Wildfires in Los Angeles have caused the loss of at least five lives and displaced thousands. Over 1,000 buildings were destroyed, affecting affluent neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and Calabasas. The fires have consumed over 42 square miles, making them one of LA's most destructive. Strong winds and dry conditions are worsening the situation.
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Israel's cabinet voted against attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara following her opposition to the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. The High Court of Justice has temporarily blocked Bar's dismissal.
A major purge is ongoing in Washington DC, with thousands of government officials being removed, spurred by President Trump and led by Elon Musk, targeting the established bureaucratic structure. Key figures in departments like Treasury and Justice are being fired, challenging the traditional power dynamics in the US government.
Effingham County state court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on his last day in office. Authorities believe the incident occurred the night before. Yekel had served the legal profession for over 45 years and had attempted to resign after losing his re-election bid.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro took office for a new term despite protests and international opposition. Key opponents and the U.S. allege election fraud. A prominent opposition figure claimed harassment and detention by security forces. International responses included sanctions. Among a mix of support and condemnation, some heads of state attended Maduro's inauguration while others boycotted.
Michael Mayor, 34, has been charged with murder after allegedly fatally assaulting a one-year-old girl in Dayton, Ohio. The child succumbed to a fractured skull and other severe injuries on December 20. Mayor initially faced lesser charges, which were upgraded following the toddler's death.
Upon being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump immediately signed executive orders at Capitol One Arena in Washington. He then electrified the crowd by tossing ceremonial pens into the cheering audience. This act, accompanied by the celebration of newly sworn-in officials, marked an exhilarating moment for Trump and his supporters.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Venezuela against attempting to seize the disputed Essequibo region, emphasizing potential consequences. During his visit to Guyana, Rubio signed a security agreement. Venezuelan President Maduro rejected this warning. ExxonMobil's discovery of oil reserves in Guyana in 2015 has increased tensions. The US's interest in protecting the region was reinforced.
A massive power outage hit Cuba on Friday night, affecting Havana and numerous provinces. An outage at the Diezmero substation caused a significant generation loss in western Cuba, leading to the failure of the National Electric System. Millions were left in darkness, with internet services disrupted.
Prosecutors have updated the indictment against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, accusing him of forcing two additional women into sex acts and threatening to drop a woman off a balcony. Combs, who denies the charges, is accused of a prolonged sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy involving at least three women.
Tesla warns of potential fallout from Trump's trade war, suggesting retaliatory tariffs could harm US electric vehicle manufacturers. The company urges caution to avoid negative impacts on American businesses and recommends a phased implementation approach for any new trade measures.