Recent wildfires in Southern California have left over 12,000 homes destroyed and thousands displaced, leading to a more competitive housing market. Reports of rent-gouging have emerged, prompting officials to enforce legal rent caps during the state of emergency. FEMA provides assistance to displaced residents, while platforms like Airbnb and Zillow are working to prevent illegal rent hikes.
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The USDA is discontinuing two federal programmes, cutting $1 billion used by schools and food banks to procure local food. This affects $660 million for the Local Food for Schools programme in 40 states and $420 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement.
King Charles, despite battling cancer and undergoing weekly treatments, performed 186 royal engagements in 2024, securing the second position after Princess Anne. His commitment to duty remained unwavering, even during his overseas tour. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales significantly reduced their engagements due to the Princess's chemotherapy treatment.
Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard scientist crucial to cancer diagnostic advancements, has been detained for two months, raising concerns about stalled research. Accused of failing to declare frog embryo samples, she faces deportation to Russia, where she fears imprisonment for protesting the war in Ukraine.
Pope Francis remained in critical but stable condition while undergoing therapy for a lung infection. Despite his illness, he continued his duties and made significant administrative decisions. A vigil was held in St. Peter's Square, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, to pray for his recovery.
The Sudanese army broke the paramilitary RSF's siege on its key Khartoum-area base, a major military victory. The RSF had surrounded key military sites, including the army headquarters. This advance allows the army to link its forces across Khartoum and secure Omdurman from artillery attacks. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The US has sanctioned both Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah... Expand
The UN’s world food programme (WFP) announced the death of a Yemeni staff member held by Huthi rebels since January. The UN has suspended operations in Yemen’s Saada region after multiple detentions of personnel this year. Huthis have arrested dozens of UN and NGO workers, alleging espionage, claims rejected by the UN. Yemen’s decade-long war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a review of federal prosecutions of Donald Trump, focusing on potential political motivations. This includes examining cases by special counsel Jack Smith and the January 6 Capitol attack. Bondi announced new directives reversing Biden-era policies and introduced a working group, raising concerns about the justice department's independence.
US President Trump indicated that the high tariffs on Chinese imports, currently at 145%, will be reduced substantially, emphasising that the previous zero-tariff situation was detrimental to the US. Treasury Secretary Bessent acknowledged the unsustainability of the current trade standoff, while the White House claims many countries are interested in new trade arrangements.
Elon Musk endorsed Germany's AfD party through a virtual address, calling them "the best hope for the future of Germany" before crucial elections. His involvement drew criticism from German political leaders worried about billionaire influence on democracy. Large anti-far-right protests occurred simultaneously, highlighting significant opposition to AfD's growing support.
Hamas has confirmed the release of four Israeli women hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, marking the second exchange under the ceasefire agreement with Israel aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. The initial confusion over the release date has been resolved.