• I spent most of my life measuring success in grades.
• After graduating from college, it was hard to adjust to a more arbitrary scale of achievement.
• Now, I know that regularly redefining success is a necessary part of a fulfilling life.

When I was 7, I was identified as a "gifted kid." That label of promised potential followed me from elementary school enrichment programs to high school AP classes, eventually earning me a degree from a top university.

It's no surprise that I measured my worth in numbers and letters as (mostly) objective indicators of success. Everyone knows what a 4.0 GPA or an A+ means. From an early age, I knew that I wanted those high marks more than anything.

My constant focus on getting the grade, earning the leadership title, and landing the job didn't come without sacrifice. I said no to social engagements. I treated sleep like it was optional. The gym? Forget it. I figured that when I landed my dream job postgrad, it would all feel worth it. Finally, I would have achieved the ultimate goal.

But when I started my first "real" job, I found myself wondering, "Now what?" For the first time in my life, the next step wasn't obvious— talk about a quarter-life crisis. I knew I had to learn how to measure success in this new environment.

I let go of the metrics of the past

Starting my postgrad job meant accepting feedback on an arbitrary scale—one that I quickly learned is often affected by relationships, tenures, and titles.

My GPA didn't matter anymore, and neither did my obnoxious, eight-line-long college email signature. All of those club memberships and academic affiliations disappeared from relevance. I felt bitter at first. After all, I had worked so hard, and none of it seemed to matter.

But then I reframed my stance: None of it mattered — none of the little things, at least. My not-so-stellar neuroscience grade? Sleeping through three of my 8 a.m. poetry classes in a semester? Submitting a late Spanish essay? None of it prevented me from pursuing my goals.

This realization was incredibly freeing. Now, I know that small mistakes don't outweigh consistency. I don't have to measure my self-worth in the number of corrections on a paper or how many extracurriculars I participate in. I get to decide what success means to me. I can choose what to pursue and when to switch paths. Letting go of the numbers that once defined me meant that I was no longer held to someone else's idea of "good enough."

I learned to part ways with my ego

My first professional projects came with a harsh learning curve. What would have earned me an "A" in my college classes was met with a flurry of edits and comments.

At first, I was upset with my performance. I felt like I had failed. I mentioned my frustrations in passing to a much more experienced colleague, and he gave me some wonderful advice: "Separate your ego from your work," he said, "and you will be amazed at how quickly you improve."

As a creative working in tech, I had to get used to receiving feedback from all kinds of stakeholders. I don't just write essays for a professor anymore. I write blogs and social media posts that are read by customers, partners, and employees. Sometimes, this means my work is reviewed by 20 people or more before it's approved. That doesn't leave a lot of room for an unearned ego.

My current definition of success won't stay the same — and that's a good thing

Success might mean getting promoted — or it might not. Maybe it means discovering a new passion outside work. It might look like a commitment to health, exploring new places, or visiting friends and family. Achieving these goals might not make me better at my job, but I know they will make me a better person, friend, and partner.

My new goals might look hazy compared to old ones, and they will most likely shift as I progress in my career. I wish I had known that life is less structured after school and less linear, too.

Still, in the modern world of social media highlight reels, it can be difficult not to compare myself to my peers. Some days, I feel left out for not pursuing graduate school, and sometimes, I wonder if I picked the right college or even the right city.

Despite all this uncertainty, I'm grateful for one thing I do know: Leading a satisfying life requires redefining success at different stages. Shifting my goals doesn't make me a failure; it makes me human.

The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi® Double Cash Card, Chase Freedom Flex®, Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• I got the Discover it® Cash Back credit card this summer to earn up to 5% on everyday expenses.
• I wanted a no-annual-fee credit card that earned cash-back rewards on every dollar I spent.
• Some credit cards earn a fixed amount per dollar spent, while others earn more on certain expenses.

I got a new cash-back credit card this August and have earned more than $100 from it so far.

I specifically chose the Discover it® Cash Back card because it earns 5% cash back on bonus categories that change every three months (from January 1 to March 31, 2025, earn 5% cash back at restaurants, home improvement stores, and select streaming services on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).

With dozens of cash back credit card options on the market, I suffered serious analysis paralysis when evaluating the pros and cons of cash-back credit cards. Fortunately, I have reviewed credit cards for more than nine years, so I knew what benefits I was looking for (and what I was willing to forego).

These are the factors I considered in case you're also looking for a new card.

Cash back credit card types

There are two main types of cash back cards: those that earn a fixed rate no matter what you buy, and those that earn extra points on specific expenses.

Flat-rate cash back

If you value the KISS rule of Keeping It Simple, Stupid, you may want to pick a flat-rate credit card to use for all of your purchases.

Good examples of flat-rate cash back credit cards include the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Citi Double Cash Card, both of which appear on our list of the best 2% cash back credit cards.

These cards earn a respectable return on every dollar you spend whether you're paying for daycare, buying dinner, or shopping for a flight.

I personally wanted a higher rate of return, and I was willing to work harder to earn it.

Bonus points on specific categories

If you enjoy urban sports like extreme couponing, you may find yourself more drawn to credit cards that earn bonus rewards on specific spend categories. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best credit cards for buying groceries because it earns up to 6% on your first $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back) — but it only earns 1% on most other expenses except for on U.S. gas stations and transit purchases which earn 3% cash back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Most cards in this category earn extra points on common household expenses such as streaming services, drugstores, utilities, and dining out.

Avoid cards that reward purchases you don't often make, since you'll get more value from a credit card that better fits your habits. If you don't eat out very often, for example, you probably shouldn't get a cash back credit card that primarily rewards restaurant expenses.

5% rotating-bonus categories

Rotating-bonus credit cards are a specific subset of cash back cards, where cardholders earn 5% cash back on select expenses that change every three months.

The best-known rotating-bonus credit cards are my new Discover it Cash Back and the Chase Freedom Flex®, which I also have in my wallet. Each of these cards earn 5% back on up to $1,500 on eligible expenses each quarter, so I can earn up to $75 per card, four times a year, on bonus categories (with the Discover it Cash Back I earn 5% cash back at restaurants, home improvement stores, and select streaming services, January 1 to March 31, 2025, on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).

In case you were wondering: I keep both cards because they earn 5% back on different categories each quarter (then 1%), doubling my chances to earn extra rewards on everyday expenses. Since they don't have annual fees, it doesn't cost me anything to keep these cards open.

You can find the Discover cash back calendar here, and the Chase Freedom card quarterly bonus categories calendar here.

What I needed from my cash-back credit card

When researching my latest acquisition, I evaluated my primary expenses to see where I needed my card to do the most heavy lifting. Like most people, my biggest living expenses include:

1. Housing such as rent or a mortgage
2. Groceries
3. Transportation such as public transit or gas/EV charging
4. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, trash, and more
5. Healthcare such as medical copays, prescriptions, drugstore expenses, and more
6. Dining out including restaurants, takeout, food delivery, and more
7. Travel including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more
8. Entertainment such as concerts, sports games, streaming services, and movies

Don't settle for less than 1.5% cash back

No matter which cash-back card you choose, make sure it earns more than 1% back per dollar spent. There are too many valuable cards on the market — even without annual fees — that offer great returns for you to settle on a credit card that doesn't generously reward you for spending with it.

My most important cash-back card benefits

Cash back credit cards can be much more versatile than travel rewards credit cards because they're so straightforward to use.

These common traits that were available on all of the cash-back credit cards I considered:

• No annual fee
• Easy reward redemptions
• 0% intro APR
• Purchase protection and extended warranty benefits

No annual fees

I'm not opposed to paying for credit cards that earn their keep. I have The Business Platinum Card® from American Express which has a whopping $695 annual fee (), but that cost is worth it to me for the benefits I get out of the card.

However, I knew I didn't want a cash back card with annual fees because its core value lies in paying me back a small portion of the money I spend. Therefore, there's no point in paying for a card that's designed to pay me — and that's why most of the best cash-back credit cards do not charge annual fees.

You'll generally find annual fees on good credit cards that offer benefits you'd otherwise pay good money to enjoy. (You'll also find annual fees on mediocre cards that aren't worth their keep.)

Credit cards with airport lounge access, for example, can save you hundreds of dollars on food and drink each year, while the best credit cards with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck statement credits can save you time and hassle when going through airport security.

Pro tip: If you do consider a cash-back credit card with an annual fee, make sure the overall value you'll get from that card greatly exceeds the amount you pay for it.

Easy reward redemptions

I chose the Discover it Cash Back because I liked how easy it is to redeem my rewards. Since each point is worth 1 cent, I can use my cash-back rewards to pay down some of my card's statement balance and know exactly how much value I'm getting from my rewards.

While I'm a fan of the Discover mobile app, this benefit isn't exclusive to my card: Most cash-back credit cards offer the ability to redeem rewards as statement credits. Cash [back] is king, and you shouldn't consider any card that doesn't allow you to pay off what you owe with what you've earned.

Some credit cards also allow you to redeem rewards for gift cards, or use them to pay off Amazon shopping balances. As long as your points are worth at least 1 cent apiece, this isn't a terrible idea as long as the retailers you choose are companies you'd shop from regardless.

Pro tip: Some issuers only allow cardholders to redeem rewards on Amazon at a discounted rate, sometimes for as little as 0.7 cents per point. If you find yourself in this situation, you're better off paying for your Amazon purchase outright and then using your rewards to pay off the charge on your statement at a redemption value of 1 cent per point.

0% interest period

The Discover it Cash Back also stood out to me for its 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.49% - 27.49% variable APR (rates as of 12/12/2024). I generally pay off all of my credit card balances in full, but occasionally take advantage of promotions like this one to let my cash earn some interest in a high-yield savings account for a year before paying off what I owe when my 0% intro APR expires.

Some cash back credit cards offer new cardholders this benefit, which can be really helpful if you have large expenses like furniture, medical bills, or property taxes on the horizon. Whether you need a little extra breathing room to save enough money or just want to invest your spare cash, having a few months of no interest can be really helpful for anyone.

Purchase protection benefits

My Discover it Cash Back credit card actually doesn't offer purchase protection or extended warranty benefits, so I pay for tech gadgets and higher-value products with some of my other credit cards.

My other cash back credit card, the Chase Freedom Flex, does offer generous Chase purchase protection and an extended warranty. When I buy an eligible product with this card, Chase covers my purchase if it gets damaged or stolen within the first 120 days after purchase, for up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Chase Freedom Flex even comes with trip insurance: If I pay for a flight or a hotel room using this card but have to cancel or shorten my trip because of illness or severe weather, I can file a claim for reimbursement on nonrefundable prepaid expenses: up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

Other cash back credit card benefits to look for

Instant approval and virtual card number

You can begin using some credit cards within seconds of being approved.

My Discover it Cash Back credit card offered instant approval and a virtual credit card number for immediate use while I waited for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

I didn't need to use the card right away, but this feature can be particularly useful if you have a big expense coming up right away and want to take advantage of a 0% intro APR period (then 18.49% - 27.49% variable APR (rates as of 12/12/2024)) or start earning your welcome bonus a little bit sooner.

Welcome bonus

Speaking of welcome bonuses, these are incentives offered by credit card issuers that make it a little more enjoyable to open a new credit card. Credit card welcome bonuses are offers that typically come in the form of cash back or points earned after spending a certain amount within a number of days or months after opening the new card.

There are a few variations to this formula: With some cards, you can earn the bonus after just a single purchase. And on my new Discover it Cash Back, I'll get the famous Discover Cashback Match™, which effectively doubles the total amount of cash back I earn in my first year of card ownership.

Cashback Match™ is an unlimited benefit for new card members like me in their first year only, where Discover automatically matches all the cash back earned after I reach my one-year card anniversary. Even if I don't earn another dime from today forward, I'll end up with $215.68 next year: my current $107.84 ×2. Not bad at all for a no-annual-fee credit card.

Maximizing rewards with other bank products

We've already discussed the bonus rewards offered on cards like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card, which rewards cardholders who also invest their money with Bank of America. But there are many other ways to maximize your cash-back credit card rewards.

Cash back credit cards from large issuers often earn rewards that can be combined with premium travel rewards credit cards for even more value.

For example, my Chase Freedom Flex earns cash back in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can only be redeemed for gift cards or cash back on their own. But if I also get a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, I can transfer my cash back rewards to one of these cards, then use my points to book luxury flights or hotel stays with Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer partners.

Chase isn't the only major bank that offers credit cards with reciprocal rewards — American Express, Citi, Capital One, and Wells Fargo all offer multiple credit cards that work well together for additional value.

The cash-back credit cards I considered before choosing the Discover it Cash Back

I consulted our guide to the best cash back credit cards to find an option that worked well with my spending habits and lifestyle. I don't mind doing a little extra legwork for bigger rewards, which is probably why I could earn more than $100 in a few short months.

The other two cash back cards I considered in addition to the Discover it Cash Back are the Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card and the Citi® Double Cash Card.

Wells Fargo Attune

The Attune℠ Card earns 4% on many bonus categories including gyms, pet supplies, and environmentally friendly transit, and 1% on everything else. Like the Discover it Cash Back, the Attune℠ Card also offers new cardholders a 0% interest period. The Attune℠ Card offers 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR.

I ultimately decided against this card because I don't spend enough across the bonus categories to maximize my cash rewards. If I ever get a dog again, however, this card will likely be one of my first post-pet acquisitions.

Citi Double Cash

The Citi Double Cash Card is a classic cash back card that earns exactly what the name suggests. You'll earn 1% back per dollar when you make a purchase, and 1% back per dollar when you pay it off, for a total of 2% cash back on everything. It also comes with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then a 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR.

While this no-annual-fee credit card has been popular with millions of people through the years, the Citi Double Cash Card just wasn't what I wanted this time around.

Since I already have a different card I use to earn 2% back on non-bonus purchases, I'm willing to do a little extra legwork to earn a better rate of cash back. That's why I turned down this fan favorite for the Discover it Cash Back.

My Discover it Cash Back's limitations

My new cash back credit card is pretty flexible. Like many of the best credit card issuers, Discover doesn't require me to earn a certain amount of rewards before allowing me to redeem them for statement credits. But some banks do, so make sure your card of choice doesn't limit you to only using your rewards once you've earned a lot of points.

My cash back credit card also isn't great for travel protection. As I mentioned earlier, the Discover it Cash Back doesn't offer travel benefits, so I can't file for reimbursement if my flight gets delayed and I have to buy last-minute toiletries to get me through an unexpected night in the airport. Even my Chase Freedom Flex, which offers generous reimbursement for interrupted travel, doesn't pay me back if my luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged by an airline.

Instead, I rely on my Sapphire Preferred Card for travel protection. While I never want to lose my bags, I feel much better knowing that I might be reimbursed if that happens to me for a covered reason.

The reasons I choose my cash back credit card will differ from why you choose yours. But hopefully my reasoning helps you better understand what you want out of your next card.

• Firefighters in LA have limited options against blazes so huge.
• Common tactics like firebreaks, controlled burns, and dousing vital buildings face big hurdles.
• A wildfire expert told BI that the fire is unlikely to be put out until LA's winds change.

Firefighters confronting the Los Angeles wildfires face hurdles to many tactics in their arsenal as they try to tame some 27,000 burning acres.

As of Thursday, more than 1,400 firefighters were battling several blazes with both ground crews and airdrops.

The firefighters of California "are amongst the best-trained and best-equipped wildfire fighters anywhere in the world," said Stefan Doerr, a professor of wildland fire science at the UK's Swansea University.

But, he told Business Insider, "they are really challenged by the fact that the winds are so extreme, as well as having several large fires burning at the same time."

His conclusion: Until the winds fanning the blazes die down, "putting out a fire like this is essentially impossible."

Numerous California officials gave a similar assessment, saying there was no immediate prospect of containing the fires.

'Not prepared'

Anthony Marrone, the fire chief of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, told local outlet 6ABC: "LA County and all 29 fire departments in our county are not prepared for this type of widespread disaster."

They could handle one or two major fires, he said, "but not four."

Doerr, who did not have direct information about the LA fire services' plans, walked BI through some tactics generally used for major wildfires, and their limitations in combatting these fires.

1) Attack from the side

"This fire is very complex," said Doerr, pointing to the number of distinct blazes, some expanding in several directions at once.

Most of the fires were being pushed toward the sea by powerful inland air currents known as Santa Ana winds.

Doerr said there it is too dangerous to approach so huge a fire from the front, where it burns most intensely.

"It's usually attacked on the side to basically shrink the overall fire front," he said.

2) Use — or make — firebreaks

Common tactics include removing flammable material with bulldozers, he said. "Removing the vegetation is much more effective than trying to fight a fire like this with water."

The problem is that LA's topography is complex, making it hard to remove vegetation, he said.

"That leaves the firefighting forces with limited opportunities," he said. One option is to take advantage of natural firebreaks, such as roads and rivers, or other spots with no flammable vegetation, he said.

There, firefighters could wet the area or use a fire retardant to slow the fire, he said.

Even that, Doerr said, is "very, very challenging" in this instance.

"Even if they are able to basically stop the flames from moving over, say, a road or something directly, the strong winds often mean that you have embers flying over large distances," he said, adding that in some fires, these can travel miles.

That could, in turn, spark more fires, leapfrogging the barriers.

3) Soak important buildings

"When we see firefighters using water, it's often to protect properties — to stop them burning, rather than stopping the entire fire," Doerr said.

As well as ground crews, Chinook helicopters have been dropping thousands of gallons of water on the fire. "It's like having six fire trucks show up to your house every 10 minutes," Wayne Coulson, CEO of the Coulson Group, told Global News.

The fires have put immense strain on LA's water supply.

Three huge tanks of a million gallons each serving the Pacific Palisades ran dry within hours under "tremendous demand," said Janisse Quiñones, chief engineer and CEO of the LA department of water and power, according to The Guardian.

"We're fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging," Quiñones said, per the paper.

4) Accept losses and prioritize

So many structures are under threat that it is impossible to protect all of them with water. Here, tough decisions have to be made, with important buildings like hospitals likely to receive priority, Doerr said.

More than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed, including the homes of celebrities like Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal.

Another extreme option would be to bulldoze whole streets to create a firebreak, Doerr said.

It would be a desperate measure against some of the most costly properties in the world — but "it's still cheaper than having it burn down, and burning the next building along the road," he said.

"Whether they take these extreme measures at the moment, I don't know, but they have done this in the past in extreme fires," he added.

Some tactics are likely out of bounds

One option that is likely out of reach is what Doerr called a "tactical burn."

When tackling some seasonal wildfires, firefighters light a smaller, controlled fire in the path of the main flames to burn away the available fuel, he said.

This can be really effective — but with the strong winds in LA, it risks making things even worse, Doerr said.

"Otherwise you're just going to generate a new fire that's going to burn further on," he said.

Waiting for the wind to change

Observers are anxiously keeping tabs on a key metric — the percentage of containment of the fire.

But it's often misunderstood. "'Contained' means that you basically stopped the edges of the fire from moving further," said Doerr. 100% containment means authorities are reasonably sure the fire can no longer spread, he said. From there, it can burn itself out.

According to the fire service, two smaller fires were partially contained as of early Thursday, at 10% and 40% each. The larger ones were at 0%.

For all their efforts, LA's firefighters are largely "at the mercy of the weather," Doerr said.

"In reality, most fires of such extremity tend to be stopped by a change in weather," he added.

Winds, which on Thursday were gusting up to 25 mph, are forecast by the National Weather Service to slow down to a maximum of 15 mph by Friday evening, offering the best opportunity yet to stop the blaze.

Until then, Doerr said, "putting out a fire like this is essentially impossible."

• Melania Trump grew up in Sevnica, Slovenia, a small town of 17,611 people.
• Her father was a car salesman and her mother worked in a local textile factory.
• Sevnica's tourism doubled the year before she became first lady.

Before Melania Trump became a fashion model and first lady of the United States, she was Melanija Knavs, the Slovenian daughter of a car salesman and a textile factory worker.

But Trump's hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, has become a tourist destination as people have traveled to see where she spent her early years.

Here are some Sevnica landmarks from Trump's childhood.

Melania Trump grew up in Sevnica, Slovenia.

Trump was born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, on April 26, 1970.

She spent her childhood in Sevnica, a small town 30 miles away.

Sevnica is located along the Sava River in central Slovenia.

It has a population of 17,611, according to data collected by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia in 2022.

When Melania Trump was born, Slovenia was a communist country ruled by President Josip Tito and known as Yugoslavia.

Slovenia became independent in 1991.

Before Trump's rise to fame as a model and then FLOTUS, Sevnica was known for its furniture and clothing factories, as well as its annual salami festival.

Sevnica produces over 150 kinds of salami, a feat celebrated at its annual Salamiada festival.

Now, Sevnica produces a salami named after the first lady.

Sevnica's tourism doubled in the year before Donald Trump took office as interest in Melania Trump grew, a tour guide told Reuters in January 2017.

For 2017 as a whole, the number of foreigners visiting Slovenia jumped 17% when compared to the previous year, with a total of 3.4 million visitors, Reuters reported in January 2018. 

The small town capitalized on its claim to fame as the former FLOTUS' hometown, offering tours, foods, and souvenirs named after her.

As a child, Trump — then known as Melanija Knavs — lived in this block of Communist-era apartments.

Her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car salesman. Her mother, Amalija, worked at a local textile factory.

Trump has one sister, Ines Knauss, and a half-brother, Denis Cigelnjak.

Trump attended Sevnica's Savo Kladnik Elementary School.

Mirjana Jelancic, a friend of Trump's who went on to become principal of the school, told ABC News in 2016 that the young Trump was "an angel" and "a very good student."

Her family later moved to a modest house on Ribniki Street.

When Trump and her sister, Ines, were in high school, the Knavs family moved to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. There, Trump was scouted by photographer Stane Jerko and signed with a modeling agency when she was 18.

Trump remained connected to her hometown over the years, donating $25,000 to a medical center there in 2005.

Trump made the donation after her wedding in 2005, The New York Times reported.

Residents of Sevnica gathered to celebrate President Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 election.

Trump is the second first lady born outside the US. The first was John Quincy Adams' wife, Louisa Catherine Adams, who was born in London.

American artist Brad Downey commissioned a monument of Trump from Slovenian sculptor Ales "Maxi" Zupevc in 2019 that was erected in a field outside Sevnica.

The wooden statue, modeled after Trump's blue Ralph Lauren inauguration dress, garnered mixed reviews.

A bronze statue replaced the original wood one after it was vandalized and burned in 2020.

A plaque at the site says the new bronze statue is "dedicated to the eternal memory of a monument to Melania which stood in this location from 2019-2020."

• Major fires are burning throughout the Los Angeles area, destroying thousands of buildings.
• Satellite images show flames wreaking havoc on houses and other structures.
• At least 5 people have died, and more than 100,000 residents were ordered to evacuate on Wednesday.

At least five people have died and more than 100,000 have been ordered to evacuate as uncontrolled fires continue to burn through parts of Los Angeles into a third day.

Five separate fires are sweeping through parts of the region in and around Los Angeles, with one of the biggest blazes, the Palisades Fire, expected to be the costliest in US history.

Satellite images provided to Business Insider by Maxar Technologies show the trail of destruction the fires have left in Altadena and Palisades, two of the most heavily affected areas.

Houses burned to the ground in Altadena

Satellite images show houses burned down in the Altadena neighborhood of Los Angeles, one of the areas most affected by the Eaton fire.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as of 3 a.m. Thursday local time, the fire had burned 10,600 acres in the area, and continued to grow with 0% containment.

Palisades Fire burning through Western Los Angeles

The Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood in the Westside region of Los Angeles, has also been devastated.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Palisades Fire has consumed about 17,234 acres, with 0% containment, as of 4 a.m. Thursday.

The Palisades fire alone has already become the most destructive fire ever to hit Los Angeles County, CNN reported Wednesday, citing CalFire data.

East Altadena Drive

Houses and buildings in East Altadena Drive are almost unrecognizable in these before and after images.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said during a press conference Wednesday evening that residents could receive more evacuation orders as wind conditions continue to be "strong and erratic."

In an X post in the early hours of Thursday morning, she said firefighters would be working throughout the night to battle the blazes.

Tuna Canyon Road closed until further notice

The Tuna Canyon Road, the road connecting Malibu and Topanga, was covered in smoke and witnessed fires burning through nearby buildings.

In an X post on Wednesday night, the California Department of Transportation said highways were fully closed at various locations due to fires or wind-related incidents.

Meanwhile, ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft were offering free rides to evacuation centers.

A historic windstorm

The fires are still burning, and satellite imagery from Wednesday showed the sheer scale of the fires in Altadena.

The National Weather Service called the windstorm "life-threatening and destructive."

Courtney Carpen, a warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said the fires would likely continue over the coming days.

"We're not out of the woods yet," she said, pointing to winds expected to continue through Friday afternoon, and dry weather conditions.

• I've been using Rent the Runway for two years and love always having a new outfit to wear.
• To get the most out of my membership, I always read the reviews before selecting rental items.
• I also like to choose pieces that would typically be out of my comfort zone.

As a travel writer, I always want to wear new outfits to post during my trips. However, I hate spending money on clothes I quickly tire of after wearing a few times.

Two years ago, a good friend introduced me to Rent the Runway, a clothing-rental subscription service with several membership options. My $144 monthly membership, which gets me access to 10 pieces of clothing each month, has been a game changer.

Here are seven ways I make my Rent the Runway membership worthwhile.

I like to select pieces that would typically be out of my comfort zone

Renting is a great opportunity to try pieces in styles I wouldn't typically wear. This includes things like vibrant colors, bold prints, or funky hemlines.

For example, I adored a bright floral, flouncy dress that gave me 1950s glam-housewife vibes, and received tons of compliments on a fuzzy blue-and-brown cow-print winter coat.

If I don't love it, I'll wear it once and send it back. But sometimes, I end up discovering a whole new look.

When choosing pieces to rent, I always read the reviews first

Before selecting items to add to my shipment, I always check the reviews first. Helpful user reviews include a rating on a scale from 1 to 5, photos, and information about the reviewer like the size they wore, their usual size, age, height, weight, bust size, and body type.

I only rent items that have a 4-star review or higher, as ratings get pulled down by members for reasons like poor fit or quality.

I also seek out reviews and photos of members with a similar size and body type for a more "apples-to-apples" comparison.

Sometimes, I like to rent certain items for a longer period of time

To get the most bang for my buck, I like renting outerwear because it's versatile and often expensive. For example, one year I rented an edgy black-leather jacket that cost $700 retail.

I loved it so much that I kept it for almost two months and even took it on a trip to Japan. Although it meant I got to select one less piece in subsequent shipments, I got a lot of use out of it.

If you find an item you love, I definitely recommend extending the rental period.

Promo codes make it more affordable to purchase items I love

Sure, this subscription service is about renting, but if I fall in love with something, I can purchase it. When I do this, I always check for promo codes, which can offer up to 40% off.

For example, I kept a cute $238 tropical linen Scotch & Soda romper for $60 and a $275 Louna ombre sweater for $40. Since I already rented them, I knew they fit and looked good on my body.

I take advantage of Rent the Runway's collection of accessories

There have been a few times where, for one reason or another, I just couldn't find that last perfect piece to add to my shipment.

Luckily, Rent the Runway offers accessories, too, including jewelry, sunglasses, and handbags.

I've rented a blue-and-white-striped bucket bag, a minimalist leather crossbody, and a mini drawstring black tote. Bags are a great way to add a little pop of color or designer flair to your wardrobe.

I love using Rent the Runway for special occasions

On a recent trip to Marrakesh, Morocco, the itinerary included a white party and a gala — neither of which I had an outfit for.

I rented a white spaghetti-strap dress with neon-yellow piping and a stunning navy silk gown with high slits on each side.

Whether I need something for a wedding, holiday party, vacation, or cruise, the no-obligation aspect is perfect no matter the occasion.

I always use the chat feature when an item isn't quite right

Although rented items should always arrive in good condition and ready to wear, there have been a few times when pieces arrived looking too worn or wrinkled.

Luckily, whenever I've chatted with Rent the Runway, I've been able to speak with a human rep, not a chatbot.

The company has always made the situation right by offering a free rental item right away or in my next shipment. Getting these extra rentals keeps me from "wasting" pieces that I can't wear, allowing me to get more bang for my buck.

• "Squid Game" on Netflix is about a group of people in debt competing in deadly games for money.
• Some of the characters' debts revealed in season two are more than a billion South Korean won.
• When converted into US currency, the highest debt represented is just under $7 million.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Squid Game" season two.

Netflix's biggest show, "Squid Game," is a South Korean thriller series about a group of people who risk their lives in a dangerous competition to pay off their debts.

The largest debts are equal to billions of South Korean won. But in the context of US dollars using the current conversion rates, the largest debt represented is just under $7 million.

The show is set in a dystopian version of the present where people compete in a series of deadly children's games to win 45.6 billion won (roughly $31.2 million). In the show, the prize fund starts at zero and can rise to 45.6 billion won, however the money only increases if a player dies. Each player's death adds 0.1 billion won to the prize pot.

In season one, there can be only one winner, but season two changes the rules. After each game, the contestants can vote to leave, splitting the prize money that's been won so far. If a majority agrees, all the surviving players leave with an equal split of the current prize fund.

By the end of season two, 36.1 billion won (roughly $24.7 million) is in the fund, and 95 players are still alive. If the contestants leave right away, each player would receive 380 million won (roughly $260,000), but this amount is lower than some of the characters' debts.

Viewers unfamiliar with the Korean won may struggle to grasp the level of debt each player is in. These are the fictional debts converted from South Korean won to US dollars based on current conversion rates.

Player 196 owes $31,000

When the contestants first enter the games in season two, the game organizers expose some of the players' debts in an attempt to get them to shut up and play along with the competition.

Player 196, who is the first person to be killed in the first game, has the lowest debt that is revealed in the season.

The organizers say Player 196, who is killed in the first game, "Red Light, Green Light," owed 45 million won, which is roughly $31,000.

Player 007 owes $68,000

In episode five, Player 007, whose real name is Park Yon-sik, shocks his mother by voting to stay in the games.

He later tells her that his debt is higher than she thought it was, and he is being threatened to pay it back.

He says his debt is around 100 million won, which is roughly $68,000.

He is still alive at the end of the season.

Player 120 owes $226,000

Player 120, Cho Hyun-ju, is an ex-military trans woman who needs money to finish paying off her surgical bills and to move to Thailand, where she would be more accepted.

The game organizers say she owes 330 million won, which is roughly $226,000.

She is still alive at the end of the season.

Player 230 owes $814,000

Player 230 is a microcelebrity internet rapper who goes by the name Thanos. He enters the games after losing 500 million won (roughly $342,000) in a crypto scam led by Player 333. Player 333 kills him during a brawl in episode seven.

The organizers say he owes 1.19 billion won, which is roughly $814,000.

Player 198 owes $958,000

Player 198 is a minor character in season two who dies in the second game.

The organizers say he owes 1.4 billion won, which is roughly $958,000.

Player 333 owes $1.2 million

Player 333, Lee Myung-gi, is a former YouTuber who is wanted for fraud and violating telecom and financial investment laws after promoting a crypto coin that turned out to be a scam.

The scammers fled after taking 15.2 billion won (roughly $10.4 million) from those who invested in the coin, including Thanos, Player 222, and Player 124, but Myung-gi seemed to also lose money in the scam and shut down his social media accounts.

In episode three, the organizers expose Lee to the group and say he owes 1.8 billion won, which is roughly $1.2 million.

He is still alive at the end of the season.

Player 226 owes $1.3 million

Player 226 is one of the players who consistently pushes the group to continue playing the games.

The organizers say he owes 1.9 billion won, which is roughly $1.3 million.

He is still alive at the end of the season.

Player 444 owes $1.4 million

Player 444 is a minor character who dies in the first game. A sniper shoots him in the leg, but he makes it to the finish line only to be shot and killed by another sniper.

The organizer says he owes 2.02 billion won, which is roughly $1.4 million.

Player 343 owes $2 million

Player 343 is a minor character who dies during the Mingle game after Player 001 strangles him.

The organizers say he owes 2.89 billion won, which is roughly $2 million.

Player 006 owes $2.1 million

Player 006 is a minor character who becomes part of Player 44's cult.

The organizers say she owes 3.1 billion won, which is roughly $2.1 million.

Player 283 owes $2.7 million

Player 283 is a minor character who is the second character to die in the first game. A sniper kills the player after she panics over Player 196's death.

The organizers say she owes 4.02 billion won, which is roughly $2.7 million.

Player 100 owes $6.8 million

Player 100 is the biggest defender of the games, often inspiring the group to continue with the contest instead of quitting.

The organizers say he owes 10 billion won, which is $6.8 million.

He is still alive at the end of the season.

• The President of Mexico has suggested renaming parts of the US to "América Mexicana."
• Claudia Sheinbaum's sarcastic remark followed Trump's idea of renaming the Gulf of Mexico as "the Gulf of America."
• Sheinbaum added that she believed she would have a good relationship with Trump.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded to President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as "the Gulf of America," suggesting that parts of North America should be renamed "América Mexicana."

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Sheinbaum pointed to a colonial-era 17th-century map showing parts of US territory that were once part of Mexico.

"Why don't we call it América Mexicana? That sounds nice, no?" she said.

Her remarks came after Trump, speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Tuesday, said he planned to rename the Gulf.

"We're going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America," he said. "What a beautiful name — and it's appropriate."

Following the conference, United States Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X: "I'll be introducing legislation ASAP to officially change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to its rightful name, the Gulf of America!"

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was willing to work with Trump on renaming the Gulf, but only if Trump worked with Democrats on "an actual plan to lower costs for Americans."

"That is what the American people want us to focus on first, not on renaming bodies of water," Schumer said.

In the press briefing, Sheinbaum also hit back at Trump's claim that Mexico was "run by cartels," saying the "people are in charge" of the nation.

The president added that Trump had "his own way of communicating" but that she believed she would still have a good relationship with him.

• Wildfires have torn through Los Angeles, destroying homes and displacing residents.
• Major Hollywood productions have paused shooting.
• They include "Fallout," one Amazon's biggest hits last year, and "Grey's Anatomy."

As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to tear through swathes of the city, Hollywood has responded by pausing multiple TV and film productions.

As of 8 A.M ET, at least five people had died in the wildfires, and 150,000 people had been evacuated from the greater Los Angeles area, including the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Pasadena. The Los Angeles Times reported that around 2,000 buildings had been destroyed, citing the LA Fire Department.

Numerous celebrities, including Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton have lost their homes. The Palisades fire burned over 17,000 acres of land, and a fifth fire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, started in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening.

Here are the projects that have paused production.

'Fallout' and 'Grey's Anatomy' are among the TV shows affected

Variety reported on Wednesday that Amazon had postponed restarting filming for "Fallout" season two until Friday.

The show, based on the popular "Fallout" games by Bethesda Softworks, was one of the streamer's biggest hits of 2024.

The outlet also reported that the Warner Bros. studio backlot in Burbank was closed, stopping work on "Abbott Elementary," "The Pitt," "All-American," and "Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage."

However, the city of Burbank said on Wednesday that there were no evacuation orders for the area.

NBC Universal stopped production on "Suits: LA," the spinoff to Aaron Korsh's popular legal drama starring Stephen Amell, as well as "Ted," "Hacks," "Loot," and "Happy's Place."

CBS Studios meanwhile paused work on "NCIS," "NCIS: Origins," "After Midnight," "The Neighborhood," and "Poppa's House." And Disney delayed work on "Grey's Anatomy," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and "Doctor Odyssey."

On Wednesday, FilmLA, which helps coordinate permits for movies and TV shows shooting in the city, said the LA County Fire Department told them to withdraw all permits for Altadena, La Crescenta, La Canada/Flintridge, and Unincorporated Pasadena, and others were possible.

In an update on the same day, the company said that the LA Parks and Recreation Department had canceled all filming permits until January 14.

The disruption from the wildfires comes as Hollywood tries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and actor and writer strikes last year, which both led to numerous production delays for major and smaller studios alike.

Mike Miller, the vice president of the film and TV crew union IATSE, told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday that the organization would support those affected.

He said: "We're going to be there to support them and I'm confident that we'll be able to come through this. But it is absolutely going to add additional burden to many people in our industry that are already struggling."

Representatives for Amazon, NBC Universal, CBS, and Disney did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

• I spent time along Florida's 30A in three towns: Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach.
• Each beach town was very different, and the one I liked best felt the most "Florida" to me.
• The 30A beach town I'd recommend for a first-time visitor is Seaside for its great food and vibes.

Florida's 30A area is a stretch of white-sand beaches, Gulf of Mexico views, and quaint beach towns that runs for 24 miles along County Road 30A.

The area, which is in the Florida panhandle between Panama City Beach or Destin, has grown in popularity in recent years and has been nicknamed "the Hamptons of the South" by those who visit.

Recently, I spent a few days in 30A and explored three beach towns there: Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Alys Beach.

All were charming and had lots to do, but as a Florida native who writes about travel for a living, there was one spot I'd recommend if you're looking to get the full 30A experience while still feeling like you had a distinctly "Florida" vacation.

Alys Beach felt too high-end for what I'd like to experience in Florida.

Alys Beach stood out with its architecture and design. White, stone structures and beautiful landscaping were king in this area, and it's easy to see why it's a popular spot for luxury travel.

With bright, linear buildings set against a cerulean sky, the area feels like something out of the Mediterranean region or, at the very least, a spot where celebrities would buy homes or take vacations in Florida.

I had a yummy lunch here on the outdoor patio of a spot called George's at Alys Beach and shopped for a bit in the public area. Still, it wasn't my favorite.

In my opinion, this area felt the least accessible to vacationers and had the vibe of a private community — not so much an inviting beach town.

Rosemary Beach gave off European vibes, but again, didn't feel like Florida.

I enjoyed my time in Rosemary Beach and found the TikToks I'd seen about the area to be accurate: The whole town has a European vibe, from the architecture of its homes to the design of its main shopping and dining area.

The area felt high-end and pricy, something some people vacationing in Florida may not expect.

Despite being cute and within walking distance of the main area of town, I found myself preferring to drive elsewhere in my rental car.

Of all the 30A beach towns I visited, Seaside was my favorite.

During my visit to 30A, I stayed at an Airbnb between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

A perk of this area is that most of the beach towns are within walking or biking distance, and bike-rental shops are plentiful if a bicycle isn't included with your rental property.

Seaside was about a 15-minute drive from my Airbnb, and I found myself making the trip on two separate occasions to spend time there because I liked the area so much.

Seaside feels like an upscale beach town that's still distinctly "Florida."

As someone who's lived in Florida for the last eight years, I've come to appreciate the state's quirkiness and beauty. I love everything Florida's beach towns have to offer, and walking through Seaside felt very "Florida," while also feeling upscale.

There were gorgeous beach houses and breathtaking views of the blue-green Gulf of Mexico, but the area also had beach bars, souvenir shops, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that reminded me I was still in my state.

Some of the best meals I had in 30A were in Seaside.

The flavors of Seaside were delightful and I'd absolutely return to the town for meals on future trips to 30A.

One night, I had a wonderful steak dinner on the rooftop of Bud and Alley's, a historic restaurant with famous sunset views.

Another day, I visited Seaside bright and early for breakfast at Pickle's Burger and Shakes, a spot on the beach that serves Southern breakfast fare like biscuits and gravy.

Even the latte I grabbed at Amavida Coffee and Tea was excellent.

The sunsets in Seaside can't be beat.

The sunsets along the Gulf of Mexico are stunning, and the prettiest one I saw was while having dinner on the roof of the aforementioned Bud and Alley's.

The restaurant even rings a bell each time the sun sets.

My dream rental property in Seaside would be right on the gulf with a balcony for viewing the sunset on the days I didn't make it to Bud and Alley's roof.

One of the best parts of my trip was a walking tour of Seaside.

The best thing I did while in Seaside was actually a free self-guided walking tour created by the Seaside Institute that I played on my phone as I explored the town.

It featured recorded audio snippets from architects and town planners who founded Seaside explaining everything from the art and design of each beach entrance to how the local historic post office came to be.

Not only was it great to see the town on foot and learn about its history, but also finding a free vacation activity that's fun is always a win in my book.

Overall, I'd describe Seaside as an upscale Florida beach town with a family-friendly vibe.

I love that Seaside doesn't seem to take itself as seriously as towns like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

Instead, it seems to embrace its Florida roots while still maintaining stunning architecture, beautiful art installations, and vibrant public areas.

It's beautiful enough to feel like a vacation — even to someone from another part of Florida — while not feeling as pretentious as other towns in the area.

My perfect 30A trip would include a stay in Seaside and day trips into the other towns.

I cannot wait to return to 30A for another vacation along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

After exploring the area, I'm definitely a Seaside girl, and would choose a rental property right in the heart of the town for my next trip.

I'd still venture into towns like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach for a meal or some shopping, but I'd recommend a stay in Seaside to a first-time 30A visitor.

• Cherie Rohn, 79, took up fencing at 75. She also works out and does ballroom dancing.
• She shared some of her secrets to staying so active at almost 80.
• These include finding an exercise you love and not trying to be perfect all the time.

Cherie Rohn, 79, has a very structured week when it comes to workouts.

On Sundays, she does a fencing lesson. On Tuesdays, she works out "strenuously." On Wednesday, she does a three-hour fencing session. She takes Thursday for stretching, and on Friday has a ballroom dancing lesson.

The freelance writer and editor based in Fort Myers, Florida, started fencing when she was 75. She stumbled across online fencing lessons during a lockdown in November 2020, and has been doing it ever since.

Rohn has been active all her life and had done ballroom dancing for a decade before she took up the blade. But fencing is "the most strenuous thing I've ever done," she said. "I have to work out constantly just to be able to do the sport."

Factors including genetics, luck, and our environment are thought to play a role in how long we live, as well as lifestyle choices such as regularly exercising.

Here how Rohn stays fit as she approaches 80.

Find an exercise you love

From whitewater rafting and scuba diving to skydiving and ballroom dancing, Rohn has tried lots of different activities.

"Whatever pulls your chain, do that," she said, because if you're not motivated to do something, you won't do it.

Nathan K. LeBrasseur, a physiologist who researches healthy aging, previously told BI that a mixture of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training is best for protecting our health. But the best exercise is one you can do consistently, so pick an activity you enjoy and will do regularly.

A 2018 study on 70 people over six weeks, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found that those in their 80s who exercised regularly for most of their lives had similar levels of skeletal muscle and enzyme activity to those around 30 years younger than them.

Don't give up

"Don't quit too soon," Rohn said. Instead, think about what you're getting out of exercise.

For Rohn, fencing gives her "immense physical strength" and the ability to "meet the challenges of the day." Plus, the intense concentration it requires provides an escape from worries, she said.

A 2023 study by researchers at Duke Kunshan University, China, using data on 22,463 people found that physically active people over 80 tended to live longer than their inactive peers, even if they took up exercising later in life.

Don't try to be perfect all the time

"You can't be Wonder Woman all of the time," Rohn said. "Sometimes I eat really crappily. I'm not perfect. I screw up."

Lots of dietitians advocate for the 80/20 diet, where you eat healthily 80% of the time and allow yourself to eat what you want for the other 20%. This is because the healthiest way to eat, like exercise, is one you can maintain in the long term.

Making resting part of your workout routine

She also takes multiple rest days a week to help her body recover.

Working out too much and not taking adequate rest can lead to issues such as tiredness, lack of motivation, and increased risk of injuries, Danielle Gray, a personal trainer, previously told BI.

• Air travel is being disrupted by strong winds and wildfires in Los Angeles.
• Several airlines have waived change fees for flights to Los Angeles and Orange County.
• Some flights to Burbank were diverted, while passengers photographed the fires from the skies.

The wildfires devastating Los Angeles and the strong winds intensifying them are also disrupting air travel in and around the city.

After a lengthy dry spell in the region, the Santa Ana winds produced gusts up to nearly 90 mph.

These strong winds and the fires — which have led to five deaths and over 130,000 people being evacuated — have caused knock-on effects, with significant numbers of flights delayed and airlines issuing waivers to allow passengers to amend their flights.

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are among the carriers that have issued waivers for change fees. The affected airports are Los Angeles International, Hollywood Burbank, Ontario International, and Santa Ana's John Wayne Airport.

At LAX, the city's main airport, 153 flights, or 18%, were delayed on Wednesday, per data from FlightAware.

The airport says it is open and operating normally, but passengers should check their flight status with their airline.

Hollywood Burbank Airport is also facing some disruption, with 18% of Wednesday's flights canceled, per FlightAware.

On social media, the airport also told travelers to check their flight status before flying.

BBC reporter Ben Derico said his Wednesday flight to Burbank had to turn around and return to Las Vegas.

"After a bumpy attempt at touching down the landing was abandoned," he wrote. "The captain told us the winds were just too strong."

Tai Wright, from North Hollywood, told Newsweek her flight from Dallas to Burbank diverted to LAX.

"The heat inside the aircraft started to rise, and the smoke smell filled the cabin," she said.

"The entire landing was rocky, with the aircraft swaying and turning in all directions right up until touchdown, and everyone on board applauded with good reason after we touched ground."

Santa Monica Airport is the closest to the wildfires, about 3 miles south of an evacuation order resulting from the Palisades fire. It is a general aviation airport, which means commercial flights don't typically operate there.

Aviation is also playing a key role in fighting the wildfires. The Los Angeles Fire Department said 12 helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft are in operation.

• A woman in Germany was sentenced to life for murdering her doppelgänger in 2022.
• The victim's family in Algeria found out about the verdict three weeks later.
• They say they were kept in the dark through the ordeal.

A woman and her male accomplice were sentenced to life in prison following an 11-month murder trial in Germany that sparked headlines across the world.

The case ended with their convictions for the August 2022 murder of the victim, described as her killer's doppelgänger.

But the family of Khadidja O., the victim, say they were kept in the dark while they were hundreds of miles away in Algeria.

"We didn't know anything," Khadidja's younger sister, Ahlem Boudjemaâ, told Business Insider of the trial.

She learned about the verdict only from BI's reporter getting in touch three weeks after the sentencing.

A language barrier and complex family dynamics contributed to German authorities falling short of their aim to communicate with the murder victim's relatives overseas.

The 'doppelgänger murder'

Khadidja, a 23-year-old beauty influencer who was living in Heilbronn, Germany, was killed two-and-a-half years ago.

While her father was part of the prosecution of her murder, the family she kept in touch with in Algeria found themselves shut out of the case.

Prosecutors said Khadidja was tracked down on Instagram by a woman who looked like her in a plot to fake her own death.

They said a 25-year-old Iraqi-German woman, identified only as Shahraban K., orchestrated the murder.

(In Germany, it is customary to refer to victims and defendants only by their first names and an initial.)

Prosecutors said that, along with an accomplice identified as Sheqir K., she lured Khadidja into a trap by pretending to offer her a free cosmetic treatment.

For a time, authorities indeed believed Shahraban was the one who died.

In August 2022, police discovered a bloodied body with dozens of stab wounds and initially identified it as hers.

However, an autopsy later revealed the body to be that of Khadidja, who police said bore a "striking resemblance" to Shahraban.

This discovery led to Shahraban and, later, Sheqir being named as suspects in the murder. The killing gripped the media, becoming widely known as the "doppelgänger murder."

Mid-way through the trial, prosecutors alleged that Shahraban previously tried to hire someone to murder a relative.

Both defendants were ultimately found guilty of murder, with Shahraban also facing an additional conviction of attempted incitement to murder her brother-in-law.

Thomas Schlappa, a press officer for Ingolstadt's regional court, confirmed that the two defendants were sentenced to life behind bars on December 19.

He said that Shahraban's case was deemed so severe that probation is "not an option."

Left in the dark

The victim's father, who lives in Germany and has had no contact with the Algerian family since a contentious divorce, was represented in court.

The rest of Khadidja's family in Oran, Algeria, had no legal representation and received little information throughout the trial.

They said they only learned about the verdict on January 8, 2025, nearly three weeks later, after Business Insider messaged them.

"I don't know why they did this to us," Boudjemaâ, the younger sister, told BI of the German authorities, who had earlier said the relatives deserved access to that information.

Nonetheless, Khadidja's Algerian family felt consistently left in the dark through the trial.

"I waited every day for news, but nothing was new," Boudjemaâ said.

From the offset, they had felt sidelined — they say even the news of Khadidja's death took 10 days to reach them.

Boudjemaâ says she was contacted by Khadidja's friends on social media, and had to relay the news to her mother.

(Ingolstadt state prosecutor's office disputes this, saying files show that the family in Algeria was informed of the murder.)

The mother, Bouch, told BI last July that she felt German authorities had done little to help her. She said they gave an email address which turned out to be incorrect.

Frustrated by the lack of information, Bouch, who is disabled after a brain hemorrhage several years ago, went on a fact-finding mission to Germany herself but learned little.

Veronika Grieser of the Ingolstadt state prosecutor's office characterized the lack of communication as a misunderstanding in statements to BI at the time.

She said the state prosecutor's office generally seeks to provide information on significant developments in a trial when relatives inquire.

"We very much regret that the victim's mother feels inadequately informed by the authorities," she said. "Of course, the victim's relatives have a right to information about the status of the proceedings and, of course, about the dates of the main hearing."

This week, the state prosecutor's office said that nobody from the Algerian family had contacted their office.

Schlappa of Ingolstadt's regional court told BI in an email that the outcome of the proceedings had been shared in a press release and appeared to suggest that the Algerian family was excluded due to their lack of legal representation.

"The victim's father was a co-plaintiff in the main hearing and was represented by a lawyer appointed by the court," he said. "To what extent the father has or had contact with any relatives in Algeria is not known here."

Once news of the sentencing reached Algeria, Boudjemaâ's reaction to the sentencing was conflicted.

"I don't know if there is justice," she said. "My sister is dead, she is gone, and she will not return."

• North Korea is learning combat lessons fighting Ukraine, a US official said.
• It means the authoritarian state is more of a threat to its neighbors.
• North Korea has dispatched around 12,000 troops to fight for Russia.

North Korea is learning valuable lessons from fighting against Ukraine, making it an increased threat to its neighbors, a US official said.

In recent months, North Korea has sent around 12,000 troops to fight for Russia against Ukraine as part of a new security pact between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The fighting has been concentrated in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukraine has seized and held swaths of territory.

In exchange, North Korea is receiving economic and diplomatic backing from Russia, as well as valuable military technology.

Dorothy Camille Shea, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, discussed the arrangement at the UN Security Council, Reuters reported.

North Korea "is significantly benefiting from receiving Russian military equipment, technology and experience, rendering it more capable of waging war against its neighbors," she said.

"In turn, the DPRK will likely be eager to leverage these improvements to promote weapons sales and military training contracts globally," she said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

After brokering its alliance with Russia, North Korea has taken a defiant posture and on Monday tested a ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic warhead.

The test came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited South Korea. The timing seemed intended to showcase North Korea's capacity to overcome the defenses of the US and its regional allies.

South Korea has watched North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine war with growing concern. It said last year it could provide Ukraine with intensified support in response to the alliance with Russia.

The UN has long sought to constrain North Korea's military program, specifically its ability to deploy nuclear weapons, by imposing severe sanctions.

But Russia has used its place on the UN Security Council to stymie a committee formed to enforce them.

On Wednesday, Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, argued that North Korea's new missile tests were a defensive measure in response to military exercises by the US and its regional allies.

Under President Joe Biden, the US reaffirmed its commitment to help defend east Asian regional allies, including South Korea and Japan.

President-elect Donald Trump has suggested he may take a more transactional approach to broker a deal with Kim, a path he pursued in his first term.

• The Panama Canal Authority chief said giving preferential treatment to one country's ships would lead to "chaos."
• Ricaurte Vásquez Morales told The Wall Street Journal: "Rules are rules — and there are no exceptions."
• Trump has accused the canal authority of charging "exorbitant" fees to US ships.

Giving US ships preferential rates to navigate the Panama Canal would "lead to chaos," the head of the canal authority said.

"Rules are rules — and there are no exceptions," Ricaurte Vásquez Morales told The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

"We cannot discriminate for the Chinese, or the Americans, or anyone else. This will violate the neutrality treaty, international law and it will lead to chaos."

In a news conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump demanded that US vessels be given preferential treatment.

He also accused the authority of overcharging US ships and of separately seeking funding from the US to repair the waterway. Vásquez Morales denied both those claims, telling the Journal that the authority funds maintenance from the fees it charges and that Panama hadn't requested funding from the US for improvements.

Ships are charged between $300,000 and $1 million depending on their size and type to pass through the canal.

Those charges "apply to all ships from around the world and there are no exceptions," Vásquez Morales told the Journal.

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of retaking control of the canal, calling the fees "exorbitant" and a "rip-off."

"The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the US," he said on Truth Social in December.

At Tuesday's news conference, Trump also downplayed Panama's control of the canal and refused to rule out using military force to retake control of the trade route, expanding on a threat he made last month.

"China's basically taken it over. China's at both ends of the Panama Canal. China's running the Panama Canal," the president-elect said.

Vásquez Morales told the Journal: "China has no involvement whatsoever in our operations."

In response to Trump's comments, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha said on Tuesday that only Panamanians operated the canal, adding: "Our canal's sovereignty is not negotiable and is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest."

Trump has also refused to rule out using military force to take control of Greenland, which he said the US needed for "national security purposes."

The 51-mile Panama Canal was officially opened in 1914, creating a new trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The US transferred control to the state-owned Panama Canal Authority in 1999 in accordance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, initiated in 1977 by the Carter administration.

Under the treaty, the US has the right to defend the canal from any change to its neutrality.

• Hundreds of prisoners are helping to battle the wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
• Incarcerated firefighters earn $26.90 to $34 for each 24-hour shift.
• It's far below California's minimum wage of $16.50 an hour.

Hundreds of Californian prisoners have been deployed to help battle the fires raging across the Los Angeles area, with some working 24-hour shifts for as little as $26.90, or just over $1 an hour.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told The Guardian that it had deployed 395 incarcerated individuals to help battle the blazes.

The firefighters, who have "minimum custody" status, have been embedded with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which has deployed thousands of firefighters to the area.

The CDCR, jointly with Cal Fire and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, runs 35 "fire camps" across 25 California counties. Participation is voluntary, with inmates using hand tools to aid in fire suppression and other emergency responses.

The camps are considered minimum-security facilities.

California, which is grappling with longer and more destructive fire seasons amid the climate crisis, has long relied on incarcerated people for its response. In fact, the CDCR crews have, at times, accounted for as much as 30% of the state's wildfire force.

According to the CDCR, fire crew members earn between $5.80 and $10.24 a day, depending on their skill level, with an additional $1 per hour for active emergency assignments.

Crews can work 24-hour shifts during emergencies, followed by 24 hours of rest, it said, with the lowest-skilled firefighters earning $26.90 and the highest-skilled maxing out at about $34.

For context, California's minimum wage is $16.50 per hour, with some areas, such as West Hollywood, offering higher minimum wages.

In California, inmates are not guaranteed the state's minimum wage, and some earn as little as 16 cents per hour.

The $10.24 basic rate for the highest-skilled incarcerated firefighters ranks among the best daily rate for incarcerated people in the state.

In addition to pay, fire crews helping out during emergencies like this receive "time credits" on a two-for-one basis, meaning that for each day they serve on the crew, they receive two additional days off their sentence.

Participation can also lead to criminal record expungement and the ability to seek professional emergency response certifications.

The CDCR did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

• American Airlines flight attendants were sent a union memo about leaving passengers on empty planes.
• The AFPA said cabin crew members should check lavatories and under seats for sleeping passengers.
• A union spokesperson said it "routinely" issued such reminders to members.

The union for American Airlines flight attendants has issued a memo reminding cabin crew not to leave sleeping passengers on board after flights land.

Aviation news site Paddle Your Own Kanoo reported that the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) recently warned members there had been an increase in such incidents.

"This communication serves as a reminder for flight attendants to complete required post-flight security checks to ensure all passengers have deplaned upon arrival," a spokesperson for APFA, which represents more than 28,000 American Airlines cabin crew members, told Business Insider.

They added that the union "routinely releases communications reminding flight attendants of the importance of conducting these checks."

Leaving a passenger on an empty plane is not only a security concern but can also violate safety rules that mandate a minimum number of flight attendants per passenger.

APFA's recent memo reminded cabin crew to "check lavatories, and make sure no passengers are sleeping in or under seats," Paddle Your Own Kanoo reported.

"These procedures are required to ensure that no passenger is ever left onboard," the memo continued. "This is a critical final check to confirm that no one has been overlooked, and this ensures that you and your crew aren't at risk of violating a [federal aviation regulation]."

The lead flight attendant is also supposed to perform a walk-through of the cabin as a final check, the memo reportedly said.

"Leaving passengers on the aircraft unattended is a significant safety and security concern and we appreciate everyone's shared efforts in ensuring this doesn't happen."

In 2019, an Air Canada passenger woke up alone on a cold and dark plane.

Tiffani O'Brien said she fell asleep on the 90-minute flight from Quebec City to Toronto and woke up hours later after the plane had been parked.

• McDonald's is facing fresh scrutiny over sexual harassment claims in its UK restaurants.
• Hundreds of workers are taking legal action against the chain, a law firm said this week.
• McDonald's says ensuring staff are safe at work is its "most important responsibility."

Hundreds of McDonald's workers in the UK are taking legal action over claims of workplace bullying and harassment.

Law firm Leigh Day said this week that over 700 people who work at or have previously worked at 450 different McDonald's locations across the UK have joined the proceedings.

All the workers were 19 or under when working at McDonald's, Leigh Day says.

News of the legal action comes as the BBC published fresh claims of workplace harassment at the fast-food giant, around 18 months after a major investigation into the working culture at the Golden Arches.

The BBC investigation, published in July 2023, revealed that over 100 workers at a number of the Golden Arches locations had spoken of experiencing sexual assault, harassment, racism, or bullying. Since that investigation, 160 more people have approached the BBC with allegations, it reported on Tuesday.

The BBC's latest report on harassment and abuse at the fast-food behemoth comes over a year after its UK boss pledged to take action to improve working conditions.

Starting in February 2023, after the fast food chain signed an agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) promising to protect its staff from sexual harassment, the BBC spoke to staff about the working environment at McDonald's.

Of the over 100 allegations the BBC heard prior to publishing its initial 2023 investigation, 31 involved sexual assault, 78 involved sexual harassment, 18 were related to racism, and 6 were related to homophobia.

Alistair Macrow, the CEO of McDonald's UK and Ireland, told Members of Parliament in November 2023 that the company had received 407 complaints from employees since that July. He said it was taking steps to better protect staff.

Since the BBC's initial investigation in July 2023, 300 reports alleging harassment at the chain have been made to the EHRC.

"Ensuring the 168,000 people that work in McDonald's restaurants are safe is the most important responsibility for both us and our franchisees," McDonald's said in a statement sent to Business Insider.

"We have undertaken extensive work over the last year to ensure we have industry leading practices in place to support this priority. Any incident of misconduct and harassment is unacceptable and subject to rapid and thorough investigation and action."

Macrow, the UK McDonald's boss, said that 29 people have been fired over incidents involving sexual harassment in the past year.

The BBC heard that one woman said her shift manager, who was in his 30s, asked for sex in exchange for extra shifts when she was a 17-year-old employee. Another female staff member, who was 20 at the time, said her male manager sent her topless photos. A 19-year-old employee alleged he was bullied for having a learning disability and an eye condition, per the BBC.

McDonald's rolls back some DEI efforts

News of fresh claims of staff harassment in the UK comes in the same week that McDonald's announced plans to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

McDonald's said in a statement on Monday that it will stop "setting aspirational representation goals," pause participating in external surveys, no longer require its supply chain to commit to its DEI pledge and change the name of its diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team.

A growing backlash against DEI strategies has seen companies such as Nissan, Walmart, and Harley-Davidson scale back or cut programs altogether.

Much of the criticism has come from high-profile figures like Elon Musk and conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who have labeled such initiatives as "woke."

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become a popular alternative to traditional homes and apartments.
• Three people who built and moved into ADUs shared with BI how they improved their lives.
• One person said moving into an ADU "was the best decision we ever made."

For newlyweds Aislyn and Ali Benjamin, purchasing a traditional home in Danville, California — a small city just over an hour's drive east of San Francisco — wasn't financially feasible.

It's easy to see why. Data from Realtor.com shows that the area's median home sale price is about $1.9 million as of December.

The Benjamins weren't keen on moving too far from Danville in search of a more affordable home, nor were they interested in renting long-term. So, they opted for another solution: building an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, in their parent's backyard.

Today, they live in a 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom ADU in San Ramon, a city neighboring Danville. The home cost $500,000 to build, which the couple paid with their parents' help.

"This was the best decision we ever made," Ali Benjamin told Business Insider. "It allowed us to save so much money and live where we wanted."

ADUs are an affordable entry to homeownership

ADUs are compact housing units, typically 150 to 1,200 square feet, depending on location. On average, they cost between $100,000 and $300,000 to design and build, though additional expenses — such as site preparation, inspections, utility hookups, and permits — can drive up the total cost.

Thanks to their affordability and minimal land requirements, ADUs have become a popular alternative to traditional homes and apartments, particularly for first-time homeowners like the Benjamins, who navigated high home prices, mortgage rates, and a shortage of available homes.

To boost the supply of affordable housing, several states, including California, New York, and Vermont, have supported ADU construction by offering grant programs to help homeowners finance the building process.

In California, where most backyard homes are built, the state's Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program has provided grants of up to $40,000 to qualified homeowners — it's been instrumental in driving the growth of ADUs across the Golden State.

According to an April report from the Urban Institute, ADUs accounted for just 8% of permits and 5% of completions in California in 2018. By 2022, however, they represented 18% of total permits and production.

A couple built an ADU to give their adult son more independence

People build ADUs for various reasons, including generating income by renting out the ADU or their main home. Others build ADUs to create comfortable, semi-independent living spaces for aging parents or adult children who may need assistance or support.

Take Todd Kuchta, a 58-year-old engineer who built an ADU in his Napa, California, backyard for his 26-year-old son, Jacob, who has autism.

As Kuchta's son grew older, he desired more independence from his parents but still needed their help with daily tasks like cleaning, taking medication, and preparing meals.

Unable to afford a larger home or an assisted living facility for their son, Kuchta and his wife hired Bay Area-based ADU builder Villa to construct a 480-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom tiny home on their property.

The ADU cost over $248,000 to build. The Kuchtas received financing through Napa County's Affordable ADU program, which provided a $63,000 forgivable loan. They also secured a $160,000 loan from a credit union as a second mortgage.

The new living arrangement has mutually benefited the Kucthas and their son.

"Jacob really enjoys living on his own — he's thriving," Kuchta told BI.

He added that he and his wife's "stress has significantly decreased, and they have peace of mind knowing they can still provide the emotional support he needs."

A woman built an ADU in her backyard to age in place

The growing trend of multiple generations living together, either under the same roof or on the same property, has fueled the rise of "granny pods" — small outbuildings designed to provide support while allowing older adults to age in place and maintain their independence.

Struggling with the stairs in her two-story home, 72-year-old Wilder-Abrams moved into a 560-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom granny pod in her backyard in 2022.

Meanwhile, her 34-year-old daughter moved into the home she had lived in for 35 years — a 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home — with her 3-year-old daughter.

"I was ready to downsize and have a smaller place to live and take care of," Wilder-Abrams told BI. "The home is in an urban area, so there are a lot of possibilities for my daughter, too."

The ADU cost $350,000 to build. Wilder-Abrams secured a second mortgage on her home to finance the construction, as the original mortgage had been paid off years ago. Her daughter now pays $1,500 monthly rent, covering the new mortgage payment.

Beyond the financial benefits, home swapping has provided Wilder-Abrams with valuable physical and emotional support. She said having her daughter nearby was crucial to her recovery after knee surgery last year.

"The first few days, she stayed with me to change the ice packs regularly," Wilder-Abrams said. "It was so convenient for both of us."

• Elon Musk said SpaceX will donate free Starlink terminals to areas of LA hit by massive wildfires.
• The city is battling a series of huge fires which have forced over 100,000 residents to evacuate.
• Starlink has previously been used after natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, and in conflict zones.

Elon Musk says he will donate free Starlink terminals to Los Angeles as the city fights a series of devastating wildfires.

The SpaceX founder said on Wednesday night that the rocket company would provide the terminals to areas hit by the huge wildfires, which have forced 100,000 people to evacuate and plunged the region into chaos over the past few days.

"SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in LA tomorrow morning," the billionaire wrote in a post on X.

SpaceX's Starlink service provides internet using a network of thousands of low-orbit satellites.

The technology is designed to offer connectivity in rural areas and regions without consistent internet access, and has been regularly deployed at natural disaster scenes in recent years.

Musk has also offered free Starlink services to areas hit by extreme weather events in the past.

In October, SpaceX waived costs to use the internet satellite service for those hit by hurricanes Milton and Helene, which battered the east coast of the US in late 2024 — although some users found that they still had to pay as much as $400 to purchase a Starlink terminal.

SpaceX has also deployed Starlink to war-torn regions such as Gaza and Ukraine, although not without political controversy.

Musk's announcement that SpaceX would supply Starlink to "internationally recognized aid organizations" in Gaza prompted fierce backlash from Israel, which had largely blocked communications from the territory since it launched a destructive invasion in the aftermath of attacks by Hamas in October 2023.

The company eventually received permission to set up the service in a hospital in Gaza, Musk confirmed in July last year.

Starlink's presence in Ukraine, where it has served as a key military communications tool for the Ukrainian army since 2022, has also dragged Musk into geopolitical minefields.

In 2023, the billionaire was heavily criticized for refusing a request from Ukrainian forces to enable Starlink over Crimea, foiling an attack on the Russian navy.

SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment, sent outside normal working hours.