5TYNTK Jan 10: California Wildfires, Portland Overdoses, Mt. Ararat Hockey Bullying, Cafe Louis Closing, Failed Driver’s Test

1. At least 10 people have died in the Los Angeles County wildfires. Officials say the actual toll will remain unclear until it’s safe for investigators to access neighborhoods. Tens of thousands of people have been impacted by evacuation orders. As many as 10,000 structures have been destroyed between the coastal Palisades Fire, which is now the most destructive ever to hit Los Angeles County, and the Eaton Fire, which has devastated communities. (CNN) HOW TO HELP VICTIMS

2. There was a record number of overdoses in Portland last year, but overdose deaths in the city are significantly down. A record 550 overdoses  were reported. Deaths fell to 21 in 2024, less than half of the 47 reported in 2023. Widespread distribution of Naloxone, the overdose reversal medicine in Narcan, has been attributed to the decline. (WGME)

3. New details have emerged in the investigation of the Mt. Ararat High School hockey team. Allegations include a hazing incident last month in which two seniors held down a freshman in the locker room and “hit him with pickles,” according to a witness. The seniors also allegedly tried to remove the younger boy’s pants as he screamed in protest. Those details were laid out in a conversation between an attorney for the school district and a player on the team who saw the incident. The interview was recorded by a parent and shared with the Press Herald on the condition that neither the parent nor the child would be identified. (PH)

4. The owners of Cafe Louis, a popular restaurant in SoPo, announced via Instagram that their final day of business will be on Sunday, Feb. 2, stating they are nearing the end of their lease and want to realign their focus. (WMTW)

5. Teens who recently failed their driver’s test can sign up to receive a free month of rides from Uber. Visit uber.com/teenrides and enter the necessary background information, including which portion of the test the teen failed and why. The teen will have six free rides available, with a limit of $20 per ride. This offer expires on March 31, 2025, or when all offers have been redeemed. (People)

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