It's one way that wildfires have affected the nation's second-largest city. STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: The fires have sometimes destroyed whole neighborhoods. They wrecked the homes of celebrities.

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: Now they have a break. The Santa Ana winds have let up a little bit, slowing the spread and letting air crews dump water from overhead, so we can assess. At least 10 people ...

And the first order of business in the House is to elect a speaker. STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: Republicans have an even narrower majority than in the last Congress, which means they have to be close to ...

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: And he also met with Republicans to talk about strategizing for legislation. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) DONALD TRUMP: We're going to get something done that's going to ...

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Los Angeles Fire Department ... who shared this account with our member station, KCRW host Steve Chiotakis. STEVE CHIOTAKIS, BYLINE: How are you doing?

Some of the roads that we drive every day follow the routes of much older trails. STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: Oh, I've heard about this, Leila. People say Broadway in New York City follows an old trail ...