A crucial water reservoir in Pacific Palisades, the Santa Ynez Reservoir, was offline for maintenance when wildfires began, contributing to water supply issues for firefighters. Though storage tanks were filled, high demand quickly depleted them. Officials are investigating whether the reservoir's offline status affected firefighting efforts, with questions about the timing of maintenance during fire risk periods.
Related news
Columbia University agreed to policy changes after the Trump administration froze $400 million in federal funding over antisemitism concerns. Measures include a mask ban, new disciplinary protocols, and campus police authority to make arrests. The university will also appoint new leadership and develop a K-12 curriculum on antisemitism to address the situation.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus returned to Dhaka from a productive visit to China, emphasizing the significance of China as a beneficial partner for Bangladesh. The visit underlined the expectation of stronger bilateral ties and collaboration extending beyond the economy, including cultural exchanges.
New Zealand's Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, designed to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, with a vote of 112 to 11. The bill sparked significant debate about Indigenous rights and prompted large-scale protests. Despite its defeat, scrutiny of Maori rights continues as the government considers further changes to laws referencing the Treaty.
After inheriting a vast nuclear arsenal post-Soviet Union collapse, Ukraine chose to relinquish it, motivated by financial and geopolitical factors. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 promised protection from the UK, Russia, and the US. However, Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation undermined these security guarantees, highlighting Ukraine's vulnerability amidst ongoing Russian aggression.
Paul Broome, a 55-year-old Englishman with a sharp wit, was laid to rest in a Snickers-themed coffin, fulfilling his final wish as outlined in his will. Known for his humour, his family ensured his farewell reflected his unique spirit. A devoted Crystal Palace FC fan, his casket also featured the team's logo. Friends and family celebrated his life with personalized tributes during the funeral.
A water leak on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Minneapolis caused panic among passengers on December 7th. Water streamed down the aisle from a rear restroom, prompting passengers to raise their belongings. A viral TikTok video captured the chaotic scene, drawing comparisons to the Titanic.
Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal and Sylvia Garcia have reintroduced the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025, aiming to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and protections for TPS holders and DED beneficiaries. The bill, supported by 201 co-sponsors, seeks to offer stability and improve the national GDP while counteracting previous "cruel" policies.
Representative Rosa DeLauro criticized Elon Musk's influence on Republicans, linking it to the potential government shutdown. Musk reportedly threatened primary challenges against Republicans who supported the previous spending deal. The House rejected a Republican-backed spending bill, increasing the likelihood of a shutdown.
From January 1, Australians will face a 3.5% increase in passport application fees, making a new 10-year adult passport cost $412. Children's passports will be $208, and replacements $259. This follows a previous 15% tax addition, making Australian passports the world's most expensive. Critics argue it's a tax grab, but the government cites quality and security reasons.
Discovered in December 2024, YR4 currently ranks 3 out of 10 on the Torino Scale. Nasa said it is deploying the James Webb Space Telescope to overserve the asteroid. The asteroid will be at its brightest in March 2025 when the first round of Nasa observations is scheduled. The follow-up will take place in May when YR4 moves away from the Sun. This will be the last opportunity to study it until it returns in 2028.