Happy New Year. Probably too late to say that, but hi, I'm back. Let's go. It's Monday, January 13th,

2025. It's first thing with Kevin Mano. A real quick look at all the headlines, 10 minutes,

and you're caught up as you start your day. And this show, the first one in a while,

starts right now. And we always start with the top story. Obviously, the biggest story in the country right now. And we always start with the top story.

Obviously, the biggest story in the country right now.

The fires burning in Southern California.

Complete tragedy.

I have friends affected, and it's still hard for me to wrap my mind around the reality

of it.

Sadly, the death toll this morning is up to 24, and that number is expected to rise.

More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed since last Tuesday.

The projected cost of this destruction is said to be around $150 billion.

Thousands of firefighters from multiple states, even from Mexico, are all working around the clock.

And sadly, there isn't much relief in sight.

There was a slight break in the weather,

but those winds are expected to pick up again this week,

so those embers will keep spreading.

It's just, it's truly brutal.

I know these lists are everywhere,

but if you are looking for a list of ways you can help,

I'm going to link that in our Instagram stories this morning.

You can find it up there at First Thing Pod on Instagram.

...