A Friday night protest in Santa Ana, California, ended with a 21-year-old protester permanently blinded when a U.S. Homeland Security agent fired a nonlethal round at close range; doctors removed shrapnel and he underwent six hours of surgery, with family noting vision was permanently lost in one eye and highlighting concerns about use-of-force during demonstrations connected to DHS actions and recent related protests.
In Orange County, NC, Issiah Ross—then 17 and tried as an adult—rejected a plea to two counts of second-degree murder as jury selection begins for the 2022 killings of Lyric Woods (14) and Devin Clark (18); prosecutors seek first-degree murder with the potential for life without parole, and the trial is expected to last about two weeks with multiple expert witnesses.
The Orange County Fire Authority's contract for a joint firefighting helicopter program expired, leading to concerns about reduced aerial firefighting capabilities during wildfires, amid disagreements over the contract's management and approval process.
A body was discovered in the Santa Ana River in Fountain Valley after a water rescue was initiated following a caller’s report of someone yelling for help; authorities retrieved the body, and the circumstances remain unknown.
U.S. justice officials have thwarted a terror plot targeting companies in the Los Angeles area, arresting four suspects who were allegedly practicing building explosive devices, with plans for a New Year’s Eve attack.
Two bicyclists in Whiting Ranch, Lake Forest, had a frightening encounter with a juvenile mountain lion that followed them on the trail, but they escaped unharmed; wildlife officials have been alerted.
Jerry Demings, mayor of Orange County, Florida, has announced his candidacy for governor as a Democrat in the 2026 race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, positioning himself as a centrist and potential challenger to Republican candidates, amid a competitive and racially significant election landscape.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially entered the Florida governor race, potentially marking the first time both major parties have Black nominees for governor in the state's history. His campaign faces criticism from Republicans, notably from Ryan Smith of Donalds' campaign, who attacks Demings' policies and character. Demings's entry challenges former Rep. David Jolly for the Democratic nomination, with Jolly gaining endorsements and campaign support from prominent figures.
A toddler in Orange County has contracted measles, but the risk of spread is low due to family isolation. The article highlights the rise in measles cases nationwide, the severity of the disease, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination, especially amid increasing vaccine hesitancy influenced by COVID-19.
An employee at a Florida restaurant discovered a dog trapped inside an abandoned van, leading to the dog's rescue and eventual adoption by a loving family, highlighting the importance of animal rescue efforts.
Vice President JD Vance is visiting Orange County for family time, possibly at Disneyland, amid heightened security and local political tensions over immigration policies, with protests planned against his visit.
An infant in Orange County, California, was treated for measles three times at the Children's Hospital of Orange County after returning from international travel. Health officials are working to contact those potentially exposed, especially vulnerable groups like infants and pregnant women. The public is urged to check their vaccination status, as measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe disease. With holiday travel, officials recommend vaccination and monitoring for symptoms, such as fever and rash, to prevent further spread.
Health officials have issued a warning about potential measles exposure at Los Angeles International Airport and Children's Hospital of Orange County. An infected traveler was at LAX on November 27, and an infant with measles visited the hospital multiple times. Unvaccinated individuals, especially infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, are at high risk. The CDC reports a rise in measles cases nationwide, emphasizing the importance of the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing the disease.
Democrat Derek Tran narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel in a closely contested House race in California's Orange County, flipping the 45th Congressional District blue. The race, marked by aggressive anti-China messaging and a focus on Asian American identities, saw over $34 million spent. Tran, an Army veteran and son of Vietnamese refugees, emphasized his heritage in appealing to the district's significant Vietnamese electorate. The campaign's rhetoric, criticized for "red-baiting," highlighted generational divides within the Asian American community.
Democrat Derek Tran defeated Republican Michelle Steel in a closely contested and expensive Orange County congressional race, becoming the first Vietnamese American to represent the district. Tran's victory is significant for Democrats as they aim to control the House of Representatives. The race was marked by intense outreach to Asian American voters and allegations of "red baiting." Steel, a two-term congresswoman, conceded as Tran led by 613 votes. Both candidates have filed for reelection in 2026.
