> "California completely drought-free for 1st time in 25 years after winter storms"

California is like 5% of the land mass of the contiguous 48 states.

Just because it is out of a drought doesn't negate the article.

Oh weird, everything must be fine then, I still see snow sometimes even!

I think the “first time in 25 years” bit reinforces the idea of persistent drought being a problem.