Ash blankets parts of California
LOSANGELES — Ash fell like snow and heavy smoke had residents gasping for air Monday as a huge Southern California wildfire exploded in size, becoming the fifth largest in state history and driving celebrities from a wealthy hillside enclave.
Tens of thousands have fled their homes as flames churn through foothill towns near Santa Barbara, the latest flare-up after a week of wind-fanned wildfires throughout the region.
With acrid smoke thick in the air, even residents not under evacuation orders took the chance to leave, fearing another shutdown of a key coastal highway that was closed intermittently last week.
Officials handed out masks to those who stayed behind in Montecito, an exclusive community about 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles that’s home to stars such as Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bridges and Drew Barrymore.
Actor Rob Lowe wore a mask as he livestreamed his family evacuating Sunday from their smokeshrouded home.
Batali’s misconduct
NEWYORK — Mario Batali, one of the country’s most high-profile chefs and restaurant owners, is stepping away from the daily operations of his businesses and the daytime program he co-hosts on ABC, “The Chew,” amid reports of alleged sexual misconduct.
Mr. Batali released a statement after a report published Monday on Eater, the food website, that said four women had alleged that Mr. Batali touched them inappropriately in a pattern of behavior that appeared to span at least two decades. Three of the women worked for Batali, and the fourth worked in the restaurant industry, Eater reported.
In his statement, Mr. Batali apologized and said that the accusations “match up” with his behavior.
New Yorker writer fired
NEWYORK — The New Yorker magazine said Monday it has cut ties with well-known political reporter Ryan Lizza for alleged sexual misconduct.
The magazine recently learned Mr. Lizza had “engaged in what we believe was improper sexual conduct,” a spokeswoman said. After reviewing the matter, it cut ties with the reporter.
Mr. Lizza is also a contributor on CNN. A spokeswoman for the cable news network said he will not appear on air while it looks into the matter.
Mr. Lizza called that the New Yorker’s decision a “terrible mistake” made without a full investigation.
Also in the nation ...
Consumer advocates reported some glitches Monday in the final days for Obamacare sign-ups, although the Trump administration largely seemed to be keeping its promise of a smooth enrollment experience. ... Mei Rui, a woman making a longplanned trip with her parents and young son, says Spirit Airlines kicked the family off the plane when she didn’t immediately stop breast-feeding the 2year-old, who was restless after a long delay.