Destructive wildfires in North Carolina have led to evacuation orders in Polk County. The fires, coupled with the region's recovery from Hurricane Helene, have heightened urgency. Residents are warned of reduced visibility and potential roadblocks. Authorities have set up a shelter, while active fires also burn in surrounding counties, further straining emergency resources.
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A United Airlines flight to Shanghai turned back mid-air after discovering a pilot lacked a passport. Flight UA 198 with 257 passengers returned to San Francisco, causing a six-hour delay. Passengers received meal vouchers and compensation. Aviation expert Shukor Yusof criticized the incident as an unacceptable lapse for the airline. United Airlines acknowledged the issue but hasn't disclosed further measures.
US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas, potentially affecting India, China, and others. These tariffs aim to exert economic pressure on Venezuela, which Trump accuses of hostility and other malpractices. The tariffs, effective from April 2, coincide with his broader plan for reciprocal tariffs on other nations.
The Bibas family is devastated that the names of their kidnapped members, including two-year-old Kfir and his brother Ariel, were not on the latest list of hostages to be released by Hamas. They questioned the Israeli government's handling of the Gaza truce deal and demanded certainty for their loved ones' safe return.
The EU vowed Friday to respond "firmly and immediately" to trade barriers after US President Donald Trump unveiled tariffs that could hit both allies and competitors. "The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade," the commission, which runs trade policy for the bloc's 27 nations, said in a statement.
Astronaut Barry Wilmore is readjusting to Earth's gravity after an unplanned nine-month space mission. He and fellow astronaut Sunita Williams landed in Florida, concluding an extended mission due to technical issues. Wilmore's daughter, Daryn, documented his journey on TikTok, expressing relief and pride on his return. Barry undergoes medical evaluations while reconnecting with family and enjoying his favorite activities.
French President Emmanuel Macron will consult European allies on France’s nuclear deterrent against Russian threats. In his address, he called Russia a threat to Europe and emphasized that authority over France’s nuclear arsenal remains with him. Macron will discuss nuclear strategy and EU military support for Ukraine in the upcoming summit, while seeking to avert US tariffs.
Chrystia Freeland, a senior member of Canada’s Liberal Party, is now a probable candidate to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned after nearly a decade in power. Freeland, once Trudeau’s loyal deputy, publicly criticised hi for his political tactics. The former foreign minister has faced personal attacks from Donald Trump, who labelled her as “toxic,†particularly due to their strained relationship during trade talks.
A massive fire erupted at a refinery in California, causing a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents due to air quality concerns. The blaze, triggered by a hydrocarbon leak, resulted in significant sulfur dioxide emissions, posing health risks. Authorities continue to monitor air quality as investigations into the fire's cause proceed.
REAL ID: The upcoming May 7 deadline requires all US travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant license or identification to board domestic flights. If a flyer does not have a REAl ID-compliant identity card, then he or she will have to show a passport for even domestic flying. After the 9/11 attacks, the REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress to set stricter standards for identification used to access federal facilities, board commercial flights, or enter nuclear power plants.
US President Donald Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit the US soon amid increasing trade tensions over tariffs. Trump previously raised tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to impose retaliatory duties on American agricultural products. Discussions about a potential summit in June are underway, aiming to address trade disputes between the two nations.