News
Southern California is extremely dry, and that’s fueling fires − maps show just how dry
In early January 2025, Southern California faced deadly wildfires due to extremely low soil moisture and dry conditions, raising concerns about future drought amid changing weather patterns.
Ming Pan, University of California, San Diego
Dry conditions across Southern California set the stage for a series of deadly wind-driven wildfires that burned thousands of homes and other structures in the Los Angeles area in early January 2025.
Ming Pan, a hydrologist at the University of California-San Diego’s Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, tracks the state’s water supplies. He put Southern California’s dryness into perspective using charts and maps.
How dry is Southern California right now?
In early January, the soil moisture in much of Southern California was in the bottom 2% of historical records for that day in the region. That’s extremely low.
Hydrologists in California watch the sky very closely starting in October, when California’s water year begins.
The state gets very little rain from May through September, so late fall and winter are crucial to fill reservoirs and to build up the snowpack to provide water. California relies on the Sierra snowpack for about one-third of its freshwater supply.
However, Southern California started out the 2024-25 water year pretty dry. The region got some rain from an atmospheric river in November, but not much. After that, most of the atmospheric rivers that hit the West Coast from October into January veered northward into Washington, Oregon and Northern California instead.
When the air is warm and dry, transpiration and evaporation also suck water out of the plants and soil. That leaves dry vegetation that can provide fuel for flying embers to spread wildfires, as the Los Angeles area saw in early January.
So, while Northern California’s water and snowpack conditions are in good shape, Southern California is much drier and its water storage is not doing so well.
The Southern Sierra snowpack was starting to dip below normal in early January.
What can California expect for the rest of 2025?
The U.S. Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlook through March suggests that drought is likely to develop in the region in the coming months.
The outlook takes into account forecasts for La Niña, an ocean temperature pattern that was on its way to developing in the Pacific Ocean in early 2025. La Niña tends to mean drier conditions in Southern California. However, not every La Niña affects California in the same way.
One or two big rain events could completely turn the table for Southern California’s water situation. In 2023, California saw atmospheric rivers in April.
So, it’s hard to say this early in the season how dry Southern California will be in the coming months, but it’s clear that people in dry areas need to pay attention to the risks.
Ming Pan, Senior Research Hydrologist, University of California, San Diego
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Food and Beverage
Millions of Eggs Recalled Over Possible Salmonella Risk: What Consumers Need to Know
A major egg recall is affecting nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs sold under several popular brands. Here’s how to determine if your eggs are included and what steps to take if they are.
News You Can Use This Moment!
Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators after a major recall involving nearly 1.6 million dozen shell eggs due to the potential presence of Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness.
The voluntary recall, announced by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P., affects white shell eggs and brown cage-free eggs produced at two Texas farms and distributed between June 6 and July 3, 2026. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the eggs were sold through grocery stores and foodservice distributors in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico.
What Brands Are Included?
The recalled eggs were sold under several familiar brand names, including:
- Kroger
- Simple Truth
- Brookshire’s
- Country Morning
- Sunups
Not every carton under these brands is affected. Consumers should look for:
- Plant Code: P-1950 or 0840962
- Julian Dates: 157 through 184
- Best By/Sell By Dates: July 20, 2026, through August 17, 2026
Why the Recall Matters
Salmonella can cause symptoms including:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually last four to seven days. While many healthy adults recover without treatment, infections can become severe in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate outbreak involving 98 confirmed illnesses across 17 states, resulting in 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Investigators say the recalled eggs are linked to part of the outbreak, although they do not account for every reported illness.
What Should You Do?
If you have eggs matching the recalled codes:
- Do not eat them.
- Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them safely.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the carton.
- Clean and sanitize any refrigerator shelves, containers, or kitchen surfaces the eggs may have touched.
If you have already eaten the eggs and develop symptoms of Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are severe or persist.
Are Arizona Consumers Affected?
The recalled products were officially distributed in six states, and Arizona is not listed among the primary distribution states. However, because food products can move through wholesalers, travelers, or secondary retailers, Arizona consumers who recently purchased eggs while traveling—or who received eggs from family or friends in affected states—should still check the carton codes.
The Bottom Line
Food recalls are an important part of protecting public health. Taking a few moments to inspect the eggs in your refrigerator could help prevent a serious illness. If your carton matches the recalled plant codes and date range, don’t take the risk—return it or throw it away.
STM Daily News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Related Resources
- FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts
- FDA Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigations
- CDC: Salmonella Information
- FoodSafety.gov Consumer Resources
Entertainment
The End of an Era: Six Flags Magic Mountain Says Goodbye to an Original Piece of Park History
Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
For millions of Southern Californians, a visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain meant more than just riding roller coasters. It was a rite of passage—a place where families spent summer vacations, teenagers celebrated graduations, and thrill seekers chased ever-faster rides.
Now, one of the last remaining reminders of the park’s opening days is preparing to disappear.
According to KTLA, Los Angeles County has approved demolition permits for the former Laughing Dragon Restaurant, an iconic structure perched atop Samurai Summit that has overlooked Magic Mountain for more than five decades.
Although the building has been vacant since 2008, its demolition marks the end of another chapter in one of California’s most famous amusement parks.
A Restaurant with Deep Roots
When Magic Mountain welcomed its first guests in 1971, the building opened as the elegant Four Winds Steakhouse.
Unlike the quick-service restaurants common in today’s theme parks, Four Winds offered guests a sit-down dining experience high above the park, complete with sweeping views of the surrounding Santa Clarita Valley.
In 1988, after the opening of the park’s suspended roller coaster Ninja, the restaurant was renamed The Laughing Dragon, embracing the area’s Asian-inspired theme.
For years, it became a familiar landmark for guests making the climb to Samurai Summit.
Eventually, changing guest habits and the park’s evolving dining strategy led to the steakhouse’s closure in 2006. The building briefly operated as a Papa John’s Pizza location before closing permanently in 2008.
Since then, it has quietly watched generations of visitors pass by.
More Than an Empty Building
To younger guests, the vacant structure may have seemed like little more than an abandoned restaurant.
To longtime visitors, however, it represented something much larger.
Magic Mountain has transformed dramatically since its opening more than 50 years ago. Wooden roller coasters gave way to towering steel giants. New technology replaced classic attractions. Entire themed areas evolved with each generation.
Yet the former Laughing Dragon remained—a silent reminder of what the park looked like during its earliest years.
For many fans, it was one of those familiar landmarks that helped connect today’s park with its past.
Samurai Summit Continues to Change
The demolition comes during a period of significant change for the Samurai Summit section of the park.
Nearby, Superman: Escape from Krypton closed in 2024 after decades of launching riders nearly 400 feet into the air. Meanwhile, Tatsu continues to dominate the skyline with one of the world’s most celebrated flying roller coasters.
Construction is also underway on Magic Mountain’s newest attraction—a Vekoma Thrill Glider Roller Coaster, expected to debut in 2027. While the park has not announced what will replace the Laughing Dragon site, many enthusiasts believe the area could become part of future expansion plans.
The Challenge of Preserving Theme Park History
Unlike museums or historic landmarks, amusement parks are constantly reinventing themselves.
Older attractions are removed to make room for larger, faster, and more technologically advanced experiences. Restaurants close as guest preferences change. Buildings that once bustled with activity can quickly become obsolete.
From a business standpoint, redevelopment makes sense.
But every demolition also removes another tangible connection to the park’s history.
Many Disney attractions have been preserved through photographs, documentaries, and archives. Regional parks like Magic Mountain often receive far less historical attention, making the loss of original structures even more significant for longtime fans.
Looking Ahead
Magic Mountain has not revealed what, if anything, will replace the Laughing Dragon building.
Whether the site becomes part of a new attraction, additional guest amenities, or another expansion remains to be seen.
What is certain is that another piece of the park’s 1971 identity is about to disappear.
For those who grew up visiting Magic Mountain, it’s another reminder that while roller coasters continue to evolve, nostalgia often rides alongside progress.
Did You Know?
- 🎢 Magic Mountain opened on May 29, 1971.
- 🥩 The building originally housed the Four Winds Steakhouse.
- 🐉 It became The Laughing Dragon after Ninja opened in 1988.
- 🍕 It briefly served as a Papa John’s before closing permanently in 2008.
- 🏗️ The building sat vacant for nearly 18 years before demolition plans were approved.
STM Daily News Perspective
As someone who grew up in Southern California, I know that Magic Mountain wasn’t just another amusement park—it was part of the Southern California experience. While the biggest headlines usually focus on new roller coasters, it’s often the quieter stories, like the loss of a familiar restaurant overlooking the park, that resonate most with longtime visitors. Places like the Laughing Dragon became part of family traditions, first dates, school trips, and summer vacations. Its demolition is a reminder that every park evolves, but each change also closes another chapter of its history.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever eaten at the Four Winds or the Laughing Dragon? Do you have memories of visiting Magic Mountain in the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, or early 2000s?
Share your favorite Magic Mountain memories in the comments below, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more stories celebrating Southern California history, attractions, and the places that shaped our communities.
Related Links
jobs help wanted
Ghost Jobs: The Hidden Hiring Trend Affecting Millions of Job Seekers
Ghost jobs are becoming a growing concern for job seekers. Learn what they are, why companies post them, and how they affect hiring, the economy, and your job search.
Why You Keep Applying—But Never Hear Back
If you’ve ever spent hours tailoring your résumé for a position only to hear nothing in return, you may have encountered what’s known as a ghost job.
A ghost job is a job posting that appears active but isn’t currently being filled. While not every old or inactive listing is intentionally misleading, many remain online long after hiring has paused—or even after the position has already been filled.
The result is growing frustration among job seekers and increasing questions about the accuracy of employment data.
What Exactly Is a Ghost Job?
A ghost job is an advertised position where an employer has little or no immediate intention of hiring someone.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the company is acting maliciously. There are several reasons these listings exist.
Companies may:
- Build a database of future candidates
- Test salary expectations and available talent
- Comply with internal hiring policies
- Maintain the appearance of growth
- Delay removing listings after a hiring freeze or filled position
For applicants, however, the experience is often the same: applications disappear into a black hole.
Why Companies Post Ghost Jobs
Some employers say maintaining job listings helps them prepare for future growth.
Others keep positions open because budgets haven’t been finalized or executive approval hasn’t been granted.
Recruiters may also continue collecting résumés so they’re ready when a position eventually opens.
While these reasons may make business sense, they can create unrealistic expectations for applicants actively searching for work.
The Impact on Job Seekers
Ghost jobs can have real consequences.
Many applicants spend dozens of hours:
- Researching companies
- Customizing résumés
- Writing cover letters
- Completing assessments
- Participating in interviews that never lead anywhere
The emotional toll can be significant.
Repeated silence often leaves qualified workers questioning their experience or abilities when the issue may simply be that the position was never actively available.
How Ghost Jobs Affect the Economy
The effects extend beyond individual applicants.
Employment Data Can Be Misleading
Job openings are often viewed as a sign of economic strength.
If a significant share of posted openings aren’t being actively filled, the labor market may appear stronger than it actually is.
That can influence:
- Business confidence
- Consumer confidence
- Economic forecasts
- Public policy discussions
Productivity Suffers
Job seekers spend valuable time applying for positions that may never result in interviews.
Recruiters also spend time managing applications for jobs that aren’t immediately available.
Those inefficiencies create costs for both workers and employers.
Hiring Becomes Less Efficient
When applicants lose trust in job boards, they’re less likely to apply broadly.
Companies with legitimate openings may receive fewer qualified applicants because candidates become skeptical of online listings.
Are Ghost Jobs Illegal?
Generally, no.
In most cases, employers are legally allowed to advertise positions even if they’re not hiring immediately.
However, critics argue that intentionally leaving inactive jobs online without updating their status reduces transparency and wastes applicants’ time.
Some employment experts have called for greater accountability and clearer labeling of inactive or future hiring opportunities.
How to Spot a Ghost Job
While there’s no foolproof method, these warning signs may indicate a listing isn’t actively being filled:
- The same position has been reposted for months.
- The posting never disappears.
- Employees report hiring freezes.
- The company rarely responds to applicants.
- The job description is vague or unusually generic.
Tips for Job Seekers
Instead of applying blindly:
- Focus on recently posted openings.
- Connect with recruiters or current employees.
- Research whether the company is actually expanding.
- Use networking alongside online applications.
- Follow up professionally when possible.
Quality applications often produce better results than sending hundreds of résumés.
Looking Ahead
Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever for applicants to submit hundreds of applications—and for employers to post and manage thousands of job listings.
As hiring becomes increasingly automated, transparency may become one of the most valuable qualities in the recruiting process.
For both employers and job seekers, trust remains the foundation of a healthy labor market.
Related Links
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Indeed Career Guide
- LinkedIn Talent Blog
- CareerBuilder Advice & Resources
- Monster Career Advice
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