Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, a 17-year-old transgender high school student track athlete, had to switch high schools to able to participate and be accepted by teammates on the track team January 28, 2025 in Riverside, California. “No one asked me if I had the mental strength or not before they sued California over me or before they sent hundreds of students to protest against me, “ she said. She stayed in the shadows at first but quickly became an activist.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, middle, a transgender athlete, competes in the 100 meter hurdles during a track meet on April 9, 2025 in Riverside, California. “I have always loved running, I’ve been doing it as long as I can remember, she said.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, left, a transgender athlete, holds hands with a teammate in a prayer circle before a track meet event on April 9, 2025 in Riverside, California.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, second from right, a transgender athlete holds hands in a prayer circle with other competitors before a track meet event on April 9, 2025 in Riverside, California. “My experience on the track team was actually pretty good. I was friends with all the girls on my team, she said.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi ,a transgender athlete, leaves the track field after competing in three events during a track meet on April 9, 2025 in Riverside, California. She had to transfer to a new hight school to be accepted on the track team.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, a transgender athlete, spends quiet time on her bed reading after track practice on April 14, 2025 in Riverside, California. She has an anti-Trump poster hanging near her bed. “No one asked me if I had the mental strength or not before they sued California over me or before they sent hundreds of students to protest against me all day, I just figured everything out on the go,” she said.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, a 17-year-old transgender high school student track athlete addresses the Riverside Unified School Board during public comment on February 6, 2025 in Riverside, California. “I express gratitude toward most of the board for their continued support of trans people and for following the law. I listen to what people say before me, and I rebuke their claims, “ she said.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked ForAbi, a transgender athlete, participates in a protest against Trump and his attacks on trans people on April 5, 2025 in Riverside, California. “One person cannot take on the entire federal government. But what that one person can do is chip away at their support system,” she said.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, a transgender athlete, waves a trans flag after receiving her diploma during commencement on May 28, 2025 in Riverside, California. She graduated one year early. She hid the flag in her clothing so school administrators wouldn’t confiscate it. “I was risking my diploma while putting myself in the spotlight in the middle of an openly hostile, massive, crowd, some of whom have posted threats to me online. I’m pretty sure anyone, or trans, minor or adult, would be terrified,” she said.

Transgender Athlete Navigates a Fight She Never Asked For: Abi, a transgender athlete, hugs her great grandmother with her brother nearby after graduating high school one year early on May 28, 2025 in Riverside, California. “With how chaotic this year has been, and with the risk I was taking at graduation, it felt great to know that through all of that, they are still by my side and will support me with anything I do,” she said.

Flames overwhelm the community of Altadena, leaving it to residents to save homes from fast moving, wind driven flames as an undermanned LA Fire Department are nowhere to be found. Altadena, CA, Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 - Steve Salinas shields from intense heat as he tries to prevent the flames from igniting his friend’s home on Sinaloa Ave. as the Eaton Fire continues to grow. Salinas hosed hot spots down for hours, saving the house from the flames.

Two weeks after the fire, Margaret Martin, 96, sits outside a home built by her husband, Henry Martin in 1966. She’s accompanying her daughter, Hendrena Martin as she searches the ashes for valuables. Her home was a place she imagined passing on to the next generation. Now, as she and her daughter, LaShondra Ellis, regroup they're figuring out how or if they can one day rebuild.

Businesses on Lake Ave. go up in flames. Numerous structures along the town's business district were left to burn as the undermanned LA Fire Department were stretched thin as thousands of homes and businesses burned.

Greg Voorhies douses smoldering vegetation while trying to stop a neighbors house from igniting on Sinaloa Ave. as the Eaton Fire continues to grow. Voorhies' efforts were rewarded as LAFD firefighters arrived in time to prevent the flames from spreading to his home located two doors down the street.

A fire hydrant smolders as businesses burn nearby on Lake Ave. High demand taxed the water delivery system, leaving firefighters with little or no water to fight the fast growing Eaton Fire.

Homes located west of N. Fair Oaks lay in ruins less than two weeks after the Eaton Fire devastated the area.According to preliminary assessments, the Eaton fire destroyed more than 9,400 structures in an area of nearly 22 square miles.

Altadena, CA, Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 - Samuel Girma tries to outrun the heat of a smoldering house as he tries to prevent it’s spread Nextdoor on LaPaz Rd. as the Eaton Fire continues to grow.Altadena sits above Pasadena, nestled against the foothills of the mountains. But it isn’t considered a traditional mountain town.The fire left longtime residents in shock that it made it so far south, leaving many residents who live and work in the community without home or income. Nearly 42,000 people live in the largely working-class neighborhood.

Chaplains from Samaritan’s Purse pray with residents near their Sunset Ave. home. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire. An area around a Southern California Edison electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon has become a focus of their inquiry.

Homes located between W. Las Flores and Laurel Drive lay in ruins, save one, less than two weeks after the Eaton Fire devastated the area. In between and all around, the fire left a wake of disaster. In certain parts, it wiped away entire neighborhood blocks.

A neighbor braves the heat of a smoldering house as he tries to prevent it’s spread next door on LaPaz Rd. as the Eaton Fire continues to grow. The man with the hose wished to remain anonymous, but did say he was a retired firefighter who lived nearby.

Smoke rises from a burning car as law enforcement officers confront protesters during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy aims a less-lethal launcher as smoke and tear gas fill the air during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A demonstrator on a motorcycle waves a Mexican flag in front of a burning vehicle during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A burned-out car burns in the street as Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies move through the area during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Protesters move down a debris-strewn street toward law enforcement vehicles during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A man reacts as a flash-bang device explodes near him during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

A protester is engulfed in smoke as a flash-bang device deployed by sheriff’s deputies detonates near him during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Fireworks explode near police vehicles as protesters clash with law enforcement during a nighttime demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

Fireworks explode as law enforcement officers clash with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration enforcement operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025, as tensions escalated amid raids and the deployment of additional security forces.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in riot gear advance behind armored vehicles during a nighttime demonstration following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The protest erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the area, leading to multiple detentions and escalating into clashes, the use of chemical irritants by police, and small fires set by protesters.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork at the DMV to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. A small group of men, including brother-in-law, Sonny, were the first to see Robert at the funeral home. Robert’s younger brother, Mario, kisses his brother goodbye. The men were not only brothers but also best friends.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Extended family members prepared the meal that was served at Robert’s funeral. A framed photo of Robert was placed at the center of the main table. His teenaged son, Luke, one of four surviving children, is seated next to the picture.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert left behind four children including his daughter Gigi, 9, who is saying her final goodbyes. Gigi left a personal note that was folded and placed in her father’s suit pocket near his heart. It went with him to his grave and it said: “Dear Dad, I don’t know why you had to leave me to go to Jesus. I’m crying, and I still love you, and I want you to come home.”

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. A relative caresses Robert’s face as he lies surrounded by roses pinned to the casket cloth. Female relatives, including Robert’s mother, lovingly worked together making a chain of roses that adorned the casket.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Family matriarch, Cathy, 9, consoles Robert’s daughter, Gigi during the funeral meal that was prepared by the extended family. It is customary to have plates of fruit at Romani funeral tables.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Romani men from Robert’s extended family brought their grills to the funeral home and prepared food for the family.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Family matriarch, Cathy, offers powerful words of prayer prior to the meal at Robert’s funeral in Reno, Nevada.

The Gift of Life, March, 18, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert’s mother MaryAnn grieves during the internment and is supported by her brother and sister-in-law. Robert was buried next to his father, Spiro, at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, Nevada.

The Eaton fires destroyed lives, homes, and businesses with estimated costs in the billions. The fire killed 19 people, injuring nine firefighters, and destroyed 14,021 acres, 9,418 structures, and damaged over 1,000 others. More than 100,000 residents were evacuated, with approximately 6,900 households displaced from Altadena and surrounding areas as families try and pick up the pieces. The AltaMed Medical Group along with other buildings are engulfed in flames with winds up to 70 miles per hour along Washington Blvd during the Eaton Fire in Pasadena on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Greetings from Altadena sign on the side of the Grocery Outlet bargain market looking through destroyed businesses along Lake Ave. during the aftermath of the Eaton fire in Altadena on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Husband and wife Tommy Keiser and Chelsea Bayouth comfort each other as they try to pick up the pieces after their home of four years was destroyed along East Harriet St. during the Eaton Fire in Altadena on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Pictures that were found after wind from the Eaton fire blew them into the yard of a home along Woodlyn Rd. in Pasadena on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Yvette Pompa becomes emotional as she is consoled by her husband Kevin Whitaker of Pasadena during a vigil for the 19 victims of the Eaton fire at a makeshift memorial with wooden crosses at Lake Avenue and Villa St. in Pasadena on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

A passage from a book in the ruins of Karim and Paola Ismail home in the aftermath of what is left of their home that was destroyed along Altadena drive during the Eaton fire in Altadena on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Thousands of people can pick up clothes, food, toiletries, including children's shoes, during a wildfire relief effort for victims of the Eaton Fire at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Homeowners leave a sign for looters along Sonoma Dr. at Holliston Ave. Eaton Fire in Altadena on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The SGV progressive alliance and Altadena not for sale groups, protest at Lake Avenue and Woodbury in Altadena about the people trying to buy up property in Altadena and Pasadena after the Eaton fire on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Karim, right, kisses his wife Paola Ismail as they become emotional in the middle of the aftermath of what is left of their home that was destroyed along Altadena drive during the Eaton fire in Altadena on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration led to widespread protests in Los Angeles against Trump and ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement). Protesters gathered at City Hall on July 4 and went to the Roybal Federal Building to confront the National Guard and Marines who were deployed to Los Angeles. There were 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard deployed to LA. Later in July the troops were withdrawn after criticism of deploying military troops on domestic soil. Protester Elizabeth Natividad dressed as the Statue of Liberty with chains and Trump wearing a Nazi uniform on her skirt, on the steps of City Hall on July 4, 2025.

Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

Protesters wave flags at City Hall on July 4, 2025 in protest of the Trump administration. It was one of hundreds of protests around the country.

Protesters at City Hall hold signs against deportation on July 4, 2025.

Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4, 2025.

Marines stand guard outside the the Federal Building in Los Angeles on July 4, 2025.

Protesters wave flags across the street from Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on July 4, 2025.

A man is emotional as he sits on the steps of the Edward R. Royal Federal Building holding a flower that says “Humanity is For All” to peacefully confront the Marines on July 4, 2025.

Sunday, June 8,, 2025, Los Angeles, CA - Waymo taxis burn on Los Angeles St. as thousands of protesters take to the streets to protest ICE immigration raids throughout the city.

A protester lobs a large rock at CHP officers stationed on the 101 freeway below. Dozens of officers were pinned below overpasses as demonstrators threw everything from rocks to Lime scooters from the roads above.

A CHP officer take aim at demonstrators throwing debris at them as they run to their vehicles parked under an overpass on the 101 freeway downtown.

Rocks and a scooter thrown from an overpass lay on a CHP vehicle parked on the 101 freeway as vandals protest ICE immigration raids throughout the city.

A demonstrator uses a skateboard to destroy a Waymo vehicle as thousands of protesters take to the streets to protest ICE immigration raids throughout the city. It was reported that demonstrators called the driverless cars to this location, leaving them vulnerable to demolition.

Atlachinolli Tezcoatl pauses for a selfie as a medic tends to his bloody face from after getting hit in the with a rubber bullet fired by an LAPD officer at Temple and Los Angeles St. The Department of Homeland Security described the protesters as “violent rioters.”Advocates have vowed to continue fighting back against the arrests.“Our community is under attack and has been terrorized,” Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, or CHIRLA, told the crowd of protesters. “These are workers, these are fathers, these are mothers.”

Bystanders help a woman who was bleeding after getting shot in the hand by a rubber bullet from an LAPD officer at the intersection of Temple and Los Angeles St. as protesters take to the streets to protest ICE immigration raids throughout the city.

Members of Las Cafeteras lead supporters in song at a rally in support of union leader David Huerta at Grand Park. Huerta was recently detained by ICE agents and faces federal charges.