Firefighters from across the US, Canada, and Mexico have been deployed to Los Angeles as powerful winds threaten to ignite new wildfires. The blazes have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people. The National Weather Service warns that the most dangerous conditions will last through Wednesday, with Tuesday expected to be particularly perilous.
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg donated $1 million to Donald Trump's inaugural committee. This followed a Mar-A-Lago dinner where Zuckerberg showcased Meta's smart glasses and aimed to strengthen ties with the incoming administration. The donation comes despite Trump's past criticisms of Zuckerberg and Facebook, including accusations of election interference and threats of imprisonment.
Bill Gates discussed his experimentation with drugs during his teenage years, including marijuana and LSD, and how his preference for a logical mind led him to stop using them. He also mentioned his interest in the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs for conditions like depression and OCD.
Chinese authorities have accused three US National Security Agency (NSA) agents of orchestrating cyberattacks on critical infrastructure during the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The alleged operatives, reportedly from the NSA's Office of Tailored Access Operations, targeted systems for information release, entry-exit management, and card payments.
A fire at an Islamic school in northwestern Nigeria killed at least 17 children and injured 17 others. About 100 children were at the school when the fire broke out in the Kaura Namoda district of Zamfara state. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by a stockpile of sticks used for oral hygiene. President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences and urged schools to prioritize safety. The government had previously failed to enforce safety measures despite a 2014 initiative.
Greece marks the second anniversary of the Tempe train crash with a general strike and mass protests demanding accountability. The 2023 disaster, which killed 57 people, exposed systemic failures in the railway system. Led by victims' families, demonstrations have disrupted transport and businesses nationwide. While the government pledges rail safety reforms, public anger persists, fueling political tensions. Memorials honor the victims, as calls for justice grow louder.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, as US ambassador to the Vatican. Trump praised Burch's devotion to his faith and country. Burch expressed commitment to promoting human dignity and the common good. Trump highlighted Burch's role in securing significant Catholic support during the last election.
A 14-year-old Tennessee girl was abandoned in the Louisiana woods after Alexander Materne, 28, discovered her age following sexual acts. Materne left her with supplies and celebrated Christmas with his family. Authorities located the girl in good health. Materne faces charges of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile and Aggravated Kidnapping of a Child.
German lawmakers have reached a deal to exempt some defense spending from the debt rules, to boost the country's defenses amid U.S. security concerns. The agreement, which involves setting up a 500 billion euro investment fund, includes funding for defense, infrastructure, and climate-related projects. The deal now awaits parliamentary approval.
Masjid Al-Taqwa, a mosque serving the Altadena Muslim community for 42 years, was destroyed in the deadly Eaton fire in January 2024. The fire, which claimed 17 lives and left many homeless, also devastated the mosque, leaving its members heartbroken. Despite losing their homes, the community gathered at a local school to pray and share a meal ahead of Ramzan. The mosque's volunteer imam announced that the school would offer space for prayers during Ramzan, providing hope to the displaced... Expand
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a surprise visit to US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Photos showed them at Mar-a-Lago's entrance and conversing, with a Christmas tree in the background. The meeting preceded President Joe Biden's planned visit to Rome. Meloni also met Florida Senator Marco Rubio, with the purpose of the visit undisclosed.