A state of emergency and a toxic air alert have been declared in Los Angeles after huge wildfires killed at least five people and swept through hillsides that are home to many celebrities.

Now, 130,000 Angelenos have been forced to evacuate their homes as the city became blanketed in a thick cloud of smoke and ash.

Thousands of firefighters are battling to contain the original LA fire in Pacific Palisades, which spread to destroy more than 20 square miles in just two days and is believed to have started in a back garden.

The Standard podcast is joined by climate scientist Dr Ella Gilbert, of the British Antarctic Survey and an expert on mountain winds, to discuss the environmental factors fuelling the devastation.

In part two, why has the pound slumped to a 14-month low against the dollar - and how will the current financial outlook impact you?

We’re joined by Jo Michell, professor of economics at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

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The mother of a 14-year-old boy stabbed to death on a London bus fears her son had been groomed by gangs and exposed to drugs before he was killed.

Kelyan Bokassa was attacked on a Route 472 double-decker on Woolwich Church Road just before 2.30pm on Tuesday.

His mother, Mary, 50, fought back tears as paid tribute to her “polite” and “caring” son, telling MailOnline he had spent time in care and lived rough on the streets for a year, where she feared criminals took advantage of him.

Kelyan is thought to have been an aspiring rapper making music on YouTube under the name “Grippa”, releasing a drill track, “Bangers & Mash”, on Christmas Day.

Police have launched a murder investigation, however, a motive for the killing has yet to be revealed.

We’re joined by The London Standard’s crime editor, Anthony France, to discuss the tragic incident and what more must be done to stop youth violence.

In part two, Dr Jahangir Alom, an NHS emergency medicine doctor in north east London, on what we know about human metapneumovirus (HMPV), its risk and precautions to take this winter.

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The government has announced new safeguarding legal guidelines as part of a crackdown on child exploitation in the wake of the grooming gangs scandal.

Measures revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper include criminal sanctions for professionals working with children if they don’t report sexual abuse claims.

The recommendation is among those within Professor Alexis Jay’s 2015 child sexual abuse inquiry - she also told Radio 4’s Today programme “enough of inquiries” and that instead victims need action.

Authorities face allegations that they ignored horrific abuse of thousands of vulnerable, mostly white girls trafficked, groomed and raped by groups of men predominantly of Pakistani heritage - in towns including Rotherham, Oldham, Telford and Rochdale - amid fears of being labelled racist.

The government has refused to relent to calls for a public inquiry, despite calls from opposition the Conservatives and an online firestorm fomented on X by the platform’s boss Elon Musk.

We’re joined by The London Standard’s courts correspondent Tristan Kirk, who covered many of the scandal’s criminal trials and argues a new inquiry is not the answer to the urgent action needed.

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Sir Keir Starmer aims to cut the number of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for NHS treatment by 450,000 within two years.

Amid his hopes of a New Year government reboot, the Prime Minister said by the end of 2026 two thirds of patients would be getting treatment in that timeframe.

Latest figures show 59 per cent of patients are currently having to wait longer than 18 weeks.

Labour’s Elective Reform Plan, published by NHS England, aims to deliver half a million more appointments a year through greater use of community diagnostic centres, 14 new surgical hubs in hospitals, “freeing up” around a million “non-essential” follow-up appointments by asking patients whether they want them, as well as seeing some people in group appointments.

So, how workable is the PM’s plan - and what more resources are needed?

The Standard podcast is joined by north London GP Sonia Adesara.

In part two, we’re off to Hollywood for the Golden Globes 2025, where there stars were out at the ceremony was dominated by first-time winners, including gongs for The Substance star Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana of Emilia Perez, I’m Still Here’s Fernanda Torres, and the stars of Shogun.

Post-awards analysis with The London Standard’s culture and lifestyle writer India Block.

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The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber ‘cold-health alert’ warning for London amid plunging temperatures and a forecast for snow at the weekend.

London plunged below zero overnight, with a ”feels-like” temperature of -4C on Friday morning - and more low single-digit chills forecast next week.

Nationally, the cold weather blast has seen temperatures drop to -5C overnight with warning of -8C next week.

It comes just weeks after devastating floods caused by Storm Darragh.

The Standard podcast is joined by Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin and Mhairi Sharp, chief executive of the National Emergencies Trust.

In part two, could a new type of DNA analysis technique on crushed-up ancient bone fragments rewrite of some of Britain’s key moments in ancient history?

We’re joined by King’s College London professor of medieval history Peter Heather to discuss the joint research with the Francis Crick Institute.

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What does the future hold for the evolution of artificial intelligence in 2025? Professor David Shrier, an futurist and artificial intelligence expert at Imperial College Business School, discusses what’s to come.

You can hear the full version of this interview on The London Standard’s Tech & Science Daily podcast.

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Welcome to The Standard podcast’s pop culture review of 2024.

In this episode, Mark Blunden is joined by The London Standard’s culture and lifestyle writer India Block to muse on moments that, maybe, drifted across our shared consciousness in the past 12 months.

You’ll hear about Euro 2024, Kate Middleton conspiracies, the Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury split, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Megan Boni’s ‘Looking for a man in finance’, Willy’s Chocolate Experience debacle and Brat summer.

Plus, Olympic breakdancer Raygun and the 'cancelled musical', Oasis reunited, and a tricky sequel for Joker: Folie à Deux.

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As part of The Bigger Life Festival, brought to you by Masterclasses from The London Standard, host Nicola Barron is joined by life and career coach Selina Barker. In this special Twixmas episode, Selina shares practical tips for reflecting on the past year, recharging your energy, and redesigning your life with purpose. From asking the right questions to turning dreams into reality, it’s the perfect conversation to inspire your 2025 plans.

The Bigger Life Festival kicks off on January 27th with three weeks of live, interactive workshops designed to help you start the new year with purpose, energy, and clarity. From wellbeing to career inspiration, there’s something for everyone. Get your early bird pass while they're still available!

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