas and piers that create tranquil swimming zones, reports the Express.

If you’re looking to swim and unwind by the sea, another option is to visit the stunning Complexo Balnear do Lido – a lido complex in Funchal. Made up of two seawater pools that overlook the ocean, you can either take a dip or simply grab a sun lounger and bask in the weather.

Madeira is a top choice for hiking enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months when the trails are less crowded and the weather is pleasantly mild.

One of the favourite hikes is along the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço at the easternmost point of the island. This trek spans just under four miles in total, taking roughly 2.5 hours to complete on some uneven paths.

But stick with it and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of both the north and south sides of Madeira.

The trail at Pico do Arieiro takes you to one of the island’s highest points, standing at an altitude of 1,818 metres. There’s a challenging seven-hour trail for experienced hikers, offering ample time to soak up the lush green mountain landscape.

If you’re after a hike that’s a bit easier on the knees, you can choose to walk one way and catch a shuttle bus back.

When it comes to accommodation, there’s plenty of choice. The capital, Funchal, is a popular pick, especially around the historic Zona Velha with its narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese houses, and independent shops.

It’s also a vibrant spot to visit in the evening, boasting a variety of bars and restaurants, many featuring outdoor terraces where you can watch the sunset.

Machico, located on the southeast of the island, is another fantastic spot to consider for your stay. It boasts a sandy beach with breathtaking mountain views, popular coastal and inland hiking trails, and a popular golf club.

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From Machico, you can also embark on numerous tours for whale and dolphin watching. While summer is the prime time for spotting these magnificent creatures, visitors earlier in the year have reported sightings too.

Check out easyJet ‘s Black Friday flight deals here. The £15.99 price applies to departures on selected dates in January from London Gatwick, or you can jet off from Bristol for just £18.99 one way.

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LA28 launches ticket donation fundraising campaign, Rams chip in $5 million

LA28 hopes to sell more tickets for the 2028 Games than any other Olympic organizing committee in history, and the private group launched a fundraising campaign Thursday to help keep those tickets accessible to local fans.

The fundraising effort invites local sports teams, philanthropists and partners to fund ticket donations that will go to local organizations that will distribute tickets within their communities. The Rams are the inaugural partners, donating $5 million to the campaign.

“The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are for everyone,” LA28 president Casey Wasserman said in a statement. “This program is about making sure that the people who live, work and contribute to the spirit of Los Angeles can access the Games taking place in their hometown. We’re incredibly thankful to Stan Kroenke and the Rams for being the first to step up for the people of their city. This is true partnership in action, and we look forward to welcoming others for this meaningful initiative.”

Registration for tickets will open in January and single tickets will start at $28. Amid concerns about skyrocketing prices for sporting events, LA28 said it will not use dynamic pricing that is common for large sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup.

Tickets for the FIFA World Cup coming to Canada, Mexico and the United States next year will start at $60 for some group-stage matches and climb to $6,730, the international soccer governing body said this year. Excluding the opening or closing ceremonies, tickets for the Paris Games ranged between 24 euros (about $27) and 950 euros ($1,097).

Leading up to the Games, the Paris organizing committee set aside more than 1 million tickets at 24 euros each and ensured half of the tickets on sale to the general public would be 50 euros or less. Hoping to keep the Games relatively affordable to fans, Paris 2024 used an “adapted pricing policy” that aimed to use the 15% of the tickets offered at the highest rates to allow the millions of lower-priced tickets.

The Paris Games sold a record 12 million tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics, which helped the organizing committee blow past its initial ticketing and hospitality revenue estimate by $365 million.

LA28 organizers expect to make 14 million tickets available for the largest Olympics in history and the first Paralympics in L.A.

After fans register for the ticket lottery beginning in January, purchasing windows will open that spring. Fans living near Olympic venue cities will have access to presale opportunities.

The Olympics are spread across more than 40 venues, with most clustered in L.A., Long Beach, Inglewood and Carson. Southern California residents and those living in Oklahoma City where softball and canoe slalom events will take place who are selected for the presale window will have access to all tickets for all venues.

Tickets for the Paralympics will go on sale in 2027.

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USWNT to open January camp, play first friendly of 2026 in Carson

The women’s national soccer team will return to Carson in 2026 for the first time in nearly two years for its annual January training camp, U.S. Soccer will announce Thursday.

The 10-day camp will run from Jan. 17-27 and will conclude with two international matches. The first, on Jan. 24 against Paraguay, will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park and will include a tribute to two-time World Cup champion Christen Press, who announced her retirement this fall.

The venue and opponent for the second match on Jan. 27 has not been finalized.

“January camp is a vitally important part of our yearly schedule, especially with 2026 being a year that will host World Cup qualifying,” USWNT coach Emma Hayes said in a statement. “We don’t get many training days together during any given year, so there is a high value in getting a whole week of training as well as two matches.

“I was pleased with the progress we made as a team in 2025, but we still have a ways to go to get to where we want to be heading into the CONCACAF W Championship in the fall.”

Press, who was born and raised in Palos Verdes Estates, about 10 miles from Dignity Health Sports Park, scored 64 goals for the USWNT, ninth-most in team history. She helped the U.S. to back-to-back Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019 and played the final four years of her professional club career for her hometown Angel City FC.

The first 2,000 fans through the gates on Jan. 24 will receive a commemorative Christen Press bobblehead.

No venue has played host to more USWNT matches than Dignity Health Sports Park which, under various names, has been the site of 21 games for the U.S., dating to 2003, soon after the stadium opened. The U.S. went 20 games unbeaten at the venue (19 wins and one tie) before losing its most recent match there, a 2-0 upset to Mexico on Feb. 26, 2024, in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, a tournament the U.S. would go on
win.

The USWNT was scheduled to hold its January training camp in Carson last year, but the deadly Southern California wildfires forced U.S. Soccer to move the camp to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Presale tickets for the January matches will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. PST Friday through 8 a.m. PST Monday.

Tickets for both matches will go on sale to the public on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PST.

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Bonta spent nearly half a million on lawyers. His consultant explains

California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta spent nearly half a million dollars in campaign funds last year on personal attorneys to represent him as he spoke to federal investigators about alleged corruption in Oakland.

Bonta paid about $468,000 to law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati last year from his 2026 reelection campaign, according to campaign finance disclosures filed with the state.

Bonta political consultant Dan Newman said the attorney general was approached by federal investigators because he was viewed as a “possible victim” in the alleged corruption case involving a former Oakland mayor and Bay Area business owners.

Newman said “the sole role was to assist by providing information that would be helpful to the investigation.”

“This was all completed in 2024, over a year ago, and the AG’s involvement is over,” Newman said.

Bonta’s payments to the legal team were first reported by Sacramento’s KCRA-TV.

The U.S. Department of Justice in January charged former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao in an alleged bribery scheme involving local businesspeople David Trung Duong and Andy Hung Duong.

Thao ran for Oakland mayor in 2022 and was recalled from office by city voters in 2024 after growing voter frustration over crime and the city’s budget woes. She was arrested in early 2025 by the FBI.

According to the indictment, Thao, then a mayoral candidate, engaged in a quid pro quo scheme with the Duong brothers in which she promised to take official actions as the mayor to help their recycling and modular homes businesses.

The Duong brothers and Thao have pleaded not guilty.

The San Jose Mercury News reported in January 2025 that campaign finance regulators had also been closely scrutinizing Andy Duong. The Duong family viewed Bonta as a political ally, according to the newspaper.

Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021 selected Bonta, then an Assembly member representing the Oakland area, as the attorney general to serve the remaining term of Xavier Becerra, whom President Biden nominated to become the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary.

Bonta has emerged as a key player in California’s battle against President Trump, filing dozens of lawsuits against the Trump administration.

Bonta eventually returned $155,000 in campaign contributions from the Duong family after the federal investigation became public, according to multiple news reports.

Newman, Bonta’s consultant, said that the attorney general was ultimately found not to be a victim in the case. When asked why so much money was spent on attorneys, he said that multiple lawyers worked over a period of several months.

A representative for the U.S. attorney’s office declined to comment on Newman’s assertions.

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EasyJet adds new cheap flights to beautiful beach resort with 22C January weather

easyJet has launched new routes to a stunning beach resort with crystal clear blue waters, popular for snorkelling, and stretches of golden sand beaches, and flights start from just £91.99

With the temperature taking a dramatic drop in the UK, many of us are dreaming of blue skies and days spent basking in the sunshine without the need for roll-neck jumpers and padded coats. Luckily for us, easyJet has introduced new routes to a stunning beach resort that boasts an inviting climate of 22°C in January, making it the idyllic escape to avoid the British chill.

easyJet unveiled its new schedule to the lesser-known holiday hotspot of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, offering direct flights from Newcastle to the city known for its pristine sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. The budget airline already offers direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh from six UK airports, but its Newcastle addition is set to make travel even easier for those in the north seeking some winter sun.

Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is packed with luxury resorts dotted along the coastline, offering direct access to the crystal-clear sea that is home to tropical marine life, with scuba diving and snorkelling popular activities. Most resorts have their own sunbeds and parasols lined up in their own private area along the golden beaches for maximum ease and comfort.

Away from the coastline, holidaymakers can explore the Pyramids of Giza during an excursion, or visit the Ras Mohammod National Park, which is home to a breathtaking coral reef and rated as one of the top things to do on TripAdvisor. In addition to its awe-inspiring landscapes, tourists can enjoy places like Shark’s Bay Beach, Naama Bay Beach, the Old Market, and the Heavenly Cathedral, all in easy reach of Sharm El Sheikh.

Making this stunning location more accessible for tourists on a budget, flights from Newcastle will be available to book from August 2026 and will start from £91.99, so you can already think ahead for your winter getaway towards the end of next year. And with the flight time of around five and a half hours from Newcastle, you can be transported to the glorious city under the blazing sun in no time.

Alternatively, there are several flights already operating directly to Sharm El Sheikh from Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester, with flights in December 2025 starting from £91.99. For more information on flights to Sharm El Sheikh, you can check the easyJet website.

“We’re delighted to be putting 11 new routes on sale from Newcastle for next summer as we gear up to the opening of our new base, which is enabling us to provide greater direct connectivity and choice for customers in the North East to even more destinations across Europe and North Africa, all with great value fares and fantastic service,” said Kevin Doyle, the UK country manager at easyJet.

Holidaymakers have taken to TripAdvisor to share their glowing reviews of Sharm El Sheikh. One shared: “I’ve been to Sharm five times now, and still want to go back. There is so much to see and do, but anyone coming to Sharm MUST, MUST, MUST see what is under the water. If you can’t swim, don a life jacket or go on a glass-bottom boat. The fish are every colour of the rainbow. We’ve seen sharks, dolphins and rays too.

“Great nightlife that does go on all night, including Pacha. Great restaurants and shopping. Get ready to haggle! Tons of trips including desert trips, camel treks(a must), diving and snorkelling and also trips to Cairo, Luxor and the pyramids (well recommended). It gets very, very hot from May onwards, so take lots of high-factor sun cream. Don’t forget to use it when you are snorkelling too. Burnt bum cheeks are very painful!!”

However, one warned: “I have really enjoyed my visits to Sharm, especially in the winter months where it’s one of the only places close to home you are guaranteed sunshine in December and excellent snorkelling. But if you’re not smart about things you will be taken for a ride by the locals and not get the best out of the place.”

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Trump plans to meet with Mamdani, says he’ll ‘work something out’ with New York City’s mayor-elect

President Trump indicated Sunday that he plans to meet with New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and said they’ll “work something out,” in what could be a detente for the Republican president and Democratic political star who have cast each other as political foils.

Trump has for months slammed Mamdani, falsely labeling him as a “communist” and predicting the ruin of his hometown, New York, if the democratic socialist were elected. He also threatened to deport Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became a naturalized American citizen, and to pull federal money from the city.

Mamdani rose from an obscure state lawmaker to become a social media star and symbol of the resistance against Trump during his mayoral campaign. He ran on an array of progressive policies and a message that was stark in its opposition to the aggressive anti-immigrant agenda Trump has pursued in his second White House term.

The 34-year-old appealed to a broad cross-section of New Yorkers and defeated one of its political heavyweights, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, by nearly 9 percentage points.

In his election night victory speech, Mamdani said he wanted New York to show the country how to defeat Trump. But the day after, while speaking about his plans for “Trump-proofing” New York once he takes office in January, the incoming mayor also said he was willing to work with anyone, including the president, if it can help New Yorkers.

Representatives for Mamdani did not have an immediate comment Sunday night on the president’s remarks, but a spokesperson pointed to the mayor-elect’s remarks last week when he said he planned to reach out to the White House “because this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city.”

Trump expressed a similar sentiment Sunday.

“The mayor of New York, I will say, would like to meet with us. We’ll work something out,” Trump told reporters as he prepared to fly back to Washington after spending the weekend at his Florida estate.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified shortly afterward that Trump was referring to Mamdani, who assumes office in January, and said no date had been set for such a meeting.

“We want to see everything work out well for New York,” Trump said.

Trump’s comments came as he also said the U.S. may hold discussions soon with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, after a military buildup near the South American country: “I’ll talk to anybody,” Trump said.

Price and Megerian write for the Associated Press and reported from Washington and West Palm Beach, respectively. AP writer Jake Offenhartz in New York contributed to this report.

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Trump issues two pardons related to investigation into January 6, 2021 riot | Donald Trump News

Suzanne Ellen Kaye was convicted for threatening to shoot FBI agents, and Daniel Edwin Wilson for conspiring to impede or injure police offers and illegal firearm possession.

United States President Donald Trump has issued two new pardons related to the investigation into the January 6, 2021 US Capitol insurrection.

White House officials said on Saturday that one pardon was given to a woman convicted of threatening to shoot FBI agents who were investigating a tip that she may have been at the US Capitol. Trump issued the second pardon for a defendant who had remained behind bars despite the sweeping grant of clemency for Capitol rioters because of a separate conviction for illegally possessing firearms.

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These pardons are the latest example of Trump’s willingness to use his constitutional authority to help supporters who were scrutinised as part of the massive January 6 investigation that was conducted by the administration of former US President Joe Biden and that led to charges against more than 1,500 defendants.

With a stroke of his pen and within hours of being sworn in for his second term in January of this year, Trump upended the largest prosecution in the history of the US Department of Justice.

He freed from prison people caught on camera viciously attacking police as well as leaders of far-right groups convicted of orchestrating violent plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after Trump’s 2020 election loss.

Suzanne Ellen Kaye, of Florida, was released last year after serving an 18-month sentence. After the FBI contacted her in 2021 about a tip indicating she may have been at the Capitol on January 6, she posted a video on social media citing her right under the US Constitution’s Second Amendment to carry a gun, and threatened to shoot agents if they came to her house.

Kaye testified at trial that she didn’t own any guns and didn’t intend to threaten the FBI, according to court papers. She told authorities she was not at the Capitol on January 6 and wasn’t charged with any Capitol riot-related crimes.

Trump also pardoned Daniel Edwin Wilson of Kentucky, who was under investigation for his role in the riot when authorities found six guns and roughly 4,800 rounds of ammunition in his home.

Wilson, who had been scheduled to remain in prison until 2028, was released Friday evening following the pardon, his lawyer said on Saturday.

A White House official said on Saturday that “because the search of Mr. Wilson’s home was due to the events of January 6, and they should have never been there in the first place, President Trump is pardoning Mr. Wilson for the firearm issues”.

Wilson had been sentenced in 2024 to five years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to impede or injure police officers and illegally possessing firearms at his home.

Trump has said he would likely sue the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) next week for as much as $5bn after the British media company admitted it wrongly edited a video of a January 6, 2021 speech he gave, but insisted there was no legal basis for his claim.

The controversy centres on the BBC’s edit of Trump’s remarks on the day his supporters stormed the US Capitol.

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Underrated destination with 30C weather in January that rivals Thailand

One place has been enjoying a surge in popularity with Brits in recent months, and it’s not difficult to see why as the country boasts stunning beaches, lush greenery and incredible wildlife

Brits seeking to escape the dreary UK winter for sunnier climates typically opt for destinations like Bali or Thailand. However, travel experts have identified one ‘underrated’ country emerging as a strong competitor, boasting palm-fringed sandy beaches and stunning landscapes.

Sri Lanka, whilst not exactly a hidden gem, has experienced a notable surge in popularity recently, with Travel Republic recording a 72% increase in holiday bookings to the South Asian nation over the past month alone. Across social media platforms, influencers have been documenting their travels throughout the country, with followers eagerly commenting that it’s the “most magical place ever”.

With its picturesque coastline, verdant terrain and diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards, it’s easy to understand why the destination appeals to adventurous travellers.

The ancient fortress of Sigiriya, believed by locals to have been constructed by King Kasyapa, stands as a remarkable landmark. Sihagiri, also known as Lion Rock, derives its name from the massive carved stone lion forming the entrance to the impressive citadel.

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Whilst the ascent is challenging, the panoramic views make it worthwhile (though visitors should note it can become busy, so arriving early helps avoid the tourist crowds). Meanwhile, Udawalawe National Park provides the perfect backdrop for spotting wildlife on safari, from water buffalo and mongooses to jackals and spotted deer, reports the Express.

For those seeking Maldives-style beaches, Unawatuna Beach is essential viewing, with its pristine waters perfect for swimming or watersports.

Then there are the stunning temples scattered across the landscape, but if you can only visit one, make it the Temple of the Tooth. Located in the vibrant city of Kandy, this World Heritage Site contains the relic of the tooth of Buddha – a precious artefact believed to grant its holder the power to govern the country.

Unsurprisingly, the tooth itself remains secured within a golden casket, hidden from view. Nevertheless, the temple complex features numerous shrines and smaller temples to discover, offering a captivating insight into Sri Lankan culture.

A Travel Republic spokesperson said: “Sri Lanka is becoming one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. It offers stunning beaches, lush islands, rich local culture, and incredible wildlife, all without the crowds that have made other destinations feel overrun. For travellers seeking authenticity and adventure, it’s a destination that still feels fresh and undiscovered, much like Bali did two decades ago.”

Add in temperatures reaching 30C during December and January, and the attraction becomes immediately clear. However, a word of caution for those planning to visit during the winter months; it’s best to head to the south and west coasts, where it’s dry season.

The Northern parts of Sri Lanka will be in the throes of their monsoon season, which certainly won’t provide the winter sun you might be after!

The travel expert advised: “With Sri Lanka currently having its moment on social media, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip for 2026. The best time to visit the southwest coast and cultural triangle is from December to March, when conditions are warm and dry. For the east coast, including Arugam Bay, April to September offers ideal weather for surfing and beach activities.”

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Trump threatens BBC with $1bn lawsuit over edited January 6 speech | Media News

US president demands ‘full and fair’ retraction of BBC documentary that prompted resignation of two top executives.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1bn over an edited clip that has plunged the broadcaster into a public relations crisis and prompted the resignations of two top executives.

In a letter sent to the BBC, Trump’s legal team has demanded the retraction of “false, defamatory, disparaging, misleading, and inflammatory statements” contained in a Panorama documentary aired a week before the 2024 US presidential election.

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The letter, written by Trump lawyer Alejandro Brito, gives the BBC until Friday to provide a “full and fair” retraction of the documentary and “appropriately compensate President Trump for the harm caused”, or face legal action in the US state of Florida.

“The BBC is on notice. PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY,” says the letter, which was widely circulated on social media.

The BBC did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment.

The documentary, titled Trump: A Second Chance?, has been mired in controversy since the leak of an internal memo that criticised producers for editing Trump’s remarks to make it appear that he had directly encouraged the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol.

In the documentary, Trump is shown saying, “We fight like hell”, directly after telling supporters, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol”.

Trump had actually followed his comments about going to the Capitol with a remark about cheering on “our brave senators and congressmen and women”, and made his “fight like hell” comment nearly an hour later.

The memo, written by Michael Prescott, a former adviser to the BBC’s standards committee, also accused the broadcaster of suppressing critical coverage of transgender issues and displaying anti-Israel bias within the BBC Arabic service.

The BBC’s director-general, Tim Davie, and its head of news, Deborah Turness, stepped down on Sunday amid the fallout of the controversy.

Trump welcomed the resignations in a post on Truth Social, accusing the BBC executives of being “corrupt” and “very dishonest people”.

BBC chair Samir Shah on Monday acknowledged that the clip was misleading and apologised for the “error of judgement”, but rejected claims that the broadcaster is institutionally biased.

Shah also said that the memo did not present “a full picture of the discussions, decisions and actions that were taken” by the standards board in response to concerns raised internally before the leak.

Trump’s legal threat is the latest in a flurry of actions he has taken to punish critical media.

Those moves include defamation claims against outlets including The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and ABC News, funding cuts at NPR and PBS, and the removal of Associated Press journalists from the White House press pool.

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Photos: World Series Champion Dodgers parade Downtown LA

Dodgers fans filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles early Monday morning, to celebrate the Dodgers becoming baseball’s first back-to-back World Series champion in 25 years.

The celebratory parade is commenced at 11 a.m., with the Dodgers traveling on top of double-decker buses through downtown with a final stop at Dodger Stadium.

The 2025 Dodgers team has been a bright spot for many Angelenos during an otherwise tumultuous year for the region, after historic firestorms devastated thousands of homes in January and then widespread immigration sweeps over the summer by the Trump administration.

Manager Dave Roberts holds the Commissioner's Trophy during the Dodgers World Championship Parade and Celebration Monday.

(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)

Manager Dave Roberts holds the Commissioner’s Trophy during the Dodgers World Championship Parade and Celebration Monday.

Ramon Ontivros, left, and Michelle Ruiz, both from Redlands, join fans lining the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

(Kayla Bartkowsk/Los Angeles Times)

Ramon Ontivros, left, and Michelle Ruiz, both from Redlands, join fans lining the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

From left, Mike Soto, Luis Espino, and Francisco Espino, join fans lining the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

(Kayla Bartkowsk/Los Angeles Times)

From left, Mike Soto, Luis Espino, and Francisco Espino, join fans lining the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Mia Nava, 9, waves a flag. "She's skipping school today and her teachers know her passion." Said her mom, Jennie Nava.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Mia Nava, 9, waves a flag. “She’s skipping school today and her teachers know her passion.” Said her mom, Jennie Nava.

Alex Portugal holds onto a championship belt at Dodger Stadium.
Claudia Villar Lee, poses with a model of the MLB Commissioner's trophy around her neck.

(Carlin Stiehl/For The Times)

Alex Portugal holds onto a championship belt at Dodger Stadium. Claudia Villar Lee, poses with a model of the World Series trophy around her neck.

Young fans line the streets of downtown Los Angeles for the Dodgers World Championship Parade and Celebration.

(Kayla Bartkowsk/Los Angeles Times)

Young fans line the streets of downtown Los Angeles for the Dodgers World Championship Parade and Celebration.

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Great gifts from Altadena, Pacific Palisades shops hit hard by fires

When much of Altadena burned in January, it affected not just the city’s homes but also its businesses. Popular local shops went up in flames just like everything else, and work-from-home artisans — displaced from not just their residences but also their work spaces and all the materials contained within — were suddenly without a place to live or a place to work.

On the Westside, the Palisades fire, also in January, tore through Pacific Palisades and Malibu, forever changing the fabric of these tight-knit neighborhoods and small businesses. Although rebuilding efforts are underway, progress and construction are expected to take several years as residents and business owners deal with permit approval, insurance hindrances and inflation.

Even now, local businesses that remain have struggled to regain a foothold.

With the giving spirit in mind this holiday season, we’ve put together this list of gifts from Altadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu businesses, all of whom were affected in some way by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Purchase one of these items and you’ll spread good cheer (and good money) around areas that still need all the help they can get.

If you make a purchase using some of our links, the L.A. Times may be compensated. Prices and availability of items and experiences in the Gift Guide and on latimes.com are subject to change.

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